Page 197 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

CENTR AL CUBA – EAST  195

2 Topes de Collantes

The unspoilt landscape of the Sierra del Escambray Tips for Hikers
(see p177), where pine and eucalyptus grow alongside
exuberant trees, ferns and tropical plants, offers Departure points: Topes de
Collantes. n Gaviota Reserva-
extraordinarily beautiful scenery that can best be seen tions Office, (45) 667 864.
by hiking from Topes de Collantes, a steep 30-minute Length: Itinerary A: 3.5 km
drive north of Trinidad. On the map below, two tours of (2 miles); Itinerary B: 4.5 km
the area are suggested, indicated by a letter and colour. (3 miles).
Stopping-off point:
Itinerary A consists of a walk of average difficulty Parque Codina.
through the tropical forest as far as the Caburní falls.
Itinerary B is longer but easier and less tiring, and
includes a detour to the Batata cave.
Key
5 La Batata Major road
This cave is traversed Path
by an underground river,
with natural pools at a Itinerary A
temperature which never Itinerary B
rises above 20° C (68° F).

Santa Clara
4 Hacienda Codina Manicaragua
The Codina farm has
orchid and bamboo
gardens, a pool with
mud baths, and fine
views. The route
continues for 1 km
(half a mile) among
medicinal plants.

0 kilometre 1
1 Topes de Collantes
0 miles 1 At 800 m (2,625 ft) above sea
level and with good clean air,
this spot was chosen as the
location for a sanitarium for
lung diseases, now used as
Trinidad an anti-stress centre.

3 Salto del
Caburní
After a 2-hour walk
you will come to a
cliff with a steep,
plunging waterfall.
Water gushes over
rocks and collects
further down, 2 The Forest
forming a pool The path leading to Salto del Caburní
where it is possible crosses untouched tropical forest with
to bathe. curious rock formations.

For keys to symbols see back flap

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