Praised for their natural beauty, the El Nicho waterfalls are said to be some of the most magnificent waterfalls in all of Cuba. Located within the remote nature reserve of Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, these protected waterfalls are famous for their stunning cascades and colourful swimming holes. Thanks to the lush jungle in their surroundings, the falls offer a variety of excursions to elevate any holiday in Cuba!
Getting There
The El Nicho waterfalls are situated in Parque El Nicho, part of the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. This nature reserve is located within the Escambray Mountain range, between the cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad. The area itself is quite remote, so there is little public transportation available. Most people who make the journey out to the falls use private transportation. Depending on the city you are travelling from, expect your journey to take anywhere from one to three hours.
Renting a car
One of the fastest ways to reach the falls is to rent a car and drive out to the nature reserve. This option offers the most flexibility, as you’ll be able to go whenever you like and stay as long as you wish. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the roads here can be challenging to navigate. The farther you get from the city, the trickier the roads become, particularly during the wet season. If you don’t feel comfortable driving off-road, so to speak, then you’d be better off going to the waterfalls with an experienced driver.
Taxi Colectivo
The best way to recruit an experienced driver to join you on your adventures is to hire a taxi. You can either book a taxi on your own or arrange to join a Colectivo, also known as a shared taxi. A shared taxi is typically cheaper, but you’ll have less privacy. Regardless of the choice you make, you’ll be provided with round trip transportation, as the driver will wait for you while you explore the waterfalls.
Guided groups
Your final option is to join a guided tour to El Nicho. Tours typically include your transportation, entrance fees to the falls, an expert guide who will show you around, and sometimes lunch or refreshments. Given everything that’s included, this is the most expensive option, but it is still a good choice for those who may be nervous about travelling on their own.
Best Time To Visit
When it comes to visiting the waterfalls, the time of year doesn’t really matter, as the falls flow year-round. It’s still important to keep in mind Cuba’s different seasons, as different times of the year offer better weather. The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season, between the months of November and April. Around this time, you can expect pleasant weather, minimal rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. During the wet season, May to October, there’s significantly more rainfall, as well as the potential for short-lived tropical storms.
Regardless of when you visit Cuba, it is best to schedule your waterfall excursions for early in the morning. This will allow you more time to explore the waterfalls and the surrounding park. You’ll also be less likely to encounter large crowds.
Things To Do in Parque El Nicho
The main attractions of Parque El Nicho are, of course, the El Nicho waterfalls. There are some hiking trails you can explore as well and a variety of flora and fauna to check out along the way. If you find yourself hungry or in need of a break, the park is home to a small restaurant with offers of simple Cuban food, cold drinks, and live music on occasion.
Hiking
The main hiking trail in Parque El Nicho is the El Reino de las Aguas. This 1.5km loop winds throughout the park, leading visitors to several scenic spots. While the most famous destination on the trail are the El Nicho falls, you’re also likely to encounter a number of view points, caves, rivers, natural swimming holes, and smaller waterfalls. In addition to this, there are several side paths that break off from the main trail and travel further into the jungle, offering the opportunity to explore the area’s flora and fauna.
Wild Swimming
Parque El Nicho is home to several natural swimming basins, many of which are located near the El Nicho waterfalls. Of course, the largest pool can be found directly under the falls, but there are some smaller ones located further along the river. These swimming holes, which reflect vivid blue-green colours, are not only beautiful to look at but also great for wild swimming. You can hop in the water, splash around, and take a break from the hot Cuban sun!
Bird Watching
Cuba is home to diverse populations of birds, and Parque El Nicho is a great place to spot many of them. From hawks to doves, woodpeckers, parakeets, swallows, and parrots, the treetops of the park are overflowing with colourful birds. Several of them are actually endemic to the island, so it may be your only opportunity to see them up close.
Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes
If you have extra time, you should consider exploring the rest of the nature reserve. In addition to Parque El Nicho, Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes is home to several other smaller parks, including Parque Altiplano, Parque Codina, Parque Guanayara, and Parque El Cubano. Throughout these parks, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, swimming holes, caves, underground rivers, and wildlife. In addition to this, there’s also a central visitors’ centre for the reserve, a hotel, an art museum, and a coffee shop. Whether you come on your own or hire a guide, you could easily spend days exploring the many parks of Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes!
Final Thoughts on the El Nicho Waterfalls
Offering pristine waters, stunning cascades, and vibrant pools, the El Nicho waterfalls are certainly worth a visit! From swimming to hiking, bird watching, and simply admiring nature, there’s so much to do and see at these majestic waterfalls! While they may be challenging to reach, the waterfalls are definitely one attraction you don’t want to miss!
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