Once an agricultural jewel popular for farming and coffee plantations, Las Terrazas is a small community and nature reserve in the municipality of Candelaria, Artemisa Province, Cuba. After its rejuvenation in 1968 encouraged by Fidel Castro, the region – built around a creek in the Sierra del Rosario mountains, which was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984 – now flourishes with lush tropical vegetation and sustainable land, created by building terraces on the hillsides – hence the regions name, Las Terrazas.
The Wildlife of Las Terrazas
You can expect to find rich flora and fauna, scenic walking trails and plenty of flowing streams here – making it a popular destination to visit for nature lovers. Thanks to the region’s notable efforts for ecotourism, there’s a whole host of exciting activities to try your hand at amidst the countryside, from horse riding, to kayaking on the Lago del San Juan, or braving the country’s longest zip wire that whizzes across the waters! If you want to learn about the destination’s history, you can take a tour of the semi-restored coffee plantation buildings which once led to the downfall of the area; Cafetal Buenavista (originally built in 1801) is a popular tourist attraction to visit for those eager to learn of its slave-trading days, plus you’ll be met by fantastic views thanks to its hilltop location. Similarly, you’ll also find the 19th-century plantation ruins of San Pedro and Santa Catalina along the La Cañada del Infierno trail walk.
Culture and Arts
An hour from Havana by car, Las Terrazas is ideal for those wanting to escape the fast-paced city and soak up a little serenity for a day. When you’re not hiking, making a splash or sailing down the San Juan River, you can admire the community’s art and music studios. That’s right, there’s a handful of creative studios dotted around the region showcasing the best of Las Terrazas local art, with everything from photography and watercolour paintings to hands-on crafts such as recycling paper, bamboo, banana leaf, and bottles. A few of our favourites include Ariel’s Studio, Henry’s Studio and Lester’s Studio, each as fascinating as the next. Foodies will also be in their element, with the restaurants here serving up delicious creole food, often paired with stunning views over the verdant landscape – unfortunately, there are no paladars here, since all the buildings are government-owned, but the hearty cuisine is equally made with love and served with a smile.
Cuba’s Little Known Gem
Las Terrazas could easily be classed as the country’s best-kept secret. Well, if you’re looking to experience authentic Cuba, then it’s best to go where the Cubans go, right? While many tourists flock straight to the island’s big-time resorts such as Varadero and Havana, they’re missing out on exploring the lesser-known gems, just like Las Terrazas. With Love Cuba, our dedicated team of experts are on hand to guide you in exploring the most incredible corners of Cuba you never knew existed, so you can tick off the famous attractions and spend a day living how the locals do, too.
