El Nicho Waterfalls
Longitude: 80°07′56″
El Nicho Waterfalls (Spanish: El Nicho) are a natural system of waterfalls, cascades and bathing pools in central Cuba, in the Sierra del Escambray mountains, within the Topes de Collantes natural area of Cienfuegos Province. The site is known for its combination of mountain forest, clear water, a short walking trail and natural pools where visitors can swim.[1][2]
El Nicho is often included in travel routes between Cienfuegos and Trinidad. For travellers it is one of the most accessible ways to see not only beach Cuba, but also its mountain landscape: humid forest, river cascades, ferns, tropical plants and viewpoints over the valley.[3]
Location
The waterfalls are located in the Escambray Mountains, about 50 km from the city of Cienfuegos. The road to El Nicho passes through hilly countryside and mountain sections, so the travel time is usually longer than the distance suggests: a trip from Cienfuegos or Trinidad often takes about 1.5 hours one way.[3][2]
The nearest major tourist points are Cienfuegos, Trinidad and the Topes de Collantes area. For this reason El Nicho can be visited as a separate excursion or as a stop on the way between the two cities.
Natural features
El Nicho is not a single waterfall, but a system of cascades, small rapids and natural pools on the mountain Hanabanilla River. The main cascade, known as Salto El Nicho, is about 15 metres high.[1][4]
The water in the pools is cool and clear. After rainfall the flow becomes noticeably stronger, while during drier periods some cascades may look calmer. The surrounding forest provides shade, so even on a hot day the walk feels different from visiting the open urban or beach areas of Cuba.
Trail and walking route
The main walking trail in the El Nicho area is known as Reino de las Aguas — “Kingdom of the Waters”. It is a little over one kilometre long. The trail passes through the forest, along cascades and natural pools, and then leads to viewpoints.[2]
The route is not a difficult mountain hike, but comfortable footwear is recommended: stones near the water can be wet and slippery, and after rain some sections become muddy. Visitors planning to swim should bring swimwear, a towel, drinking water, sun protection and light water shoes or sandals.
Swimming
One of the main reasons for El Nicho's popularity is the possibility of swimming in natural basins under the cascades. The water is usually cool, which is especially pleasant after a road trip through hot central Cuba. At the same time, swimming requires caution: there may be stones on the bottom, depth varies, and the current near the cascades can be stronger than it appears from the shore.
It is not recommended to jump from rocks, swim too close to strong falling water, or enter the pools during a sudden rise in water level after rain.
Flora and fauna
The Escambray Mountains differ noticeably from coastal Cuba. In the El Nicho area there are humid forest sections, ferns, palms, orchids and other tropical plants. Cuban birds can also be seen here, including the Cuban trogon, known as tocororo, the national bird of Cuba.[1][2]
Even if the visit lasts only a few hours, El Nicho gives an impression of how varied Cuban nature can be beyond beaches and colonial cities.
How to get there
The most convenient way to reach El Nicho is by car, taxi or organised excursion from Cienfuegos, Trinidad or Topes de Collantes. The road from Cienfuegos is considered more direct; the route from Trinidad goes through mountain roads and can be slower because of road surface conditions and bends.[2]
When travelling independently, it is worth checking the current road condition, available transport and opening hours of the natural area in advance. Transport logistics in Cuba can change, so it is better not to plan a visit to El Nicho immediately before a long transfer or a flight.
Practical tips
- It is better to arrive in the morning: on popular days there may be many visitors at the pools.
- Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are recommended for the walk.
- It is useful to have cash for entrance fees, transport and local services.
- After rain the waterfalls look more powerful, but the trail can be more slippery.
- If swimming is planned, bring a towel and dry clothes.
- Rubbish should be taken away: natural pools quickly lose their appeal under heavy tourist pressure.
Tourism
El Nicho has become one of the most recognisable natural attractions of Cienfuegos Province. It complements the classic route through central Cuba: Cienfuegos shows the urban and maritime side of the region, Trinidad its colonial architecture, and El Nicho the mountain forest and freshwater cascades.
For independent travellers, it is a good half-day or full-day stop. For those travelling through Cuba with a camera, the place is especially interesting because of the combination of water, greenery, rock ledges and soft light inside the forest.
Author's note
Photos of the waterfalls and natural pools can be expanded as new materials are uploaded to the WikiJournal file archive. If you have your own photographs of El Nicho, you can suggest them for illustrating the article on the discussion page.
See also
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 El Nicho Waterfalls // Cienfuegos.com
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 El Nicho, Cuba // TripCuba
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 El Nicho Waterfall Visitor Guide // Anywhere
- ↑ El Nicho Waterfalls // SeaDream Yacht Club