Escambray Mountains

The Escambray Mountains, officially known as the Sierra del Escambray, form a prominent mountain range in central Cuba, spanning across the provinces of Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos, and Villa Clara. The highest peak in the range is Pico San Juan, reaching an elevation of 1,140 meters and providing expansive views of the central plains and the southern coastline. The region is celebrated for its dense rainforests, deep canyons, and spectacular waterfalls, such as Salto del Caburní within the Topes de Collantes nature reserve. Geologically, the mountains are composed primarily of limestone and slate, which has facilitated the formation of extensive cave systems throughout the area. The Escambray Mountains played a significant role in 20th-century Cuban history, most notably as the primary theater for the "War Against the Bandits" in the 1960s between revolutionary forces and insurgents. Today, the region is a major center for ecotourism and the cultivation of high-quality highland coffee. Its cool, humid climate gives a sharp contrast to the tropical heat of the coastal regions, making the mountains a popular retreat. The flora and fauna of the Sierra are remarkably diverse, hosting numerous endemic species, including the Cuban trogon, the national bird.

Nearby cities

Havana

The capital of Cuba, known for its colonial architecture and vintage cars.

Santiago de Cuba

The second largest city in Cuba with rich Afro-Caribbean culture.

Camaguey

City known for the labyrinthine streets of its historic center.

Holguin

Known as the 'City of Parks', surrounded by hills and mountains.

Cienfuegos

Known as the 'Pearl of the South', featuring French colonial architecture.

Trinidad

A well-preserved colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Viñales

A small town in the west known for its tobacco plantations.

Varadero

Popular resort town on the Hicacos Peninsula with beautiful sandy beaches.

Playa Ancón

Playa Ancón is widely considered the best beach on Cuba's southern coast, offering pristine white sands just a short distance from Trinidad.

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Varahicacos is an ecological reserve situated at the tip of the Varadero peninsula, protecting a remnant of the region's original coastal…

María la Gorda

An internationally acclaimed diving center situated at the westernmost tip of Cuba, offering rich biodiversity.

History & landmarks

El Cobre

El Cobre is a small mountain town known for its historic copper mines and the revered minor basilica housing Cuba's patron saint.

Topes de Collantes

A nature reserve park in the Escambray Mountains with waterfalls and trails.

Playa Paraíso

Beautiful beach on Cayo Largo del Sur with white sand.

Zapata Swamp

A large wetland area on the Zapata Peninsula, home to crocodiles.

Havana Club Rum Museum

A museum in Havana showcasing the history of Cuban rum.

Plaza de la Revolución

A huge public square in Havana known for political rallies.

Isle of Youth

The second largest Cuban island, known for its pine forests and beaches.

Baconao Park

A large biosphere reserve featuring a prehistoric valley and museums.

Nature

Leche Lagoon

The largest natural lake in Cuba, known for its milky appearance.

Cauto River

The longest river in Cuba, flowing through the eastern provinces.

More places

Che Guevara Mausoleum

Resting place of revolutionary leader Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

Strait of Florida

The strait that separates Cuba from Florida and connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Cayo Coco

An idyllic island known for its all-inclusive resorts.

Hemingway House

The former residence of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway.

Gulf of Batabanó

A shallow gulf on the southwestern coast of Cuba, known for sponge fishing and lobster catching.

Gulf of Guacanayabo

The largest bay on the southern coast of Cuba, where the country's longest river, the Cauto River, flows.

Pico Turquino

The highest mountain in Cuba, located in the Sierra Maestra.

Viñales Valley

A lush valley featuring unique limestone karst formations called mogotes.