In the heart of Cuba’s Escambray Mountains, Parque El Nicho is a hidden paradise of cascading waterfalls, emerald swimming holes, and lush jungle trails. Far from the bustle of Cienfuegos or Trinidad, this tropical natural park offers a chance to reconnect with nature and experience stunning waterfalls and easy trails. Whether you’re traveling from Cienfuegos, Trinidad, or even Varadero, El Nicho makes for a stunning day trip or an off-the-beaten-path detour. With easy hiking trails, cool pools to swim in, and the soothing sound of waterfalls all around, it’s a must-see destination for nature lovers exploring central Cuba. Here’s my guide to Parque El Nicho.
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El Nicho is one of the 5 parks that make up the Tolles de Collantes National Park, located in the 50-mile (80-kilometer) long Escambray mountain range. The park is a combination of jungle, waterfalls, caves, and trails. The park known as El Nicho is en route between Cienfuegos and Trinidad, but as there are no public transport options, you’ll need to arrange transport to visit. It’s best to visit if your interests are short, but good trails, waterfalls, and a great swim in the natural pools here.
EASIEST WAY TO TRAVEL
Take a Day Trip from Cienfuegos
This fabulous day trip gives you great access to El Nicho Park and includes return transport from Cienfuegos. It’s the perfect way to explore this delightful park
What to See and Do at El Nicho
This is the same mountain range that the revolutionary troops under Che Guverara took refuge, but you won’t find any evidence of them here, just a lovely natural site. The vegetation is lush here, the trails are decent, and the Hanabanilla River is the main attraction with its waterfalls, clear water, and natural pools.
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1. Waterfalls and Natural Pools
The main draw of Parque El Nicho is its multi-tiered waterfalls, cascading through the limestone cliffs into cool turquoise pools. These crystal-clear swimming holes are perfect for a refreshing dip, especially after a short hike through the forest. The main pool at the base of the waterfall is large enough to swim in, and smaller pools upstream offer quieter spots to relax. There’s nowhere to change your clothes at the waterfall, so bring a towel, or hide behind a tree or a rock.
The water can be a little chilly, expect it to be around 18°C / 64.5°F.
2. Hiking Trails
However, to get to the pools and waterfalls, you’ll need to hike. It’s not a long hike, though, about a mile round trip along the “Reino de las Aguas” trail. The trail is well-maintained but can be slippery after rain, so proper footwear is recommended. The trail is about a mile (1.5 kilometers), and it’s a loop taking you past the best viewpoints in the park. There are side trails where you can go to other waterfalls.
There are two other trails of note in the park.
- La Paila: This branches off from the main trail and goes to the La Paila waterfall. It’s more challenging and has steep sections.
- If you really want a workout, then take the trail to the El Indio waterfall. The trail is not particularly well-maintained, and there’s a lot of scrambling involved, but you’ll definitely have the forest to yourself!
3. Explore Wildlife and Nature – Cuba’s flora and fauna
El Nicho is home to a huge variety of species of orchids and ferns. You’ll find the Royal Palm, Cuba’s national tree, here, as well as the national bird of Cuba – the Trogon, aka the Tocororo. There are also woodpeckers and hummingbirds here. If this is your reason for visiting, then come early when the forest is most active.
Where Is Parque El Nicho?
Parque El Nicho is located in the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, a sprawling protected area in the Escambray Mountains of central Cuba. Although it’s remote, the journey to El Nicho is part of the adventure—expect scenic mountain roads flanked by dense greenery and occasional lookouts with panoramic views.
How to Get to El Nicho
Most people visit El Nicho from either Trinidad or Cienfuegos, as these are the closest cities to the park. You will be able to arrange transport via your casa particular or prebook a trip here. It’s also possible to do a VERY long day trip from Varadero.
Getting to El Nicho on a tour
- Book a trip to El Nicho from Cienfuegos
- Book a day trip from Varadero to Cienfuegos, El Nicho, and Trinidad
While El Nicho is only around 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Cienfuegos, it takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to get there. The turn off for the park is between Cienfuegos and Trinidad, and if you’re planning on stopping in both cities, it’s a great stop along the way. I’d recommend using Daytrip for this – book your date, time, and how long you want to spend in the park here.
Want to know more about Daytrip and sightseeing as part of your journeys from A to B? Here’s my guide.
Getting to El Nicho by Car
If you’re using a rental car in Cuba (read my guide here), then you can easily drive to the park entrance. It’s a paved road, although not in great condition; you won’t currently need a 4×4, even though it’s a little steep in places. If you’re planning on driving onto Trinidad, then the road isn’t great, and I don’t recommend this route.
Taking a Taxi to El Nicho
As I wrote, it takes about 90 minutes to get to El Nicho from Cienfuegos – so plan your taxi ride around this. Ask your driver to give you about 2 hours in the park. He’ll just sit at the entrance and wait for you. Bear in mind you’ll need to pay for his time. Arrange this through your casa particular owner and expect to pay around US$80.
Taking a Colectivo to El Nicho
There’s a regular colectivo (read about how they work in my guide here) that runs from Cienfuegos to El Nicho and then onto Trinidad. You’ll pay around US$20 per person for the ride (and you can leave your bags in the car while you’re exploring the park). The colectivo sets off about 09:00 and you should arrive in Trinidad by about 14:30. You’ll get around two hours in the park, arriving here at 10:30 and leaving at 12:30 (ish). Arrange this through your casa particular owner, one or two days before you want to do the trip.
Practical Tips for visiting El Nicho Park
Whether it’s transport or a tour you’re looking for, details on entrance fees and where to eat, here are a few tips for your trip to El Nicho.
The Best Time to Visit El Nicho
The best time to visit El Nicho is during Cuba’s dry season, from November to April. Trails are easier to navigate, and the skies are generally clear. There’s more on the best time to visit Cuba and the weather in my guide here.
If you visit in the rainy season (May to October), expect fewer crowds and even more vibrant greenery—but be prepared for muddy trails and sudden downpours.
El Nicho Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
The entrance fee to Parque El Nicho is US$10 per person, though prices can change. Payment is generally cash only. The park is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00
Where to stay to visit El Nicho
Cienfuegos is the closest city to El Nicho, and is your best place to stay. Book yourself a casa particular in Cienfuegos here.
Where to Eat at El Nicho
There’s a small rustic restaurant at the entrance to the park that serves simple Cuban dishes like grilled chicken, rice, and beans. Bring cash. Alternatively, bring your own picnic and enjoy it after a dip in the pools at the waterfall. Pack all your trash and take it away with you.
Alternatively, have a great breakfast at your casa particular and then head back to either Cienfuegos (my guide is here), or Trinidad (that guide is here) and eat at a local private restaurant – they’re called paladares here in Cuba and you can read about them here.
What to Bring To El Nicho
To make the most of your visit, be sure to pack:
- Your passport – you’ll need it to enter the park.
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Swimsuit and towel for the pools
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes are common) – read my guide to mosquitoes in Cuba here.
- Water and snacks (though there’s a small café), or bring a filter water bottle and be self-sufficient
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch for electronics
- A camera or phone with plenty of storage
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Final Words on Visiting Parque El Nicho
Parque El Nicho is one of Cuba’s true natural treasures—a place where waterfalls flow through untouched forest and visitors can swim, hike, and breathe in the clean mountain air. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or just someone who wants a bit of a dip in the waterfall pools, El Nicho offers a delightful escape into the Cuban wilderness. Make time for this unforgettable day trip, and you’ll leave with memories of one of the most breathtaking places on the island.
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