National park · Cuba
Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes
Enter the park for a day hike: pay the entry fee (check), take the 7 km (4.3 mi) Salto de Caburní trail early (≈2 h round‑trip) or the 6 km (3.7 mi) Sendero La Batata (≈3 h) with a guide; avoid the rainy season (May–Oct) for drier paths.Enter the park for a day hike: pay the entry fee (check), take the 4.3 mi (7 km) Salto de Caburní trail early (≈2 h round‑trip) or the 3.7 mi (6 km) Sendero La Batata (≈3 h) with a guide; avoid the rainy season (May–Oct) for drier paths.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
500 km² (193 sq mi)193 sq mi (500 km²)
approximate
Established
1962
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 11Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…US State DepartmentUS citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel …No cards
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Cuba ↗US State Department: Level 2, exercise increased caution (in place since 2025; the US Embassy reported another island-wide blackout on 18 September 2026). UK FCDO: against all but essential travel (updated 25 September 2026). Canada: avoid non-essential travel (updated 28 September 2026). Australia: reconsider your need to travel. Read your own government's advice and check your insurance still covers Cuba before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need an e-visa (formerly the tourist card) and the online D'Viajeros form, and requirements change.
- Cuba ↗US citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel to Cuba as tourists. The trip must fit one of 12 OFAC general-licence categories: family visits; official government business; journalism; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; private foundations and research institutes; information and informational materials; and certain export transactions. Most independent travellers use 'support for the Cuban people', which needs a full-time schedule of activities with Cuban people and private businesses (casas, paladares, private guides), and records kept for 5 years. US persons may not stay at properties on the State Department's Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (11 more Havana hotels added 14 July 2025) or deal directly with entities on the Cuba Restricted List (GAESA and other military-linked businesses). Rules tightened in 2025–26; check OFAC before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Medical insurance is compulsory for entry: carry proof of a policy valid in Cuba, or buy a Cuban (Asistur) policy on arrival. US-based insurers are generally not accepted in Cuba; flights from the US include a Cuban medical policy in the fare — keep the boarding pass as proof (check with your airline). Hospital bills are payable in cash only, so buy cover with medical evacuation as well (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗No cards: US-issued debit and credit cards have never worked in Cuba because of the embargo, and since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard cards from any country are no longer accepted (Cuban Central Bank, after a foreign processor dropped FINCIMEX under US Executive Order 14404). Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for the whole stay plus an emergency reserve (checked 2026-09).
- Central Cuba ↗Bring cash: euros or dollars, small notes. Cards issued by US banks do not work; ATMs are unreliable outside Havana.
- Central Cuba ↗Viazul and shared taxis are the practical intercity options; book seats a day ahead in high season and confirm the departure point the night before.
- Central Cuba ↗Power cuts are routine. Carry a power bank and a torch; hotels with generators fill first.
At a glance
- Country
- Cuba
- Area
- 500 km² (193 sq mi)193 sq mi (500 km²)
- Exact area not published; estimates around 500 km² (check).
- Established
- 1962
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
A mountainous protected area spanning three provinces, known for limestone mogotes, waterfalls and guided hikes.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1962.
Size and age
500 km² (193 sq mi)193 sq mi (500 km²) · national park since 1962
Exact area not published; estimates around 500 km² (check).
Why go
- Jungle‑covered limestone mountains with waterfalls and caves.
- Well‑marked hikes to Salto de Caburní and La Batata, plus birdwatching.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool.
- FebDry, cool.
- MarDry, warming.
- AprDry, pleasant.
- MayStart of rains.
- JunRainy, trails muddy.
- JulRainy, possible road closures.
- AugRainy, humid.
- SepRainy, occasional storms.
- OctRain tapering, still warm.
- NovDry, comfortable.
- DecDry, cooler.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical birds and butterfliesMar–May | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Reptiles near watercoursesJun–Aug | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Trinidad
Take the main road west 4 km (2.5 mi) to the junction, then a steep 15 km (9.3 mi) paved road to the park gate.Take the main road west 2.5 mi (4 km) to the junction, then a steep 9.3 mi (15 km) paved road to the park gate.
≈1 h by car
Open the page →
From Cienfuegos
Drive north via La Sierrita and San Blas; road good to the turnoff for the park.
≈2 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Parque Altiplano | Main visitor hub, hotel Kurhotel, Casa de Café, Salto de Caburní trailhead. | Open with entry ticket. |
| El Nicho | Waterfall cascade area, popular in summer. | Gate fee 5 CUC; bus from Cienfuegos. |
| Parque Guanayara | Camping sites, canyoning, swimming. | Open; fee varies. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre points for navigation.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | official fee not published (check) |
| Salto de Caburní trail gate | CUC 6.5 | person | fee at Parque Altiplano gate |
| La Batata trail gate | CUC 3.5 | person | fee at Casa de Café |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Guide for certain hikes permit or guide
General park entry permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- CUC 6.50
- CUC 3.50
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for Salto de Caburní, La Batata and any off‑road hikes.
- Military zones
- No hiking or photography in restricted areas; stay on marked trails.
- Camping
- Only in designated camp sites (Parque Guanayara, Altiplano, Codina, El Cubano, El Nicho).
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited.
Where to stay
Near the park
Hotel Los Helechos
3‑star hotel, bar, restaurant, pool; rooms CUC40‑50.
Near the park
Hotel Los Pinos
Similar level, lower‑cost rooms.
Near the park
Villa Caburní houses
Whole house rental, same price as hotels.
Safety
Road conditions medium
Military zone incursions high
Heat and dehydration medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Park entrance reachable by car; short walks to main trails.
- Steep sections and uneven terrain make hikes unsuitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Hire local guides; keep to designated trails.
- Do not litter; use refillable water bottles.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes?
A basic entry ticket is required; the exact price is not published online (check). Individual trail gates charge 3.5 CUC (La Batata) or 6.5 CUC (Caburní).
What are the best hikes in Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes?
Salto de Caburní (7 km round‑trip, moderate) and Sendero La Batata (6 km to a cave, moderate) are the most popular; both need a guide.
When is the best time to visit Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes?
The dry season November to April offers the best conditions; May‑October can be rainy and trails may be muddy.
Do I need a guide for all hikes?
Yes, a guide is mandatory for the main trails and any off‑road walking.
Are there camping facilities?
Designated camp sites exist at Parque Guanayara, Altiplano, Codina, El Cubano and El Nicho; you must pay the site fee.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go