My previous post the 'Mirador de Topes de Collantes' in the Trinidad Province was our first stop along this road leading to the 'El Nicho' Waterfall. There is one other way to get there and that is from the other side which means driving to Cienguegos (an hour) and then taking a better road for about another 30 minutes. The way we took may not be as comfortable a drive but it certainly was the most scenic as you will see from the pictures.
It took us about 2 hours to get to the waterfall but besides stopping at the lookout we also made a stop at a coffeehouse museum about halfway there. The longer we were on the road, the steeper it got with Dead Man's Curves and Hairpin Curves being commonplace. It certainly made for an interesting drive, we couldn't go much faster than 20mph along most spots but what a view. We drove by some locals from time to time but didn't see a vehicle on the way there or on the return trip, unless you count horses and donkeys as vehicles, I'm sure the locals treat them as such. As we got deeper into the middle of nowhere, we thought, what the heck does everyone do out here for work. This is an agricultural area that's best suited for coffee which prefers cooler temperatures and shade. They're also growing other crops out here but I don't know if that's for export like the coffee or for local consumption. We past several schools, so people out here are being educated but our thoughts went to hospitals...what would happen if someone got really sick out here. The last 20 minutes (or so) drive were the worst, the road turned to quasi dirt and we had to go even slower. The only consolation was that we were close now.
As I had said previously, this isn't the most comfortable drive but I can tell you that the drive to Cienfuegos isn't that spectacular. I don't know what you'll find on the drive from Cienfuegos to the waterfall. In the previous post I mentioned to not undergo this trip without a proper vehicle. We went with a Taxi Service that you hire for the day and specializes in these kinds of trips. The company has a fleet of 4x4s so they can accommodate large groups. They charged us $90cuc total from 9am until about 5pm for the two of us. I believe for this kind of trip in these vehicles, you should have no more than 3 passengers, one per window, that means the cost would be 30 per person. Not bad for a trip this long and complicated.
It took us about 2 hours to get to the waterfall but besides stopping at the lookout we also made a stop at a coffeehouse museum about halfway there. The longer we were on the road, the steeper it got with Dead Man's Curves and Hairpin Curves being commonplace. It certainly made for an interesting drive, we couldn't go much faster than 20mph along most spots but what a view. We drove by some locals from time to time but didn't see a vehicle on the way there or on the return trip, unless you count horses and donkeys as vehicles, I'm sure the locals treat them as such. As we got deeper into the middle of nowhere, we thought, what the heck does everyone do out here for work. This is an agricultural area that's best suited for coffee which prefers cooler temperatures and shade. They're also growing other crops out here but I don't know if that's for export like the coffee or for local consumption. We past several schools, so people out here are being educated but our thoughts went to hospitals...what would happen if someone got really sick out here. The last 20 minutes (or so) drive were the worst, the road turned to quasi dirt and we had to go even slower. The only consolation was that we were close now.
As I had said previously, this isn't the most comfortable drive but I can tell you that the drive to Cienfuegos isn't that spectacular. I don't know what you'll find on the drive from Cienfuegos to the waterfall. In the previous post I mentioned to not undergo this trip without a proper vehicle. We went with a Taxi Service that you hire for the day and specializes in these kinds of trips. The company has a fleet of 4x4s so they can accommodate large groups. They charged us $90cuc total from 9am until about 5pm for the two of us. I believe for this kind of trip in these vehicles, you should have no more than 3 passengers, one per window, that means the cost would be 30 per person. Not bad for a trip this long and complicated.
Preferred Transportation
School
A Pig's Life (Until New Years)
The Local Watering Hole
The Long and Winding Road
Embalse Hanabanilla
Time to go Home
Our Taxi
Beautiful pics and sweet memories as I've been there myself although not as convenient as in a taxi but in the back of a Russian truck. Miss the pics of the waterfall and the mountain lake we swam in on the way to the falls. Travelled several times to Cuba, love the country and the people!!
ReplyDeleteGreets,
Harry Westerveld
Netherlands
Please keep reading, there's a lot more to come. Thanks Again
DeleteThank You for the kind words Harry and for taking the time to check out my Blog. You're right, it's a wonderful country and I adore it. My Blog is a way of giving back to Cuba, showing everyone a side of Cuba most people don't know exists.
ReplyDeleteWow..... Felt like I was riding in the Taxi with ya :0)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Matt.
Thanks
DeleteHi I ws wondering what was the name of the taxi service you used? The trip sounds beautiful and looks gorgeous and I would like to do it as well.
ReplyDeleteHello Greer, the number is printed on taxi....the last picture. Enjoy your trip. PS...tell them you want that vehicle to go to El Nicho.
Delete