Lush vegetation, waterfalls, a small lake, and various natural pools—Las Terrazas is a true haven of nature. Located approximately fifty kilometers from Havana, this tourist attraction is truly worth the detour. It captivates visitors especially for its forest zone and related activities: hiking, excursions, swimming, visits to former coffee plantations, and more. It's also the only place in the entire country offering a canopy tour circuit. During your stay in Cuba, take the opportunity to stop by this small ecological village.

Everything About Las Terrazas

Boasting the beauty of its natural landscape, Las Terrazas is a small town in the municipality of Candelaria, Artemisa province in Cuba. The village has approximately 1,000 inhabitants.

Nestled within the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, the site is also a natural reserve offering a tourism and rural experience that promotes sustainable development. It encompasses 5,000 hectares of secondary forest. Indeed, this forest was planted on the surrounding (deforested) hillsides through the construction of terraces called "terrazas" in Spanish—hence the name of the place, "Las Terrazas". These pine terraces helped prevent soil erosion.

A Brief History

Between 1920 and 1930, the region hosted 54 coffee plantations. Then came the reforestation project, realized through the construction of anti-erosion terraces, leading to the birth of Las Terrazas. The result is a magnificent natural reserve rich in fauna and flora, not to mention the lakes, rivers, and waterfalls that enhance the landscape. Las Terrazas is part of the Sierra Del Rosario biosphere reserve, designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1985. Las Terrazas itself enjoys this honor—a distinction deemed justified since the site holds the largest number of animal species in Cuba.

Its natural wealth makes Las Terrazas a privileged tourist attraction in Cuba. The best way to experience a site like this is to make the most of the landscape through strolls and hikes of all kinds. It's also worth organizing excursions to see the small San Juan lake as well as the magnificent waterfalls in the surrounding area. During your visit to Havana, don't miss the famous Cafetal Buenavista, the Hacienda Unión, Lester Campa's Gallery, or the village square and the various ruins of Las Terrazas. This paradise-like corner will ensure your complete escape from the everyday.

What to See

Cafetal Buenavista Ruins

This is the top must-see at Las Terrazas. The Buenavista Coffee Plantation was founded by French refugees from Haiti. The vestiges of these plantations are now the hallmark of the town's tourism appeal, as Las Terrazas is home to Cuba's first coffee plantation. They are classified as a historically essential site in the country. The restaurant located there was once the residence of the former plantation owner. You can gather here after a morning or full day of hiking.

Hacienda Union

This hacienda, particularly its coffee plantation ruins, invites you to horseback riding excursions. The ruins have been reconstructed to present a more tourist-friendly appearance. The site offers a modest rural restaurant enhanced with a small garden called "Jardin Union". This spot is well worth a visit.

Polo Montanez's House

You'll have the privilege of visiting the former home of singer-songwriter Polo Montanez during your trip to Cuba. The artist's former residence has been transformed into a museum showcasing his gold records and various objects from his past.

The Ruins of San Pedro and Santa Catalina

It seems that the coffee plantation ruins have left a strong mark on Las Terrazas' history. You can discover more ruins at San Pedro and Santa Catalina.

Rancho Curujey Cafeteria

A truly relaxing spot, Rancho Curujey is a restaurant offering a pleasant and peaceful setting. Overlooking the local lake, it affords a striking natural landscape. If you feel like a light bite around noon, after morning hikes, the Rancho Curujey cafeteria is the perfect spot we recommend.

El Macurije

Come savor authentic Cuban cuisine at this restaurant located not far from the San Juan river. Take a brief detour to break up your hiking programs at Las Terrazas.

What to Do

Hiking and Canopy Tour

Faced with Las Terrazas' verdant vegetation, you'll be tempted to go hiking. Indeed, this activity thrives here, whether on foot or horseback, especially thanks to the former coffee plantations. Las Terrazas is also the ideal location for birdwatching. Once you reach certain elevations on the forest-covered hills of the region, the Canopy Tour awaits you—a thrilling treetop course and an adrenaline rush. Las Terrazas is in fact the only place in the country offering this exhilarating activity.

Strolls and Swimming in the Rio San Juan

San Juan lake is the perfect spot for walks along a maintained trail. You'll find magnificent natural pools where you can enjoy refreshing swims in the heart of nature.

Boat Rides or Water Biking

A true relaxation destination, Las Terrazas is also ideal for boat rides on San Juan lake—moments of pure joy, especially when you pass by Rancho Curujey.

When you arrive in Havana, be sure to take a detour to Las Terrazas. You'll be enchanted by the magnificent natural landscape it offers, along with the entertaining tourist activities available to you. Grab your tablets and smartphones to book a flight and hotel in the ecological village of Las Terrazas to be closer to nature.