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Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Las Terrazas is conveniently located about an hour’s drive west of Havana in Artemisa province, making it an ideal day trip or overnight stay when exploring western Cuba. There are several transportation options to reach this mountain paradise:
From Havana
- Viazul Bus: The Havana to Viñales bus makes a stop at the Las Terrazas highway turn-off, though service is limited to weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
- Rental Car: The most flexible option, taking approximately one hour via the A4 highway. The road conditions are generally good, making for a pleasant drive through the Cuban countryside.
- Shared Taxi (Colectivo): Ask at your casa particular or the Viazul bus station about shared taxis heading toward Viñales that can drop you at Las Terrazas.
- Organized Tour: The most convenient option, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide included.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Las Terrazas enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons that affect your experience in this mountain ecosystem:
Dry Season (November to April)
- Average temperatures: 21-29°C (70-85°F)
- Lower humidity and minimal rainfall
- Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities
- Perfect for swimming in natural pools
- Peak tourist season with slightly higher prices
Rainy Season (May to October)
- Average temperatures: 24-32°C (75-90°F)
- Higher humidity with afternoon showers
- Lush, vibrant landscapes
- Fewer tourists and lower prices
- Some trails may be muddy or temporarily closed
The ideal time to visit Las Terrazas is during the early dry season (November-December) when the landscapes remain lush from the recent rainy season, but the weather is more predictable for outdoor activities. December through February also offers the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Getting Around Locally
Las Terrazas is a relatively compact community, making it easy to explore on foot once you’ve arrived. However, there are several options for getting around the broader reserve area:
- Walking: Many of the main attractions are accessible via walking trails, including paths to the San Juan River and around the community itself.
- Local Taxis: Available for trips to more distant attractions within the reserve.
- Guided Tours: Many visitors opt for guided tours that include transportation between the main points of interest.
- Rental Car: If you arrived by rental car, you can use it to access different areas of the reserve, though some locations require walking from parking areas.
Where to Stay
Las Terrazas offers several unique accommodation options that align with its eco-friendly philosophy:
Hotel Moka
The only hotel in Las Terrazas, this eco-friendly establishment features unique architecture that incorporates living trees into its design. The hotel offers 42 comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
Standard rooms in the main building offer beautiful forest views, while “community rooms” provide a more intimate experience within local homes.
Price range: $80-120 per night
Casa Particulars
Several community members offer rooms in their homes, providing an authentic Cuban homestay experience. These accommodations allow you to connect with locals while enjoying comfortable amenities.
Popular options include Villa Maida and La Villa Duque, both offering excellent hospitality and local insights.
Price range: $25-50 per night
Camping Options
For the more adventurous traveler, Las Terrazas offers camping facilities by the San Juan River. You can rent tents on-site or bring your own.
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The campground includes basic bathroom facilities and a small restaurant, providing a rustic immersion in nature.
Price range: $5-15 per night
Dining & Local Cuisine
Las Terrazas offers several unique dining experiences that showcase local ingredients and Cuban culinary traditions:
Top Restaurants
El Romero
This renowned vegetarian restaurant uses locally grown organic ingredients, many from their own garden. The open kitchen allows you to watch as fresh herbs and vegetables are transformed into delicious Cuban-inspired dishes.
Specialty: Innovative vegetarian cuisine with Cuban flavors
Cafetal Buenavista
Located at a restored coffee plantation, this restaurant offers traditional Cuban dishes with spectacular mountain views. Dine on the porch in rocking chairs for a truly memorable experience.
Specialty: Traditional Cuban cuisine with coffee-infused specialties
Local Favorites
Café de María
Famous for its delicious coffee drinks, particularly the refreshing iced coffee. The café offers beautiful views of the community and is a popular stop for visitors.
Must try: House special iced coffee
Casa del Campesino
This rustic restaurant serves family-style Cuban meals with a patio overlooking the lush vegetation. Enjoy traditional dishes like fried plantains, pork stew, and rice while listening to birds in the nearby trees.
Must try: Family-style pork stew
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Las Terrazas offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and community experiences:
Historical Sites
- Cafetal Buenavista: Established in 1801, this is Cuba’s oldest coffee plantation. Explore the grinding stones, drying terraces, and former slave quarters to understand the region’s coffee heritage.
- Santa Serafina Coffee Plantation Ruins: Another historical coffee plantation site accessible via hiking trails.
- House Museum of Polo Montañez: Visit the lakeside home of this famous Cuban musician who specialized in traditional rural music.
Natural Attractions
- San Juan River: Enjoy swimming in natural pools formed by this river that runs through the reserve.
- Lago San Juan: A man-made lake perfect for relaxation and paddleboat rides.
- Hiking Trails: Several marked paths take you through the forest and to lookout points with spectacular views.
Adventure Activities
- Canopy Tour: Las Terrazas features Cuba’s first zipline, with six lines totaling about 1.6 km (1 mile) that take you through the forest canopy and over the community.
- Horseback Riding: Explore the countryside on guided horseback tours available at Hacienda Unión or along the San Juan River.
- Birdwatching: With 117 bird species (12 endemic), Las Terrazas is a paradise for birdwatchers. Look for Cuba’s national bird, the tocororo, with its red, white, and blue plumage.
Cultural Experiences
Las Terrazas offers unique opportunities to connect with local culture and artistry:
Artists’ Workshops
The community houses several talented artists who welcome visitors to their studio-homes. The most famous is Lester Campa, known for his portraits of Che Guevara and John Lennon, as well as beautiful landscapes of Las Terrazas. Other artists specialize in various media including painting, pottery, and handicrafts.
Community Interaction
Las Terrazas is home to about 1,200 residents who are all invested in the community’s sustainable mission. Visitors can interact with locals, learn about their eco-friendly practices, and gain insight into this unique social experiment that has successfully combined conservation with community development.
Musical Traditions
On the third Friday of each month, a musical gathering called “Musical Peña” takes place to honor the legacy of Polo Montañez. This sing-along celebration offers visitors a chance to experience authentic Cuban musical traditions.
Hiking & Nature Exploration
Las Terrazas offers several excellent hiking trails through its lush forests and historic sites:
Important: All hiking in Las Terrazas must be done with a local guide. Guides can be arranged through Hotel Moka or tour operators.
Popular Trails
El Taburete Trail
This 6 km (3.7 mile) trail takes approximately 3 hours to complete and leads up Taburete Mountain. Hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of the Mariel and Cabanas sea ports, and the trail ends at the refreshing San Juan River for a cooling swim.
Difficulty: Moderate
La Serafina Trail
An easier 6.4 km (4 mile) trail that takes about 3 hours, passing through forest, reaching a scenic lookout, and visiting the Santa Serafina Coffee Plantation ruins. The trail ends at Rancho Curujey.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Birdwatching Opportunities
The Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve is home to 117 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Early morning hikes offer the best opportunities to spot endemic species like the tocororo (Cuban trogon), Cuban tody, and Cuban pygmy owl.
Practical Travel Tips
Entrance Fee
There is an entrance fee to visit Las Terrazas (approximately 10 CUC per person). This fee helps support conservation efforts and community development.
Money Matters
There are no ATMs in Las Terrazas, so bring enough cash for your entire stay. Most places accept Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC), but smaller vendors may only take Cuban Pesos (CUP).
Connectivity
Internet access is limited in Las Terrazas. Hotel Moka offers Wi-Fi cards for purchase, but connection can be spotty. Download maps and information before your visit.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Swimwear for river swimming
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and hat
- Light rain jacket (especially during rainy season)
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash in small denominations
Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay
While Las Terrazas can be visited as a day trip from Havana, staying overnight allows you to fully experience this unique destination:
Day Trip Experience
- Visit key attractions like Cafetal Buenavista
- Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants
- Take a quick swim in the San Juan River
- Visit one or two artist studios
- Experience the canopy tour
Overnight Experience
- Enjoy all day trip activities at a relaxed pace
- Take longer hikes into the reserve
- Experience early morning birdwatching
- Enjoy stargazing in the clear mountain air
- Connect more deeply with community members
Final Words on Visiting Las Terrazas
Las Terrazas offers a unique glimpse into Cuba’s commitment to sustainable development and ecological restoration. This pioneering community has transformed a once-deforested area into a thriving ecosystem while creating a model for eco-tourism that benefits both visitors and residents. Whether you come for the natural beauty, the historical coffee plantations, or the vibrant community life, Las Terrazas provides an authentic Cuban experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
With its proximity to Havana, Las Terrazas makes for an accessible yet transformative addition to any Cuban itinerary. As you plan your visit to this remarkable UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, remember that your tourism helps support ongoing conservation efforts and community development, making this a destination you can feel good about exploring.
