Las Terrazas, Cuba

Located in the Candelaria Municipality, in the province of Artemisa, Las Terrazas is a unique community that combines environmental conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development. Situated in the Sierra del Rosario, a region declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984, Las Terrazas is a semi-urban settlement flanked by a medium-sized lake, with architecture that is a model of integration with the surrounding environment. The total population is around 900, and there are numerous service facilities, as well as a hotel.

At Las Terrazas, recreational activities are all related to nature: hiking, trekking, birdwatching, rowing, and swimming in crystal-clear, calm rivers. These can be combined with visits to the ruins of 19th-century French coffee plantations or the Soroa Orchid Garden. It is the perfect place for travelers who love nature or who seek relaxation in a peaceful environment surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The community offers a variety of options for visits, such as artisan workshops—ceramics, silkscreen printing, and wood carving—and a museum dedicated to the memory of Polo Montañés, a local singer and composer who achieved national and international fame with his unique musical style. Several restaurants and accommodations, including Hotel Moka, stand out.

To enjoy a panoramic view, the canopy tour allows you to take an aerial tour over a large part of the lake and the community, which is known for its unique architectural style, in which the houses and buildings blend into the mountainous landscape.

In the area, there are beautiful trails that offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy the endemic flora and fauna. Ideal for hiking and climbing, the area offers activities linked to the natural environment, such as rowboat rentals, horseback riding, and zip-lining. On the San Juan River, there is a natural spa with natural pools ideal for refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters, some of which are deep and possess mineral-medicinal properties.