The Waterfall Trail

Prior to my holiday to Cuba last November, I had never seen a waterfall. 

Cuba is a country of great topographical diversity. I wanted an active holiday, to travel around Cuba, meet the people and get a feel of this incredible country. Before travelling there, I spoke to a Maltese guy who had been there. I was ridiculously excited and inquisitive about his adventures. Well all he could recall, was a relaxing fortnight in one of Cuba's resorts. I asked about the people, the culture and he could answer my questions only briefly. To be honest, I was disappointed. Obviously everyone has his own definition of what travelling is; what makes a holiday. But I ask myself, how can you say you have been to Cuba if you only spent your days in a resort? 

I wanted this particular holiday to be an adventure. And it was exactly that. A true culturally rich adventure. I had shared my initial experience here.

One of my goal's was to see Caribbean waterfalls. I had to see these. After leaving Varadero, we travelled by Viazul bus to Trinidad and then caught a taxi to the mountainous area of the Topes de Collantes. 

The following day, we got ourselves a guide, and together planned a route through the El Nicho and Gunayara parks for an awesome day of trekking and waterfall swimming.

We were lucky to be graced by the presence of Cuba's national bird, the Cuban Trogon. 

Our guide was the best we could ask for. He was extremely knowledgeable about his country's environmental elements and wanted us to not only have fun, but also to learn.  

This plant contains a certain red liquid that was, and still is used for body paint! 

My boyfriend couldn't resist swinging from this tree! I had my very own Tarzan, lucky me:)

Several people, tourists as well as locals, were swimming in the cold, yet fresh water of these falls. 

We chose a quite spot to swim, a spot that is apparently popular with Cubans. Apart from my Fujifilm camera, I was also carrying a cheap, disposable camera that can be used in water environments. Regrettably, this camera let me down on this day. The camera film finished after only a few snapshots and the few photos we did take resulted in a big blur. This is extremely disappointing. Our experience can only be found in our fond memories, an experience that I greatly recommend to anyone visiting these type of environments. The water tends to be cold but it is one, incredible experience.

This memorable day ended at this pretty cabin/restaurant. 

      

Whilst having a light snack there, my boyfriend turned into Dr.Doolittle. This was so funny. We were having a cheese sandwich and the animals looked at us in such a sad way that they actually made us feel guilty about eating! My boyfriend threw a small piece of bread on the floor and this small gesture seemed to signal all the chickens to go to war! Several chickens literally surrounded us and we knew we had to surrender! 

How can you leave such an adorable creature hungry? Ohhh how can I resist those eyes!

Have you ever seen any real-life waterfalls? If so, where? Did you swim in their nippy waters??

Happy Weekend everybody!!

Martha xxx