El Nicho

For tourists, this has become the most visited place in Cienfuegos. El Nicho is
a place in the mountains with several natural watchtowers, waterfalls, water
ponds, and lots of vegetation. At El Nicho, you can witness the birth of a river,
you can walk by the smallest variety of orchids in the world, and you can have
a cool shower from a waterfall. If you go on this tour, you will also visit a coffee-
processing plant, and eat an excellent lunch in the forest.

Nnatural sights
Waterfalls, caves, natural pools, animals and birds, trees and flowers, and the
spectacular sprinkle waterfalls of El Nicho, 500 meters above sea level.

Forests and mountains

Nature made places in this region that are matchless for mountain climbing,
camping, sightseeing walks, cave exploration, horseback riding, mountain
cycling, and bathing when the sun is hot. These forests and mountains are
ideal for botanical studies, as well as for animal and bird watching. These
mountains with their heavy vegetation make up 9.8% of the territory of
Cienfuegos. They are an extension to the Sierra de Trinidad, and part of the
Cordillera de Guamuhaya. The forests in Cienfuegos are a natural reserve of
precious wood, particularly mahogany, linden, and jiquí. These forest proudly
host the smallest orchid in the world.

Birds and wild animals

The trees in these forests house such beautiful birds as the mockingbird, that
can imitate the singing of other birds; the humming bird (Mellisuba Helenae)—
the smallest bird in the world; the tocororo, which is the Cuban national bird;
the sparrow hawk, feared by the smaller birds and animals, and the colorful
woodpecker. In the forests, there are also large numbers of parrots, parakeets,
and wild boar.

Streams and waterfalls

One of the greatest attractions of Cienfuegos is a place called "El Nicho," a
succession of waterfalls coming from a mountain stream. The most impressive
of these cascades drops freely from a height of 15 meters. It is a curtain of
water that pours over rocks and stones in a shining foamy whirlwind of
incredible beauty. This falling water then makes quiet ponds that invite
spectators in, and later flows down into the Hanabanilla river, forming new
waterfalls and ponds. El Nicho is also the place to witness the birth of a water
stream, from the heart of a cavern, initially just a spring...