el nicho waterfalls

The waterfalls are a hidden gem in the hills above Cienfuegos.There is a steady climb up to the top of the falls through lush forest full of birdlife. Along the way there is a pool that can be swum in but the climb to the top is rewarded with the chance to swim in a beautiful pool under a waterfall. The rocks under the water are very slippery and suitable waterproof footwear is advisable. It is best to wear your swimming clothes up to the pool but there is a "changing area" behind a rock!

So beautiful lush and uncluttered....not too many people there when I visited.. laid back.. and VERY romantic .....swimming in the waterfall is as natural as you can get.. hiking the easy trail is fun, the only complaint was the food n the restaurant was not very appetizing...stick with the bland burgers! This place is for children and young people NOT for elderly or handicapped as there is no wheelchair access and it is mostly uphill hiking/climbing

You have to see these! A little hidden in the mountains but well worth the trip. Waterfalls and pools, you can also swim, if so inclined!

The water fall is pretty. SWIMMING IN THE NATURAL POOLS IS THE TREAT. Make sure you bring bathing suit. We hired a car/ taxi for the day $40 CUC from Cienfuegos and it was well worth it. Once there you pay 9 CUC to get in to the falls. There is also an inexpensive restaurant in natural ienviroment... This is a must see but swim in the natural pools. The best one is above the falls..DO NOT WEAR SANDLES...be smart with comfortable footwear...

A great way to spend the afternoon, hiking to a waterfalls. An easy hike to the first and second falls. At the second falls is a crystal clear pool in which to swim. Very refreshing and relaxing. A little bit pricy @ $10.00 including parking, but then again you are on holidays. It is worth it.

We walked to the lake at the top and had an amazing swim in clear waters. So refreshing ! The falls are very pretty and would be even more spectacular in the wet season.

On our way from Cienfuegos to trinidad we decided to visited these waterfalls. You drive a silent road and as always in the end you are surprised how many peiple did the same as you did. The entrance of the park is not cheap. We paid CUC 10 per person (also for students) but the guarded parking is included. After a 10 minutes walk you arive at the first basin with a small waterfall. Afew hudreds meter further there is the most spectecular waterfal without the opportunity to swim. After a small climb (7 minutes) there is the lace with the greater basin to swim. The water is a little cold and refreshing (not icy). When you want to have a nice view over the mountains you can go on for another 5 minutes. The view is beautiful but not spectecular. The diehards can walk another 15 minutes to a cave. We find it not so special and we wouldn't recoment it to people who found the earlier climb already steady.

Nice Waterfalls at approx. 1 hour away from Cienfuegos it cost 40 CUC to go there with a taxi (the taxi wait there for you). and the entrance of the park is 9 CUC if i recall well

Short walk through the rain forest with an extremely helpful guide, who pointed out all the local flora and its medicinal benefits. The waterfall is beautiful and the top swim pool if a little busy is breathtaking. Lunch was provided on our trip from the restaurant , the food cannot be faulted. Enjoy

i spent three hours here walking, swimming,and observing nature.we also went to the very top where ypu can take an unofficial but guided trip through the caves .these are up above the rest of the park where you normally wouldn't be permitted to go.the guys who take you in the caves do not ask for money but its good to give them a couple cucs to help them out.be sure to bring a swimsuit to swim in the cool water pools, and yes they are cool but quite nice after a day of heat.**NOTE- work out a plan to go with a trustworthy cab driver,maybe someone known by the casa owners . get everything settled as to the price,how long you will be staying at the park,and when you will return to cienfuegos.make it be known that this is the total price and all the money you will be spending.don't get caught in a trap where a person that you talk to knows someone who is going there and you only have to pay for is fuel or some other made up story.you will surely end up being expected to pay a high price for fuel as well as be expected to supply lunch for whoever is going and drinks, etc.this can happen quite easily to the savviest of travellers.keep this as all others strictly a business transaction and all will be fine**

Short walk through the forest, with cousy natural swimming pool. Path to walk is light and can be easily walked in flip flops, even if you have to cross wooden bridges :) Place is not big as I was expecting and you cannot swim in the first pool. Second one is amazing and I was there for almost 1 hour sitting on the rocks inside the water that is not too cold.My suggestion is to avoid to have your lunch in the bar/restaurant inside the park.There is an incredible (and hidden) place (a "paladaire") to eat cheap tipical dishes called "El Caney", just some dozen of meters far away down the street. Don't miss the "malanga" (like a potatoe) nor the fish!

Our 5th trip to El Nicho. It's a great way to see beautiful waterfalls, natural landscapes, hiking trails, have a dip in shiver-inducing cold fresh water, and with the right tourguide (makes a difference!), lots of information about the local fauna and flora. Our tour also included a wonderful lunch (consistantly the best food yet in Cuba!). The trip up is part of the fun. The vehicle: either a minivan (quick), an "army truck" (slow, steady and bumpy but fun!), or a bus (it gets us there), or a mix of the above. The scenery: a midway stop for pictures, and glimpses of cities, towns, farms, military training centres (with planes!), mountains, etc.

You will love this waterfall, it has 2 beautiful natural pools you can swim in and the waterfalls are amazing. They are not very high but the definitely have their charm. It's an easy trail so don't worry, you will not get tired.

Place is amazing little paradise on earth, water in the waterfall in so refreshing and nice. It is the palce you need to see going to Cienfuegos.

A guided tour with a biologist at El Nicho is a must if you are interested in animals and plants. We had an experienced guidde with a lot of knowledge and pedagogical skills.Experience the plants that we, Northern Europeans, have indoors in pots is delightful -- seeing tropical birds and flowers in their own environment.There is also several waterfalls with fresh water and natural pools where bathing and swimming is allowed. You have to be rather mobile to enjoy this otherwise you are limited to smaller parts of the park.