Vegas Grandes Waterfall
Discover the breathtaking Vegas Grandes Waterfall in Cuba's Topes de Collantes, offering a stunning cascade and a refreshing jungle swim.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Vegas Grandes Waterfall
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the breathtaking Vegas Grandes Waterfall in Cuba's Topes de Collantes, offering a stunning cascade and a refreshing jungle swim.
"The waterfall is stunning and the water was refreshing and cool, but the way back up was very steep."
🎟️ Buy Tickets First!
Purchase your ticket at the visitor center before starting the hike to avoid a steep uphill return.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery; good hiking shoes are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vegas Grandes Waterfall
Topes de Collantes National Park
A stunning, powerful waterfall cascading into a deep, refreshing pool perfect for a swim.
+1
Refreshing Lake Swim
Base of the waterfall
Take a dip in the cool, clear waters of the lake at the waterfall's base. It's an invigorating experience!
Scenic Mountain Views
En route to the visitor center
The drive to the visitor center offers breathtaking viewpoints of the Escambray Mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Purchase is Key
Hike Difficulty & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets First!
Purchase your ticket at the visitor center before starting the hike to avoid a steep uphill return.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery; good hiking shoes are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The uphill return hike is challenging. Stay hydrated! +1
🏊♀️ Prepare for a Cold Swim
The waterfall pool is incredibly refreshing but quite cold!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets First!
Purchase your ticket at the visitor center before starting the hike to avoid a steep uphill return.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail is steep and can be slippery; good hiking shoes are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The uphill return hike is challenging. Stay hydrated! +1
🏊♀️ Prepare for a Cold Swim
The waterfall pool is incredibly refreshing but quite cold!
💰 Payment Methods
Tickets are 10 CUC ($10 USD). Payment might require an MLC card, but some Casa hosts can assist.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Vegas Grandes Waterfall and the invigorating swim in its cool, deep pool. The hike, while steep in parts, is considered manageable and well worth the effort for the natural spectacle. Some find the ticket price and payment methods a bit confusing, and the uphill return can be challenging for those with physical limitations.
"Very nice nature walk, about 1.5 hours from the main road, for good wolkers. The waterfall and the lake are just amazing! You have to buy a ticket first in the visitor information center, otherwise you'll have to walk all the way back to buy them and return. The walk back is very steep uphill walk so take lots of water."
Nitsan Yakir
"Uri our guide was very patient with two unfit 60 year olds the way down to the waterfall is very steep but well maintained the waterfall is stunning and the water was refreshing and cool but the way back up was very steep
Please be warned if you have heart or lung conditions this is not for you"
Kevin Sullivan
"Beautiful waterfall! You have to buy a ticket at the visiting center, the price is 10 cuc per person. It's a nice hike to the waterfall but the way back is a little challenging. It's possible to take a swim in the lake, but the water is really cold!
The road to the visiting center is also beautiful with lots of view points!"
Merel Boontje
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to drive or take a taxi to the visitor information center in Topes de Collantes. Some tours include transportation, often in fun trucks with great views. +1
No, you'll need to park at the visitor center and hike from there. The road to the visitor center itself is scenic.
The drive offers beautiful mountain scenery and viewpoints, making the journey part of the experience.
Yes, many tours from Trinidad include transportation to Topes de Collantes and often a guided hike to the waterfall.
Yes, rental cars are an option, but be prepared for mountain roads. Ensure you have a good vehicle and know the route to the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically 10 CUC per adult and 5 CUC for children. It's essential to purchase tickets at the visitor information center. +1
Tickets must be purchased at the Cubatur office or visitor information center before starting the hike. +1
Tickets are usually paid for in CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos), equivalent to USD. Some sources mention MLC cards are preferred, but cash (USD) might be accepted through local arrangements.
Yes, children typically receive a discounted ticket price, often around 5 CUC.
No, you must buy tickets at the visitor center. Attempting to buy them at the trailhead will likely result in being sent back.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
It's a moderate hike, described as short but steep, especially on the return. The trail is well-maintained, and takes about 1.5 hours round trip for a leisurely pace. +2
Yes, many families with young children (even as young as 7) have completed the hike without major issues, though it requires some stamina.
Absolutely! The pool at the base of the waterfall is deep (around 8 meters in the center) and perfect for a refreshing swim, though the water is quite cold. +1
There's a pit stop shop about 20 minutes from the falls selling cold drinks and snacks.
Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is also recommended, especially if you plan to swim.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the waterfall itself offers dramatic shots. The trail leading to it also provides opportunities for jungle and nature photography.
Visiting in the morning can help avoid the peak crowds, allowing for more unobstructed photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan to swim.
The trail itself offers various perspectives. The drive to the visitor center also has scenic overlooks worth capturing.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in Cuba. It's best to check local rules and permissions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
📸 Nature Photographers
+1 Capture the power of the waterfall, the serene beauty of the swimming pool, and the scenic mountain vistas on your way to the park. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Vegas Grandes
Despite the physical demands, the reward is immense. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the Escambray Mountains. There's even a pit stop shop about 20 minutes before reaching the falls, offering cold beverages and snacks, which can be a welcome respite.
+1Swimming in the Waterfall Pool
For a unique experience, visitors can sit on the rocks near the falls to enjoy a natural 'waterfall shower.' The water is consistently described as clean and safe for swimming.
Navigating Tickets and Payments
The standard ticket price is 10 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos), which is equivalent to 10 USD. While some reviews mention that payment might ideally be made with an MLC card, it's common for visitors to pay in USD cash. Some travelers have found success by having their Casa host facilitate the payment using their own Cuban credit card, with the visitor then reimbursing the host in USD.
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