A necessary introduction
the author and two adventurers
collar stops
Geographical briefs of the recreational place
my wife and a friend
When I taught Physical Geography of Cuba I explained the characteristics of the relief of this mountainous group, but I did it from a map and the knowledge of the color scale and its different meanings, but there is nothing compared to being in the place.
Topes de Collantes is located in the Sierra del Escambray and is a Natural Park, with a mountainous relief, a pleasant climate and numerous waterfalls, cascades and very beautiful natural landscapes that make the place a wonder of nature. Its irregular relief makes the road to get there dangerous, but once there you are in paradise or at least that's what we think.
Our house for the weekend
Los Pinos hotel
the five adventurers
When we arrived we already knew that we would be staying at the Hotel Los Pinos. It is not that we had luxurious rooms, but we had all the comforts to spend the best weekend outside Havana after all the pains of these years of forced confinement.
Places and recreational activities
ready for a bolo shot
checkers and billiards
We had several options to spend an incredible stay, since we had billiards, bowling, swimming pool, disco, trips to the beach and the river, among other recreational activities and varied gastronomic offers.
something to nibble
Faced with all this variety, each one of us chose what we should prioritize. I don't know how we did it, but we did everything.
I must say that I had never played bowling, let alone billiards.
In this place we had teachers who gave us the basic elements of the games and we rented the bowling lane and one of the pool tables and let's play. I must say that I left being a good bowler and a bad pool player.
To give you an idea: A family that was staying with us challenged us in a bowling competition and whoever lost paid for the other family's beer and we beat them. In my case I made 4 perfect shots. In the case of billiards I didn't beat anything or anyone, but I still had fun and enjoyed myself.
Between games and tiredness
the pool
refreshing
One of the most popular places is the indoor swimming pool. It must be because of the shape of the relief of Topes de Collantes and because it has a microclimate, rain is very frequent throughout the year and perhaps for that reason they decided to cover it. The truth is that after several games of bowling and billiards we refreshed ourselves with beer and pool. So much enjoyment and good vibes.
Excursions
on the way to the excursion
surfing
tour
One of the novelties and the best of the recreational package are the excursions. This is vital because otherwise you would stay in the hotel and miss the wonders of the area. These days we traveled to an excursion called Mar y Tierra, we visited the "Los Almendros" cave center, we went to the "Mirador de Topes", a true marvel from where you can see the municipality of Trinidad, we visited other recreational facilities in the area, among other activities.
Final reflection
The author
They were three hectic, full, healthy days. It is true that we got tired because our ages and our sedentary lives have taken us away from physical exercises; but we are already thinking about having a new adventure in this place that beyond its rural aspect and being far from the big cities, it offers us a natural beauty and a great variety of cultural and recreational offers.
I never thought that time would go by so fast and I never imagined that by choosing this recreational trip we would be so grateful for it. I enjoyed watching my wife and friends enjoy themselves, we had a new honeymoon much more healthy and natural because of the geographical context, but, above all, our friendship was consolidated.
I can only hope that whoever has read this has had as much fun as we did, although it is difficult to surpass the moments of love and emotions lived in these days of adventure with nature.
Note: all photos were taken with my Samsung J2.
