"LOMAS DE BANAO ECOLOGICAL RESERVE" Hiking Tour

"LOMAS DE BANAO ECOLOGICAL RESERVE" Hiking Tour

Lomas de Banao is a protected area of national significance due to the high degree of conservation of the ecosystems that harbor a large number of local endemics. Important populations of fauna find refuge in them such as the Parrot and the Catey. They are characterized by their beautiful intramontane valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and especially, by their relief with summits in the form of domes, due to the development of the karst phenomena that take place in the area. To date, more than 900 species of plants have been reported. It is considered a classic location for botanical collections for researchers of Cuban flora. Among its forests you can find precious and exotic woods such as cedar, mahogany, yellow júcaro, walnut, ebony and jiquí. Among the species there are more than 150 endemic Cuban species. Among them are some typical of Banao. It is an excellent place to show different ecological processes. It also stands out the high endemism of amphibians and reptiles and fossil remains of monkeys and sloths exclusive of Cuba have been found. The Banao-La Sabina trail allows the visitor to walk or rent a mule to get to a beautiful wooden house that is a comfortable lodge. There are signposts and interpretive signs in the area with this seeks to preserve and maintain biodiversity and natural, historical and cultural resources that coexist with the presence of archaeological sites such as the Cueva del Purial, the Grotto of Jarico II or Farallones del Garrote.

Itinerary

• The trail starts at the Jarico ecological station, after visiting the interpretative center where you will receive general information about the area.
• Through a beautiful environment, a 5.2 km. long trail under the shade of the tropical forest in most of it, in which stand out for its beauty the Banao River, whose waters invite you to swim, the ruins of old houses, the foliage of arborescent ferns and the delight of the singing of endemic and native birds. The expectation of beautiful views from the slopes of the mountains or the trail will accompany you during the tour, until you reach the La Sabina Biological Station.
• Lunch is included.
• Mule ride (optional).

General Information:

• Maximum Park Capacity per group: 15 visitors.
• Minimum capacity of the park per group: 3 visitors.
• Length: 5200 mts.
• Degree of difficulty: High.
• Local eco-guide assistance.

Assistance, rescue and evacuation.

First aid provided by: eco guides and park staff.
Medical Assistance Center: Banao Polyclinic. Transfer to the Medical Assistance Center: In their own means of transportation to the park.