Highlights of Complejo Turístico Las Terrazas
January 7, 2013 at Rancho Curujey Restaurant and Visitor Center
Summary: Complejo Turístico Las Terrazas (Tourist Complex of Las Terrazas) is located just an hours drive from Havana in the Sierra del Rosario Mountain Range, in the Pinar del Rio province. The population of the community is around 1200 people and their main purpose is to maintain and cultivate a self-supporting sustainable ecotourism settlement. The story of Las Terrazas is amazing. The land itself covers 5,000 hectares or 12,355 acres in a narrow valley that includes lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
Comments: Back in the late 18th century French settlers fleeing revolution in Haiti came to inhabit the area. They tried without much success to grow coffee. Their methods consisted of clear-cutting which led to significant erosion of the surrounding hillsides. Along with erosion of the land, the campesinos (local farmers) were harvesting the forest for timber to make charcoal, eventually deforesting the entire region.
By the 20th century, the area was the poorest in the province, both economically and ecologically. In 1967, within the revolution's first decade, the government sponsored a massive reforestation effort, enlisting local companies to plant 10 million trees across 5,000 hectares. Terraces were constructed every ten meters to help avoid erosion, and teak, mahogany, ironwood, pine, royal palms and hibiscus trees were planted along with endemic species. These efforts were so successful UNESCO designated the area a biosphere reserve; the Sierra Del Rosario Biosphere Reserve (the mountain range Las Terrazas is located in) is now rich in flora and fauna.
In the early 1990's, then Minister of Tourism Osmany Cienfuegos (brother of the late revolutionary hero Camilo) recognized both the area's ecological draw as a tourist destination and ecolodge's revenues were a close fit with the community goals. After an extensive consultation with local residents $6 million in government funds were allocated to build the Hotel Moka, located midway between the community and the biosphere. Mr. Cienfuegos conceived Las Terrazas community as a miniature city, with basic facilities for urban functioning and an architectural style based on the harmonization of buildings with the landscape.
When the community was envisioned the local people of the area were asked to join. If they did they could move into the Las Terrazas community housing and enjoy education, healthcare, childcare and other essential public services. Professionals were also brought in, including teachers, healthcare workers, etc., and many have chosen to join and stay in the community.
Daniel spoke English fluently and has worked at the site for over 15 years. He was also knowledgeable of the area's flora and fauna. Some of the highlights of our visit:
References:
Stewart, E. (2003). BEST Community Profile: Las Terrazas Complejo Turistico. Retrieved 1 15, 2013, from BEST Education Network: http://www.besteducationnetwork.org/_bestCase/communityProfile_lasTerrazas.pdf
Summary: Complejo Turístico Las Terrazas (Tourist Complex of Las Terrazas) is located just an hours drive from Havana in the Sierra del Rosario Mountain Range, in the Pinar del Rio province. The population of the community is around 1200 people and their main purpose is to maintain and cultivate a self-supporting sustainable ecotourism settlement. The story of Las Terrazas is amazing. The land itself covers 5,000 hectares or 12,355 acres in a narrow valley that includes lakes, rivers, and waterfalls.
Comments: Back in the late 18th century French settlers fleeing revolution in Haiti came to inhabit the area. They tried without much success to grow coffee. Their methods consisted of clear-cutting which led to significant erosion of the surrounding hillsides. Along with erosion of the land, the campesinos (local farmers) were harvesting the forest for timber to make charcoal, eventually deforesting the entire region.
By the 20th century, the area was the poorest in the province, both economically and ecologically. In 1967, within the revolution's first decade, the government sponsored a massive reforestation effort, enlisting local companies to plant 10 million trees across 5,000 hectares. Terraces were constructed every ten meters to help avoid erosion, and teak, mahogany, ironwood, pine, royal palms and hibiscus trees were planted along with endemic species. These efforts were so successful UNESCO designated the area a biosphere reserve; the Sierra Del Rosario Biosphere Reserve (the mountain range Las Terrazas is located in) is now rich in flora and fauna.
In the early 1990's, then Minister of Tourism Osmany Cienfuegos (brother of the late revolutionary hero Camilo) recognized both the area's ecological draw as a tourist destination and ecolodge's revenues were a close fit with the community goals. After an extensive consultation with local residents $6 million in government funds were allocated to build the Hotel Moka, located midway between the community and the biosphere. Mr. Cienfuegos conceived Las Terrazas community as a miniature city, with basic facilities for urban functioning and an architectural style based on the harmonization of buildings with the landscape.
When the community was envisioned the local people of the area were asked to join. If they did they could move into the Las Terrazas community housing and enjoy education, healthcare, childcare and other essential public services. Professionals were also brought in, including teachers, healthcare workers, etc., and many have chosen to join and stay in the community.
Daniel spoke English fluently and has worked at the site for over 15 years. He was also knowledgeable of the area's flora and fauna. Some of the highlights of our visit:
- On arrival we were introduced to an orange-flavored welcome drink of rum and coke (a Cuba Libre).
- We listened to a band called ALABAO while we enjoyed our Cuba Libres and watch our guide Tati dance with Daniel.
- We visited Lester Campa's art studio; his work has been exhibited in galleries around the world. We also visited Polo Montañez house (Casa De Polo). Polo Montañez was a famous Cuban musician whose music reflected the sounds of the countryside. He and his music were loved by everyone.
- We had lunch at El Romero, an organic vegetarian restaurant. Afterwards we had coffee at the Patio de Maria where we learned the secret of how to get Che's image floating on the foam. (Stenciled)
- We drove by the La Plaza, where there is a cinema, library and small museum. Also nearby were the schools, community center and health clinic.
- We visited the Buenavista, a refurbished example of a coffee plantation. From the front yard, on a clear day, you can see the Caribbean Sea. This area between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean is the narrowest strip of land in Cuba (31 km. wide).
References:
Stewart, E. (2003). BEST Community Profile: Las Terrazas Complejo Turistico. Retrieved 1 15, 2013, from BEST Education Network: http://www.besteducationnetwork.org/_bestCase/communityProfile_lasTerrazas.pdf
