The national park has several tourist areas.
villa guajimico
Though not in the national park, this resort for Cubans is close by. The resort is on the coast, at the mouth of the RÃo La JutÃa. 51 nice cabins are available, a good restaurant, and a salt-water swimming pool. There's a hiking trail to a nearby cave, and the trail continues through a forest with crabs under every rock. Villa Guajimico is about halfway between Cienfuegos and Trinidad.
Closer to Trinidad, Playa Ingles "English Beach" is a simple campismo for Cubans, with a decent beach but no food or showers. Even closer to Trinidad is RÃo Yaguuanabo, a more developed resort for Cubans with a large beach below an impressive bridge.
parque guanayara
According to the map, this site includes "canyoning cascades," as well as the Cascada El RocÃo waterfall, swimming, hiking trails, camping, and a restaurant.
parque codina
This is near the Parque Altiplano. A restaurant serves tour groups. There are hiking trails to waterfalls, caves, and viewpoints. Birdwatching and camping are also listed on the map.
parque altiplano
This is the most developed tourist site. The only hotels are here including the huge Kurhotel Escambray. There's the Museo de Arte Cubano Contemparano "Museum of Contemporary Cuban Art"; the Casa de Café, featuring locally grown coffees; and the "Mi Retiro" restaurant.
The 7-kilometer roundtrip hike to the 75-meter Salto de Caburnà "Caburnà Falls" is well worth the effort 6.50 CUC fee at the gate. You can swim in the large pool below the falls. The trail starts east of the Kurhotel.
Another good hike is the Sendero La Batata, which is about six kilometers roundtrip to a cave with an underground creek. You can swim in the cave. Bring sandals for climbing around in the cave, unless the soles of your feet are tough! The trail starts at the Casa de Café. The fee is 3.50 CUC.
Other features include the Jardin de Gigantes "Giants Garden" and a short hike to Salto Vega Grande "Vega Grande Falls'.
parque el nicho
El Nicho is a beautiful series of waterfalls and clear blue pools. The drive from Cienfuegos is one to two hours each way. The road is good to Crucecitas, and after that it's OK if you drive slowly. There's a bus from Cienfuegos. El Nicho can be popular, especially in the summer. Don't expect solitude. The entrance fee is 5 CUC. You can hike along the creek above the waterfalls. Horseback riding is also offered. A restaurant serves meals.
parque el cubano
This site is the closest to Trinidad. According to the map, this site has a waterfall, swimming, camping, birdwatching, horseback riding, and a restaurant. A trail goes to the Mirador de Caribe, which is on the road to Topos de Collantes.
embalse hanabanilla
This large reservoir is on the north side of the national park. The nearest town is Manicaragua.
The Hotel Hanabanilla offers hiking, horseback riding, boating, and fishing. The hotel is popular with Cubans; few Europeans or North Americans stay there.