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Environment
Once the National Park of Sierra del Rosario, Las Terrazas was declared a UNESCO site and a reforestation project was introduced in 1968. The soil had been destroyed by `slash and burn’ style farming and desperately needed to be replanted. The project was carried out by the local community, who were taught about alternative, sustainable farming methods, during which they lived in houses built for them in the 1970s. 30 years ago a hotel was built in Las Terrazas to help generate funds and awareness of the project. The hotel is called La Moka. La Moka provides employment for the inhabitants of Las Terrazas and assists where possible to protect and preserve this beautiful biosphere. By staying at La Moka, you will be helping the community by directly funding this community project. You also have the opportunity to eat in one of the local family run restaurants.
La Moka however, is not just a centre for community tourism, the wildlife and surroundings are breathtaking. on our Cuba holidays you can spot up to 83 species of bird on a single track of road or chose to swim in beautiful waterfalls. Don’t expect a rustic lodge – La Moka is very smart and contemporary- although it has a magnificent tree growing through the reception!
Community
In Vinales, Pinar del Rio, tobacco and sugar cane plantations provide the valley with a green, fertile carpet and a base from where `agrotourism’ flourishes. Sadly the tobacco plantations can fall foul to the elements, such as heavy rains and winds which can hit Cuba during their late summer. It’s a hard life anyway, but during these times local farmers and their families suffer financially so many rely on tourist activities to supplement their incomes. We recommend you visit a plantation in this area.
As we know Cuba so well, we recommend Cuban ‘paladars’ to our Cuba holidays, tailor made clients, which are family run restaurants, generally in the home, serving fresh, local produce at very reasonable prices. Often they’re hard to find as they have no name above the door but our experts will be able to recommend one or two before you set off. The food is superior to that of most restaurants in the country (especially in Trinidad! ) and the experience will give you a chance to interact with Cubans in their own homes. Although the government will still claim taxes from the owners, your visit will help go some way to providing them with funds to buy essentials and the day to day things we often take for granted such as medicine and furniture.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
