Hanabanilla Lake

Hanabanilla is the reservoir behind a hydroelectric dam in the northern Escambray, a long body of water winding between forested hills, with a single hotel on its shore. Boats run from the hotel jetty to trailheads around the lake: the Salto del Hanabanilla waterfall, a viewpoint above the water, and the Casa del Campesino, a farmhouse where lunch is served on a terrace above the lake. The mountains here are green and steep and the lake is quiet enough that the boat engine is usually the loudest thing on it.

What you actually see

• The reservoir - deep water winding between forested Escambray hills.
• The Hanabanilla waterfall - reached by boat and then a walk up through forest.
• The Casa del Campesino - a hillside farm serving lunch above the water.
• The viewpoints - trails from the shore up to points looking down the length of the lake.

When to go

November to April is the drier season and the best for walking. The waterfall carries more water from May to October, when the trails are muddier. Mornings are calmest on the lake.

Honest expectations

The one hotel is dated and the food is basic. Boat trips are priced per group and are expensive for a couple. Trails are unmarked and a guide is effectively required, arranged at the hotel.

Nearby

Santa Clara is north, and the Topes de Collantes road runs south through the Escambray.