Jumping off a cliff at Javira Waterfall wasn’t originally part of my travel plans, but this oasis was my favorite place in Cuba!
A few Austrians I met in Trinidad invited me to tag along on a day trip to a waterfall. We couldn’t find the waterfall they had planned to visit, so we opted for a closer one. The night before, they had met a local man who was selling drinks by the stairs outside Casa de la Musica. He recommended they visit Javira Waterfall in Parque El Cubano.
We found the entrance to Parque El Cubano and paid 10 CUC (which equals $10) to enter the park. We began the beautiful 3-3.5 km hike. The hike starts with crossing a swaying wooden bridge over a stream.
Twice more we crossed streams by hanging onto a rope and maneuvering across rocks.
Most of the hike follows the river while under the shade of the surrounding trees. We approached our destination and were first met with the view of a clear pool of water. We climbed the rocky terrain rising up along the pool until the waterfall was in sight. The waterfall wasn’t as impressive as the photo of it at the entrance due to decreased water flow, but we had been warned before paying our entrance fee that it was the dry season. It was still beautiful.
We were told that it was possible to jump from the edge of the cliff into the pool of water. After a local who seemed to be in charge reassured us of its safety, the first of our group took the plunge. Once I saw the proof that it was deep enough, I somehow managed to convince myself to jump. As soon as I did, fear took hold. I closed my eyes and fell for what seemed like forever. Finally I entered the chilly water, met with a sharp sting across my left thigh. I surfaced and realized I had survived the fall. I would later develop a bruise that covered half my leg since I entered the water a bit lopsided. Despite the blue-green bruise that would remain with me the rest of the trip, I am glad I summoned enough courage to jump. However, I do not think I ever need to do it again!
Once in the water, I realized how incredible this place was. The best part was swimming into the cave behind the waterfall. Inside, the icicle shaped stalactites drip water all around you and bats fly in and out of the dim light towards the top of the cave. This may sound unnerving, but the cave ceiling was high and the bats were distant enough to not feel like any sort of threat. The dripping water and bats created an unreal, mystical sense. Along the left entrance of the cave, rock formations are available to rest upon. We spent an hour or two swimming, then found a comfortable place along the cliff to relax to the peaceful sound of cascading water.
After one last dip in the refreshingly cool water, we hiked back to the car. This was my favorite place I experienced in Cuba. If you are in Trinidad, I strongly recommend treating yourself to a relaxing afternoon here! I would love to visit it again.
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