Las Terrazas, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Sierra del Rosario, Cuba.
Las Terrazas is a protected area in the Sierra del Rosario mountains, located about 75 kilometers west of Havana, with a residential community embedded in the landscape. Dense forests containing millions of trees blanket the hills and form the natural foundation of this human settlement.
The area was transformed in 1968 through a large-scale reforestation effort that restored mountains damaged by centuries of colonial-era logging. This replanting program reversed the degradation and returned the landscape to forest.
Local artists and craftspeople draw inspiration from the forest and landscape that surrounds them. Their studios showcase work rooted in nature, creating a connection between creativity and the environment.
The area offers several hiking routes for exploring the forested mountains and hillsides. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are advisable, as trails can be steep and conditions are humid throughout the year.
Scattered across the land are ruins of 19th-century coffee estates, such as Cafetal Buenavista established in the early 1800s. These remnants tell of the region's agricultural past before the forest was restored.
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