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Three mountain ranges or
‘alturas’ shape the landscapes and influence the climate, life
and agriculture of Cuba. In western Cuba, the Cordillera de
Guaniguanico with the low mountain ranges of Sierra de los
Órganos and Sierra del Rosario overlook Pinar del Rio Province.
The low mountain range (with El Salon Peak 563 meters and Pan
de Guajaibon, 692 meters) unfolds before the eyes with its lush
valleys, flat surfaced land and gorges. Amidst the western Cuban
heights is Vinales Valley. In west-central Cuba, stands the
Sierra del Escambray uprising from the coast towards eastern
Cuba. This mountain chain extends to the eastern Province of
Cienfuegos and the neighbouring Villa Clara Province to end in
the Santi Spiritus Province. A cool climate prevails in the
highlands. The mist around the tops of the mountains gives an
enchanting atmosphere to the surrounding environment. The third
mountain range is made up of the Sierra Maestra, Cuchillas del
Toa, Sierra de Purisa and Sierra de Cristal. Sierra Maestra in
the southeast of Cuba starts from the coast from Cabo Cruz
towards Guantanamo Bay then merges with the other ranges to rule
over the provinces of Granma, Santiago, Guantanamo and Holgin
Provinces. The Nipe plateau stands in between the Sierra Maestra
and the other mountain ranges. |
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