Hacienda La Esperanza

Hacienda La Esperanza is a former 19th-century sugar plantation, now the largest nature reserve on the north coast, cared for by Para la Naturaleza. It protects limestone hills (mogotes), grassland, wetlands, beaches and the mouth of the Río Grande de Manatí.

The restored historic compound keeps the only steam-powered sugar mill engine of its kind in the world. Visitors can walk the reserve's trails on their own; Para la Naturaleza's guided walks are optional and booked by phone.