It is located in a small town of the same name, with about 3,200 inhabitants, nestled in a beautiful valley stretching from the southern slope of the Sierra de los Órganos. The range rises abruptly in marvelous contrast with the gentle tranquility and delightful silence that envelop this area, which belongs to the municipality of Los Palacios, in Pinar del Río, the westernmost of our provinces. It is situated 130 km from Havana, 50 km from Pinar del Río, Viñales, and Soroa, 40 km from the northern coast, and 35 km from the southern coast. The site has easy road access, whether through the old and narrow Central Highway or the modern and spacious highway that runs for long stretches through the provincial capital and the nation’s capital, from where the Thermal Center can be reached by car in just under two hours.
This typical little town of the region, surrounded by large forested areas with preserved native fauna, has a rich thermal tradition and an average annual temperature of 23–24 °C. Just 3 km away lies La Güira National Park, and a little further, 9 km away, the picturesque lodging site Las Cabañas Los Pinos. Nearby is the Cueva de Los Portales, where the headquarters of the Heroic Guerrilla Fighter, Commander Ernesto “Che” Guevara, was located during the October Crisis.
Natural resources available:
- Waters: With a total mineralization of 2.05–2.20 grams per liter, classified as calcium-sulfated, sulfurous, fluoridated, silicic, thermal, and mildly radioactive. Their temperatures range from 30 to 40 °C, with a reserve volume from 933.0 cubic meters per day (10.7 liters per second, category A) to 778.0 cubic meters per day (9.0 liters per second, category C2), ensuring a minimum utilization period of 25 years. These waters are sourced from three springs: La Gallina, El Templado, and El Tigre.
- Peloids: Classified as sulfurous with a coastal origin, High-Mantle Silt type, meeting the physicochemical and bacteriological requirements of national standards. The reserve is sufficient for more than 25 years.
- Musculoskeletal disorders (rheumatic processes, osteoarthritis, gonarthrosis, etc.)
- Gastrointestinal disorders (peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, constipation, etc.)
- Dermatological conditions (eczema, urticaria, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.)
- Genitourinary disorders (urinary tract stones, cervicitis, nephropathies, etc.)
- Prophylaxis for workers exposed to high risk
- Physical and mental exhaustion (overwork, tension, stress, etc.)
The Thermal Health Unit has a functional structure, qualified medical and technical staff, and appropriate and sufficient equipment for the physiotherapeutic and hydrothermal services it provides.
Medical services offered:
- Specialized Medical Consultations in Physiotherapy
- Balneotherapy: 8 collective pools, 27 private baths, 2 rest halls. Bathing capacity: 800 patients.
- Mud therapy (Peloidotherapy): 2 departments (male and female), with treatment capacity for 30 patients per day.
- Mechanotherapy: 5 cubicles with equipment, 1 gym, and mechanotherapy areas with treatment capacity for 200 patients per day.
- Steam baths: 8 cabins with treatment capacity for 100 patients per day.
- Hydrotherapy: 7 cubicles with corresponding equipment, treatment capacity for 60 patients per day.
- Department of Natural and Traditional Medicine: 4 cubicles with corresponding equipment, treatment capacity for 20 patients per day.
- Dispensary – Pharmacy: Preparation of creams, ointments, and other products made from natural resources (water, mud, plants).
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory.
- Podiatry.
- Dentistry and prosthetics.
- Department of body and facial massages.
- Nursing Department.
Food services area: Restaurants are located within each of the accommodation areas. The Health Unit also has a cafeteria offering light meals.