Sierra Maestra
Sierra Maestra
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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4.5
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jimmycan
London, Canada112 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
Comandancia de la Plata is Fidel's rebel camp hidden in the Sierra Maestra and now a tourist site. I wanted to write this for anyone heading down to Eastern Cuba and interested in visiting this amazing place. I had a lot of trouble getting any information on tours here previous to going to cuba but our travel rep in Santiago was able to arrange it for us. We were staying just outside Santiago and the tour company we used was called Eco Tours based out of Santiago. We did the full one day trip leaving at 5:00 am but there is an overnight trip available as well. Our guides picked us up by jeep and travelled the 3 hours north of the Sierra Maestra to Bayamo then pack down south again into the mountains to the village at the base of the mountains called Santo Domingo. There is a beautiful hotel there gate of Tourquino National park. Many people stay over night since travelling from Santiago or Holguin is roughly 3 hours each way. The hotel looked very nice. Rustic but clean with beautiful views and a small river running beside it. There is a nice little restaurant there as well where we had lunch. Our guides drove us from Santo Domingo up a steep road to the beginning of the trail to the camp. There is a parking lot there where taxis and guides wait with their cars. From there you can either take a trail to Pico Tourquino or La Comandancia. We went to Fidel's camp with a park guide. The trail is 3 km long each way and is worth thr trip by itself with this stunning views. The camp itslef is spread out and made up of about 7 or 8 small buildings including Fidels private Casa. I will try to add some pictures as well.
I can't recommend this tour enough. The only thing I would recommend is to make sure you are prepared for the trip. The trail itself isn't a super hard hike but it is uphill and the terrain is rocky or muddy at times. I am mentioning this because we came across one person who had food poising the day before and still tried the climb and ended up collapsing. We also left at the same time as two older ladies who for some reason came wearing sandals. Needless to say that we completed the full hike and were half way back when we came across them struggling to get up. If you have hiking boots great but we just used our running shoes and were fine. The trail is somewhat cooler too because of the tree cover and altitude but we did build up a good sweat with it.
Anyways I can't recommend this enough. I have been to Cuba multiple times and visited different areas and this was probably the highlight of everything so far.
I can't recommend this tour enough. The only thing I would recommend is to make sure you are prepared for the trip. The trail itself isn't a super hard hike but it is uphill and the terrain is rocky or muddy at times. I am mentioning this because we came across one person who had food poising the day before and still tried the climb and ended up collapsing. We also left at the same time as two older ladies who for some reason came wearing sandals. Needless to say that we completed the full hike and were half way back when we came across them struggling to get up. If you have hiking boots great but we just used our running shoes and were fine. The trail is somewhat cooler too because of the tree cover and altitude but we did build up a good sweat with it.
Anyways I can't recommend this enough. I have been to Cuba multiple times and visited different areas and this was probably the highlight of everything so far.
Written 31 January 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trekker416
Toronto, Canada16 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
TREKKING PICO TURQUINO
We climbed Pico Turquino, highest Cuban peak (elevation 1974 m) in the Sierra Maestra Mountains, as part of our two week trip to Marea del Portillo, an all-inclusive resort in the Manzanillo area on the cost of the Caribbean in February 2017.
You can attempt the summit either via the north or via south route. We decided to ascend from the north starting at Santo Domingo and descend via south trail to Las Cuevas.
We contacted Anley, a tour agent in Bayamo, to get transportation from the hotel to Santo Domingo, book a guide, park entrance, etc. The cab, an old Ford, picked up the two of us just after 5 a.m. at the hotel and we arrived at Santo Domingo around 8:30 a.m. (cost $100 CUC). There are a few park buildings with a neat bar among them, and with no coffee at the hotel (too early) an espresso here was exhilarating. We were met by Oscar, an English-speaking guide, and a four-wheel took us to Alto Naranjo in a steep 15 min ride. At the entrance to the park there was an unobtrusive quick check of the car and its passengers by a guard at the gate. You must have a guide accompanying you in the park, no options. Park’s entrance closes at 10 a.m.
Alto Naranjo is the terminal destination for a motor vehicle. Here you chose out of two trails - either hike to La Comandancia, Fidel’s hideout (approx. 6 km both ways, which can be done in 3 hrs, easy hike), or start right away towards Pico Turquino.
We did La Comandancia first (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) with Oscar. Good hike, beautiful views, interesting history behind the guerillas’ life in the camp. The trail is easy, good for beginners, or even those over 60. After the hike was done (paid 170 CUS to Oscar for two of us: fees for Anley, the Bayamo travel agent, entrance fees to the park, both guides, overnight stay at camp Joaquin, dinner and snacks). Oscar handed us over to another guide, Raul, who would be our good shepherd (no English on his part, no Spanish on this end) for the next day and a half.
The plan was to reach the camp before it gets dark and we did it (8 km in 6 hrs). The trail is well maintained and well-marked. Breathtaking views, great flora. After completing a hike in the morning already, the trail seemed challenging in places with steep climbs. We found it difficult overall (we are both in our early 50-ies, both in decent shape, although no serious trekking experience).
Camp Joaquin is a very basic accommodation. Dinner, prepared by two guys in the hut, was simple but tasty, and we’ve never tasted a better mint tea in our lives. There is a shower cabin with a bucket for water, and a washroom with another bucket. Bunk beds in the cabin have mattresses, nothing else. You will need warmer clothes (long sleeves, pants) as it can get quite chilly at night (14-15°C in February). Depending on your preference, you may take a light sleeping bag or a light blanket, a flashlight will definitely be helpful as well.
We left before sunrise for our final leg to the Pico Turquino. The climb is quite steep to peak of Joaquin, and difficult for the early morning hours – with an 8 kg backpack with water, etc. on my back, we had to stop quite a few times to catch our breath. At one point we had to use wooden ladders to get up and through. However the path was well trailed, dry and offered majestic views. We reached the Turquino in just over 3.5 hours of an up and down hike. Turquino summit, with a lonely bust of José Martì welcoming you at the flat top, is woody and does not open any views. After a short 30 min break and snack we started our six hour descent to the Caribbean side of the mountains to the village of Las Cuevas. It is a long (approx. 10 km) but smooth walk down, sometimes quite challenging for your legs. You pass Pico Cuba, about an hour from the Pico Turquino. Beautiful scenery along the way!
We have prearranged a cab to take us to the hotel from Las Cuevas (30 CUC). That drive along the ocean is a story in itself.
Tips:
- be in shape for the climb;
- drinking water is available in Santo Domingo, and the camp Joaquin;
- warm clothes for the night;
- tip the guides - their work is not easy.
We climbed Pico Turquino, highest Cuban peak (elevation 1974 m) in the Sierra Maestra Mountains, as part of our two week trip to Marea del Portillo, an all-inclusive resort in the Manzanillo area on the cost of the Caribbean in February 2017.
You can attempt the summit either via the north or via south route. We decided to ascend from the north starting at Santo Domingo and descend via south trail to Las Cuevas.
We contacted Anley, a tour agent in Bayamo, to get transportation from the hotel to Santo Domingo, book a guide, park entrance, etc. The cab, an old Ford, picked up the two of us just after 5 a.m. at the hotel and we arrived at Santo Domingo around 8:30 a.m. (cost $100 CUC). There are a few park buildings with a neat bar among them, and with no coffee at the hotel (too early) an espresso here was exhilarating. We were met by Oscar, an English-speaking guide, and a four-wheel took us to Alto Naranjo in a steep 15 min ride. At the entrance to the park there was an unobtrusive quick check of the car and its passengers by a guard at the gate. You must have a guide accompanying you in the park, no options. Park’s entrance closes at 10 a.m.
Alto Naranjo is the terminal destination for a motor vehicle. Here you chose out of two trails - either hike to La Comandancia, Fidel’s hideout (approx. 6 km both ways, which can be done in 3 hrs, easy hike), or start right away towards Pico Turquino.
We did La Comandancia first (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) with Oscar. Good hike, beautiful views, interesting history behind the guerillas’ life in the camp. The trail is easy, good for beginners, or even those over 60. After the hike was done (paid 170 CUS to Oscar for two of us: fees for Anley, the Bayamo travel agent, entrance fees to the park, both guides, overnight stay at camp Joaquin, dinner and snacks). Oscar handed us over to another guide, Raul, who would be our good shepherd (no English on his part, no Spanish on this end) for the next day and a half.
The plan was to reach the camp before it gets dark and we did it (8 km in 6 hrs). The trail is well maintained and well-marked. Breathtaking views, great flora. After completing a hike in the morning already, the trail seemed challenging in places with steep climbs. We found it difficult overall (we are both in our early 50-ies, both in decent shape, although no serious trekking experience).
Camp Joaquin is a very basic accommodation. Dinner, prepared by two guys in the hut, was simple but tasty, and we’ve never tasted a better mint tea in our lives. There is a shower cabin with a bucket for water, and a washroom with another bucket. Bunk beds in the cabin have mattresses, nothing else. You will need warmer clothes (long sleeves, pants) as it can get quite chilly at night (14-15°C in February). Depending on your preference, you may take a light sleeping bag or a light blanket, a flashlight will definitely be helpful as well.
We left before sunrise for our final leg to the Pico Turquino. The climb is quite steep to peak of Joaquin, and difficult for the early morning hours – with an 8 kg backpack with water, etc. on my back, we had to stop quite a few times to catch our breath. At one point we had to use wooden ladders to get up and through. However the path was well trailed, dry and offered majestic views. We reached the Turquino in just over 3.5 hours of an up and down hike. Turquino summit, with a lonely bust of José Martì welcoming you at the flat top, is woody and does not open any views. After a short 30 min break and snack we started our six hour descent to the Caribbean side of the mountains to the village of Las Cuevas. It is a long (approx. 10 km) but smooth walk down, sometimes quite challenging for your legs. You pass Pico Cuba, about an hour from the Pico Turquino. Beautiful scenery along the way!
We have prearranged a cab to take us to the hotel from Las Cuevas (30 CUC). That drive along the ocean is a story in itself.
Tips:
- be in shape for the climb;
- drinking water is available in Santo Domingo, and the camp Joaquin;
- warm clothes for the night;
- tip the guides - their work is not easy.
Written 14 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lizmar
devon19 contributions
We have just returned from our second visit to this wonderful country. Each visit started with a tour of this beautiful island. Our first visit 6 years ago we covered the west side of Cuba. I still have special memories of what we saw and the people we met 'step back in time' springs to mind, not history way back, as we might expect but approximately 50 years.
This time we explored the east of Cuba and again time has stood still, we had a superb guide with us Daniel, i could write reams about our tour but i will give a brief resume about the begining and highlight the best part for me personally.
Our journey started covering ,miles of dirt track road meeting mainly horseback riders- a common form of transport. We ended up in a pine forest staying in log huts it was so tranquil, basic but perfect, sadly we with our friends were the only guests while we were there.
From there we did travel round the area seeing plantations, waterfalls, all stunning scenery. We also visited an amazing ecological area with rainforest, jungle and pineforest withing walking distance of each other. I could go on forever but i must tell you of the highlight of this tour.
The history of Cuba and its revolution is something that i have read much on including Che Guavarras works. We stayed at Santa Domingo which at one time was a farm which the revolutioneries used as a meeting point, it is now accommodation for travellers. From there we were transported up some rather tight hairpin bends, better then any fairground ride. We then took the trail to La Plata where Fidel Castro and Che Guavarra had there hide out in the Sierra Maestra mountains. What an experience this was the scenery was breathtaking (as well as the hike) but i am the youngest of our group of 4 at 61. We eventually arrived at the first hut which was Che's medical hut where he treated the farmers that helped them and the revolutionary fighters. For those who dont know Che Guavarra was a doctor from Argentina.
We ventured further and came across more huts and also a grave of one of the fighters,We eventually arrived at Casa Fidel which was Fidel Castros hut. Its hard to believe how hard these men worked making their base from the raw materials around them as to transporting all there equipment up that mountain heaven only knows how they did it.
There is so much i could say about this journey but this is not the place for a novel. The best way to sum up is to explain moments on my travels that have made me aware of my emotions. These have been seeing the Taj Mahal and being in the Sierra Maestra mountains at La Plata.
The most ironic part of our journey was being asked if a young hitch hiker could join our group and also have a lift in one of the jeeps we went part way up the mountain in-- he was a trainee doctor from Argentina.
Please please when visitng Cuba see the real Cuba and its people not just its beaches.
This time we explored the east of Cuba and again time has stood still, we had a superb guide with us Daniel, i could write reams about our tour but i will give a brief resume about the begining and highlight the best part for me personally.
Our journey started covering ,miles of dirt track road meeting mainly horseback riders- a common form of transport. We ended up in a pine forest staying in log huts it was so tranquil, basic but perfect, sadly we with our friends were the only guests while we were there.
From there we did travel round the area seeing plantations, waterfalls, all stunning scenery. We also visited an amazing ecological area with rainforest, jungle and pineforest withing walking distance of each other. I could go on forever but i must tell you of the highlight of this tour.
The history of Cuba and its revolution is something that i have read much on including Che Guavarras works. We stayed at Santa Domingo which at one time was a farm which the revolutioneries used as a meeting point, it is now accommodation for travellers. From there we were transported up some rather tight hairpin bends, better then any fairground ride. We then took the trail to La Plata where Fidel Castro and Che Guavarra had there hide out in the Sierra Maestra mountains. What an experience this was the scenery was breathtaking (as well as the hike) but i am the youngest of our group of 4 at 61. We eventually arrived at the first hut which was Che's medical hut where he treated the farmers that helped them and the revolutionary fighters. For those who dont know Che Guavarra was a doctor from Argentina.
We ventured further and came across more huts and also a grave of one of the fighters,We eventually arrived at Casa Fidel which was Fidel Castros hut. Its hard to believe how hard these men worked making their base from the raw materials around them as to transporting all there equipment up that mountain heaven only knows how they did it.
There is so much i could say about this journey but this is not the place for a novel. The best way to sum up is to explain moments on my travels that have made me aware of my emotions. These have been seeing the Taj Mahal and being in the Sierra Maestra mountains at La Plata.
The most ironic part of our journey was being asked if a young hitch hiker could join our group and also have a lift in one of the jeeps we went part way up the mountain in-- he was a trainee doctor from Argentina.
Please please when visitng Cuba see the real Cuba and its people not just its beaches.
Written 25 June 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob W
Melbourne, Australia37 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
This tour was organised in 5 five minutes with one phone call to Anley Rosales Benitez in Bayamo. I would highly recommend his services. His details are in Lonely Planet.
We were collected from our casa at 7am as arranged by a driver and guide and began the drive of a little over 1 hour to Santo Domingo where our guide paid our park entry fees (take a passport!!) and we were transferred to a 4wd vehicle with a park guide (ours was Raul - very knowledgeable) for the accent to Alto del Naranjo.
The return walk from Alto del Naranjo to Commandancia de la Plata is not overly strenuous and our 8 year old daughter was able to complete it comfortably. Take plenty of water.
The buildings, in particular Fidels Casa, were worth the walk alone but the scenery is spectacular. This was a Cuban highlight for us.
The park guide will require a tip at the completion of the walk.
We were collected from our casa at 7am as arranged by a driver and guide and began the drive of a little over 1 hour to Santo Domingo where our guide paid our park entry fees (take a passport!!) and we were transferred to a 4wd vehicle with a park guide (ours was Raul - very knowledgeable) for the accent to Alto del Naranjo.
The return walk from Alto del Naranjo to Commandancia de la Plata is not overly strenuous and our 8 year old daughter was able to complete it comfortably. Take plenty of water.
The buildings, in particular Fidels Casa, were worth the walk alone but the scenery is spectacular. This was a Cuban highlight for us.
The park guide will require a tip at the completion of the walk.
Written 25 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
khar0lm
PARIS7 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
In november 2015, we booked a one day tour to climb the Pico Turquino from Santiago De Cuba. Ecotur organised everything for more that 130 CUC per person. The woman at the agency said everything was included: jeep to go there and go back (that will wait for us all day long), guide to go up that will talk to us about the local fauna and flora, water for the day, breakfast and picnic. She insisted the price was high because of the jeep which was very better for our safety.
We left at 4 am to be at Las Cuevas at 6 am and start the ascension (2000m ascents and 2000m of descents, 21 kilometers in total).
The ascension was nice: nice hike, even if it was not the most beautiful ever (not much view while climbing), and the sportive challenge worth it.
Nevertheless all the services sold by Ecotur were worth than mediocre:
- The driver was driving so fast in the night that he hit a dog (I can't forget this image...). That is what they mean by "safety"...
- Only 1L of water for 10 hours of hiking under 30 degrees and 100% of humidity.
- Breakfast was 20 centiliter of orange juice and a small sandwich with cheese (the one that you can buy 5 pesos cubanos in town).
- Picnic was... the same than the breakfast. For 10 hours of hiking it was more than light.
- The guide did not say a word during the wall day, only to say that the agency lied to us when they said the guide was included so he was not paid... The agency even swindles its own people!
- The driver did not wait for us and we had to wait for him 2 hours after finishing the hike.
In conclusion: if you want to do the Pico Turquino from Santiago de Cuba, just do it buy yourself. Take the camion until Las Cuevas and book yourself your guide (he will be paid). It will be a lot less expensive and you will keep more control on everything.
We left at 4 am to be at Las Cuevas at 6 am and start the ascension (2000m ascents and 2000m of descents, 21 kilometers in total).
The ascension was nice: nice hike, even if it was not the most beautiful ever (not much view while climbing), and the sportive challenge worth it.
Nevertheless all the services sold by Ecotur were worth than mediocre:
- The driver was driving so fast in the night that he hit a dog (I can't forget this image...). That is what they mean by "safety"...
- Only 1L of water for 10 hours of hiking under 30 degrees and 100% of humidity.
- Breakfast was 20 centiliter of orange juice and a small sandwich with cheese (the one that you can buy 5 pesos cubanos in town).
- Picnic was... the same than the breakfast. For 10 hours of hiking it was more than light.
- The guide did not say a word during the wall day, only to say that the agency lied to us when they said the guide was included so he was not paid... The agency even swindles its own people!
- The driver did not wait for us and we had to wait for him 2 hours after finishing the hike.
In conclusion: if you want to do the Pico Turquino from Santiago de Cuba, just do it buy yourself. Take the camion until Las Cuevas and book yourself your guide (he will be paid). It will be a lot less expensive and you will keep more control on everything.
Written 23 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paula D
London, UK357 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We took the Ecotur tour to hike the Pico Turquino in 2 days, 1 night. The tour is 172 dollars or a bit more per person which is a fortune in Cuba (it's like 8 monthly wages, you would be able to pay 8 people for a month).
The nice thing is that they pick you up with a van at 5 am where you are staying in Santiago de Cuba. A driver picked us up and drove to Villa Santo Domingo with a girl who we learned was his wife then. Villa Santo Domingo is beautiful, I would have liked to drive there and stay there for the night instead of just coming directly for the tour. It was a 3 hour trip and this guy drove like mad (he was a very nice guy, but he drove like mad). The tour includes breakfast, lunch, dinner the first day and breakfast and lunch the next day. We asked for breakfast and they gave us two small sandwiches, we asked OK are these sandwiches breakfast? And they said no it's breakfast and lunch. My boyfriend was pissed as we hadn't brought much food thinking everything was going to be included.
Anyways, we were at the door of the park at 8. The driver told us that we needed to wait for a group which arrived later to depart. He also told us that because of meat outage reasons (things that happen in Cuba) all we were going to have for dinner was "ham" and if we wanted to cancel the trip because of that. We ended up departing at 10 (at which point we thought, why did we leave at 5 then?).
The guide was very nice, we started going up then with the group of french people. The first day you hike around 4 hours to a refuge called Aguada de Joaquin. The hike was fine, it has ups and downs (not always going up). If you are reasonably fit you'll be fine. We were doing quite well so the guide let us go alone to the refuge. He also told us we were going to have lunch (contrary to what the driver said) when we arrived to the refuge. We got there at around 2 pm. We told the cook to start cooking as the group was coming behind. We had spaghetti and rice and some eggs. The spaghetti was overcooked but fine (we were hungry). After that, we were practically doing nothing the whole afternoon and realized it may had made sense to do all the hiking in one day.
We then had dinner (again rice with plantains and now pieces of ham) and went to sleep. The beds only had the sheet that covers the mattress and nothing else. We asked for blankets and used that, but some people may have had cold in other seasons of the year. Anyways, the guys working there are absolutely lovely and super friendly and lovely.
Next day we started at 5 again the guide let us go alone. We reached the peak and then started going down and met the other guide. We didn't really want a guide but you can't get rid of them I'm afraid. We went down from the other side (Las Cuevas) it's hard to get down to the other side because then you don't have a way to come back unless you have a tour like we had. Going down wasn't a physical effort because it was just going down but your knees do start to hurt a lot after some time. It was raining a bit.
We got down and were supposed to have lunch. Everyone in the house were we arrived was eating chicken and rice. Finally, some protein we thought. When food arrived it was again spaghetti with veggies and egg. We said OK they gotta be kidding...we ate and shut up. Then a group of military came down (young men, 18/19) they also ate chicken. It all seemed ridiculous.
Bottom line, overall, great experience. I loved hiking the Pico Turquino and I would do it again. What I learned is what you are paying when you are hiring Ecotur is the jeep that takes you to the National Park. All the other things it includes is what you would get for paying the 37 cuc for guide + food + refuge. So if I do it again, I would find a way of doing it without Ecotur. Again all the people who work for Ecotur, they are nice and everything but there is really nothing they can do about it. It's all controlled by the government ultimately and that's how it going to be. They also don't have an incentive to change it because they'll still receive the same wage (if they sell more tours or less or good or bad tours it's the same for them). I would prefer to pay less and maybe give that money to an entrepreneur who organizes the tour with a bit more love.
The hike is beautful. Tip: there are small ferns which you touch and they close themselves to the middle. It's magical plant called moriviví. It's normally found nearer to the base.
The nice thing is that they pick you up with a van at 5 am where you are staying in Santiago de Cuba. A driver picked us up and drove to Villa Santo Domingo with a girl who we learned was his wife then. Villa Santo Domingo is beautiful, I would have liked to drive there and stay there for the night instead of just coming directly for the tour. It was a 3 hour trip and this guy drove like mad (he was a very nice guy, but he drove like mad). The tour includes breakfast, lunch, dinner the first day and breakfast and lunch the next day. We asked for breakfast and they gave us two small sandwiches, we asked OK are these sandwiches breakfast? And they said no it's breakfast and lunch. My boyfriend was pissed as we hadn't brought much food thinking everything was going to be included.
Anyways, we were at the door of the park at 8. The driver told us that we needed to wait for a group which arrived later to depart. He also told us that because of meat outage reasons (things that happen in Cuba) all we were going to have for dinner was "ham" and if we wanted to cancel the trip because of that. We ended up departing at 10 (at which point we thought, why did we leave at 5 then?).
The guide was very nice, we started going up then with the group of french people. The first day you hike around 4 hours to a refuge called Aguada de Joaquin. The hike was fine, it has ups and downs (not always going up). If you are reasonably fit you'll be fine. We were doing quite well so the guide let us go alone to the refuge. He also told us we were going to have lunch (contrary to what the driver said) when we arrived to the refuge. We got there at around 2 pm. We told the cook to start cooking as the group was coming behind. We had spaghetti and rice and some eggs. The spaghetti was overcooked but fine (we were hungry). After that, we were practically doing nothing the whole afternoon and realized it may had made sense to do all the hiking in one day.
We then had dinner (again rice with plantains and now pieces of ham) and went to sleep. The beds only had the sheet that covers the mattress and nothing else. We asked for blankets and used that, but some people may have had cold in other seasons of the year. Anyways, the guys working there are absolutely lovely and super friendly and lovely.
Next day we started at 5 again the guide let us go alone. We reached the peak and then started going down and met the other guide. We didn't really want a guide but you can't get rid of them I'm afraid. We went down from the other side (Las Cuevas) it's hard to get down to the other side because then you don't have a way to come back unless you have a tour like we had. Going down wasn't a physical effort because it was just going down but your knees do start to hurt a lot after some time. It was raining a bit.
We got down and were supposed to have lunch. Everyone in the house were we arrived was eating chicken and rice. Finally, some protein we thought. When food arrived it was again spaghetti with veggies and egg. We said OK they gotta be kidding...we ate and shut up. Then a group of military came down (young men, 18/19) they also ate chicken. It all seemed ridiculous.
Bottom line, overall, great experience. I loved hiking the Pico Turquino and I would do it again. What I learned is what you are paying when you are hiring Ecotur is the jeep that takes you to the National Park. All the other things it includes is what you would get for paying the 37 cuc for guide + food + refuge. So if I do it again, I would find a way of doing it without Ecotur. Again all the people who work for Ecotur, they are nice and everything but there is really nothing they can do about it. It's all controlled by the government ultimately and that's how it going to be. They also don't have an incentive to change it because they'll still receive the same wage (if they sell more tours or less or good or bad tours it's the same for them). I would prefer to pay less and maybe give that money to an entrepreneur who organizes the tour with a bit more love.
The hike is beautful. Tip: there are small ferns which you touch and they close themselves to the middle. It's magical plant called moriviví. It's normally found nearer to the base.
Written 8 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva196
Faro District, Portugal77 contributions
Feb 2013 • Family
I spent too much time before we left for Cuba to find info about how to get to La Comandancia la Plata in Sierra Maestra. We started in Bayamo driving direction Manzanillo untill the signs for Santo Domingo, a total of 70 km. How to find the park entrance: this comes automatically suddenly you are there and a guide will come out and take over. You park the car 50 meters down the street in Villa Santo Domingos hotel park place, a safe place, this is shown by the guide. You pay each 20 CUC at the park entrance. The first 5 km are very steep ( and you could take your own car), otherwise there is a jeep ready to take you up,- and down for 5 CUC pr person. The about in total 7 km trail is in my opinion quite difficult,- and we are very fit,- it is not because of the distance, but all the smaller stones and rocks you have to step on with the potential to fall. Look down at all times, and stop when you want to look around. Wear trainers and bring at least half a liter water each. Our guide rushed us along ( which did not benefit him in the end ! ) I think we set a record. But it was very interesting and it is a must.to see the place. We had not booked any place for the night, and the guide took us up a steep hill close to the park entrance, a private house, but we declined, the thought about dragging up the suitcases was too much. We left and passed in Bartolome Maso about 10-20 km down from the park on the left side, a hotel called Villa Islazul, where we got a bungalow for 40 CUC incl breakfast. Miltha is in charge here, she is very friendly and service minded. There is a nice pool and bar area and the food is ok. The view is amazing. I hope this will help.
Written 28 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wyrren
Helsinki, Finland114 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
We managed to get in touch with a local travel agent in Bayamo (much better place to station yourself than Santiago, if you want to go here), Anley Rosales Benitez, who is also in Lonely Planet. In a few minutes he had arranged a Casa for us, went to check about bus tickets with my husband and later got us a collectio to Santa Clara. If you want to call him and you call from a landline in Cuba, dial 01-52922209. If you call from cell phone and from Cuba, you don't need 01 in the beginning. (We couldn't reach him before we arrived, but some nice local man called him from the bus station and he was there in five minutes!) He arranged a tour for us to go to Sierra Maestra the next day we arrived and we payed around 100$ for two people including everything. The journey is quite long, so most of what you pay, goes to the driver. There were only four of us on the trek and the nature is just so beautiful. It's also amazing to see where the revolution started and how they lived, and understand how difficult they were to find. The mountains are incredible, this should be a must destination for everyone going to Cuba. Anley can also get you to Grandma landing spot, if you like!
Written 23 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy D
39 contributions
Dec 2016 • Business
While the Dhike to the Commandancia de la Plata is full of history and beauty, the hike to Pico Turquino was the best experience I have had in my 15 years going to Cuba. The views were majestic and the stars at night were unbelieveable. The two camps we stayed at were rustic but the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and very accommodating. We did the trek up Pico Turquino in 2 days but I would recommend three in order to fully appreciate the fauna and views, especially at the peak. And I can't say too much of our tour guide, Jorge, who was patient, encouraging and so knowledgeable about the national forest. I couldn't have made the hike without Jorge and his encouragement. It gets pretty cold at night and suggest bringing a light sleeping bag. Food at the camps was great. At my age, I think I have one more trip up this mountain. Get in shape for this hike - it is fairly long and difficult.
Written 9 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
3 contributions
Feb 2019 • Solo
I did the Pico Turquino from Santiago in one day, rather than the normal two by climbing from the sea side.
Usually the Pico is climbing from Santo Domingo on a two-day hike, first to a hut, then to the summit. However, there is a less well known path to the summit from the south side which can be reached from Santiago within 2 hours. The hike is longer and tougher than the Santo Domingo route, and far less travelled. It is, however, very rewarding and there is a great home-cooked lunch included in the park entrance fee.
The guides are very competent and happy to show "their" Sierra to you.
I would recommend this trek to any one who is in good shape and maybe pressed for time.
Length: 22km (11km up, 11km down), ascent ~2000m; coffee and lunch on the way
Usually the Pico is climbing from Santo Domingo on a two-day hike, first to a hut, then to the summit. However, there is a less well known path to the summit from the south side which can be reached from Santiago within 2 hours. The hike is longer and tougher than the Santo Domingo route, and far less travelled. It is, however, very rewarding and there is a great home-cooked lunch included in the park entrance fee.
The guides are very competent and happy to show "their" Sierra to you.
I would recommend this trek to any one who is in good shape and maybe pressed for time.
Length: 22km (11km up, 11km down), ascent ~2000m; coffee and lunch on the way
Written 21 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The guides in Las Cuevas are very friendly and the food there is delicious. Next time try our tour from one side to the other in 2 days. Northern (Santi Domingo) to Southern (Las Cuevas) or southern to northern. And combine it with the Comandancia de la Plata excursión, both hike in 2 days. Transport from Bayamo to Santo Domingo or from Las Cuevas to Santiago de Cuba or viceversa also provided with the best rates.
Saludos
Anley Rosales Benítez
Written 24 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hi, Christine. Colud you tell me how you went to santo domingos? we will be in santiago de cuba. And what was your guide or company?
Written 18 September 2018
Hola
You can take a VIAZUL Bus to Bayamo and then a taxi to Santo Domingo or a taxi from Santiago directly to Santo Domingo.
Written 18 September 2018
Hola quiero visitar el hotel en octubre aproximadamente. quisiera saber si la suite principal tiene jacussi
Written 11 February 2018
I plan to do the Comandancia de la Plata hike while my wife will chill out back at our B&B. I would welcome advice -- would she be happier killing a day in Santo Domingo (staying at e.g. Casa Sierra Maestra or Villa Santo Domingo) or further back in Bartolomé Masó (staying at e.g. Mirador de Arcadia en la Montaña or Villa Balcom de la Sierra)? I look forward to your thoughts!
- Loren in London
Written 20 January 2018
Hola.
I think its better to spend the day in Santo Domingo, very nice town, no noise,no pollution. Morador de Arcadia a good choice too.
Written 1 February 2018
Hola! gracias por tu relato,!!! entendí que uno sólo debe llegar a la puerta del parque y ahi pagar la entrada y el guia con el refigerio esta incluído, entendí bien??? Hay donde dejar los autos en la puerta del parque, hay que reservar ? sabes los horarios de apertura? Gracias !!!
Written 19 December 2017
Hola
Puedes dejar el auto en la entrada del Parque Nacional es seguro. Pero si deseas obtener un descuento en el precio de la excursion unirte a otras personas antes de la excursion es posible.
Saludos
Written 1 February 2018
Hola! Visitaré Cuba en Enero, y pienso hacer la excursión desde Santiago. Según me comentó una amiga cubana, se puede pasar la noche en un campamento y hacer el ascenso desde las 6 de la mañana, para regresar luego del mediodía. Quisiera saber si alguien tuvo la oportunidad de hacer el ascenso tal cual me lo cuenta, qué experiencia tuvo y si los precios se mantienen según me dijeron (14 cuc la noche, y 25 cuc el guía para el ascenso). Además, cómo se llega desde Santiago hasta ese campamento? En guagua? Taxi? Cuál es la forma más económica o la más recomendable? Muchas gracias!
Written 23 November 2017
¿Sabes algo más sobre?yo tamni´ne estoy interesada en toda la info ya que no sencillo de contratar por interet
Written 24 April 2018
ktfennell
London, United Kingdom
Hey Trekker416 do you have your guides / agents contact details? I would like to plan for a trip later this month.
Thank you
Written 4 September 2017
Anley Rosales Benitez
Mobile CU (+53) 52922209
You can google his website bayamotravelagent
Written 5 September 2017
Hola! Soy de Uruguay. Pronto visitaré Cuba y uno de mis sueños es visitar algo de la
Sierra Maestra. Voy a estar en Santiago de Cuba, donde tengo un día libre. Mi pregunta es la siguiente. Tengo alguna excursión que me lleve a la Comandancia? Hay que caminar mucho? Tengo 65 años. Desde ya muy agradecida por la información que me puedan dar.
Written 19 February 2017
Hola
Si es posible hacerlo en un día. El nivel de dificultad es 3 y usted lo puede hacer
Saludos
Anley Rosales Benitez
Written 25 April 2018
Hello,
What is the level of difficulty of this trek? Also what is the best tour operator to use please?
Thanks!
Written 4 November 2016
Is posible going the treks done by Fidel and is revolutionary army or any sites here they are more predominantly historical? .....
Written 3 October 2016
Hola
Revolution tour. Starting in Las Coloradas ending in the Sierra Maestra it’s the route Fidel took to reach the mountains
Written 25 April 2018
Gente,
Me gustaría saber como debo hacer para llegar y de donde me conviene salir.
Muchas gracias,
José
Written 15 January 2016
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