“DESEMBARCO DEL GRANMA NATIONAL PARK” Trekking Tour

“DESEMBARCO DEL GRANMA NATIONAL PARK” Trekking Tour

Description:

Located at the southwesternmost tip of Cuba, the Desembarco del Granma National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects virgin woodland and saltwater lagoons. It’s also the spot where Fidel and a band of revolutionaries landed in Cuba on December 2, 1956 after their exile in Mexico. The Desembarco del Granma National Park is located 12 miles (20 km) south of Niquero. The Desembarco del Granma National Park is home to virgin woodland and ancient cacti, some of which are over 400 years old. 512 plant species have been identified within the park, of which 60 percent are endemic. There are also 110 bird species, 44 reptile species, 13 animal species, and 7 amphibian species.

We start in Bayamo at 07:00 hours, after 1 hour drive we arrive to Manzanillo city center, a 20 minutes break before heading to Desembarco del Granma National Park. Once there after 1 hour and half drive you will visit the exact point of the Granma boat landing where Fidel Castro and 81 revolutionaries shipwrecked on December 2nd, 1956, 1.8 km walk each way from the scale model of the Granma Yacht. The guided visit to Portada de la Libertad memorial it’s a step back in time to those days when the decided to overthrow the government, a farmer helped the rebels, his house was burned downs to ashes but was rebuilt after the triumph of the revolution. Afterwards, you will visit el Guafe archeological trail, it’s a protected area where a cave system, endemic flora and fauna and bird watching can be seen and explored in a 2 hours walk. The Sendero Arqueológico Natural El Guafe is the best trail in the park. This red-dirt trail passes through woodlands and leads to a cave with dripstone formations. One formation, the Idolo de Agua, is believed to have been been formed by the Taíno. Birds fly in and out through small openings in the cave. Lunch time comes after in little fishing village Cabo Cruz, with time for swim at little but really nice beach. Fishing boats bob in the turquoise-colored water, and locals stroll slowly along the town’s few streets. The town’s lighthouse, Faro Cabo Cruz, was built in 1871. A restaurant beside the lighthouse offers fresh seafood. Later on, we head to Media Luna where Celia Sanchez memorial house is located; a place that shows how many people gave up to their wealth for the revolution cause. Later on after 40 minutes drive we reach La Demajagua memorial 15 km from Manzanillo. This place was Carlos Manuel de Céspedes freed his slaves and started the 1868 independence war, on October 10th, 1868. This event marked the only one Cuban revolution until these days. An hour and 20 minutes after that stop will set back in Bayamo.

Included in the tour:

• A local tour guide for the whole day (Spanish, English, French).
• Transport from Bayamo to Desembarco del Granma National Park round trip.
• Stops for pictures.
• Entrance fee to all museums and landmarks.
• Visit to: Manzanillo city center, La Demajagua memorial, Celia Sanchez memorial house in Media Luna, Portada de la Libertad memorial, landing place of the Granma yacht (boat), El Guafe archeological trail and Cabo Cruz fishing village.
• Entrance fee to Desembarco del Granma National Park.
• Lunch and beverage.

Not included in the tour:

• Camera for pictures at Portada de la Libertad museum. (5 CUC per camera)

Places of interest: Manzanillo city center - La Demajagua memorial - Celia Sanchez memorial house - Portada de la Libertad memorial - El Guafe archeological trail - Cabo Cruz fishing village.

Difficulty degree: Low.

Distance to cover in the tour (car drive, round trip): 337 kms approximately (round trip).

Shuttle transport time: 5.20 hours approximately (round trip).

Distance to cover in the Trek (round trip): 4 kms approximately.

Duration approximate of the tour(total): 8 - 10 hours approximately.

**Extra price:**Camera for pictures at Portada de la Libertad museum. (+ 5 CUC per camera).

Important note: The distances and times of realization of the tour vary according to the starting point.