“COMANDANCIA GENERAL DE LA PLATA (FROM BAYAMO)” Trekking Tour (1 day)

“COMANDANCIA GENERAL DE LA PLATA (FROM BAYAMO)” Trekking Tour (1 day)

Description:

Comandancia de la Plata, the Fidel Castro's Secret Mountain Headquarters. Located in the Sierra Maestra, the Comandancia General de La Plata was declared a National Monument in 1978.

Sierra Maestra is Cuba’s longest and highest mountain range. Located in the southeastern coast of the country, it spreads over 250 km and its highest point is Pico Turquino at 1974 m. Within the boundaries of Sierra Maestra is Parque Nacional Turquino. This is an area of outstanding beauty. Of virtually untouched lush and dense forest. So dense you can only see mountains of green for kilometres. A green which modifies its tone as the altitude increases and the vegetation changes. Some parts are really steep, yet they provide magnificent views.

Comandancia de La Plata is considered the birthplace of the revolution and a very important historical place. It was here that the rebel army went on to free Cuba, and the rest is history. Comandancia de la Plata, was the historical site built by Fidel Castro and the rebel army with 16 facilities site, where they set the headquarter that ended up with the triumph of the revolution. Among the places you will visit are the house of Fidel, the press house, the nowadays museum, a rebel graveyard, the Radio Rebelde broadcasting station and the hospital. The walk takes between 3 to 4 hours starting at Alto del Naranjo.

We start in Bayamo from your hotel or casa headed towards Santo Domingo, in the Sierra Maestra, after 1 hour and half drive with stops for pictures we arrive to the entrance of the Turquino National park. At Flora y Fauna office we meet the local guide that will be with us the next 3-4 hours. Comandancia de la Plata is 8 km from Santo Domingo but the first 5 km a 4WD vehicle is used to get to Alto del Naranjo. From there, 1 km and a half walk through a very dark green forest leads us to the house of the farmer that helped the rebels during the war against the Batista’s army. The trail is 3 difficulty level one, not very steep hills neither completely flat. After Medina’s house, another mile will bring you to the area where La Comandancia de la Plata 16 facilities are located. Among the huts you will visit are the check point control access, the museum, with model the headquarters location in the mountains, things used by the rebels like a typing machine, medical equipment used at the hospital, pictures, maps and some others. They had a kitchen, a press house; you will also visit the house of Fidel Castro and Radio Rebelde broadcasting station located up in the steepest hill you will climb, 40 minutes extra hike (optional).

Included in the tour:

• Departure from Bayamo at 07:00 hours with photo stops along the way.
• Stop at a farmer's house with preparation and tasting of coffee (free). At the place you will be able to enjoy from the viewpoint part of the Sierra Maestra.
• A local tour guide (Spanish, English, French).
• Transportation from Bayamo to Santo Domingo and back.
• Jeep service from Santo Domingo to Alto del Naranjo and back.
• Trekking tour of 3-4 hours to the area of the Comandancia de la Plata and Radio Rebelde.
• Guided visit to the Comandancia de la Plata facilities.
• Entrance to Turquino National Park.
• Box lunch (sandwich and drink).

Not included in the tour:

• Camera for pictures in the Comandancia de la Plata area. (5 CUC per camera)

Places of interest: Alto del Naranjo view point - Los Medina house - Comandancia de la Plata - Santo Domingo town.

Difficulty degree: Low - Medium.

Distance to cover in the tour (car drive, round trip): 127.6 kms approximately + 10 kms in jeep from Santo Domingo to Altos del Naranjo (round trip).

Shuttle transport time: 2.56 hours approximately (round trip).

Distance to cover in the Trek (round trip): 6 kms approximately.

Maximum height to cover in the tour: 955 meters approximately.

Duration approximate of the tour(total): 6 - 7 hours approximately.

**Extra price:**Camera for pictures in the Comandancia de la Plata area. (+ 5 CUC per camera).

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

Recommendations for the realization of this tourism:

The client should bring comfortable clothes for camping days, as well as strong footwear suitable for mountaineering, likewise if camping is done they will bring their tent and sleeping bag.

Facilities of the Turquino National Park where the tourist will be able to stock up:

• Santo Domingo (liquids)
• Alto del Naranjo (snacks, fruits, etc.)

RULES OF CONDUCT FOR THE TURQUINO NATIONAL PARK:

These rules of conduct will be mandatory for both visitors and guides:

• Do not leave the limits or trails established for each area or place and strictly comply with the indications of the specialized guide.
• Do not litter or throw garbage except in the places provided for this purpose.
• Do not extract any element from the natural environment.
• Not to damage or disturb the flora and fauna of the area.
• Be respectful of the traditions, customs and lifestyles of the residents in the local communities and adjacent to the areas with which they communicate or intend to photograph.
• Do not smoke or make use of fire except in the areas established for this purpose.
• Do not make noise indoors or outdoors.
• Respect the speed limits established for means of transportation and keep them within the vehicular areas.
• It is forbidden to introduce plants or animals in the areas to be visited.

ASSISTANCE, RESCUE AND EVACUATION:

In case of accidents:

1. Immediate communication by plant or telephone of the La Platica community. If the accident occurs in the section La Platica - Palma Mocha - Cuatro Caminos, return to La Platica, for which a liaison will be sent to go to the aid with men, hammocks and mules.
2. If the accident occurs in the Cuatro Caminos - Alto de Lima stretch, the distance will be estimated and we will proceed to descend by Cuatro Caminos - Santana - Jeringa, for this a link will be sent and we will give aid with means such as hammocks, mules and food as the case may require.
3. If the accident occurs in Alto de Lima - Aguada del Joaquín, the Aguada will be communicated quickly to inform the situation of the problem and adopt rescue measures.
4. In all cases, first aid measures will be applied.
5. The Unit has a transport system and mules to guarantee a possible transfer to medical offices in the area and hospitals.
6. For further assistance, there is an ambulance located in Santo Domingo and in the case of the southern zone, there is a transport to take cases to the hospital located in Ocujal del Turquino.