“COMANDANCIA LA PLATA + PICO REAL DEL TURQUINO (FROM SANTO DOMINGO VILLA)” Trekking Tour (3 days / 2 nights)

“COMANDANCIA LA PLATA + PICO REAL DEL TURQUINO (FROM SANTO DOMINGO VILLA)” Trekking Tour (3 days / 2 nights)

In the mountainous massif of the Sierra Maestra is the Pico Real del Turquino, the highest peak in Cuba with 1974 meters above sea level. This elevation is part of the natural and historical heritage of the country. The client has the possibility of crossing the mountain from north to south or vice versa, at a distance of 25 km enjoying the natural scenery, endemic species, both plants and animals, surrounded by lush vegetation and very pleasant temperatures that will make your climb a full and unforgettable enjoyment.

The Pico Real del Turquino, the highest peak in Cuba is accessible from Santo Domingo, 65 km from the city of Bayamo, 1 hour and 15 minutes from the area of Las Cuevas, 3 hours (130 kms) from the city of Santiago de Cuba. Using the north side, you can get to Santo Domingo, the base of the mountain, from there to Turquino peak, which is 18 kms away but in a first stretch you use the 4WD jeep for 5 kms to get to Altos del Naranjo and then walk for the next 8 km, after 4-5 hours to Aguada del Joaquin camp, where you can enjoy a small lunch and 1 hour of rest, to regain strength and then you can try to reach the summit, the same day, (5 km more, 10 km one way and back to Aguada del Joaquin camp, if you feel strong, you can organize with the guide how to do it, or simply go the next day early in the morning. There is a problem in this respect, if you reach the Turquino peak on the first day, you will save time so, on the second day you can leave the Aguada del Joaquin early in the morning and return to Santo Domingo at noon; otherwise, you would have to walk for 23 kms, 10 km round trip from the refuge and 13 km back to Alto del Naranjo, this option most of the time you would be arriving around 17:00 hours in Santo Domingo.

The route has a difficulty of 1 level. We start in Bayamo from your hotel or house in the direction of Santo Domingo, in the Sierra Maestra, after 1 hour and a half by car with stops to reach the entrance of the Turquino National Park. At the Flora and Fauna office we meet the local guide who will be with you for 2 days. Pico Turquino is 18 km from Santo Domingo, but the first 5 km vehicle and 4x4 is used to reach Alto del Naranjo. An 8 km hike to La Aguada del Joaquin refuge (4-5 hours). If you feel you can do it, you can climb the summit that same day after the small lunch 5 km to the top and 5 km back to the refuge, where you will sleep all night, if not you will do it the second day, that way you walk 18 km the second day.

Trek from North to South, you can cross the mountain from Santo Domingo through Pico Turquino arriving to Las Cuevas, and from there we provide transportation to Santiago de Cuba, Chivirico, Marea del Portillo or Bayamo, you don't have to worry about your load or heavy luggage (bag or suitcase) we store it and deliver it at the end of the trek, no matter in which destination. The arrival time to Las Cuevas is between 12 noon and 3:00 pm, it also depends on the time you start the final ascent at Refugio Aguada del Joaquin, in total 16 km, the last 11 km are downhill from the summit, which can sometimes be difficult or painful for the knees. There is no public transportation schedule, so we provide transportation from Las Cuevas to any destination.

Program

Day 1

Departure by jeep from Villa Santo Domingo at 8:30 am to Alto del Naranjo, where the hike to the Comandancia begins. Accommodation in the village of La Platica, which is a biological station with characteristics of rural accommodation, similar to the Aguada de Joaquín.

Day 2

Departure from La Platica to Turquino, passing through Aguada de Joaquín where we have lunch and in the afternoon we continue the ascent to Turquino, returning to Aguada de Joaquín for dinner and to spend the night.

Day 3

Breakfast and descent to Alto de Naranjo, where you will board the transport to Santo Domingo.

Included in the tour:

• Jeep service from Santo Domingo to Alto del Naranjo and back.
• A local tour guide (Spanish, English, French).
• Guided tour during 3 days to the Turquino National Park facilities.
• Entrance fee to Turquino National Park.
• Entrance to the General Command of the Rebel Army in La Plata. Declared National Monument.
• Picnic lunch on the first day, breakfast, lunch and dinner on the second day and breakfast on the third day.

Places of interest: Santo Domingo Village - Alto del Naranjo viewpoint (950 masl) - La Platica Community (1 000 masl) - La Aguada del Joaquín (1 364 masl) - Pico Real del Turquino (1 974 masl).

Degree of difficulty: High.

Distance to be covered on the route (by car, round trip): 10 kms by jeep from Santo Domingo to Altos del Naranjo (round trip).

Distance to cover in the hike (round trip): 26 kms approximately.

Maximum height to cover on the hike: 1,974 meters approximately.

Approximate duration of the trek (total): 3 days - 2 nights approx.

Maximum load capacity of the Turquino National Park: 20 pax.

Minimum carrying capacity of Turquino National Park: 7 pax.

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

Recommendations for the realization of this tour:

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

National Park facilities where the tourist will be able to stock up on supplies:

• Santo Domingo (liquids)
• Alto del Naranjo (snacks, fruit, etc.)
• La Platica (meals, breakfasts, camping)
• Pico Cuba (meals, breakfasts, camping)
• La Majagua (liquids)
• Las Cuevas (snacks, liquids, etc.)

RULES OF CONDUCT FOR THE TURQUINO NATIONAL PARK:

These rules of conduct are 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 community La Platica.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. In all cases, first aid measures will be applied.
6. The Unit has a transport system and mules to guarantee a possible transfer to medical offices in the area and hospitals.
7. 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.