At the peak with a lot of history.
It‘s time for an adventure on the “Pico Turquino” tour in Cuba! After arrival in Holguín, relax at the hotel before continuing your journey to Bayamo the next day. Your trekking trip into the majestic Sierra Maestra begins there, where you can feel the history of the Cuban Revolution on the way to the Comandancia de la Plata, the former headquarters of Fidel Castro. You will spend the night in tents and enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains.
The highlight of your trip is the ascension to Pico Turquino, the highest mountain in Cuba, through impresively diverse landscapes. After a relaxing day at the El Saltón waterfall discover the Caribbean joie de vivre in Santiago de Cuba. Here you can explore the city and enjoy live music in the Casa de la Trova.
Back in Holguín, you can explore the city‘s parks parks or climb the “Loma de la Cruz” before you make your way home or enjoy your stay on the beautiful beaches of Guardalavaca. The beautiful Guardalavaca. This trip offers of adventure, nature and Culture, and lets you discover the most impressive hiking routes.
Minimum number of clients for this tour: 6 pax.
Overview of your trip:
This 8-day trekking tour gives you the opportunity to visit fascinating attractions on this unique island and to explore Cuba’s nature. Your vacation package to Cuba begins with National Park in the footsteps of the revolution: hike to the Comandancia de la Plata and climb Pico Turquino, at 1974 metres the Island's tallest mountain, ideal spots for anyone into serious eco-friendly travel. You will also have to visit Santiago de Cuba, the secret capital enchants with Caribbean flair.
Optional transfer IN/OUT:
Welcome to Holguin! You will arrive at the international airport in Holguin. We will transfer you to the beautiful Hotel Villa El Bosque if you would like or you can make your own way.
Services: Hotel in Holguín, 3* standard
Restaurant tips:
After breakfast, you will start your long tour of the day. The bus will take you to the charming city of Bayamo, which has great cultural and historical values and is considered the cradle of Cuban nationality and is located in the fertile valleys near the base of the Sierra Maestra. After a brief guided tour of the city, you will head to the area of Santo Domingo, already in the heart of the Sierra Maestra, where you will begin your first hike. From Alto del Naranjo you will follow the same route taken years ago by the Cuban revolutionaries, to the Comandancia de la Plata, which was the former headquarters of the guerrillas commanded by Fidel Castro. After you have discovered and explored this historic site for yourself, you will camp in a tent overnight in the area of the mountain community of La Platica! The daily hiking route is of a low degree of complexity and will take you approximately 2 hours.
Hike: approx. 2 hours (easy)
Services: Cabins/tents, (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Worth knowing:
Today’s final destination is Aguada de Joaquin (1.360m). We will guide you on a hike through the lush rainforest of Turquino National Park. Enjoy a second night under the stars as you campout in a tent. The daily hiking route is medium – difficult, and will take about 5 hours.
Hike: approx. 5 hours (medium)
Services: Cabins/tents, (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Scenery:
Today will be a day of great effort and strong challenges and will require people of temper and character for very demanding clients, but it will be the most rewarding day of the whole trekking program. Today is the day to climb to the peak of the highest mountain in Cuba, El Pico Turquino, at 1,974 m.a.s.l. to finally find at its summit a monument to the apostle, Cuba's national hero, José Martí. The hike will take you through a variety of beautiful natural landscapes. You will take a break at the top of the mountain for about an hour to recharge your batteries and have a light lunch while enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views. Then, you will start your return trip, on the way back to Aguada de Joaquín, to continue descending to Los Altos del Naranjo and from there, to Villa Santo Domingo, already in the limits of the Turquino National Park. From here the bus will take you to the charming Hotel El Salton, a site of unparalleled natural beauty nestled in the heart of the Sierra Maestra. The day's hiking route will be of a very high degree of difficulty, and will take approximately 8 - 9 hours of walking.
Hike: approx. 8-9 hours (difficult)
Services: Hotel in the Sierra Maestra, 2* standard (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Today you have relatively relaxing day ahead of you. The hike will take you to the beautiful and refreshing waterfall of El Salton where you can enjoy a swim and a cool, natural shower to restore yourself from the demanding hikes of the past few days. The natural beauty of the Sierra Maestra mountains invites you to relax and recharge. Tonight you will once again stay at the idyllic Hotel El Salton. The daily hiking route is easy, and will take about 3.5 hours.
Hike: approx. 3.5 hours (easy)
Services: Hotel in the Sierra Maestra, 2* standard (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Sightseeing tips:
Today you must leave the majestic Sierra Meastra mountains behind as you travel to Cuba's secret capital, Santiago de Cuba. Get caught up in the lively Caribbean way of life as you discover the highlights of this vibrant city! Tonight you will stay at the luxurious Hotel Las Americas. In the evening, we recommend a visit to the Casa de la Trova with live music.
Services: Hotel in Santiago de Cuba, 3* standard (breakfast and dinner)
Restaurant & bar tips:
After breakfast the bus will take you back to the lovely city of Holguin. In the afternoon you can enjoy free time and explore the city and its numerous parks. You will stay at the elegant Hotel Villa El Bosque tonight!
Services: Hotel in Holguín, 3* standard (breakfast)
Park tips:
Transfer to the airport of Holguin (optional). If you decide to stay and enjoy the beautiful island of Cuba a little bit longer we would also be delighted to transfer you to the next hotel in Holguin (optional).
Services: Breakfast
Departuretips: