Sierra Maestra: In the footsteps of Fidel

Sierra Maestra Signs

33 Comments

  1. Hannah

    WOW! What beautiful pictures and how cool to see such a historical place! I want to go to Cuba so bad and this post is just making me want to go more!!

    1. Breathe With Us

      Thank you, Hannah!

      Besides the historical importance, it’s an immensely beautiful place. Cuba nature is often overlooked vs the colonial towns etc, but for us this another big plus of visiting Cuba.

      Hope you make it there!

  2. Vanessa

    So many article about Cuba either talk about resorts or Havana – and there’s nothing wrong with that. But I love learning about a different side of the country and I would love to do a hike like this. The combination of history and nature is awesome!

  3. Karilyn

    I want to do this!! My husband had given me Che’s book with a note saying we were heading to Cuba.. something happened and we ended up in Japan instead. This was in 2008. I still regret that we weren’t able to make it to Cuba. Now that it’s opening up, I really need to get there. We love hiking and history, so this will be top on our list. Pinning for later!

    1. Breathe With Us

      Great story! Too bad it didn’t happen back then. Cuba has a lot of history and this area is particular is very rich in terms of that. Totally worth going.

      It’s great that it’s opening open up. See if you guys can make it there!

  4. Karla

    Cuba! Seems super interestin While reading this it pretty much felt like my adventure today. I also enjoy not making too much of a plan and just seeing how things unfold. Good pictures and good article.

    1. Breathe With Us

      Thanks, Karla!

      We usually plan the bare minimum. Cuba is a bit different cause you either go on a full group tour or you do it by yourself. When you choose to do it on your own like we did, it’s really hard to get information for some places. This one turned out quite well, though 🙂

      Cheers!

  5. Carol Colborn

    Wow, what a cool thing to have been able to do…visit the HQ of the Cuban revolution and see where Fidel Castro and Che Guevarra slept! Congratulations! And that hotel in Santo Domingo looks so rustic. Awesome post!

  6. Jennifer

    When I see an article about Cuba, I expect to see a bunch of old cars. This was a completely different aspect. Looks like your challenging adventure paid of with some wonderful sights and a different view of Cuba that we’re all used to. Great article guys!

  7. Jolanta | Casual Traveler

    That looks like a FANTASTIC trip! Good for you for taking chances, even though you weren’t sure what will await you once you get there. I love your photos, and since I will probably never travel there myself, thank you for the chance to see this beautiful place!

  8. Natalie - From Tourist 2 Local

    Cuba, awesome! This country is definitely on my bucket list, and it looks beautiful based on the pictures that you took. I think it is great that you were able to combine a site of historical interest with a scenic hike. It definitely makes me want to go to Cuba even more now!

  9. Liz

    Amazing pictures! I’ve never been to Cuba but it looks gorgeous in your shots. The history of the place is alluring as well. Thanks for sharing, especially the practical info! 🙂

  10. Corinne Latsen

    Thanks so much for those very useful informations!! We intend to hike there in Mars,and here I found everything I was wondering!! Thanks for sharing

  11. Marta

    Another great post! We will be staying in Santiago before our planned trip to Sierra Maestra, any advice on how best to get to the place on time?

    1. Breathe With Us

      Hi Marta,

      It’s quite a long drive from Santigo to Sierra Maestra. We would advise that you book a night in Santo Domingo, the small village at the gates of the national park. Otherwise, we’re talking about 200 km distance which by Cuba standards should take around 3 to 4 hours.

      It’s not easy to find in Google Maps but try the nearby town of Bartolomé Masó.

  12. Lidia

    Hi! We plan to visit Cuba next November and to hike Commandantia de la Plata. We want to stay in Santo Domingo for 2 nights.We will drive with the rented car. I have one question. We need a guide . This is obligatory what i see but from Santo Domingo to the trailhead we need 4WD car. Can we organize it in place or we should organize it before f.a. in Bayamo? Best regards Lidia

  13. Barbara Tovar

    Did you hike the Pico touquino ? I saw a travel agency that charges 225.00 do I have to go with an agency ? Can I arrange the day of for that trip ?
    What hote do you recommend in Santo Domingo ? Can I arrange from US ?
    Thank you

    1. Breathe With Us

      Hi,

      We did not. Just Comandancia de la Plata (the one described in the post that takes half day). Pico Turquino usually takes a couple of days and it’s one way only.

      Hiking in the park requires a guide which can be arranged at the national park office. I’m afraid I have no email or phone and a quick google search (even in Spanish) did not yield any decent results.

      There’s only a local government-run chalet-style hotel – which is quite nice. The name is Villa Santo Domingo. There are also a couple of casas particulares and a camping site.

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