I loved the countryside and meeting local Cubans. It's the best possible experience for a vacationer who wants a little more than the resort experience.
I used Anley Rosales Benitez, , services to go to the Sierra Maestra Mountains, Pico Turquino and La Plata and also went down to Las Cuvas South coast and drive from there to Santiago de Cuba, beautiful landscapes and good service, on time and organized, I did a great trip talk to this guy he is awesome, anley82atyahoo.es. it worth the try bayamotravelagentdotcom, any FAQ, I can helpJohn from vancouver Island
I spent too much time before we left for Cuba to find info about how to get to La Comandancia la Plata in Sierra Maestra. We started in Bayamo driving direction Manzanillo untill the signs for Santo Domingo, a total of 70 km. How to find the park entrance: this comes automatically suddenly you are there and a guide will come out and take over. You park the car 50 meters down the street in Villa Santo Domingos hotel park place, a safe place, this is shown by the guide. You pay each 20 CUC at the park entrance. The first 5 km are very steep ( and you could take your own car), otherwise there is a jeep ready to take you up,- and down for 5 CUC pr person. The about in total 7 km trail is in my opinion quite difficult,- and we are very fit,- it is not because of the distance, but all the smaller stones and rocks you have to step on with the potential to fall. Look down at all times, and stop when you want to look around. Wear trainers and bring at least half a liter water each. Our guide rushed us along ( which did not benefit him in the end ! ) I think we set a record. But it was very interesting and it is a must.to see the place. We had not booked any place for the night, and the guide took us up a steep hill close to the park entrance, a private house, but we declined, the thought about dragging up the suitcases was too much. We left and passed in Bartolome Maso about 10-20 km down from the park on the left side, a hotel called Villa Islazul, where we got a bungalow for 40 CUC incl breakfast. Miltha is in charge here, she is very friendly and service minded. There is a nice pool and bar area and the food is ok. The view is amazing. I hope this will help.
My partner and I travelled to the Sierra Maesta to see Comandancia de La Plata. Coming from Scotland we are used to great scenery but the views in the mountains in Cuba are simply breathtaking and like something you would expect to see in Hawaii. The Sierra Maestra is protected national park and really looked after. You do feel very special going up into the mountains. You go up to the start of the climb by jeep and the rest on foot. The trek is not hugely difficult for those used to a bit of hiking or hill walking- an effort in the Cuban heat but well worth it. There are some big boulders so you do need to watch your feet and wear sensible footwear. We both had our hiking books but sturdy trainers would do you fine. Our guide Raul was in his 50s and out hiked us all (not a bead of sweat on his brow I swear!). We did the climb quite quickly but they do allow you a good amount of time for the climb so you need not think you will be rushed as that is most certainly not the case. Raul was an excellent guide: funny and informative. He used to be an English Professor so his English is impeccable. He also has an absolute love of history which really shines through when he tells you the revolutionary stories and the importance of Comandancia strategically. The camp is made up of a series of huts and you see where Che had his medical (and dentistry) hut as well as the various other buildings including Fidel's casa. The hideout is in superb condition and it is an absolute testament to Cuba and their people how well this is kept and the respect for history which is shown. The trek is a humbling experience. If you are near Bayamo you should try to make the trip. Beautiful as the beaches in Cuba are, it is unfortunate more tourists do not get themselves out of the resorts to see what else Cuba has to offer. This was the absolute highlight of our trip to Cuba this year and enjoyed it so much we are going to be training to make the Pico Turquino climb next year to see more of the mountains. You will also find out about some of the natural plants, birds, animals etc as you climb.
I know this is not a review but this is a place I dream of going to. I was hoping someone could give me some information on how to book a tour here. How does it work exactly? Please let me know any information you have because I can't seem to find any contact information. And I'd really like to see this when I go to Cuba.
We loved most everything they had to offer; there are approx. 20 Canadians choosing these locations: Brisas Sierra Mar and Los Galiones, to spend the whole winter there
Do this tour. It is alligator breeding farm plus boat ride down Canimar River to Indian Village plus so much more with lunch included and photo ops and you can get alligator wallets, alligator teeth necklaces to buy...on and on. It is not expensive but you get lots for your money!Lila/Bronson
great scenery but the roads leave a lot to be desired
We landed at holguin airport, we had already contaced Anley Rosales Benitez, he organized the whole thing for us. Transport from Holguin Airport to Santo Domingo,there we did overnight in a casa particular very nice enviroment, back yard restaurant,we spoke to our guide (George), already arranged by Anley for the excursion next day to Comandancia de la Plata, the guide was awesome he was born in Santo Domingo and know pretty well the history, speaks very good English. Thanks to these guys we didnt have to worry about anything, they are good in what thety are doing.Sincerely we thank to Anley and George for everything. All the best for them.
I organize tour to Sierra Maestra Mountains Pico Turquino, Comandancia de la Plata , Desembarco del Granma National Park. I also provide transportation to any destination within Cuba in case you dont have your own transport, also arranging any kind of accommodation you might need in Cuba specially in the eastern portion of Cuba.