sierra maestra

I visited the Comandancia de la Plata, using Anley as my taxi service from Bayamo.The Comandancia is set amid beautiful mountains, and it is a very pleasant 3 km walk from the trail-head (easy walking). The buildings (reconstructed but faithful to the originals) are where Castro and his gang stationed themselves in 1958; they are historically important, and interesting to look around.You can take a taxi to the Park entrance, but from there you must take a Park jeep to the trail-head, and then a Park guide for the walk. We were told to arrive by 8 a.m. for the jeep, but then the jeep didn't turn up until 9.30, with neither explanation nor apology.We were allocated a guide called Raul (born in the same year as the Revolution), and he was appalling. Verbal diarrhea - couldn't stop talking but had nothing of interest to say. And worse, he kept on making sexual 'jokes' (dirty-schoolboy stuff) at the two young women in our party of five. You don't need a guide at all, as they path is easy and clear, and certainly you don't need this guy.As for Anley's taxi service - he picked me up on time, but he wasn't there to take me back when he should have been, and we had to wait some time, again with no explanation or apology. The lunch he provided wasn't as described either. Probably your accommodation in Bayamo can suggest a better alternative to him.

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.

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 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.

We stayed in Santo Domingo and had a trip to Fidel's Comanderia. Now my wife is not much of a hiker so she had strong reservations. The guide howerver promised to take this into account and return if she wouldn't manage allowing me to continue. He let her lead in her own tempo and this perfectly worked out well. We got lots of time to admire the really splendid mountain surroundings. Half the way there is a cottage where you can take a rest and prepare for the second part of the trip. The camp itself gives you a good impression of the situation in which the guerilleros at that time lived and built up their strength to fight of Batista. For hikers with more condition it's possible to climb to the hilltop where Radio Rebelde transmitted and there are more-day excursions to climb mount Turquino, Cuba's highest summit. Not for us. My wife was tired after this excursion but very satisfied having it done!

Plus the history of these mountains .travelled through on a small coach lots to see ,locals working in the fields using wooden ploughs .The mountains are a sight to behold .We did a gentle trek ( it was very warm )through woodland across fields ,which I enjoyed .

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

This trip is well worth the time and money if you fancy a day off from Santiago. It was quite personal and my wife and I were escorted by a guide and a driver in a comfortable new Renault 4 wheel drive SUV. So we asked for a 7 a.m. pick up rather than the suggested 6 a.m. Damien, the guide, was charming and informative and we got a good look at the countryside and small towns on the way to the Sierra Maestra. The trek itself is not far, but muddy, rocky and steep in places, so make sure that you have your grippiest footwear on. As in any mountain terrain the weather can change fast and the trail can become very slippery. The woodland is beautiful.We had the Comandancia to ourselves. We felt privileged.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

great scenery but the roads leave a lot to be desired

I enjoyed the area but disliked the roads which were in disrepair. Hotel needs a facelift it looks run down especially the beach area.