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ACTIVE HOLIDAYS >> MOSTLY BY WALKING >> SIERRAS & REVOLUTIONARY TRAILS
SHORT TREK - SIERRAS - 2 NIGHTS AND 3 DAYS TOTAL 6 NIGHTS
This tour is designed with strong walkers and hikers in mind. The terrain is rugged and the climb to altitude is relatively swift. The area is remote. Access is controlled and by foot only.
Day 1
Arrival in Santiago de Cuba. However you join us in this vibrant Colonial city, our friendly staff will meet you and take you to your homestay. Dinner at your homestay.
Day 2
Breakfast in your homestay. History Tour - From Independence to Revolution - 100 years of struggle
A short lecture helps you put this turbulent time into perspective. We start our tour at the farm house where the M26 rebels cached their arms and left for their abortive assault on major installations in Santiago on July 26th 1953. We follow their path to the centre of the city, and then out into the foothills of the Sierras to the summerhouse, high above the city, where Fidel Castro accepted the surrender of the garrison 5 years, 5 months and 5 days later. We will hear the life story of someone who, at an early age, became a rebel, part of the lucha clandestina, and a life-long supporter of the revolution. Picnic lunch. Dinner in your homestay.
Day 3
Breakfast will be followed by an orientation session with tour personnel and a final check of all your gear. After lunch we will drive to the base of the trail. A climb of two or three hours will take you to the first stage camp for the night. Your naturalist guide will provide you with an introduction to some of the flora and fauna of this mountainous region of Cuba. Dinner in your camp
Day 4
Breakfast An early morning start for a climb of 4 - 6 hours to the overnight camp on Pico Cuba. This climb will allow you to acclimatize to the slopes of this mountain range. En route your guide will help you spot important flora and fauna. Overnight at 1800 meters. Packed lunch. Dinner at the campsite. (This day is mule assisted)
Day 5
Breakfast Another early start for the climb of Cuba's highest mountain - Pico Torquino. This mountain is generally swathed in rosy coloured clouds which give it an incredible cloud forest full of orchids, ferns and bromeliads. After you have had time for historical photographs - return to Pico Cuba and start your descent. A packed lunch will keep you going to the pickup point on the coast road. Dinner at your homestay.
Day 6
A leisurely day out at a nearby beach. Roll in the gentle surf and relax those tired muscles. Lunch at the beach.
For groups of four or more - Evening Party - Afro-Cuban dance, music and song, under the stars
Please Note:
- Tour is available between December and mid July. Later dates are dependant on weather conditions.
- Tour can be combined with hotels in the City of Santiago de Cuba at the beginning and end.
- Extra days at a resort can be arranged. Or, mix and match this adventure with one of our interesting cultural tours.
- Please do not bring GPS equipment - it is not allowed
- Please bring your own binoculars
- Please bring bug spray, and adequate sun blocker and a hat
- Teenagers will be accepted for this hike. It is not recommended for most people under 12. If you wish to bring children under 12 please discuss it with us.
Additional Information:
- This tour is mule supported.
- All participants must carry their personal supplies.
- We supply your mattress, sleeping bag, water bottle, whistle.
- Bring a backpack and good boots, an adequate change of clothing, any required medications.
- All tour personnel are experienced in these mountains and are qualified to administer First Aid.
- Overnight stays are in forest cabins.
The tour includes:
- Homestay accommodation in Santiago de Cuba
- Camping (cabin) accommodation during the tour
- Hotel Accommodation in Santo Domingo
- 3 meals/day and drinking water
- Transfers and Transportation as specified
- Basic Equipment - mattress, sleeping bag, water bottle, whistle.
- Ornithologist or Botanist
- Trek co-ordinator
- Muleteers and porters
- Park entrances and services within the park
This tour does not include
Personal Expenditures - including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, meals other than those specified, transportation other than that as specified, film
Flights and transportation to Santiago de Cuba
Prices:
4 people $1200.00 per person
2 people $ 1600.00 per person
Larger groups - please contact us
Maximum group size 8
ALL PRICES ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS
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