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ACTIVE HOLIDAYS >> MOSTLY BY WALKING >> SIERRAS & REVOLUTIONARY TRAILS LONG TREK - SIERRAS - 4 NIGHTS AND 5 DAYS TOTAL 8 NIGHTS 9 DAYS (shorter or longer programs on request) 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 26, 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 and early 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. A packed lunch will keep you going as you cross to the spine of the mountain range and descend towards the distant River Yara. Overnight at 1600 meters. Creole dinner at the campsite. (No more mules as it is too steep for them to cross the mountain - staff will assist with heavier baggage - you must be able to carry your backpack with a change of clothing, sleeping bag, emergency rations and your water supply for the day and photographic equipment or binoculars) Day 6 Now your hike takes you along the spine of the Sierra Maestras and then down to the River Yara. Vegetation is transformed by the higher moisture on this side of the mountains and you will pass through tropical forests full of orchids and bromeliads, birds and frogs abound. There are no wild large animals in Cuba but this part of the country is noted for the number of rare species of frogs At the River Yara you pick up the old mule trails and follow the river out to the north western entrance to the park. Packed lunch during your walk and dinner at the hotel on arrival. Day 7 After breakfast an optional visit to a part of Cuba's history with a walk to La Comandancia de la Plata. Once the command post of the revolutionary brigades; today the cabins are museums and Radio Rebelde is a national TV station. Return to Santiago through the spectacular countryside of the Sierra Maestras. Picnic lunch enroute, dinner in your homestay. Day 8 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 Day 9 A leisurely morning with time for you to walk around the beautiful city of Santiago de Cuba. Departure Please Note:
Additional Information:
The tour includes:
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,
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