“Comandancia de la Plata” Trekking Tour

• Duration: 6 - 7 hrs approximately
• Departure time: 07.00 hrs
• Tour guide: Yes
• Children are allowed: Yes
• Languages spoken: Spanish and English

“Excursion to Comandancia de la Plata” Trekking Tour

Description:

Comandancia de la Plata, was the General Command of the Rebel Army located in the Sierra Maestra, specifically in the Turquino National Park. This was the historic site built by Fidel Castro and the rebel army which consists of 16 facilities of utmost importance to the guerrillas, including a hospital and the house where Radio Rebelde was located.

From La Plata, the rebel fighters faced the offensive of the tyranny, they left to fulfill missions in the plain, and in addition Fidel transmitted diverse messages to the people of Cuba by means of the guerrilla station founded by Che.

Among the places they will visit are Fidel's house, the press house, the current museum, a rebel cemetery, the Radio Rebelde radio station and the hospital. The walk lasts between 3 and 4 hours, starting at Alto del Naranjo.

The tour starts in Bayamo from your hotel or rental house, towards the entrance of the Turquino National Park. At the Flora and Fauna office we meet the local guide who will be with us for the next 3 to 4 hours. Comandancia de la Plata is 8 km from Santo Domingo, but the first 5 km vehicle and 4x4 is used to reach Alto del Naranjo. From there, a 1.5 km walk through a forest takes us to the house of the farmer who helped the rebels during the war against Batista's army. The trail is 3 levels of difficulty one, hills not very steep nor completely flat. After Medina's house, another mile will take you to the area where the La Plata headquarters are located. Among the cabins you will visit are the checkpoint access, the museum, with the model of the location of the headquarters in the mountains, things used by the rebels like a typewriter, medical equipment used in the hospital, pictures, maps and some others. You will also visit Fidel Castro's house and the Radio Rebelde station located on the steepest hill you will climb, 40 minutes of additional walking (optional).

Included in the tour:

• A local tour guide (Spanish, English, French).
• Transportation from Bayamo to Santo Domingo round trip.
• Jeep service from Santo Domingo to Alto del Naranjo round trip.
• Guided visit to the facilities of Comandancia de la Plata.
• Entrance to Turquino National Park.
• Box lunch (sandwich and drink).

Not included in the tour:

Camera for photos in the area of Comandancia de la Plata. (Payment of 5 CUC per camera).

Transfer time: 3 hours approximately (round trip).

Distance to travel in the tour (car, round trip): 102 kms approximately + 10 kms in jeep from Santo Domingo to Altos del Naranjo (round trip).

Places of interest: Viewpoint of Alto del Naranjo - Casa Los Medinas - Comandancia de la Plata - Santo Domingo City.

Degree of difficulty: Low - Medium.

Maximum height to cover in the route: 955 meters approximately.

Time of transport of transfer: 3 hours approximately (going and return).

Distance to cover in the walk (round trip): 6 kms approximately.

Approximate duration of the tour (total): 6 - 7 hours approximately.

Important note: The distances and times of the tour vary according to the initial starting point.

TIPS: • Recommended: Comfortable clothes, walking boots, raincoat, sunglasses, cap, solar protection, insect repellent, photographic camera, water bottle and a snack.