With the relaxation of travel restrictions and a renewed interest in tourism, Cuba is poised to become a tourist hot spot. Direct flights from the US are beginning to open up, some as low as $99, allowing Americans to forgo the usual stopovers in Canada in order to get to Havana. In past years, even hiking was heavily controlled in this country, but now hiking in Cuba is opening up a world of natural beauty to a quickly growing visitor base.
Serious climbers can check out Pico Turquino, which at 6,469 feet is Cuba’s highest summit. This is a tough trail, built for fit climbers. The ascent is steep, and is usually a two day trek up and back down. The route can range from 8 to 13 miles, depending on your path. There are two options: You can head up to the summit and backtrack to your starting point, or if you’re really up for an adventure, head down the far side of the mountain to the Caribbean coast at Las Cuevas. Cost of this trip usually includes overnight lodging in rustic mountain shelters.
The Comandancia de la Plata is a far less traveled trail, running more than 60 miles from Parque Nacional Desembarco del Granma. The park is something of a shrine to famous rebels, brothers Fidel and Raul Castro included, who came ashore here when their vessel sank nearby in 1956. Follow in their footsteps across this rugged yet lovely landscape and see the spot where the Castro crew engaged in battle with Batista’s anti-rebel troops! This is a very remote trail and it is recommended that you arrange a guide through a travel agent in the nearby city of Bayamo. Lack of signage and few local guides could make venturing off on your own risky.
If it’s wildlife you want to see, head to Parque Nacional Alejandro Humboldt. This area features a wealth of unique species not found outside of Cuba. The world’s smallest frog species lives here, and there are nearly 1,000 different varieties of plants. Guided trail hikes here range between 1 and 4.5 miles long.
Regardless of where you choose to explore, guides are still almost always required, but as travel restrictions loosen and tourism increases, hiking in Cuba is set to become a beautiful and unique opportunity.
Featured Image from Daniel Seßler/Unsplash
