Revolution and Mountains of Eastern Cuba

Discover Revolution and Mountains of Eastern Cuba

Eastern Cuba, known locally as “Oriente”, is such a fascinating area of Cuba to explore, and one of our favourite regions of Cuba as its so remote and unspoilt, with some rugged landscapes and intriguing colonial cities.

For those with 14 nights or more available to explore Cuba, and who wish to explore the whole island, it is possible to travel the length of Cuba in one unforgettable travel experience. Alternatively you can focus on Eastern Cuba alone by travelling over land from Havana, or by flying into the city of Holguin, with regular flights via Canada.

Santiago De Cuba, Cuba’s second largest city is known as the Cradle of the Revolution and offers a fascinating revolutionary and colonial history, and an insatiable appetite for music and dance.

It is here that sparked the Revolutionary uprising and where Fidel Castro announced its success, and finally decades later he was laid to rest in a simple mausoleum at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery. It’s possible to visit this cemetery where also rests Cuba’s national hero Jose Marti, and interestingly the founder of Bacardi Rum and many family members.

The Moncada Barracks is where the very first revolutionary attack took place in1953, led by a young 26-year-old Fidel Castro. The attack failed and of 111 men who took part, 60 were killed to become national heroes to this day. The bullet holes can proudly be seen on the distinctive building to this day.

Located close to the Caribbean Sea and with the Sierra Maestra mountains in the distance, the city overlooks the harbour from where a network of narrow streets climbs the hill to the small historic quarter, and the main square with its beautiful cathedral. The old quarter radiates from the square, with grand buildings in baroque and neoclassical styles testifying to past wealth from sugar merchants.

Close to the city lies the Baconao National Park, which is worthy of a day visit from the city. Highlights of this area of forests and hills are the strange dinosaur sculptures dotted around the hillsides, and Siboney Farm, where Fidel Castro and his men met to plan the failed attack on the Moncada barracks. For those looking for some exercise, a climb to the top of the Gran Piedra hill (Great Rock) offers lovely views across the hills to the ocean and its reputed, the lights of Jamaica can be seen on a clear evening.

The impressive fortress of San Pedro de la Roca overlooks the Caribbean Bay with the Sierra Maestra in the distance. It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status as the world’s best example of preserved Spanish American military architecture. The views from here are amazing, especially at sunset.

Resulting from centuries of immigration, most notably from Haiti and Jamaica, Santiago De Cuba certainly shows a more Caribbean character. Known for its Afro-Cuban music and contagious “Son“ rhythms, it is home to numerous internationally acclaimed musicians including three members of the world-famous Buena Vista Social Club.

Continuing the Caribbean influence, a relatively high number of residents of the city adhere to Afro-Cuban religions, most notably Santeria. Interestingly, some aspects of the religious “Vodoo” heritage can be traced back to this community.

Far from the throngs of everyday life located at the very eastern point of Cuba, lies the small coastal town of Baracoa. Nestling in an unspoilt and remote location surrounded by secluded beaches and virgin rainforests, it’s closer to Haiti than Havana. Reputedly discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, little appears to have changed since then and a couple of nights here is well worth the 4-5 hour journey across the mountain road, passing the USA Naval Base at Guantanamo from Santiago De Cuba.

Overlooking Baracoa lies the anvil shaped mountain known as El Yunque.  Considered sacred by the indigenous Taino Indians, and it’s possible to arrange a trek to the summit with our local guides. The breathtaking sub-tropical rainforests surrounding the town hide three rivers, and you can take a boat ride up the Rio Toa, as well as swim in the natural pools of the Rio Duaba.

Add an extra day in Baracoa and head to the nearby unspoilt Maguana beach, to relax in an idyllic natural environment. If it’s simplicity and natural beauty that you crave, Baracoa will not disappoint.

The Sierra Maestra mountains are Cuba’s largest mountain range visible in the distance when travelling between Bayamo and Santiago De Cuba. This strikingly beautiful region with its colossal sierras reaching up to nearly 6000 ft, also played a key part in many of Cuba’s armed struggles including the War of Independence and the Revolution. For those who enjoy the outdoors, a stay in the Sierra Maestra for a few days could well be a highlight of a visit to Cuba.

The more adventurous and energetic will test their endurance with a trek to Pico Turquino, the revered highest peak in Cuba. The trek involves an overnight stay in a simple hut high up in the mountains on the ascent. The feeling of isolation is amazing, as you would be alone in the mountains, with only your guide and very few other trekkers.

Visit La Plata, the camp set up by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara in 1958 to serve as a Revolutionary base. Hidden deep in the tropical forests, despite constant attempts to find it by Government forces and aircraft, it was never discovered! The small number of Revolutionaries set up Radio Rebelde and broadcast to the nation from the camp and the station still broadcasts today. Foreign journalists where invited to visit and the Revolutionaries used various tricks to hide the fact g the fact there were so few of them. The mountain huts, food store, and infirmary can still be visited along with Fidel Castro’s hut, which had 7 escape routes!

It’s possible to visit and engage with some lovely mountain communities, in tiny hamlets where life is so much different from Havana! Simply stroll along the riverbank and through the tropical forests, enjoy cooling dips in river pools, and relax into the slow pace of mountain life in Cuba.

Antiquated yet dignified, Bayamo, the former capital of Cuba embraces visitors with its simple charms and is well worthy of an overnight stay. The birthplace of Carlos Manuel Cespedes, the “Father of Cuba”, Bayamo was the focus of the war of independence against the Spanish rulers, where the locals burnt the city, rather than hand it to the Spanish.

The abolition of slavery in Cuba also took place here, when Cespedes the main plantation owner in the region released his slaves. Despite a significant history, Bayamo is a sleepy town where the locals snooze under the shade of the palms, play dominos, and cycle leisurely around the pretty streets.

Delightfully frozen in time, the charming coastal fishing port of Gibara known as the ‘white town’, boasts an abundance of parks and charming colonial architecture.

The town competes with Baracoa, located some distance east, as the location where Christopher Columbus described “the most beautiful land that human eyes saw” when he first made land in Cuba.

Not to be missed on a visit to Gibara is a guided walk into the countryside to visit the imposing Panaderos Caves which were only discovered and mapped a few decades ago, but are aged to 90 million years.

Situated in the east of Cuba and the 4th largest city, Holguin can act as a gateway for those flying into Eastern Cuba from various European and Canadian destinations. Well worth an overnight stay, the centre of the city enjoys some pleasant plazas, commemorative monuments, colonial buildings, and a few small museums.

The more pious may appreciate the Loma de la Cruz which overlooks the city. In 1790, this large cross was raised at the summit in a desperate attempt to relieve the city of drought. For those looking for some exercise after a long flight, a long stairway leads up to the cross.

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