COMANDANCIA DE LA PLATA

After a 30-minute walk to the Comandancia de la Plata (former headquarters of the guerrillas), you enter the former sanctuary of the guerrillas, declared national monument. First installation in sight: the casa de Medina, named after a peasant and musician collaborator of Fidel Castro. After 1.5 km of ascent, comes the postal No. 1, which gave access to the entire perimeter and other facilities scattered in the area. Linger over the Casa de la Prensa (Press House), where El Cubano Libre was published. Of course, visit Fidel's house with its bed and refrigerator still standing. All the facilities had a specific function: administration, hospital, women's house, store, explosive depot, slaughterhouse. Although Che only stayed in the camp for a short time, he made the most of his stay and set about establishing the famous Rebelde radio station, which would broadcast from the Casa de los locutores. Plants dating back to prehistoric times and atypical birds such as the tocororo, emblem of Cuba for its colors close to those of the national flag, are also on the program.

Practical. Learn here that this hike constitutes a very good alternative to the one that allows you to reach the Turquino peak: it is much shorter (3 hours against 2 days of walking), more accessible technically and financially, while offering the possibility of discovering the Sierra Maestra. Attention, the last departure is at 10 am every day!