The Path of the Revolution Hiking Tour
On this complete hiking adventure you'll get to explore the rugged jungles of the Sierra del Escambray. You'll get to hike the same trails as Cuban revolutionaries, and camp in the wilderness, far from any other form of accommodation. This Cuba adventure tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers!
- Guided Tour
- Accommodation in comfortable Hotels, basic accommodation, and tents
- Comfortable, private transportation
- Physical fitness required
- English-speaking tour leader and local guides
The highlight of this trip is certainly the climb up Cuba’s highest mountain, Pico Turquino. Although the journey is relatively easy, it's recommended that participants be fit. Participants will be rewarded at the top with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains - the Sierra Maestra, and the Caribbean Sea.
We also offer many other hikes in Cuba’s stunning national parks. You may decide to go with the alternative program option and travel to Santiago de Cuba, the colourful colonial towns of Trinidad and Santa Clara, and Havana. This trip takes you on a fantastic, comprehensive journey through Cuba. You're sure to be enchanted and inspired by this island's natural beauty and welcoming culture!
The Path of The Revolution Tour Itinerary
For most visitors, Cuba is all about inclusive beach hotels and golf resorts. Our tours, focus more on the island’s cultural and natural diversity. Only recently have hiking tours been offered to tourists in Cuba. Usually these hiking tours are limited to 3 day hikes or day walks in the national parks. Our unique alternative program is ideal for those who are physically fit and want to experience more of Cuba’s scenic beauty by hiking or biking. Experience wild Cuba actively with this unique tour package!
Below you’ll find the day-by-day breakdown for our Cuban Flair by Bike tour.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Holguin, Cuba
Welcome to Cuba! You will arrive in Holguin airport. We can arrange your transfer to your accommodation (optional) for you or you can organise transport yourself.
3* Hotel in Holguin
Day 2: Holguin - Niquero
Your tour guide will meet you in reception at 8:30am. Today will start with an informative city-tour of Cubas fourth largest city, Holguin, here you will see the real Cuba away from tourism and resorts. Afterwards you will transfer to the peaceful fishing port and sugar town of Niquero via the quiet town of Manzanillo famous for its hand-operated street organs.
2* Hotel in Niquero
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Desembarco del Granma National Park
Today you will go on your first hike of the trip in Desembarco del Granma National Park, the name of the area is reminiscent of the name of the yard Granma where Fidel Castro and the other revolutionaries arrived in 1956.
Hike: approx. 3-4 hours (Medium)
2* Hotel in Niquero
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Desembarco del Granma National Park – Bayamo
Today you will again hike in the Desembarco del Granma National Park, this UNESCO world heritage site protects the biggest Marine terrace system in all of Cuba. Enjoy discovering the unique coastline of this dramatic natural area! Later on you will travel to beautiful Bayamo by bus. Bayamo is the capital city of Granma Province of Cuba and one of the largest cities in the orient region of the Cuban nation.
Hike: approx. 2.5 hours (Medium)
3* Hotel in Bayamo
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Bayamo - Turquino National Park
Today you will transfer intot he Turquino National Park. You will go by bus to Santo Domingo, where you start climbing the highest mountain in Cuba - Pico Turquino. We will guide you on a hike through the lush rainforest of Turquino National Park. Today’s final destination is Aguada de Joaquin (1.360m) a very basic mountain campsite on the Pico Joaquin. Here you will stay in a simple hut overnight.
Hike: approx. 4-5 hours (Medium-Hard)
Overnight Sleeping in Huts
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Turquino National Park – Santiago de Cuba
The most demanding, but most beautiful, portion of your hiking trip awaits you today: the climb of the top of Pico Turquino - the highest mountain of the island and in the Turquino national park (1.974m). The hike will bring you through spectacularly varied landscapes. Once you have arrived at the summit you will enjoy a well-deserved break. After a rest you will hike back down and head for Las Cuevas. At the end of the day, the bus will bring you to Santiago de Cuba, also known as the second capital of Cuba.
Hike: approx. 6-7 hours (Hard)
3* Hotel in Santiago
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Santiago de Cuba
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Santiago de Cuba. You will visit the Castillo El Morro, a stunning 16th century citadel, and the fascinating cemetery of Santa Ifigenia. Finish off your tour in the Plaza de la Revolucion. In the evening you will listen to some Cuban music in Casa de la Trova.
3* Hotel in Santiago
Breakfast
Day 8: Santiago de Cuba - Camagüey
Continue westward along the path of the revolutionaries! Today you will drive to colourful Camagüey. Walk around the beautiful preserved old town on a huided tour and discover one of Camagüey's highlights: big clay jugs decorating gates all around the city.
2* Hotel in Camagüey
Breakfast
Day 9: Camagüey - Trinidad
This morning you will head to the fascinating city of Trinidad, a UNESCO world heritage site! In colonial times many of Cuba’s wealthy sugar-barons called this city home so it’s one of the best places in the Caribbean to see some very ostentatious palaces!
Casa Particular in Trinidad
Breakfast
Day 10: Trinidad
Today will start with an informative city tour of colonial Trinidad. The city has some remarkable architecture and offers scenic views of the sea and mountains. The Palacio Brunet is one of the most beautiful palaces in the city and is now home to the Museo Mántico.
Casa Particular in Trinidad
Day 11: Trinidad - Topes de Collantes
In the morning we will take you to the Topes de Collantes national park, located in the middle of the Sierra de Escambray mountain range. At the end of the hike you can go for a swim and stand in the refreshing spray of the Salto de Caburni waterfalls. ficulty.
Hike: approx. 3 hours (Medium)
Overnight Camping in Tents
Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Topes de Collantes
This will be your second day in the splendid Topes de Collantes National Park. Hike through the forest characterized by rivers, underground cave systems, lakes and waterfalls. Tonight you will once again stay in tents.
Hike: approx. 5 hours (Medium-Hard)
Overnight Camping in Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Topes de Collantes - Santa Clara
Leave Topes de Collantes behind you and head towards Santa Clara. Santa Clara is the place where the last, big revolutionary battle against the governmental army took place.
3* Hotel in Santa Clara
Breakfast
Day 14: Santa Clara - Havana
Today you will have the chance to reflect on the impact of the revolution during your visit to the famous Che Guevara Memorial and the Tren Blindado. Later on we will drive you to the capital of the island - Havana where you will have a guided tour seeing everything this vibrant city has to offer. The old town of Havana, La Habana Vieja. The Old Town was declared a UNESCO world Heritage in 1982. The atmosphere of bygone days is still present in Havana's streets.
4* Hotel in Havana
Breakfast
Travel Information
If you’re fit, ready for an adventure, and excited by the idea of spending a few days roughing it in the woods, then The Path of the Revolution hiking trip is perfect for you.
Explore the island on foot, away from tourist traps. Our experienced guide will accompany you as you enjoy your own personal activity holiday on the largest island in the Caribbean. Discover those spectacular natural places that can't be reached by car on this journey into wild Cuba!
We recommend that you read this information carefully before booking or departure. Here you will find important information about our Path of the Revolution tour. Be aware that you may need to get some vaccinations in advance. This trip includes several excursions, but there is also allocated time for optional activities. Let one of our friendly tour guides help you book any additional adventures.
Important advice regarding entry and exit, necessary vaccinations and general information about the country and people can be found here. If you have any further questions one of our staff members would be more than happy to help.
What's included?
- 8 nights in hotels
- 2 nights in Casa Particulares
- 4 nights camping in tents
- 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
- Transfers during the tour in air-conditioned vehicles
- Professional English-speaking guide
What's not included?
- International flights to/from Cuba
- Transfers between airport and accommodation
- Cuba Entry Card (tourist visa): booking available on request
- Optional offers/activities and services
- Departure Tax
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Sleeping Bag - needed for nights camping in tents
Prices and Dates for the Path of the Revolution: El Camino del Che - Hiking Tour
* prices listed are per person
Optional Extras:
- Transfer IN/OUT optional:
- Holguin Airport - Holguin Hotel
- ONE WAY Price per person in connection with the tour: $19 CAD
- Havana Hotel - Havana Airport
- ONE WAY Price per person in connection with the tour: $19 CAD
Additional Information:
- If a hotel mentioned in the itinerary is fully booked we'll ensure that you're accommodated in a hotel of equivalent standard.
- Do you have any general questions for SC Travel Adventures? Maybe you wish to request a special quotation or give us a suggestion! Please feel free to contact us.