Sierra Maestra National Park

Sierra Maestra Gran National Park, also known as Pico Turquino National Park, is a protected natural area in Eastern Cuba. Forested parklands surround Turquino Mountain, which is the highest point in Cuba at 1,974 meters. The park also has interesting historical sites and markers from the Cuban Revolution. The park includes a former command post of Fidel Castro's and a field hospital run by Che Guevara. == Understand == The park covers an area of about 22,940 hectares. The Sierra Maestra mountain range covers much of southeastern Cuba and is densely forested and sparsely populated. === History === The park was established as part of the Cuban national parks system in 1980. In 1991, it was also declared a national monument in recognition of its important historical significance during the Cuban Revolution. === Landscape === The park is located entirely within a mountain range and the landscape is dominated by rocky peaks with steep, rugged, dense forests. There are several springs in the park giving birth to rivers and streams (including the Rio de la Plata). The forests are lush and misty, hosting a variety of wildlife forms including amphibians and birds. Like other mountainous regions, the park has areas of very rugged, rocky terrain that may include cliffs, caves, and very steep ascents. On the south side of Pico Torquino, the descents lead to gray sands on Caribbean beaches. === Flora and fauna === Vegetation is very dense in the park, with many areas of tropical jungle and highland areas with drier forest. The jungle area includes a large number of ferns, orchids and epiphytes. The vegetation transitions from coastal vegetation and tropical vegetation to montane rainforest and finally to pine forest near the summit. The park is home to more than 100 bird species, including several endemic and endangered species. The park is also thought to harbor the world's last ivory-billed woodpeckers, though many ornithologists believe the species to already be extinct. === Climate === Hot, humid weather is normal from June to October and October and November are usually regarded as the "rainy season", bringing frequent rains as well as the occasional hurricane. November to April are drier, cooler, and generally more dependably clear for outdoor adventures. == Get in == The nearest airport is in Holguín (IATA|HOG). The town at the park entrance for the northern ascent hike is Santo Domingo. The park can also be entered on the southern side via Santiago de Cuba. From Holguin, you can rent a car or hire a taxi to take you to the park. From Holguin, travel 2 hours south to Bayamo, then another 2 hours to Villa Santo Domingo. == Fees and permits == The daily fee to enter the park is US$25 or €35 (Feb 2026). All visitors are required to be accompanied by a registered park guide. Travel services offer 1-day and 2-day guided trips to the park that include van transportation from the city as well as guide services. These tours generally cost €200-300. == Get around == There are no roads in the park. Hiking is your only option, so be sure to pack comfortable, sturdy boots and extra socks. == See == Comandancia de la Plata - the Revolutionary headquarters of Fidel Castro is entirely within the park and can be reached via a 45-minute hike through 3 miles of wooded trails. The Comandancia includes a house that was occupied by Castro and a field hospital that was run by Che Guevara (who was a doctor). The area was the scene of several battles against government troops of the Batista regime. El Salton - a waterfall on the Rio La Plata is a cool, refreshing way to swim and relax after a long day of hiking == Do == Hikeː the trail from the trailhead at Alto de Naranjo to the summit of Turquino is about 13km, passing through dense forests. The hike to the summit is usually tackled as a 2-day hike, spending the night in the small community of Aguada de Joaquin. Hiring a local guide is recommended. == Buy, eat and drink == There are no shops, restaurants or other businesses within the park. Anything you need must be brought with you. This includes drinking waterː bring at least 2 liters per day (or follow the advice of your local guide). == Sleep == Backcountry camping is permitted in the park (Leave-No-Trace), though cabins and dorm-style lodging (called refuges) is available and can be arranged by tour guides. == Stay safe == This is a tropical environment with dense jungles. Mosquitos and various tropical diseases are common, including malaria and dengue. Take proper precautions including use of mosquito repellents containing DEET. == Go next == Santiago de Cuba Holguín