Santo Domingo

In the lushly forested Sierre Maestra mountains, the village of Santo Domingo is a lofty haven where life is much simpler and convivial. Rio Yara makes the picture all the more seductive with its fresh water and invaluable habitat. The town hasn’t changed much since the days of a revolutionary war that marked the mountains with an everliving weight. And today, a day spent in Santo Domingo will at once evoke a feeling of profound presence. Socialism is alive and kicking at every level of society. Nature is abloom with pockets of surprises for your leisurely needs.

Perhaps the most striking and powerful relic of Cuba’s independence war, La Comandancia de la Plata is an evocative assembly of mountain huts established by Fidel Castro in the 50s. There are few places in the world still standing today that tell the story of a struggle so fluently. A visit to the camp delivers just that. Boasting an impeccable strategic location, La Comandancia is difficult to access. Take a short hike up to the Radio Rebelde towers and hospital buildings for more. The feelings will become almost overwhelming once you reach Casa de Fidel, where several hidden passageways testify to the subtleties of resistance.

The land of iridescent moist forests, Pico Turquino National Park offers a refreshing time away from war and revolution. A hike in the lungs of Cuba will renew your senses, providing jaw-dropping views on the way.