Home
Cuba
PLAN MY VISIT
Cuba Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Cuba
  3. Destinations
  4. Eastern Cuba

Santo Domingo, Cuba

The small town of Santo Domingo lies amidst the forested Sierra Maestra in eastern Cuba. The setting – with tall mountains, lush forests, and clear streams – is lovely, and the area is home to Fidel’s rebel headquarters at La Comandancia de la Plata.

Similar places: Adventure  Highlands  Historic  Nature  Off the Beaten Path 
Santo Domingo Cuba
Santo Domingo Cuba
Santo Domingo Cuba
Santo Domingo Cuba
Santo Domingo Cuba
Santo Domingo Cuba
Santo Domingo Cuba
←→

The tiny community of Santo Domingo was the setting for major battles in the push to overthrow Batista, particularly from June–July in 1958. Fidel’s headquarters were located nearby—from here he commanded rebel units across the country, and put out secret daily radio communications to the citizens of Cuba. Local campesinos helped supply and protect his hideout.

Santo Domingo is located along the banks of the Río Yara near the entrance to the Pico Turquino National Park. Santo Domingo is a smaller destination, but it’s one of the best places in Cuba for a real outdoor experience. Travelers can spend their days exploring forests and mountains, and spend their nights watching the stars emerge in the dark sky above. The air up here is fresh and crisp and a nice break from Cuba’s hot lowlands. The town’s single hotel is pleasant and borders the river. There are a handful of casa particulares as well, some of which have pleasant balconies where you can watch the sunset fall over the mountains.

Most travelers come here to hike the tallest mountain in Cuba, Pico Turquino, or to visit Fidel’s hideout. Aside from these two attractions, however, travelers can enjoy ecotourism activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and birding. And after a day of exploring, take a dip into the cool pools of the Río Yara.

Fidel’s rebel hideout, La Comandancia de la Plata, is set within the Pico Turquino National Park. The hike to the hideout passes through dense forest and takes about 45 minutes. La Comandancia de la Plata is made up of 16 wooden buildings set along a ridge. You can see Fidel’s small house – equipped with the bed and refrigerator he used – and the simple hut where Che practiced medicine. Guides are required.

The Pico Turquino National Park is also home to Pico Turquino, the highest mountain in Cuba. The trail up this 6,476-foot (1,974-m) mountain is 8 miles (13 km) long, and fairly steep and challenging. It’s required to take a guide, and most tours summit the mountain on the first day and then spend the night in a cabin, finishing the rest of the hike the next morning. The cloud forests that blanket the upper slopes of this park are home to orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.

The drive from Bayamo to Santo Domingo is gorgeous, winding through pastoral fields before ascending into the mountains. Do note, however, that the road gets quite steep towards Santo Domingo. If you’re in a rental car, it might not be able to make it all the way—better to book a shuttle or cab from Bayamo.



Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
Great Service!
We had a great experience with Anywhere Cuba. They really made our trip comfortable and were 100% available and collabor...
Feb 04, 2020
– Daniela R.
Trustpilot Rating
Another great trip
As usual, Anywhere provided a great and professional service both before and during our trip. Thanks!
Sep 06, 2019
– Sadie
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
This service is outstanding
This service is outstanding. We had changes to be made, and they were done so with ease. All of the excursions and dri...
Mar 23, 2019
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
This was our third time using Anywhere…
This was our third time using Anywhere to help us create an adventure (Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba). As with our first two ...
Mar 15, 2019
– Brent Pat.
Trustpilot Rating
Great service that caters to the…
Great service that caters to the desires and wishes of their clients. We had the best vacation ever with this visit. Any...
Mar 07, 2019
– Bill
Trustpilot Rating
The Hidden Treasure of Travel Agency ( that shouldn't be anymore )!
Super pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable staff! We plan to have them coordinate our next trips to the areas they ser...
Feb 15, 2019
– Mari
Trustpilot Rating
Best vacation of my life
Best vacation of my life! I told them the type of vacation and experiences I wanted and they somehow found the most perf...
Feb 08, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Our First trip to Cuba
We had our first trip to Cuba in January. Juan and Daniel helped us plan the trip accommodating what we were most intere...
Jan 29, 2019
– Abby Elle.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com is the best.
I would recommend Anywhere.com to anyone who is looking to travel to the destinations that they coordinate. I have been ...
Dec 17, 2018
– Robert
Trustpilot Rating
Great Experience in Cuba!
Initially was very hesitant to book with Anywhere since they are a smaller company but they really went above and beyond...
Nov 06, 2018
– Nina
Trustpilot Rating
Great Customer Service
We have now used the services of anwhere.com for trips to Cuba and Peru. I cannot endorse them strongly enough. Our expe...
Nov 01, 2018
– Peter Tes.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere exceeded all expectations
Anywhere exceeded all expectations. Schedules were kept, accommodations were excellent and tours were very high quality....
Apr 25, 2018
– David Bet.
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Cuba Vacations
  • Beach
  • Culture
  • History
  • Romantic
Cuba Travel
  • Places to go
  • Things to do
  • Hotels
  • Maps
  • Getting around
  • Safety
ANYWHERE'S TOP SPOTS
  • Costa Rica
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica Beaches
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Galapgos, Ecuador
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Ambergris Caye, Belize
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Caye, Belize
GET INSPIRED!
  • Our Safest Pick!
  • Family Vacations Made Easy
  • Best Tropical Beaches
  • Best Islands
  • Best Hot Springs
  • Cloudforests & Rainforests
  • Get into Nature
  • Mystical Destinations
  • Best Swimming Holes
  • Best Ruins
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy