Mountain Pico Turquino (1 974 m / 6 476 ft)

Cuba remains an exotic piece of adventure despite the relative openness of the country's resorts: it's helped by the region's remoteness and prohibited legal public access by citizens of some western countries. Therefore, the ability to climb the Turquino falls in this life is literally not for everyone - in spite of the relatively simple nature of the routes to its summit, the mountain is a real attraction for climbers from all over the world: the beauty of the views, richness of the natural environment and historical background make of it a real pearl of the world mountaineering.

Pico Turquino - Cuba's highest peak (1972 m), known in the world not only because of its height, but also because of the involvement of this area of Cuba in the historical events: the Sierra Maestra Grand National Park was a stronghold of the army of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara during the war with the dictator Fulgencio Batista. National Park and Pico Turquino offer excellent opportunities for trekking, including interesting and scenic routes, almost year-round good weather, as well as constant for these places combination of geographical and climbing interest and the rich historical past of the island. There are two essential ways leading to the - from the province of Granma, and the province of Santiago de Cuba (on this side ascent's duration is 9.6 km, it has less steep angles, the best views and about six hours of climbing with 4 hours of descent). The area around the mountain - the National Park - is full of rare species of birds, reptiles and mammals, as well as a treasure trove of flora. At the top of the mountain there is a bust of the hero of the second war for independence, Jose Marti. By level of difficulty the ascent is assessed as "moderately complex", in winter is is a little more difficult to climb than in summer. There are both rapid ascents and climbing in the more leisurely pace: 2-3 days.

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On the Caribbean coast, at the opposite end of the island from its capital, Havana, in the county of Guama, province of Santiago de Cuba.

International airports are located in Havana, Holguín and Santiago de Cuba. From Havana to the National Park domestic flights are available, from other cities - buses to Villa Santo Domingo. From there to the ascent's starting points 4WDs and other private transport is a means of transportation. Around the National Park, there are many options for hotel accommodation, as well as a rich offer in the private sector, including the coastal area.

There is a 20 convertible pesos fee, including a compulsory Cuban guide, to enter the National Park.

The name of the mountain Pico Turquino, which located in Cuba, is derived from the Spanish word "turquoise" (Turqui). This is due to the fact that if you look on specific points on the mountain, it will have a turquoise hue.

 

While climbing to the top of Pico Turquino located in Cuba, you can visit the dugout, where Fidel Castro was hiding, find out the conditions under which survived the rebels in the fight against Batista's soldiers.

 

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Guided Tours

• Frontiers of Travel

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Maestra
• https://www.summitpost.org/pico-turquino/154032
• http://www.simonseeks.com/travel-guides/cuba-conquer-pico-turquino-countrys-highest-peak__201454
• http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=8220