Extreme Cuba: from Turquino Peak to Baracoa's El Yunque

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Eastern Cuba hides the island's wildest, most extreme landscapes, far from the classic tourist circuits. This 8-day itinerary starts in Havana but quickly flies to Santiago de Cuba — the Caribbean capital, cradle of the Revolution and of Cuban son. From there you go deep into the Sierra Maestra, Cuba's highest range, to climb Turquino Peak (1,974 meters), the island's roof: a demanding two-stage hike through tropical forest, giant ferns and sea-to-Caribbean views from the summit. Santiago de Cuba offers its Morro Castle — a 17th-century fortress guarding the bay's entrance — and nights of Cuban son at the Casa de la Trova, where Compay Segundo played. The route culminates in Baracoa, the first village Columbus founded in Cuba and the most isolated region for centuries. Here you climb El Yunque — a 575-meter anvil-shaped limestone tabletop that rules over Baracoa's rainforest: trekking by rivers, caves and wild cacao woods. The experience is rustic, without luxuries, on Cuban public transport, lodging in Sierra peasant homes.