La Plata is the abbreviated name given to the headquarters of Fidel Castro and his small band of fellow comrades at the start of the Cuban Revolution.
Established in 1958 and hidden within the cloud forest of the Sierra Maestra in eastern Cuba, La Plata was so remote that it was never discovered by government forces.
As a site of huge national significance, little has changed at La Plata in the intervening years. The site consists of 16 simple, wooden bungalows that included living quarters (Fidel had his own bungalow), field hospital, communications centre and arms depot.
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Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Cuba. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website. |
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One of the buildings has been converted into a small museum detailing the short history of La Plata but, for most visitors, it is the setting and location that is the most memorable aspect of the site.
There is a good reason that the site was chosen – and never discovered – and that is its remoteness. Located in the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra, the nearest town of any size is Bayamo which is still an hour’s drive away.
To visit La Plata one can either stay in Bayamo and visit on a day trip / en-route to somewhere else (most typically between Bayamo & Santiago de Cuba) or in Santo Domingo, a tiny hamlet within the Parque. Here, there is a small hotel called Villa Santo Domingo that acts as a base for visiting both La Plata and Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest peak.
From Santo Domingo, it is 5kms to Alto Naranjo which is the official start of the hike to La Plata. Although it is possible to walk this initial stretch, most visitors are driven up by jeep.
It is then a 4kms hike from Alto Naranjo to La Plata along a trail which is often steep, uneven and, depending on the weather, muddy.
For an example of how to include a visit to La Plata into an overall Cuba holiday, check out our 2 week Cuba Revolution Tour.
Independent travellers can base themselves in either Bayamo or Santo Domingo and we can arrange an excursion (as part of a group) with transport included up to and then back from Alto Naranjo. Please note however that accommodation in the area is in very short supply and books up a long way in advance, especially during the high season (November through April).
For more information, please contact us by phone or email.
