La Piedra & Santiago City

by large 4x4 & on foot

Enjoy a scenic drive as you leave the city behind and head out to the countryside and to the foothills of the Sierra Maestra mountains. As you begin your ascent, observe the surrounding flora gradually changing from the tropical vines and palms of the lower levels to the more temperate of fir and pine trees.

Arriving at the visitor centre, you will commence your hike to La Gran Piedra or 'The Big Rock'. Measuring 51 metres (167 feet) long, 25 metres (82 feet) high, 30 metres (98 feet) wide and weighing over 63,000 tons, there are several legends as to how the rock of volcanic origin came to rest here. Perhaps the most likely is the one suggesting that the rock originated from the eruption of a huge underwater volcano. The Rock forms a natural viewing plateau, some 1,234 metres (4,050 feet) above Santiago de Cuba, affording spectacular views of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.

Have your camera to hand to capture the breath-taking views from La Gran Piedra, in the Sierra Maestra mountain range.

Your climb will take you up 452 purpose-built steps and along pathways. All certainly worth the effort, as at an altitude of approximately 1250m, the views out to sea and towards Jamaica are spectacular. After the heat and humidity of the city the air here is refreshingly cool.

Almost 1000 species of animal life call this region home, and your knowledgeable guide will point out flora and fauna along the way.

Returning to your coach, your experience continues to La Isabelica museum. Research has shown that the area surrounding La Gran Piedra was the main settlement of French immigrants in the 19th century, and the region is home to the ruins of dozens of coffee plantations. La Isabelica is considered to be the only plantation that remains intact. The plantation is now a museum and offers an insight into life on the plantation and the coffee industry.

As you make your way back to Santiago, a short stop will be made at Jardin Ave del Paraiso where you will be invited to wander through the tranquil gardens and admire cultivated species such as birds of paradise, dahlias and magnolias; all of which thrive in the micro-climate of the mountain range.

Continue on to El Morro, where you will be invited to enjoy a typical creole lunch with dessert held in a classic local restaurant, before returning to your awaiting ship.