Fact file
When's the best time to visit Sierra Maestra?
The Sierra Maestra is hot all the year around but especially in summer when there is little breeze to relieve the high temperatures. If hiking, best to avoid the hottest and most humid weather Jun - Sep. Hurricane and tropical storms are possible Aug - Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
What's the official language in Sierra Maestra?
Spanish.
How do I get local currency in Sierra Maestra?
Acquire Cuban Convertible Pesos at banks or in money exchanges (cadecas) in a large city before heading off to the Sierra Maestra. US dollars are not accepted so you need to take cash in euros or sterling. There are some ATM machines in Santiago (the nearest large city) which supposedly accept debit cards but they are not always reliable. You can also get cash with a credit or debit card (not issued by a US bank).
The more valuable convertible peso (CUC) has been reserved for use in the tourism sector and foreign trade. In October 2013, as part of a package of economic reforms its value will be gradually unified with the lower-value CUP, ending a system resented by ordinary Cubans.
What's the time difference between Sierra Maestra and UK?
GMT -5 hours; usually there is daylight saving in the summer but it is a moveable feast.
What places combine well with Sierra Maestra?
Baracoa, a small, unspoilt colonial coastal town; the city of Santiago de Cuba; the beach at Guardalavaca (174 km).
How do I get to Sierra Maestra?
The Sierra Maestra is 150 km from Santiago (2 hours 10mins by road).
If you still have questions, please <a href="https://www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk/contact-us/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>contact us</strong></span></a> and one of our Travel Experts will be happy to help.
Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
View Extraordinary Inspiration
-
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Consultant
Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.
-
Ben Line - Travel Consultant
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
-
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Consultant
Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is an invaluable part of our Group Tours team.
-
Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Consultant
After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.
-
Sophie Barber - Travel Consultant
Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia.
-
Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Consultant
Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.
