About Granma

Yes, access to the Sierra Maestra, especially trails to Comandancia de la Plata or Pico Turquino, requires an official guide and often a permit arranged through tour agencies or park offices. Independent hiking is not allowed in these protected areas.

No, U.S. dollars are not commonly accepted due to historical restrictions. The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP) for locals and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is being phased out. Tourists primarily use Cuban Pesos (CUP) or credit/debit cards from non-U.S. banks. Bring Euros or Canadian dollars to exchange, as U.S. dollars face a penalty fee.

The Desembarco del Granma National Park (landing site of the Granma yacht) is a UNESCO site, and the city of Bayamo is a National Monument for its role in Cuba's independence wars. The Sierra Maestra holds the Comandancia de la Plata, Fidel Castro's revolutionary headquarters.

Granma is not known for large all-inclusive resorts. It has smaller, low-key coastal areas like Marea del Portillo with basic hotels and casas particulares (private homestays), offering a more authentic and rustic beach experience compared to Varadero.

Internet access is limited and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in designated public parks (parques wifi) in Bayamo and Manzanillo, and some hotels, but requires purchasing an ETECSA NAUTA internet card. Connection speeds are slow, and service can be intermittent, especially in rural and mountainous areas.