Explore Baracoa

Best Time to Visit:

• November to April (Dry Season):

  • Ideal weather (22–28°C) for hiking, beach trips, and exploring natural parks. Less rain and humidity.

• May to October (Wet Season):

  • Hotter, wetter, and more humid — but extremely lush and green. Occasional hurricanes (especially August–October).

How to Get There:

• By Air:

  • Gustavo Rizo Airport (BCA) serves Baracoa with domestic flights (mostly from Havana).

• By Road:

  • Long, scenic drive from Santiago de Cuba (~5–6 hours) via the La Farola mountain road — one of the most dramatic and beautiful routes in Cuba.

• By Bus:

  • Viazul and local buses connect Baracoa with Santiago, Holguín, and Guantánamo.

    Top Attractions:

  • El Yunque:

    • Iconic flat-topped mountain that overlooks the town — popular for hiking with panoramic views.

  • Playa Maguana:

    • Quiet, stunning beach with turquoise waters, palm trees, and snorkeling.

  • Parque Independencia & Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción:

    • Baracoa’s main square and church — peaceful and charming.

  • Museo Municipal:

    • Located in an old fort, with artifacts and history from the colonial and revolutionary periods.

  • Cueva del Paraíso:

    • A cave museum showcasing Taino petroglyphs and indigenous history.

Top Attractions:

• El Yunque:

  • Iconic flat-topped mountain that overlooks the town — popular for hiking with panoramic views.

• Playa Maguana:

  • Quiet, stunning beach with turquoise waters, palm trees, and snorkeling.

• Parque Independencia & Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción:

  • Baracoa’s main square and church — peaceful and charming.

• Museo Municipal:

  • Located in an old fort, with artifacts and history from the colonial and revolutionary periods.

• Cueva del Paraíso:

  • A cave museum showcasing Taino petroglyphs and indigenous history.

Activities to Do:

• Hiking to El Yunque with a guide through rivers and cocoa plantations.

• Swim and relax at Playa Maguana or Playa Duaba.

• Explore natural parks like Alexander Humboldt National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve).

• Sample local chocolate and visit cocoa farms.

• Take boat trips on the Yumuri or Toa rivers through tropical landscapes.

• Attend local music and dance nights, often held in open plazas or community centers.

Accommodation:

• Casa Particulares:

  • The most popular and authentic lodging in Baracoa — stay with local families, often including breakfast and dinner.

• Hotels:

  • El Castillo (hilltop views), Porto Santo (by the bay), and La Habanera (in town center).

• Eco-lodges:

  • Options near nature reserves or beaches for more secluded stays.

Food and Restaurants:

Baracoa’s cuisine is distinct and unique in Cuba, with strong Taino and Afro-Caribbean influences.

• Specialties:

  • Cucurucho: Coconut, honey, fruit, and nuts wrapped in a palm leaf.

  • Pescado en salsa de coco: Fresh fish cooked in coconut milk sauce.

  • Cacao-based dishes and homemade chocolate.

• Popular Eateries:

  • La Colonial, El Buen Sabor, Baracoando, and many family-run casas that serve delicious home-cooked meals.

Local Culture:

• Baracoa is Cuba’s first Spanish settlement (founded in 1511) and still preserves a small-town, soulful atmosphere.

• Strong indigenous (Taino) heritage reflected in local crafts, music, and cuisine.

• Known for drums, maracas, and street dances — especially during local festivals.

• Friendly, welcoming people with a deep connection to nature and local traditions.

Booking information