Baracoa

Places of Interest - Cuba

introduction

If you are traveling in Cuba, every Cuban will ask you when you go to Baracoa. The town was only accessible by boat until 1960 and therefore has, even more like other cities in Cuba, a very authentic atmosphere. The streets are virtually empty and transport is synonymous by foot or a bicycle taxi.

The sound of a truck, motorcycle or car will make you realize how it must have been. The town was founded by the Spaniards as the first establishment in Cuba in 1512 and "Colombus" called the area Porto Santo. There are beaches (including Playa Blanca) in the vicinity just like the national park "Alejandro de Humboldt". In the city itself, 3 Spanish forts were built in the 18th century when pirates, smugglers and the English threatened Baracoa.

highlights

Downtown Baracoa:

The small houses often built with concrete and wood are perhaps the biggest attraction of Baracoa. Sometimes they look like a studio of a western, other times they look like a slum and then again on a romantic French village.

Bright colors, crumbled walls, aluminum plates interspersed with Caribbean roof terraces but also often weathered Spanish colonial buildings make the city a very authentic and even a fantasy. There are a number of small squares surrounded by nice restaurants, a cathedral and benches that are all occupied by a mix of tourists and local Cubans on Saturday night.

On the main square is a statue of the rebellious Indian Hataguay who was defeated after a bitter and unequal battle with the Spaniards who claimed his land. He came impaled and was put on the stake to be burned. While a Spanish fortress is at the head of the coast of Cuba, the other is built against the mountainside, which gives a view of a beautiful panorama of the city and it’s coast. This is now an expensive hotel where it is possible to use the swimming pool. Finally, there is a small tobacco factory where you can watch how the famous Cuban cigars are made.

Baracoa lacks big tourist attractions – it’s the atmosphere and little things that make this place special.

Baracoa-Cuba-Coast-Special-Town-Colonial-Houses-Party-Streetlife

tips & advice (2013)

Guantanamo - Baracoa: there is at least one truck (camion) per day that leaves around 07:00 from the bus station in Guantanamo (he makes a round trip through the city). The trip costs 30 CP and takes about 4 hours. The road is pretty slinky and goes straight through the mountains.

Not a good idea for people with a weak stomach. The "Viazul" bus is at 15:00 and costs around 11 CUC.

Baracoa - Moa: from the bus station (if you can call it that) around 06:30 a truck (camion) goes to Moa from Baracoa. This costs 20 CP and does not last like my travel guide mentioned 1.5 hours but 3 hours. In Moa you have to walk to the terminal and wait for a truck in the direction of Holguin - there was an unexpected bus. This takes 5 hours and also costs 20 CP.

You can get a pizza for 5 CP at various locations in the center. But eating in the casa where you’re sleeping is a must; I was allowed to enjoy the specialty of the city Pescado Santa Barbara; a stew of fish in coconut milk, soup in advance and supplemented with rice and salad.

Baracoa-Cuba-Coast-Special-Town-Colonial-Houses-Rain

Name: Casa particulare Antonio y Margharita

Address: Calle Maceo nr 211 (altos)

Price: 15 CUC (incl. Breakfast)

Content:

This casa is located in the main street near the center. They have 2 rooms, one of which is located on top of the roof. Both have their own toilet and shower (hot water) and especially the one on the roof is very spacious. There is a large roof terrace with a party tent including two rocking chairs and you have a beautiful panorama of the city. The owners are very nice people and helpful.

Breakfast consists of coffee, fruit juice, eggs and sometimes a banana and/or bread. This could have been a bit broader. There is a possibility to have dinner (5 CUC). Often in the afternoon (free) coffee is served and even sometimes free dinner. The disadvantage is that you have to go through the house of the owner to getto you’re place. In the future, the plan (I have heard) is that a staircase outside will be built.

The town is very natural and there are a few nice cafes with terraces around the main square of the city. But if you can come on Saturday night that is a bonus; it seems that the entire population from the region comes to the city to build a little party here in the square.

It is therefore very busy and cozy until late and you can just drink your drink on the street (and in the square).

Baracoa-Cuba-Coast-Special-Town-Colonial-Houses-Che-Guevara-Wallpainting

Baracoa

Places of Interest - Cuba

introduction

highlights

tips & advice (2013)

see also:

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