Introduction
Baracoa is the oldest Spanish settlement on Cuba (1512). The town itself has less offer but nevertheless it has a nice countryside
Getting there and away
by plane :
by train :
by road :
-
to/from Moa (direction Holguin) - It’s a very bad road (66 km, 2 hours)
-
to/from Guantanamo (direction Santiago de Cuba) - It’s a comfortable road called the ‘autopista nacional’ , 125 km.
Accommodation
There are many casas particulars along Flor Crombet.There are also two large tourist hotels in Baracoa:
El Castillo and Hotel Porto Santo (very close to the airport).
Mirtha Barbon Matos, Reparto Paraiso nr. 2, tel. 4-3217 is situated at the border of town. This place was just opened in 7/98, but the service was excellent. They charge 10 US$ for a room with fan and shower. Breakfast is extra at 2 US$, dinner between 5 and 8 US$.
Srs Edda y Alexis, Flor Crombet no. 115, tel 4-3429. Lovely little apartment reached by a private spiral staircase safe and secure large rooms (15-20 US$), air conditioning, private bathroom with shower. Rates vary according to time of year. Delicous breakfast (2 US$) and dinner (6US$) also available. (7/2000)
Alex Gonzales, Roberto Reyes 20 o/o Marti y Maceo, Tel. 4-2175. Two rooms (15 US$ each) with AC on the second floor with a large terrace. Great view. Shared bathroom with warm/cold water. Private entrance and kitchen on the first floor. Alex speaks English. Meals are available. Breakfast (3 US$) – Dinner (8 US$). (7/2000)
Restaurants / Bars
Finca Duaba (6 km from Baracoa) on the road to Rio Toa. It’s a farm to show the visitor the country life in Cuba. They serve a Creole lunch. Count on 10 US$. (open daily except Monday, 12 am to 4 pm)
La colonial : Restaurant in a colonial house at the main street in the city center. Good service. Nice furniture in colonial style. Excellent schrimps
All the following are located on Maximo Gomez:
-
the Casa de la Trova offers traditional salsa music every night
-
the
Casa de la Cultura offers an Afro Cuban music and dance show occasionally.
-
Rumbos is the tourist-type bar which has a band most nights. Disco 485 has dancing inside - on the roof in hot weather - most nights.
-
There are also a couple of other bars which have music too.
On Saturday nights there is a big party in the Parque Central where everyone gathers and hangs out before deciding what to do. Sometimes the party is on the park itself. Baracoa is definitely a place where people like to enjoy themselves.
TIP : The local delicacy is cucurucho, made from coconut, sugar and guava or orange, all wrapped up in a folded banana-leaf cone - it is incredibly sweet, and a little like coconut ice. It can be bought from the Casa de Chocolate on Maximo Gomez (you will need pesos for this).
What to do
-
Fuerte Matachin : fortress with a museum of the town’s history.
-
Malecon : promenade along the sea.
-
Parque central with church ‘Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion’
-
Hotel Castillo : former a Spanish fortress.
-
Cycling and touring around the surrounding countryside - there are many rivers around Baracoa - it is really beautiful and a UNESCO biosphere. A trip to Maguana beach is also a must.
-
Local artisan Israel Castro Matos, Moncada #47. He is an excellent wood sculptor and did the statue of Hatuey at the Plaza de la Revolucion which is next to the Fuerte La Punta. If you are staying a few days in Baracoa he can make a piece to your specifications. His prices are reasonable.
Telephone
The telephone exchange is located next to the post office in the Parque Central
Around Baracoa
La Boca de Yumuri (30 km east from Baracoa) : Place where a few poor but very friendly fishingfamilies live. They will prepare for you fresh catched fish or lobster at a ridiculous low price. There is also a cacao plantation and ‘plant’. Here, you can have a delicious chocolate milk.
Sierra del Purial : Mountain area with hiking possibilities.
Go to Holguin
For questions on Cuba send an e-mail to Steven Buvens.
Article Comments:
| 04/06/2006 |
| Ariel Garc (5) |
|
Thank you very much.An excellent information.
|
