Location: Baracoa
Top Things to do in Baracoa
Top 10 Things to do in Baracoa, Guantanamo Province
Baracoa is a municipality and city in Guantánamo Province near the eastern tip of Cuba. It was visited by Admiral Christopher Columbus on November 27, 1492, and then founded by the first governor of Cuba, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on August 15, 1511. It is the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba and was its first capital (the basis for its nickname Ciudad Primada, "First City").
Restaurants in Baracoa
1. El Yunque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Y2011RUstevenl
We had a great hike with a terrific guide, Javier Pizarro ([email protected]) Javier was knowledgeable about the area and the history of Cuba, passionate about his country and keen to educate along the way of the hike. Javier met us the day before and briefed us well about the hike. The hike itself is reasonably steep toward the end although Javier will manage the pace with you. The view from the top is spectacular. Bring thongs/crocs/reef shoes to cross the river at the start. You will need every bit of the two liters of water you are supposed to bring. Also bring small CUC to tip the coffee farmer and the fruit guy, both of who you will no doubt meet. A well earned swim in the river awaits you at the end. Such a good day.
2. Casa de la Trova
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Skygrazer
I was in Baracoa between 21st and 23rd December 2019 and visited this lovely musical sociable place. I tended to be there between 5pm and 6:30pm in the evenings. There were locals and tourists dancing and listening to gentle sensitive live salsa music. I recall listening to a band with three male lead singers on percussion. I don't speak Spanish, but the interpretation of this music spoke of people who have gone through life's experience. It certainly got into my head and heart. In fact this was some of the most beautiful and touching music I heard on my tour of the whole island. The band was called something like the Marchinoess/ Marsalles??...I did intend to buy the CD and completely forgot. If only I could wind the clock back and buy. I miss Casa de la Trova and I miss Baracoa already. I shall be back!!
3. Baracoa Bike Rental
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The business is involved in the rental of quality bicycles to tourists in the area of Baracoa, Cuba. Baracoa is world class destination for nature tourism and there is a good network of roads and trails in the area. The business intends to meet the demand for quality bicycles to enable tourists to explore the area.
4. Parque Independencia
5. Majayara park
6. Museo Municipal del Fuerte Matachin
7. Playa Blanca
8. Maguana Beach
9. Museo Arqueologico la Cueva Del Paraiso
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By mefistome - Toronto, Canada
In Guantanamo Province, atop the mountain that surrounds the most ancient town in Cuba, “Las Cuevas del Paraiso” (The Paradise Caves”), preserve and protect 3000 years of history. The Aborigines people of this region, the Tainos were persecuted almost to extinction by the invading Spaniards. Their leader Hatuey headed the resistance, confronting them in the Isle of Haiti (for its arahuaco original named, called later Hispaniola by the invaders) and later at Baracoa’s region. Hatuey refused to embrace the religion of the Spaniards, was made prisoner and condemned to die at the stake. History tells that while being burnt a priest offered him salvation by conversion, Hatuey then asked if heaven was the place where the Spaniards go when dead, the response being affirmative he proclaimed: “I rather go to hell than being surrounded by such brutal people.” The history and the culture of these aborigines are being protected and preserved inside the “Caves of Paradise”, that was originally a Taino Burial Site. Here more than 2000 pieces, skeletons, ceramics and petroglyphs are kept; a replica of the Idol of Tabaco, so named for its similarity to a habano cigar. The “Cemi de Gran Tierra” accidentally discovered in 1903 at the Gran Tierra table-land, sea terrace at Maisi, municipality in Guantánamo; the figure at issue measures 92 centimeters height in an extended and semi cylindrical shape like a "habano cigar" engraved on the very strong wood of Guayacan Negro, a tree originative from the southeast part of Cuba.This piece is the most important archeological finding of Taino and Cuban aborigine. The Caves unfortunately are not accessible by wheel-chair or persons with difficulty to walk since it’s necessary to climb on foot up to the top of the mountain where the caves are, once inside the cave to climb down a narrow spiral staircase to finally access the display areas. Excellent Museum of Anthropology, perhaps unique in the world considering its conception and preservation of its material. Should be more publicized Nationally and locally. A MUST TO SEE! En la Provincia de Guantánamo, en la cima de las montañas que circundan la Villa más antigua de Cuba, “ Las Cuevas del Paraíso” preservan y protegen 3000 anos de historia. Los Aborígenes de esta región los Tainos fueron casi exterminados por los españoles invasores, su líder Hatuey encabezó la resistencia, enfrentándolos primero en Haití (nombre arahuaco de la isla que los invasores llamaron La Española) y más tarde en Baracoa. Hatuey se negó a aceptar la religión de los invasores, fue apresado y condenado a morir en la hoguera. Cuenta la historia que antes de morir un cura le ofrece convertirlo a la religión de los españoles y de ese modo ganarse el cielo. Hatuey le pregunta si el cielo es el lugar donde van los españoles cuando mueren, ante la respuesta afirmativa responde: “prefiero ir al infierno a verme rodeado por gente tan mala.” La historia y la cultura Aborigen se preserva en el Museo “Las Cuevas del Paraíso”, que fuera en su momento un cementerio Taino. Aquí se preservan más de 2000 piezas originales, esqueletos, cerámicas, petroglifos; una réplica del Ídolo del Tabaco así denominado por su semejanza con un habano. El Cemi de Gran Tierra considerada como una de las piezas más importantes de la cultura Taina y de la arqueología aborigen cubana; mide 92 cms de altura, tiene forma alargada y semicilíndrica, tallada en madera de Guayacán Negro, árbol oriundo del Sureste de la Isla y de madera muy dura. Las Cuevas del Paraíso, no es accesible en sillas de ruedas o personas con dificultad para caminar. es necesario subir terreno virgen y empinado en la ladera de la montaña, una vez dentro del Museo hay que bajar por una escalera de metal en forma de caracol y muy estrecha para llegar hasta las salas de exhibición. Excelente Museo de Antropología, tal vez único en el mundo en su concepción y preservación de las piezas, debiera ser más promocionado a nivel Nacional. SE RECOMIENDA
10. Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By soledadp394 - Baracoa, Caribbean
The cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Baracoa, Cuba is unique for many reasons. Please note the photograph here must have been taken about 10 years ago as the church was renovated for the 500th anniversary of the founding of Baracoa which took place in 2011. It is now freshly painted, the roof has been replaced, the bells are working, the ceiling is new and the famous Cruz de la Parra is housed in its own alcove at the entrance of the church. This cross was created when Columbus landed in Baracoa; it was placed on the shore of the bay called Porto Santo, where the ships entered. It has been modified over the years, but its importance is great, as it is the only cross of all the crosses that Columbus ordered to survive to this day. It is supposedly on the site of the first church to be erected in Baracoa and is at the heart of the city. The park in front of the church is a great meeting place.
