Cuba / Destinations / Baracoa

Baracoa

  • View over Baracoa Bay in Cuba
    — Baracoa Bay
    1 / 20
  • Rio Toa in Baracoa Cuba
    — Rio Toa
    1 / 20
  • Horse drinking in the Rio Miel near Baracoa Cuba
    — Rio Miel
    1 / 20
  • Mouth of the Rio Miel near Baracoa Cuba
    — Rio Miel
    1 / 20
  • An empty, winding road near Baracoa in Cuba
    — Quiet road
    1 / 20
  • Main square in Baracoa, Cuba
    — Main square
    1 / 20
  • Men playing majong in Baracoa Cuba
    — Majong
    1 / 20
  • Close-up of a lizard in Baracoa Cuba
    — Lizard
    1 / 20
  • Entrance to Alejandro De Humboldt National Park near Baracoa Cuba
    — Alejandro De Humboldt National Park
    1 / 20
  • Couple hiking in Baracoa, Cuba
    1 / 20
  • Small fishing boats near Baracoa in Cuba
    — Fishing boats
    1 / 20
  • El Yunque mountain near Baracoa
    — El Yunque
    1 / 20
  • Colourful houses in Baracoa Cuba
    — Colourful building
    1 / 20
  • Old, yellow building in Baracoa, Cuba
    — Baracoa town
    1 / 20
  • Catedral De Nuestra Senora De La Asuncion in Baracoa The Central Plaza
    — Baracoa Cathedral
    1 / 20
  • Beach at Playa Maguana near Baracoa in Cuba
    — Playa Maguana
    1 / 20
  • Woman with umbrella walking in Baracoa
    — Baracoa street
    1 / 20
  • Street scene in Baracoa Cuba
    — Baracoa street
    1 / 20
  • Scenic river running through the Baracoa countryside
    — Baracoa countryside
    1 / 20
  • Large stones in a river near Baracoa Cuba
    — River, Baracoa
    1 / 20

The oldest town in the Americas

Founded in 1511, Baracoa is not only the first Spanish settlement in Cuba, but also the oldest colonial town anywhere in the Americas.

However, it’s not history, museums or grand colonial architecture that draw visitors to Baracoa today, but rather its remoteness, beautiful setting, unspoiled surrounding countryside, near deserted beaches and incredibly laid back atmosphere.

For the vast majority of its long history, Baracoa has been a virtual island with access only possible by sea. It wasn’t until the 1960s that a road was built from Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa, winding its way through the steep mountain ranges of the Sierra del Purial. Known as La Farola, this stretch of road is perhaps the most scenic drive anywhere in Cuba and not to be missed.

The countryside surrounding Baracoa is some of the most scenic, and verdant, anywhere in Cuba. The most famous natural feature, easily visible from town, is El Yunque, a long, flat mountain that rises to 575 metres but which is almost 1000 metres across at the top. Slightly further north is Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt, perhaps the most important wilderness area in the entire Caribbean and, since 2001, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Numerous trips can be arranged while in Baracoa, including a wide range of trekking opportunities and visits to the nearby cocoa farms, home to the region’s most famous export. For those who want to relax for a day or two, there are beautiful, largely empty beaches some 30 minutes’ drive north along the coast at Playa Maguana and Playa Nibujon.

Today, Baracoa is linked to Havana by twice weekly flights and by road to both the east and north. The drive to Santiago over La Farola takes approximately 3 hours while the coastal route north to Guardalavaca takes up to 5 hours along roads that are often in very poor condition.

For ideas to how one can include a visit to Baracoa during a Cuba holiday, please refer to our Itineraries page where there are examples of both small group tours, such as our 14 Night Cuba Tour, and tailor made suggestions such as Eastern Cuba Highlights.

Accommodation in Baracoa

1 / 5
View All

Trips including Baracoa

View All
  • Humboldt Park trip in Baracoa

    Alexander Von Humboldt National Park

    6 hr/s 09.00 Baracoa Daily

    This hike takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage, Alexander von Humboldt national park, “one of the most biologically diverse tropical island sites on earth”. The trail begins at the Santa Maria river and begins as a flat path through a lush forest of fruit trees before climbing to 740 metres above sea level. As well as the beautiful flora and fauna there are a number of waterfalls in the park including the 25-metre high Santa Maria waterfall and El Maja waterfall where you can take a dip in the sheltered pool.

  • Hike to El Yunque in Baracoa

    El Yunque Hike

    6 hr/s 09.00 Baracoa Daily

    El Yunque is the anvil-shaped mountain that is clearly visible from Baracoa and one of its most popular day trips. To reach the top involves trekking an approximate 10 km trail that reaches 575 metres above sea level. Departing Baracoa and crossing the Duaba river, you will get to the protected area around Quivijan, Duaba & El Yunque. At the ground level you will notice cocoa plantations which are very much part of the local economy; as you climb, these cocoa plantations give way to tropical rainforest before you reach the clearing at the top of El Yunque and enjoy the beautiful views.

  • Walking tour of Baracoa

    Baracoa Walking Tour

    3 hr/s 09.00 Baracoa Daily

    Cuba’s oldest town can easily be explored on foot and, although it lacks the architectural splendour of, for example, Trinidad, it’s still a lively, charming town with a picturesque oceanfront setting and plenty to enjoy.

Financial Protection

You’re in safe hands

When making your travel arrangements, we understand just how important peace-of-mind is. Beyond The Ordinary hold both ATOL & ABTOT bonds so whether you book your flights through us, or independently, any money you pay us is 100% protected. More detailed information on Financial Protection can be found by clicking here.

Beach Holiday Footer

Make your next holiday Beyond The Ordinary

Whichever of our featured countries you wish to visit, we've been there several times. So, if you're after something beyond the ordinary to Cuba, Guatemala or the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we'd love to hear from you.

Plan my Extraordinary