Cuba /Oct 31, 2017
Right up until 1965, and the building of La Farola, the town of Baracoa was a virtual island, cut off by land from the rest of Cuba and only accessible by sea.
La Farola is the name given to the 120km stretch of road that links Baracoa with Guantanamo on the south coast. Viewed as one of the first, great infrastructure achievements of the Cuban Revolution, building of the road was actually begun, but then abandoned, by the previous government.
Although La Farola refers to the entire route between Guantanamo and Baracoa, it is the near 60km stretch between Cajobabo and Baracoa that is widely considered to be the most scenic drive in Cuba, winding its way up and over the Cuchillas de Baracoa Mountains, some of the steepest in Cuba and covered in dense vegetation.
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Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Cuba. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website. |
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The road reaches a maximum height of over 600 metres and includes no less 11 bridges. Beautiful by day, with occasional spots to pull over and let the driver enjoy the views (usually in the company of local fruit sellers) La Farola is not somewhere you would want to drive in the dark as parts of the road are in poor condition.
The drive between Baracoa & Santiago takes approximately 3 hours. In contrast to the majestic beauty of La Farola, the drive north from Baracoa towards Guardalavaca and Holguin is one of the least pleasant in Cuba – the road is still not paved, is in poor condition in parts and, around the nickel mines of Moa, is shared with gargantuan trucks.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Baracoa, there are a handful of simple hotels in town, such as El Castillo, La Habanera, Hostal 1511, Hostal Rio Miel although I’d recommend staying in one of the many casa particulares, including the excellent Villa Paradiso.
In terms of itineraries, our small group 14 Night Cuba Tour & tailor made Eastern Cuba Highlights both include La Farola although there are many more potential options that we can suggest.
For further suggestions as to great roadtrips across Cuba, do check out our feature on the best drives in Cuba.
Starting and finishing in Holguin in eastern Cuba, this suggested, week-long private tour takes in the key highlights of eastern Cuba, combining both city and countryside with the option, at the end, of extending your holiday at one of Cuba’s beautiful beaches.
This fully flexible, 14 night private tour takes in the length of the island and includes visits to many of the key destinations associated with the Cuba Revolution.
Enjoy a private Cuba tour with your own driver / guide. This 10 night itinerary takes in the highlights of western Cuba but is only a small taste of what we can offer.
Being by far the largest island in the Caribbean means that visitors looking to explore the country have ample opportunities to enjoy its beautiful countryside vis a vis a number of varied and memorable road trips.
Driving in Cuba - are you mad? Well no actually, although that is probably the response you’ll get if you suggest the possibility of Cuba Fly Drive holiday to the not-so-adventurous travel community.
Although we don’t offer any specific tours or set itineraries, options for Cuba walking holidays abound and we are able to pre-book a number of private, guided walks in various destinations.
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.
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, Nicaragua, Guatemala or the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we'd love to hear from you.
