Top Things to Do in Baconao Park – Cuba’s Natural Wonderland

Hola, adventurers! I’m your guide to one of Cuba’s most eclectic and fascinating attractions: Baconao Park (Parque Baconao). This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve stretches across over 840 square kilometers of eastern Cuba, blending nature, history, and fantasy into one unforgettable destination.
 

Here, you can:

Walk among life-size dinosaur sculptures 🦖

Climb up scenic mountains with sweeping sea views

Visit a vintage car museum

Relax on pristine Caribbean beaches

Learn about pre-Columbian and Afro-Cuban heritage

Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the magic of Baconao Park!

📍 Where is Baconao Park?

Country: Cuba

Province: Santiago de Cuba

Distance from Santiago de Cuba: 20–30 km (30–45 minutes by car)

Location: Eastern Cuba, nestled between the Sierra Maestra mountains and the Caribbean Sea

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Baconao Park

🌟 Recommended months: December to March for the best weather and clearer skies.

🧭 What Makes Baconao Park Special?

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1987

Home to unique ecosystems, prehistoric-themed parks, museums, and cultural landmarks

Perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike

Combines educational value with natural beauty and fun

🦕 Top Things to Do in Baconao Park

1. 🦖 Valle de la Prehistoria (Valley of Prehistory)

Imagine walking through a valley filled with over 200 life-size sculptures of dinosaurs and ancient humans! Valle de la Prehistoria is a fun and surreal experience for all ages.

🦕 What to Expect:

Gigantic replicas of T-Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, and more

Stone-age humans engaging in prehistoric activities

Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains

🎟️ Entry is very affordable, and guides are available for a small fee.

2. 🏖️ Baconao Beach (Playa Baconao)

This golden-sand beach is ideal for relaxation after a day of exploration.

🌊 Highlights:

Calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling

Rustic beach bars offering fresh seafood and cold drinks

Less crowded than tourist-heavy Cuban beaches

🏝️ Perfect for families or couples seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

3. 🚗 Museo del Transporte Terrestre (Vintage Car Museum)

A must-see for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this museum features dozens of antique vehicles dating back to the early 1900s.

🚘 What you’ll see:

Vintage American cars from the 1920s–1950s

Soviet-era vehicles

Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles

🚙 It’s a fascinating look into Cuba’s transportation history, especially for fans of classic cars.

4. ⛰️ Gran Piedra (The Great Stone)

One of the largest rocks in the Caribbean, La Gran Piedra is perched at an altitude of over 1,200 meters in the Sierra Maestra mountains.

🥾 What to do:

Climb the 452 stone steps to the summit

Enjoy breathtaking views of Santiago de Cuba and the sea

Visit the nearby botanical gardens

🪨 The rock is said to weigh over 63,000 tons and may be a volcanic boulder.

5. 🌺 Jardin Ave del Paraíso (Bird of Paradise Botanical Garden)

Located near Gran Piedra, this botanical garden boasts over 2,000 species of plants and beautiful walking trails.

🌿 Highlights:

Orchids, ferns, and medicinal plants

Hummingbirds and butterflies

Peaceful picnic spots and shaded benches

6. 🎭 Granjita Siboney

This is the historic farmhouse where Fidel Castro and his group stayed before launching the attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953.

📚 Why it matters:

Key site in the Cuban Revolution

Now a museum detailing the events and planning of the revolutionaries

Includes artifacts, photos, and personal belongings

7. 🛶 Laguna Baconao (Baconao Lagoon)

A peaceful lake surrounded by tropical flora and mangroves.

🚣 What to do:

Rent a paddleboat or kayak

Spot birds and reptiles

Visit the nearby Aquarium (formerly active, check for status)

8. 🎣 Fishing, Hiking & Birdwatching

Baconao is a haven for eco-tourists:

Birdwatching: Over 100 species including endemic birds

Fishing: Especially in the lagoon and along the coast

Hiking trails: Many well-marked routes through forested hills

🍽️ Where to Eat in Baconao Park

Since Baconao Park is large and relatively undeveloped in parts, dining options are limited but authentic.

Recommended Restaurants:

Restaurante El Mirador – Panoramic views and Cuban cuisine

Paladar Playa Baconao – Fresh seafood, local beers, and beachfront ambiance

Ranchón La Gran Piedra – Rustic Cuban food near the summit

🥥 Try:

Pescado a la criolla – Creole-style fish

Yuca con mojo – Cassava with garlic sauce

Tostones – Fried plantains

🏨 Where to Stay Near Baconao Park

🛏️ Lodging Options:

Hotel Balcón del Caribe (in Santiago) – Stunning sea views

Casas particulares in Santiago de Cuba – Best for budget and local immersion

Hotel Gran Piedra – Located near the mountain summit

🚐 Day trips from Santiago de Cuba are the most convenient option for most visitors.

🧳 What to Pack for Baconao Park

🥾 Comfortable walking/hiking shoes

🧴 Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

🌧️ Rain jacket (especially in wet season)

📸 Camera or phone

🧢 Hat and reusable water bottle

🗺️ Offline maps or GPS if self-driving

🚙 How to Get to Baconao Park

From Santiago de Cuba:

By Car: ~40 minutes via Carretera Baconao

By Taxi: Negotiable flat fare with local drivers

By Tour Bus: Available through hotels and agencies

🗺️ A rental car or private tour guide offers the most flexibility.

🛑 Practical Tips

💵 Bring cash (Cuban pesos); few places accept cards

🧼 Restrooms are basic – carry tissues or hand sanitizer

🦺 Trails and stairs (like Gran Piedra) can be slippery after rain

🚱 Bring bottled water – not all areas have reliable potable water

📵 Limited cell signal in remote areas

📸 Best Photo Spots in Baconao Park

🪨 Summit of Gran Piedra

🦕 Dinosaur sculptures in Valle de la Prehistoria

🌴 Baconao Beach at sunrise

🌿 Botanical garden flowers

🚗 Classic cars at Museo del Transporte

🔑 Target SEO Keywords

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What to do in Baconao Park

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🌟 Final Thoughts: Why Visit Baconao Park?

Baconao Park is more than a park — it’s a living museum, a natural sanctuary, and a playground for the imagination. Whether you're drawn to its prehistoric giants, historic landmarks, or coastal serenity, there’s something here for every traveler.

If you're planning a trip to eastern Cuba, make sure to add Baconao Park to your itinerary — it's one of the most unique and underrated places in the country.