Baracoa, Cuba Travel Guide: Tropical Paradise & Hidden History

Tucked away on the easternmost tip of Cuba, Baracoa is often referred to as Cuba’s best-kept secret. It was the first Spanish settlement in Cuba, founded by Diego Velázquez in 1511, and remains one of the most enchanting destinations for travelers seeking unspoiled nature, rich history, and a window into authentic Cuban life.
 

Surrounded by lush rainforests, meandering rivers, and the blue waters of the Atlantic, Baracoa feels like another world. Isolated for centuries due to its mountainous location, it has developed a distinct identity, with Afro-Cuban traditions, unique Taino influences, and delicious local cuisine you won’t find anywhere else in Cuba.

Let’s take a

 journey to Baracoa, where history, culture, and nature blend into one unforgettable experience.

📍 Where Is Baracoa?

🗺️ Located in Guantánamo Province, eastern Cuba

🚗 Roughly 230 km east of Santiago de Cuba

🛫 Accessible via Gustavo Rizo Airport (BCA) or by bus/car from Santiago

Baracoa’s isolation has preserved its authenticity. The scenic La Farola road, which connects it to the rest of the country, is a breathtaking drive through mountains and forests.

🌟 Why Visit Baracoa?

🗿 Explore Cuba’s first city, full of colonial history

🌴 Trek through rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls in protected reserves

🍫 Taste local chocolate, coconut-based dishes, and traditional Baracoan cuisine

🧬 Learn about Taino indigenous culture

🚣 Enjoy eco-adventures from river kayaking to hiking El Yunque

Baracoa is ideal for nature lovers, cultural explorers, and adventurous souls seeking the Cuba few travelers see.

🏛️ Top Things to Do in Baracoa

1. 🧭 Explore the Historic City Center

Baracoa’s old town is charming and compact, with cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and colonial churches.

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción – Home to the Cruz de la Parra, believed to be the only surviving cross planted by Christopher Columbus in 1492

Parque Independencia – The city’s central plaza, a great place to sit and soak in the local rhythm

Museo Municipal – Located in a colonial fort, with exhibits on the region’s history and Taino heritage

🎒 Tip: Spend time walking the Malecón of Baracoa — less flashy than Havana’s but rich in ocean views and local life.

2. 🏞️ Hike El Yunque

Towering over Baracoa is El Yunque, a flat-topped mountain that served as a natural landmark for early explorers.

🌳 The 6-8 km round-trip hike takes you through cocoa plantations and tropical forests

🐦 Spot native birds, including the Cuban trogon (national bird)

🌄 Stunning views of the sea, valleys, and Baracoa await at the top

🧭 Tip: Go with a local guide; it’s required, and they’ll point out native flora and fauna.

3. 🛶 Boat Ride on the Río Toa

The Toa River is the widest in Cuba and a centerpiece of the Baracoa region’s natural beauty.

🛶 Take a canoe ride or small boat tour to explore the river’s lush surroundings

🌿 Visit nearby waterfalls and natural pools

🧺 Enjoy a riverside meal prepared by local families

This is also a great place to spot manatees, parrots, and rare Cuban plants.

4. 🌊 Relax at Baracoa’s Beaches

Despite being better known for rainforests than resorts, Baracoa has several gorgeous, quiet beaches:

Playa Maguana – A palm-lined stretch of golden sand, perfect for swimming and snorkeling

Playa Blanca – Smaller, more secluded, with shallow waters ideal for relaxing

Playa Duaba – Near the Duaba River mouth, offering scenic views and local vibes

These beaches are less crowded than those in Varadero or Cayo Coco, making them ideal for peaceful escapes.

5. 🍫 Visit a Cocoa Farm

Baracoa is the chocolate capital of Cuba — and it’s a delicious experience.

🍫 Visit a local cacao plantation to see how cocoa is grown, harvested, and processed

☕ Try local hot chocolate (with coconut milk!) or buy handmade chocolate bars

🍯 Sample other local treats like cucurucho (a coconut, honey, and fruit dessert)

This is one of the most unique foodie experiences in Cuba.

6. 🗿 Learn About Taino Culture

Baracoa has one of the strongest Taino indigenous legacies in the Caribbean.

🧬 Visit Parque Arqueológico El Guirito – A cultural center that preserves Taino traditions through music, dance, and reconstructed villages

📜 Learn about the native people who inhabited Cuba long before the Spanish arrived

🎶 Enjoy live performances of Areíto, an ancient Taino dance ritual

7. 🌄 Visit Yumuri Canyon

Located about 20 km from Baracoa, Cañón del Yumurí is a spectacular natural reserve.

🚣 Take a boat ride down the Yumuri River into a deep, jungle-clad canyon

🏊 Swim in crystal-clear pools and under waterfalls

🦜 Watch for endemic bird species and tropical flora

It’s a must-do day trip from Baracoa, especially for nature lovers.

🍽️ What to Eat in Baracoa

Baracoan cuisine is unlike anywhere else in Cuba, thanks to its indigenous roots and unique use of ingredients like coconut milk, cacao, plantains, and fresh seafood.

Local Specialties:

Pescado en leche de coco – Fish cooked in coconut milk

Pollo Baracoense – Chicken in rich coconut-peanut sauce

Cucurucho – Sweet treat wrapped in a palm leaf cone

Cacao tea – A lightly fermented tea made from roasted cocoa shells

Many meals are prepared with ingredients grown right on the property of the paladares and casas particulares.

🏨 Where to Stay in Baracoa

Accommodations in Baracoa are mostly charming casas particulares and a few small hotels.

Recommended Options:

🏠 Casa de Yara y Julio – Cozy, clean, and very close to the center

🏨 Hotel El Castillo – Located in a former fort, with sweeping views

🛏️ Villa Paradiso – Peaceful guesthouse with garden and sea views

Staying in a casa particular allows for a more immersive local experience, including homemade meals.

📅 Best Time to Visit Baracoa

✅ Dry Season (Nov–April):

Best for hiking, beach days, and sightseeing

Pleasant temperatures with less rain

🌧️ Rainy Season (May–Oct):

Lush landscapes, fewer tourists

Some trails may be muddy, but still manageable

💡 Tip: The town celebrates Carnaval Baracoano in early April — a festive mix of parades, music, and dance.

📚 Quick Facts About Baracoa

📜 Founded in 1511, it is Cuba’s oldest Spanish settlement

⚓ Visited by Christopher Columbus in 1492

🌧️ Receives the most rainfall of any Cuban city

🌿 Surrounded by Alexander Humboldt National Park, a UNESCO site

🍫 Known for its cacao production and tropical fruits

🛍️ Shopping in Baracoa

While it’s not a big shopping destination, Baracoa offers:

🖼️ Handmade crafts, Taino-inspired souvenirs

🍫 Artisan chocolate bars and cocoa products

🥥 Local treats like cucurucho and coconut oil

Markets near Parque Independencia and along the Malecón are good spots to browse.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Baracoa is not just Cuba’s first city — it’s one of its most magical. A place of emerald rainforests, tropical rivers, quiet beaches, and a deep sense of history, it offers a unique Cuban experience far from the crowds.

If you're ready to step off the typical tourist trail and dive into Cuba’s roots, flavors, and natural wonders, Baracoa should be on your list.