Cuba - Regions - Baracoa

Baracoa is the first town to be built in Cuba shortly after it was discovered by Christopher Columbus. The town was pretty well cut off from the rest of Cuba until the 1970's when a road was put in connecting it to Santiago de Cuba. The town is friendly and still holds in own character. This area of Cuba is more tropical than the rest and means that the local farmers tend to grow Coconuts, cocoa and other tropical fruit. El Yunque, "The Anvil" is a flat topped mountain overlooking Baracoa which was used as a look out post by the early Spanish settlers, it now makes an  interesting days trek. There are plenty of other things to see and do in this area and is well worth including in your visit to the East of Cuba, especially if you are driving from or to Santiago de Cuba. Baracoa is about three hours drive from Santiago and around three hours flight from Havana or Varadero. Baracoa has two main hotels and a couple of simple hostels.

HOTELS

El Castillo Hotel

On the ruins of the first Spanish castle to be built in Cuba in 1511. It overlooks the town and bay at Baracoa and El Yunque, "The Anvil" mountain beyond. The hotel has only 34 simply furnished air-conditioned bedrooms with shower rooms en-suite. The bedrooms also have satellite TV and safe boxes, and some have a fridge. The hotel is centred around a swimming pool with a snack bar and a terrace overlooking the great view of the town, sea and natural countryside beyond. The hotel's restaurant offers a simple but tasty menu of local dishes from the area. Wine, beer and local drinks are readily available too. The town is a few minutes walk down the hill where you will find a number of scruffy bars and restaurants to try.

Puerto Santo Hotel

Set on the sea just on the outskirts of Baracoa, overlooking the bay and the town beyond. The hotel has a central swimming pool with snack and bar facilities. There is a fairly small beach, although some very unspoiled beaches are only a few minutes away by car or Taxi. All the 34 simple air-conditioned bedrooms, 24 cabanas and 3 suites have en-suite shower rooms, safe boxes and satellite TV. The hotels reception, bar and restaurant area serves both local and international drinks and food. Baracoa is to far to walk easily so a car or taxi is advised. The hotel is a short distance from the airport which only receives a few internal flights a week.