Baracoa Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Baracoa, Guantánamo, Cuba)

Most sightseeing in Baracoa's colonial districts can be easily done on foot, and the beaches and harbour attractions are also within easy walking distance. Tourists will soon spot the city's first church, now its cathedral, which towers above the surrounding single-storey houses, which are painted in bright colours and attractions in their own right.

The finest views across the city are from the Hotel El Castillo, which is set in an old fort and is itself a popular tourist destination. Further attractions include those around the Plaza Independencia (also known as Triangle Square), as well as the outlying Salto Fino Waterfall and innumerable pre-Columbian archaeological sites.

National Monument (Monumente Nacionale)

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
In 1949, the city of Baracoa was itself declared a Cuban national monument, both for its singular position in the island's history, its natural and man-made beauty, and its cultural and heritage sites. The picturesque traditionally painted houses in the city give it a flavour and character all its own.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Cathedral of Our Senora of the Asuncion (Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion)

Address: Calle Antonio Maceo 152 / Ciro Frias, Plaza Independencia, Baracoa, Cuba, CU
This starkly beautiful cathedral dates from the early 16th century and boasts one of the oldest histories in the city, although it was rebuilt in 1833. The Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion contains the famous silver-mounted wooden crucifix (the Cruz de La Parra), one of 29 such placed in Cuba by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Carbon dating of the wood has confirmed its 500-year old dating, making it the oldest Christian relic on the American continent. However, careful analysis has disproved the theory that Columbus brought these crosses with him, since this particular crucifix was made from native Cuban wood.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

City Fortifications

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
The city's impressive fortifications were built in the late 18th century to guard against attacks by pirates, and comprised walls and forts. Three forts remain and these attractions are typically Spanish in character. The Matachin Fort (Fuerte Matachin) is now home to the Baracoa Municipal Museum, while the Punta Fort (Fuerte de la Punta) has overlooked the harbour for more than 200 years, being completed in 1803 and today housing a popular restaurant with good views. Sanguily Fort (El Castillo de Seboruco) is now part of the Hotel El Castillo, set high above the city and surrounded by forests.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Pre-Columbian Archaeological Sites

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
There are more than 50 ancient pre-Columbian archaeological sites in and around Baracoa, all linked with the Native American Indian tribes who lived here for several thousand years. This is where having your own set of wheels really does allow you to make the very most of your time in this part of Cuba. These archaeological attractions may be in various states of decay, but all are quite fascinating.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Salto Fino Waterfall

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
Cascading down from the heights at the edge of the city is the Salto Fino Waterfall, the highest in Cuba and a favourite picnicking spot for both tourists and locals. The Salto Fino Waterfall measures in at just over 300 metres / 985 feet and is created by Hell's Stream (the Arroyo del Infierno), which is ultimately fed by the Quibijan River. It is said that this waterfall just makes the top 20 of the highest cascades in the world.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Triangle Square (Plaza Independencia)

Address: Plaza Independencia, Baracoa, Cuba, CU
This is the main square of the city and is home to all kinds of centrally located attractions. Bounded by the Calle Antonio Maceo on two sides, and by the Ciro Frias on its third, the amusingly named Triangle Square is known to locals as the Plaza Independencia. Highlights here include the Catedral of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, the Bust of Hatuey and the Poder Popular, an imposing municipal government building. The Plaza Independencia also serves as the main meeting place for the townspeople, being encircled as it is by charming buildings, little bars and local eateries.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Harbour

Address: Harbour, Baracoa, Cuba, CU
Baracoa's harbour has spectacular views of the El Yunque mountain, a relatively recent shipwreck and picturesque fishing boats, and is fronted by charming old fishermen's cottages. Sunset is a good time to be here, and if you come to the harbour at this time of the day, be sure to bring your camera.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free