Attractions Nearby Baracoa, Day Trips and Excursions

(Baracoa, Guantánamo, Cuba)

A hire car is the best way to explore the spectacular region surrounding Baracoa, although distances travelled may mean an overnight stay at your destination, rather than a simple day trip. The true beauty of the region lies in its magnificent countryside attractions, and many recommended sites of interest will involve walking or hiking in order to get the best from your experience.

If that's not for you, then the historic towns of Moa, Santiago de Cuba and Trinidad de Cuba all make reliable excursion destinations, as well as the bustling city of Guantanamo. The glorious beaches close to Baracoa also make for great, lazy day trips, while others may prefer to head to the vast nature reserve that is the Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt.

Alexander von Humboldt National Park (Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt)

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
The vast expanse of the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is a UNESCO listed site for its rich mixture of ecosystems, virgin rainforests, rare orchids, mangrove swamps, lakes and lagoons, and diverse indigenous flora and fauna. Regarded by many as one of the most special national parks in the whole of the Caribbean, the Parque Nacional lies approximately 40 km / 25 miles to the north-west of Baracoa and covers some 600 square kilometres / 230 square miles. Some of the most endangered bird species living here include Cuban Amazon parrots and possibly the ivory billed woodpecker, although many believe that this particular bird is now sadly extinct. A visitors centre is available, as well as the following hiking trails - the Bahia de Taco, the Balcon de Iberia and the El Recrea treks.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Cayo Largo del Sur

This tiny, beautiful island off Cuba's northern Caribbean coastline is just 25 km / 16 miles long and only a few kilometres wide, and has no permanent residents. Well worth the journey, Cayo Largo del Sur is known as a nudist destination and is idyllically remote with a few hotels and resorts, as well as some amazing beaches. For the ultimate getaway, this is the ideal destination, especially if you are fond of iguanas, as these harmless dragons are the original, still numerous, inhabitants.

Finca Duaba

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
The Finca Duaba attraction is a countryside farm and is situated just a short distance from Baracoa, lying off the road to Moa. Many tropical plants are to be found growing here, although visitors usually come just to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or to take a swim in the Duaba River. Tourists will also enjoy taking a stroll along the cocoa (cacao) trail, learning about the importance of this plant along the way and how it is farmed extensively in this part of Cuba.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Fabrica de Chocolade (Chocolate Factory)

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
Chocoholics will love this place - the only chocolate factory in Cuba, which was actually inaugurated by Che Guevara. Located just outside of the city and to the north-west, its products are shipped around the island and used to make ice cream, chocolate drinks, chocolate bars and every other fattening delight imaginable. Tours and sampling are great fun. Head a little further out of town and it won't be long until you will reach the nearby Fabrica de Cucurucho, where the regional sweet speciality of 'cucurucho' (coconut, sugar and flavourings) is manufactured, being wrapped in individual palm fronds.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Yumuri

The town of Yumuri lies about 35 km / 22 miles from Baracoa and is close to the spectacular gorge of the Yumuri Canyon, as well as the Alemanes Pass through the mountains. Hiking in the rainforest, rafting on the Yumuri River and horse-riding along various scenic treks are all available in this glorious natural wilderness, amongst many other outdoor activities.

Toa Ranch (Rancho Toa)

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
The Toa Ranch is set on the Toa River and provides a plantation visitor experience centred on the growing and harvesting of coconuts, coffee and cacao. Also available is a traditional lunch, a farming village visit, Indian canoeing or kayaking on the river. Visitors taking an excursion here often like to hire a pedalo and explore the adjacent stretch of river. If you come as a group, you may be able to enjoy a whole roasted pig if you are feeling hungry.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Santiago de Cuba

The second city of Cuba, Santiago is a cultural and historical treasure and has a strong Afro-Caribbean heritage, especially evident in its music and large number of unique festivals. Regarded as the birthplace of the revolution, this appealing city makes for a good excursion, although at some 234 km / 145 miles to the west, is just that bit too far for a day trip to be possible. Of note, the main attractions in Santiago reside around the narrow road connecting the Plaza de Marte and the Plaza de Dolores with the Parque Cespedes, while various landmarks relating to the revolution are to be found lining the Avenida de los Libertadores.