Baracoa Landmarks and Monuments

(Baracoa, Guantánamo, Cuba)

As with many of the city's unique attractions, the main landmark of Baracoa is the great flat-topped mountain at the side of the bay - El Yunque, a sight sought by seamen as an indication of a safe harbour for hundreds of years and more.

Many monuments across the country focus on either Cuba's freedom from Spanish domination or the most recent Communist revolution led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. A modern landmark in the Baracoa area is the stunning viaduct and mountain road - La Farola, which opened the city to the rest of the island as late as the 1960s.

El Yunque

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
El Yunque, the Anvil of Baracoa, is its most famous landmark and a Cuban national monument, located around 7 km / 4 miles away and to the west, being reached by a dirt road only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. This high mountain (575 metres / 1,885 feet) earned its name, since its flat table top means that it rather resembles an anvil, which translates in Spanish as 'yunque'. For centuries, sailors used the unmistakable flat top of El Yunque as a useful point of reference, and this mountain was even mention in the chronicles of Christopher Columbus. It is possible to climb to the top, but a guide is essential and can be hired in the city.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Hatuey Bust

Address: Plaza Independencia, Baracoa, Cuba, CU
Situated directly opposite the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion in the main square is a stone plinth holding a bronze bust of Hatuey, a leader and Taino Cacique (chief) of the rebellious local Indian population at the time of the city's conquest by the Spanish. Hatuey was captured and executed by the Spanish conquistador Velasquez in 1512, being burned at the stake when he refused to accept the Catholic religion.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

La Farola

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
If it weren't for La Farola, Baracoa would be only accessible by buffalo or sea. This triumph of engineering and road building was created in the 1960s and features some 11 bridges over deep gorges, plus the most spectacular views from this viaduct-cum-road's highest point at Alto de Cotilla. The La Farola road runs for around 120 km / 75 miles, stretching all the way from the municipality of Guantánamo.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

River Toa

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
The fast-flowing river Toa is the mightiest on the island of Cuba and, fed in the hills by its 72 tributaries, rushes through the city of Baracoa, forming rapids and waterfalls as it goes. Known for being especially clear, the River Toa is just over 130 km / 81 miles in length and is often lined with a wealth of Cuban flora and fauna, being a good place to spot the rare Tocororo (Trogon) - the national bird of Cuba.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

El Tibaracon

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
El Tibaracon are the signature sand banks at the mouths of the eight rivers, including the River Toa, flowing from the peaks to the sea close to Baracoa. At their mouths, the rivers move slowly, pushed back by the waves, and must change course along the coastline until a less fierce tidal flow allows them to discharge into the sea. In the rainy season the pressure of river water forces the 'Tibaracon' sandbar open, an annual spectacle which is watched by all the local people.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Avenidos Malecon / Christopher Columbus Statue

Address: Baracoa, Cuba, CU
The Avenidos Malecon is the promenade which runs along the seafront, stretching between the Museo Municipal and the Avenida Los Martires, and providing a popular meeting place for locals whilst also being the site of various festivals and events. One of the longest promenades of its kind in the whole of Cuba, the Malecon is a great place to hang out at any time, although many gather and stroll here at the start of the day. At the far end of the Avenidos Malecon, near a small park, is a statue of Christopher Columbus (1451 to 1506), sited close to the exact spot at which, according to legend, the famous mariner landed and placed his cross in the earth.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free