Baracoa Shopping and Districts

(Baracoa, Guantánamo, Cuba)

Shopping in this idyllic, isolated city is not, it has to be admitted, a sophisticated, cosmopolitan experience, as what is available works mostly on the same basis as its cuisine - if it is made or grown here, it is sold here. You won't find huge shopping malls complete with Western fast-food outlets and designer franchises - far from it.

What you will find are traditional, welcoming and friendly neighbourhood shops whose main business is supplying the local people with all they need, plus a few luxuries. If you are in Baracoa for more than a few days, a longish bus trip to Santiago de Cuba will give more options, but for the serious shopaholic in Cuba, it is Havana or nothing.

When to Shop and Where

One positive factor about Baracoa, though, is that its local traditional handicrafts are well worth buying. Musical instruments are good buys and should cause comment when you get home, and DVDs of Cuban music are inexpensive.

If all else fails, there's always rum and cigars, which are unfortunately likely to be of interest to customs and excise when you return to your home country. Wood carvings are of interest, and the local art scene is flourishing, with a good number of works by talented or even internationally-known local artists in sale in the city.

The cultural centre of Fondo Bienes Culturales on Maceo 120 promotes and markets local craftsmen's and artists' pieces, displaying good quality products and art works, and also supports Baracoa's artisan school, which trains talented youngsters in the traditional arts.

This is a good and informative place for presents or souvenirs, and is open daily. Baracoa also has several more painting and sculpture schools specialising in the traditional primitive style definitive in the region, thus helping to preserve the contact with nature which is such a highlight of the city's identity.