the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
The colourful streets of Guantanamo City, Cuba, were pleasing to the eye, and quite unexpected.
It is only 150 kilometres (roughly 80 miles) from the city of Guantánamo, Cuba, to the village of Baracoa on the most easterly part of the island. But the journey takes three hours to drive by car or bus because of the numerous hairpin turns of La Farola, the scenic roadway that connects the two centres.
We were travelling from Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa, and stopped to have a quick tour of Guantánamo City and Guantánamo Bay. Guantánamo City is a vibrant centre of about 220,000 in the metropolitan area, and an additional 8,000 residents on the military base which is out in Guantánamo Bay.
I was really impressed by the central square in Guantanamo City, Cuba, as it it is made of solid marble!
This is what Guantánamo Bay looks like from the lookout point along the highway. We could see some of the American military installation off in the distance, but truthfully, you can’t see much even with the use of binoculars.
As we headed east toward Baracoa, the scenery got better and better. I was surprised to see cacti and succulents growing alongside the road. And then we arrived at the start of La Farola, and the topography changed yet again, with lush forest and rugged mountains to keep our eyes glued to every mile along the way.
Travelling on La Farola is the highlight of the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa.
You can see here how the winding road called La Farola takes you through jungle and over mountains.
take a break on your journey from guantánamo to baracoa
Be sure to stop at the rest stop along your journey on La Farola, where you will find washrooms, a fresh fruit stand, and if you’re lucky, other artisans selling handcrafted wooden pots filled with fresh local cocoa butter. They make a great souvenir!
A short while later, we arrived at a small park where the sign above welcomed us to Baracoa. We made it! I was so glad to finally check into Villa Paradiso and get ready to explore the Baracoan sights over the next few days. Have you been on La Farola? Have you been to Baracoa, Cuba? Please stay tuned for more posts to get you packing.
My thanks to the Cuban Tourism Commission for facilitating this trip and providing me with a private driver and a guide/translator for the entirety of my visit.
Yikes! I just read in today’s paper that 7 people were killed and others injured as a result of a bus crash on the road from Guantanamo to Baracoa. It is an extremely beautiful, but dangerous route if drivers don’t slow down on any of those wicked hairpin curves of the road.
Wow! What a lovely drive from Guantanamo to Baracoa. The views are simply breathtaking. I’ve never thought of Cuba as a bucket list destination. But, you’ve completely changed my views of the place. Dipped in sheer charm and beauty, Cuba is definitely a must-visit destination. The handcrafted wooden pots filled with fresh local cocoa butter sound interesting – a great souvenir buy.
Cuba is an incredible destination. Anyone who loves and respects nature, loves music & culture & interesting cuisine will love Cuba.
I don’t know but for some reason I like the sound of the name Baracoa and the name conjures up images of a nice piece of chocolate! I was amazed looking at the changing landscapes on the road to Baracoa. I can see wild cactuses and then slowly the landscape seems to change to lush, green forests.
Hi Sandy, and thanks for your comment. Yes, it was really interesting to see how the greenery changes as you travel this journey through Eastern Cuba. And yes, Baracoa is indeed the Cocoa Capital of Cuba, so it is easy to find chocolate and hot or cold chocolate being served in many places.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…exploring Cuban cuisine in Baracoa
Wow! What a lovely drive from Guantanamo to Baracoa. The views are simply breathtaking. I’ve never thought of Cuba as a bucket list destination. But, you’ve completely changed my views of the place. Dipped in sheer charm and beauty, Cuba is definitely a must-visit destination. The handcrafted wooden pots filled with fresh local cocoa butter sound interesting – a great souvenir buy.
Thanks for the fabulous comment, Shaily. Indeed, Cuba is a fantastic destination for nature buffs, culture and music lovers, and foodies, too. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…exploring Cuban cuisine in Baracoa
The scenery at Baracoa is definitely very beautiful. I can only imagine how exciting the drive must have been for you, as you go further the natural beauty keeps enhancing and your excitement keeps increasing..isn’t it? That’s one thing I like so much about road trips to beautiful destinations
Absolutely, Neha! I think our anticipation for the experience at the end of the journey helps us endure the excitement and danger as we make the journey.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…exploring Cuban cuisine in Baracoa
What a gorgeous drive that looks like. Cuba has been on my list for ages, but no luck yet. Thanks for taking us along with you.
You’re welcome, Donna. Cuba is really amazing destination. I hope you get there soon.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…exploring Cuban cuisine in Baracoa
I didn’t get to that part of Cuba when we were there last year. I loved Cuba and would definitely go back to explore more!
HI Patti. Yes, too often the countryside of Eastern Cuba is overlooked by visitors. I hope you have the opportunity to return and continue your exploration of Cuba soon.
The Journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa in Cuba looks quite picturesque. We love such winding roads on the mountains. Hopefully soon we will be able to experience it.
Hi Suruchi and thank you for your comment. Yes, it is those memorable drives that really help make a destination stand out in our minds, isn’t it? I have similar memories from the road to Hana in Hawaii and some similar mountainous roads in Mexico and South America.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
I am quite enjoying your journey through Cuba. The country looks so beautiful! Hope to visit it someday. In the meanwhile, will wait for your cocoa adventures! 🙂
Thank you, Amrita. I’m glad you are enjoying my Cuban adventures. There is more to come! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
A visit to Cuba is high on my list.
I’ve never been to Cuba, and my image of Cuba was pretty much just old buildings in Havana, old American cars, and pretty, palm-tree-lined beaches. It never occurred to me that the interior might be something to see! Your pictures make me want to visit and venture outside Havana and away from the beach!
Yay, Rachel! That is precisely my intent! I’m hoping visitors to Cuba will choose to experience much more than the beaches and buffets. When you experience #AutenticaCuba, you experience the real Cuban culture and lifestyle.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
I am amazed at the different landscapes you encountered on your journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba, plus all the people and experiences you encountered along the way. I really enjoyed your article and photos!!
Thx so much, Marilyn! Stay tuned. I have many more Cuban adventures to share. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
I guess I never thought about even being able to get that close to Guantánamo Bay. And I never pictured a colorful little city like Guantánamo. Lovely journey through those lush areas of Cuba along the road called La Farola. Reminded me of a road trip long ago in Jamaica.
Hi Cathy. Yes, Indeed, Jamaica does have similar hairpin highways to La Farola in Cuba. I, too, was surprised that Guantánamo City is so large, colourful, and vibrant. Thx for stopping by. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Looks like it is a very picturesque journey. I had heard of Guantánamo but not Baracoa. I would love to taste local cocoa butter. Cuba has always fascinated me as a destination. It is still an offbeat destination for many. Loved reading your post.
Thanks very much, Abhinav. Yes, I think most of us have heard about Guantánamo because of the military base. I had no idea there was a sizeable city there as well. I don’t believe people actually eat the cocoa butter. Small amounts may be used in the making of chocolate. But primarily it is used topically, as a luxurious skin cream.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
In this case, getting there was the journey. Enjoying this series from Cuba.
Thx so much, Kristin. I am enjoying writing the series. This particular trip to Cuba gave me so much to write about! Way better than just staying at an all-inclusive resort where all you see is beach and buffets.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Great article on a short but scenic and fun drive. We’re wanting to get to Cuba, and glad that you’ve given a small glimpse into the natural beauty that exists on the island.
Stay tuned, Lori. I will certainly have more posts on the beauty and culture of Cuba. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Oh I envy you. I would love to visit Cuba and your photographs have got me excited. Love the beauty of the country.
Cuba is still on my radar and I hope to visit the island soon. Nice inside look.
Hopefully, the path to Cuba will soon be cleared for you, Charles. It is a most memorable country.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
This must have been such a fun adventure. Cuba, I have yet to visit, but l would very much like to do so. Thanks for sharing your trip and the lovely pictures.
I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba for the colourful cities but I didn’t realise until I saw your pictures that it has amazing countryside as well. Another reason to have it on the bucket list!
Guantanamo Bay looks breathtakingly beautiful. The buildings are colourful and fresh. Cuba is on my travel list. I yearn to go and watch or participate in the street dancing. The people of Cuba look vibrant and fun loving. What a wonderful job you have!
Hi Phoenicia. Cuba is indeed a land of music and dance. I will have a post devoted to that shortly.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Yeah i think Cuba has just gotten to my bucket list of places to visit. You sure look like you had fun.
I am a little jealous on you, Doreen. You even got to see Guantanamo Bay. Cuba has been on my list for so long! It looks like you had a blast there, which is wonderful
Cuba is still on my travel wishlist but the drive from Guantanamo to Baracoa looks lovely. It’s always fun to watch the landscape change as you climb to higher elevations. And the marble center in Guantanamo looks beautiful. Thanks for the Cuba road trip inspiration.
You’re welcome, Julie. Cuba is indeed a fun and vibrant destination that offers much for nature and culture lovers.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Doreen — I haven’t been to Cuba but would like to. It very much reminds me of Puerto Rico — before the devastating hurricane. I worked for the Puerto Rican government many years ago in the U.S. so have warm feelings towards Puerto Ricans and and hope their beautiful island will once again be restored to its natural beauty. Many Cubans fled to Puerto Rico, by the way, during the Castro regime.
Hi Jeannette. Yes. Having been to both, I can see a similarity between Cuba and Puerto Rico. I hope u get to visit Cuba sometime soon.
I so want to visit Cuba, and your photos have definitely whet my appetite. I’m sure I would bring home a bunch of those handmade pots with the cocoa butter in them, as well!
Cuba provides quite a unique travel experience, Lois. I’m sure u would enjoy it.
What an adventure. We are a little jealous of your visit to Cuba. Glad you chose to share it with us.
Thanks, Jeff. I have lots more to share, so stay tuned! I hope you will soon be able to visit Cuba. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Thanks for taking me on a photographic journey to a place I’ve never been!
You’re very welcome, Irene. It’s great to be able to share with fellow chocolate travel enthusiasts. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
What a fun tour – I would love to spend time visiting different areas of Cuba and the landscape and smaller towns appeal to me.
Noel, I would highly recommend Villa Paradiso to you if you make it to the Baracoa region. I really think you would appreciate the hospitality and artistic vibe.
Not yet. Haven’t opened it!!!
Almost too nice to disturb.
I hear you! I haven’t opened mine yet either. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
I love the artisan work from Cuba. The wood carvings that are two toned are exquisite. Lovely place.
Glad you liked the Cuban woodworking, Janet. Have you tried the cocoa butter?
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
I finally get a glimpse of Guantanamo Bay. Is it part of Cuba that we lease or an American territory so close to Cuba? Love that solid marble square and the hairpin curves.
Hi Carol. I’m not sure of the details off the military base. I’m assuming that land was acquired before the rift with the US. Perhaps Roberto, (my resident Cuban reader) will be able to shed more light on the subject? And yes, Cuba is filled with many amazing views and vistas. Thx for stopping by. 🙂
The colorful buildings are delightful–and a marble square! Wow! That’s incredible. What lovely pics.
Thx, Rose. I do hope you get to visit Cuba someday soon. They have a terrific “people to people” program that is bringing Americans in. Let me know if you’d like the contact info.
Thanks for taking us off the beaten path in Cuba. There is so much more to Cuba than Havana, vintage cars and Hemingway cocktails (although nothing wrong with these either)!
For sure, Priscilla. Cuba has a complex culture that cherishes the simple things in life. Each time I visit, it peels off an additional layer that gives me a greater understanding of how the people live and think. Thx for stopping by.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
You do get around Doreen! You’re the only person I know who has visited Cuba. Your photography is lovely (as usual). Thanks for sharing it. This quite possibly as close as I’ll ever get to it.
Thanks for your comment, Sherryl. Well, I am run the final research stages of volume II of Chocolatour, so I’ve been trying to get to as many really interesting places as possible. Cuba is a real gem. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
It seems, similar to the changes in the terrain, that there are several different Cubas to explore from the various cities to the countryside. Thanks for this tour.
You are so right, Linda. Until this year, all I really knew of Cuba was what I saw of Havana and the different beach resorts and their nearby communities. But getting off the beaten (touristy) path and exploring the authentic Cuba that is still quite traditional and untouched, is so much more enriching.
Your photographs really show off the vibrant colours of the buildings and the lushness of the greenery.
Thanks, Bev. It truly is a breath-taking area.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Hi Doreen, Cuba seems like such an interesting place to visit. So scenic! Maybe some day I’ll get there.
I hope so, Esther! Knowing how much you love music and dance, I think that you would really connect with the spirit of the Cuban people.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…the journey from Guantanamo to Baracoa, Cuba
Speaking of music and dance, I put together the statue and it sits with my porcelain dancers atop my china cabinet. Thanks again for such a thoughtful gift!
You are most welcome! 🙂