9 Best Sights in Baracoa, Eastern Cuba

The Parque Independencia is home to the Baracoa's cathedral, built in 1833. The church is best known for preserving the Cruz de la Parra that Columbus supposedly used when he came ashore in 1492 to claim Cuba for Spain and Christianity. Indeed, carbon dating has confirmed that the cross was fashioned in the late 1400s and is old enough to have been brought by the explorer. One pesky detail pokes holes in the story, though: the cross is made of hardwoods native to the island and could not have been brought here by Columbus. No matter. It can be stated with certainty that this is one of oldest crosses (perhaps the oldest) in the New World. For years, parishioners were permitted to carve slivers of wood from the cross to keep as relics. That practice is no longer permitted.

This fortress, which now houses the Hotel El Castillo, dominates a hill overlooking Baracoa. Although construction on it started in 1739, the fort wasn't finished until nearly 200 years later. Even if you don't stay here, stop by for the views of El Yunque and the city.

You can get a taste of country life at this replica of a typical Cuban plantation. A tour takes you past mango and coconut trees as well as coffee and cocoa crops. You'll also visit a typical bohío, or peasant's hut, where staff members actually live. A rustic restaurant serves a good comida criolla lunch for about CUC$10 per person.

Baracoa's third fortress, Fuerte de la Punta, was built in 1803 on a spit of land over the entrance to the bay. The fortress now contains the Restaurante La Punta.

One of Baracoa's three fortresses, Fuerte Matachín, was completed in 1802. Today it houses the Museo Histórico Matachín, whose displays discuss the city's history, including its Taíno roots. There are examples of Taíno pottery, sculpture, and other artifacts; exhibits on famous citizens; and displays explaining the community's role in the wars for independence and the Revolution.

This park forms Baracoa's historic heart; local people refer to the triangle-shaped park as "Parque Central." Note the large bust of indigenous leader Hatuey—Cuba's first rebel—who fought against the Spanish and was burned at the stake for his audacity in 1512.

East of town lies Playa Baragua, one of the area's few light-sand beaches. Not far from here, the road passes beneath a natural arch called the Túnel de los Alemanes (Germans' Tunnel) before ending 25 km (16 miles) east of Baracoa, at the Río Yumurí and the adjacent village of the same name. The river tumbles out of a steep canyon. Boats ferry passengers across the river and up into the canyon for nominal fees. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; sunrise; walking.

West of town, you'll find the lovely, dark-sand Playa Maguana, site of the Gaviota Villa Maguana hotel. Amenities: food and drink; parking; water sports. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking.

Right outside the east end of town you'll cross the Río Miel. Legend has it that after swimming in these waters you'll fall in love in Baracoa and stay here forever.