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City guide

Baracoa, Cuba

Baracoa, whose full original name is Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Baracoa, is a municipality and city in Guantánamo Province near the eastern tip of Cuba. The area was visited by Admiral Christopher Columbus on November 27, 1492, and a settlement founded by the first governor of Cuba, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on August 15, 1511.

Type City

Why go

  • Municipality in Guantánamo, Cuba.
  • Served by Alfredo Noa Díaz Airport (UMA).

History

Baracoa, whose full original name is Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Baracoa, is a municipality and city in Guantánamo Province near the eastern tip of Cuba. The area was visited by Admiral Christopher Columbus on November 27, 1492, and a settlement founded by the first governor of Cuba, the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on August 15, 1511. It is the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba and was its first capital.

Restaurants & places to go

Marco Polo La Casa del Mojito
Seafood, Restaurant · Opening hours: Mo-Su 08:00-23:00 Features: outdoor seating, takeaway, air conditioning · 82 Malecón, Baracoa, 97310 · marcopolo.baracoa.co
Indoor

51 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →

Airports

Gustavo Rizo Airport (BCA) 2.1 km to the centre
Baracoa, 14, CU — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Orestes Acosta Airport (MOA) 56 km to the centre
Moa, 11, CU — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Alfredo Noa Díaz Airport (UMA) 38 km to the centre
Maisí, 14, CU — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Ferry to cross Rio Miel
Ferry terminal · 2.6 km from the centre
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Baracoa, Cuba
Baracoa, Cuba
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Alfredo Noa Díaz Airport (UMA); 2 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 1 ferry terminal within 20 km (nearest: Ferry to cross Rio Miel, 2.6 km).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Baracoa, Cuba. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Tours & experiences

Papalion tour
Sightseeing