Baracoa

Guantánamo Province, Cuba

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Baracoa is a historic city located in the Guantánamo Province of eastern Cuba, known as the island's oldest Spanish settlement, founded in 1511. Nestled between lush mountains and the sea, Baracoa features a distinctive tropical landscape with rivers, rainforests, and nearby beaches. The city has a laid-back atmosphere and is famous for its unique cultural heritage, which blends indigenous Taíno influences with Spanish colonial history.

Baracoa’s architecture includes colonial-era buildings and a 17th-century fortress called Matachín, built to protect against pirates. Locally produced chocolate and coconut-based dishes are specialties here, reflecting the area’s agricultural traditions. The surrounding region offers natural attractions such as El Yunque mountain and the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity.

Baracoa provides an authentic Cuban experience with a mix of history, nature, and vibrant local culture.