A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy
Baracoa: The First City of Cuba and Hidden Jewel of the Caribbean
Located in the province of Guantánamo, Baracoa is the oldest city in Cuba and a hidden treasure of the Caribbean. Known as the First City, Baracoa is famous for its rich history, its stunning natural beauty, and its vibrant local culture.
History and Culture
Baracoa was founded by the Spanish conqueror Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar in 1511, making it the first Spanish town in Cuba. The city is rich in history and culture, with numerous historical sites and museums to explore. The Matachín Fort, built in the 18th century to protect the city from pirate attacks, now houses a museum that displays the history of Baracoa from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
Natural Beauty
Baracoa is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The city is situated between the mountains of the Sierra del Purial and the Atlantic coast, offering a variety of breathtaking landscapes. The Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a popular destination for nature lovers, with its diverse flora and fauna and numerous hiking trails.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Baracoa is unique in Cuba, with a strong influence from Creole and African cooking. The city's most famous dish is bacán, a type of tamale made with banana dough and filled with pork or chicken. Other popular dishes include fish a la Baracoa, cooked with coconut milk, and cucurucho, a dessert made with coconut, sugar, and fruit.
Beaches
Baracoa is also famous for its beautiful beaches. Maguana Beach, with its white sand and crystal-clear waters, is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Duaba Beach, on the other hand, is known for its wild beauty and excellent surfing.
Local Crafts
The city is also a hub for local crafts, with numerous workshops and markets where you can buy handmade products, such as ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. Visitors can also enjoy local music and dance, with numerous bars and clubs offering live performances.
Whether you're interested in history, nature, cuisine, or culture, Baracoa has something for everyone. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant local culture, this hidden jewel of the Caribbean is a destination not to be missed.
Gastronomic Products of Baracoa
-
Cucurucho
The Cucurucho is a traditional dessert from Baracoa made of coconut, sugar, orange, guava, and other fruits. It is wrapped in a palm leaf in the shape of a cone, hence its name. It is a very popular sweet in the region and can be found in almost all places in the city.
-
Bacán
The Bacán is a typical dish from Baracoa made with green banana dough wrapped in banana leaves. The dough is filled with pork or chicken and is steamed. It is a very tasty and nutritious dish, ideal for lunch or dinner.
-
Baracoa Chocolate
Baracoa is famous for its chocolate, as the region is one of the main cocoa producers in Cuba. Baracoa's chocolate is very pure and has an intense and unique flavor. It can be enjoyed in the form of bars, in hot drinks, or in delicious desserts.
-
Baracoa-style Fish
The Baracoa-style fish is a traditional dish from the region that is prepared with fresh fish, grated coconut, tomato, garlic, and spices. The fish is cooked in a coconut sauce and is served with rice. It is a very tasty and refreshing dish, perfect to enjoy on a hot day in the Caribbean.
Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Baracoa
Baracoa, known as the oldest city in Cuba, offers a wide variety of places to enjoy its rich and unique gastronomy. Below, we present some of the most outstanding:
La Colina Restaurant
Located on a hill with panoramic views of the city, La Colina Restaurant is famous for its Creole cuisine. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as Baracoa fish, coconut chicken and the famous local chocolate. In addition, the cozy atmosphere and friendly service make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
El Buen Sabor Restaurant
El Buen Sabor is a family restaurant that offers a wide variety of typical Baracoa dishes, such as bacán, caldosa and tetí. In addition, its extensive wine and cocktail menu will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of Cuban drinks.
La Botija Tavern
If you are looking for a charming place with good prices, La Botija Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical Cuban dishes, such as ajiaco, malanga croquettes and Creole octopus. In addition, its lively atmosphere and live music make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable night.
El Poeta Cafeteria
For coffee lovers, El Poeta Cafeteria is a must-visit place. Here you can taste the famous Cuban coffee, as well as a variety of sweets and typical desserts from the area. Its quiet atmosphere and poetry-inspired decoration make this place a perfect space to relax and enjoy a good coffee.
Sporting Activities in Baracoa, Cuba
Hiking and Trekking
Baracoa is known for its stunning natural landscape, making it an ideal place for hiking and trekking. You can explore the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park or the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve.
Kayaking
The Bay of Baracoa offers opportunities for kayaking. You can paddle through the calm waters of the bay and enjoy the stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Diving
Baracoa is also a popular destination for diving. With a wide variety of marine life and coral reefs, divers can explore the underwater world of the Caribbean.
Fishing
Fishing is another popular activity in Baracoa. You can rent a boat and spend the day fishing in the rich waters of the Caribbean, or you can participate in a guided fishing tour.
Places near Baracoa
If you are in Baracoa and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:
JourneyGourmet
27 de Enero de 2024
Caribe
