Baracoa, on Cuba’s eastern spit in Guantánamo province, was founded as Velázques’ first settlement in 1512. Baracoa means “presence of the sea” in the language of the indigenous. Baracoa is characterized by the exuberant nature and typical Caribbean: beaches, palms, and vivacity. The main street transforms into a fairground every Saturday evening. The residents live of seafood, coconut cultivation, cocoa, banana and also the lumber industry. The wooden cross, which Columbus is said to have left behind in 1492 in Baracoa is up for display at “Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción”.

The backpacker hotel La Rusa for modest needs, offers a view of the sea before Baracoa. Baracoa guests are pampered with a view of Yunque Mountain Range, which fascinated Christopher Columbus when he arrived at this beach. The historic downtown and Matachín and La Punta forts are evidence of Spanish presence in this town. The beach Playa Miel is also located near the hotel.

Hotel la rusa

Location: directly on the sea shore
Facilities: 2 stars, 12 rooms, restaurant, bar
Room: bathroom, shower, AC, telephone, satellite TV
Boarding: breakfast
Tip: one of the highlights of the region is the guided tour to the peak of Yunque, info in hotel
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