Baracoa

Baracoa was founded on August 15th, 1511 by Diego Velazquez. The city was called Our Lady of the Assumption of Baracoa (Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion de Baracoa) and was the first capital city of Cuba. Later, in Baracoa was located the first diocese of the Catholic Church.

Baracoa is in Guantanamo province, in the easternmost region of Cuba, and is considered one of the most "Cuban" cities, one that has preserved the most primeval nature and culture of the country. Baracoa is also known as the "chocolate capital" of Cuba. Here you can find large cocoa bean plantations. There are excellent cocoa bean harvests thanks to the humid climate. The uniqueness of Baracoa is represented by its cultural traditions which date back to pre-Columbian times.

Baracoa is one of the few places in the Caribbean where the virgin tropical forest is protected and preserved. This fact caught the attention of a famous explorer and scientist of the 19th century Alexander von Humboldt. Eventually this led to the creation of the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt) which was listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. The gem of Baracoa's landscapes is "El Yunque", a mountain that reaches approximately 575 meters in height. On the other hand, the beautiful beach Maguana catches the imagination of the tourists thanks to its white sands and colorful waters.

In the center of the city is located the first Cathedral of Cuba built in the 16th century. In Baracoa is preserved one of the most important relics of America, the "Cruz de la Parra" (The Cross of Vinewood or the Sacred Cross of Parra). It is believed that this cross is the only one to have survived of the 29 crosses planted by Christopher Colombus in the New World during his 4 journeys. Baracoa also has famous fortresses: the Seboruco Castle (Castillo de Seboruco), La Punta fortress and Matachin fortress, which currently houses the municipal museum.