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Parque Baconao

! F7 Santiago de Cuba n Cubatur, Ave de las Américas y Calle M; (22) 68 7040

The largest and most original park in Cuba (800 sq km/ 309 sq miles) has it all, from mountains and beaches to coffee plantations and a dinosaur museum.

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t A boat anchored off the coast in Parque Baconao

Lying between the Caribbean Sea and the eastern fringes of the Sierra Maestra, and straddling the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, Parque Baconao has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The park was developed in the 1980s thanks to the voluntary work of students and labourers, and has been updated periodically. Unfortunately, the park received a severe battering from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and has still not entirely recovered. It is possible to explore the area by car or taxi in a day, although accommodation is available. Most of the attractions are suitable for families and can be reached by car, but the peak of the Gran Piedra, which is surrounded by old coffee plantations, and the easternmost beaches are only accessible on foot.

Experience Eastern Cuba

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t Playa Siboney is a favourite with the citizens of Santiago. Only 19 km (12 miles) from town, it can be reached by regular bus service or taxi.

The Origins of Coffee Growing in Cuba

Coffee was introduced to Cuba at the end of the 18th century, by which time it had been a fashionable drink among the European aristocracy and bourgeoisie for some time. With both water and shade, the Parque Baconoa boasts ideal coffee growing conditions, located as it is in the hills around Santiago de Cuba. Coffee from this area was an immediate success, and demand increased. The number of coffee trees planted on the island increased from 100,000 coffee trees in 1803 to four million in 1807.

Experience Eastern Cuba

Stay

Casa de Enrique y Rosa

Located in the Comunidad Artística Los Marmoncillas artists’ community in the park, this one-bedroom casa particular is charming.

Carretera de Baconao Km 17.5 § (22) 625 760

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Villa Gran Piedra

High atop the mountain, this state-run hotel has modest cabins and a restaurant with stupendous views.

Carretera de Gran Piedra Km 14 § (22) 686 147

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