Cuba is no doubt a beautiful island. For its size in the Caribbean being the largest of all the islands, Cuba offers quite a variety of scenery. From the round top mountains of Viñales in the west to the flat farmlands of the center. But what struck me with awe was the beautiful mountains southeast coast line where the Sierra maestra mountains reign. On my trip, I had the pleasure of getting to know a bit of the Far East coast in the little town of Baracoa and the second biggest city, Santiago de Cuba. With Baracoa being a small town, I had the pleasure of enjoying some local authenticity of Cuban life with a very small touch of tourism. I consider the Caribbean home, traveling to my home islands of Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico a number of times. Baracoa felt like home, with its greenery and mountainous atmosphere. It’s humidity as of the rest of the Caribbean Im familiar with.
On the way to Santiago from Baracoa, I got to see the beautiful southern coastline where the beautiful high rolling hilled mountains meet closely with the sea with edgy cliffs. The region is fairly dry giving me a little resemblance of Arubas rocky western coast, only much more gorgeous. Little villages hug the coastline without the invasion of foreign interests such as hotels and real estate, a rare sight for many amazing places I’ve seen. In the distance ahead you can see the repeating pattern of cliffs and mountains into the horizon. This is a drive I would designate one of the top drives in the world.
Playa Maguana
Santiago de Cuba wasn’t too interesting in my opinion other than another large city surrounded my mountains. But the city lies within a beautiful bay. Aside from the noise and car pollution, it’s not hard to forget the beauty that surrounds you. The most surreal experience, is a mandatory visit to the historic EL Morro fort, that used to protect the city and bay from foreign attacks. It sits high up on a peninsula overlooking everything from the mountains in the interior, the city and port, as well as the gorgeous coastline and vast sea and beyond.
Moncada Barracks bullet holes, the first fight of the Cuban revolution.
The American embargo seems to be slowing thawing out meaning easier travel to Cuba than this trip went. I certainly plan on returning, whether it be next year or in a few. But for certain, considering the love I felt at “home” in southern Cuba, a return here is a must. Hasta la proxima vez.
