Sightseeing, Route 5: Columbus' Paradise
Contradictions line the path to paradise. The province
of Guantanamo in places is so dry that cacti can barely survive. But on
the other side of the Baracoa Mountains, you will find a lush green rain
forest. Today's visitors will be just as surprised as Columbus must have
been when he first set foot on the island in October 1492. Mountains,
tropical vegetation, the blue Caribbean and the palm-lined beaches on
idyllic bays that a visitor might have all to himself: it is as if nothing
had changed since the arrival of the Spaniards. The reason is that it
was not until Castro came to power that the coastal road was built. Until
then, modern times simply passed Baracoa by. The people here lead a very
simple life. In fact, they still farm with hoes and plows.
>> Baracoa
>> Holguin
>> Guardalavaca
Baracoa
This little town that was first established by Diego Velasquez in 1512
and that served as the capital of Cuba until 1515, is rightly considered
by many to be the most magnificent place in all of Cuba. The streets
are lined with columned, shingle-covered houses dating back to colonial
times. The area around the town is amazingly fertile and the slopes
are covered with woods as well as palm, cocoa, coffee and banana groves.
Due to its isolated location, Baracoa has remained relatively untouched
by modern life. There is tourism here too, but it has not yet spoiled
the town's atmosphere. If possible, you should try to stay for a weekend.
Every Saturday night a wild party takes place on the main square.
Holguin
The vicinity surrounding the city of Holguin was settled by Seboruco
Indians long before the arrival of the Spanish. Although it was founded
around 1523, Holguin only began to develop slowly in the 19th century.
The provincial capital became increasingly important due to cattle raising
and the cultivation of sugar cane. The city is named after the Spanish
Captain Garcia Holguin who owned estates there. After the Cuban Revolution,
Holguin experienced a rapid upturn.
Holguin (population about 200,000) is Cuba's fourth largest province.
Even compared to other major provincial capitals such as Santiago, Camaguey,
or the coastal area in the North of the province, Holguin still has
its special qualities. There are not many monuments of colonial architecture,
but Holguin is still worth a visit. The city is designed around five
squares and the streets are set at right angles to each other. The green
city center is worth visiting.
Parque Calixto Garcia constitutes the city's most important central
square with a statue of General Calixto Garcia, the local hero of the
War of Independence, who captured Holguin from the Spaniards in 1872.
In the south corner of Parque Calixto Garcia is the impressive Teatro
Comandante Eddy Sunol, a lovely art deco theatre, whereas the Centro
Provincial de Artes Plasticas Moncada, offering alternating art exhibitions,
is located in the western corner. Liberia Internacional Pedro Rojena
in the southeast part of the Parque Calixto Garcia has an excellent
selection of English literature about Cuba. On the weekends, this square
is a busy place as Club Siboey draws numerous teenagers gathering for
a good time.
Guardalavaca
Guardalavaca is the perfect place to spend a quiet beach vacation. Surrounded
by a captivating landscape with a lot to offer, this medium-sized vacation
resort, is the most appealing place in Cuba, at least with respect to
its location. It is almost 2 miles long, with a well kept sandy beach
with coffeeshops and diving and watersports centers located in the western
part of the town. The resort consists of only one beach and five hotels,
where the regions sizzling nightlife flourishes.
About four miles to the west of Guardalavaca, you will find Playa Esmeralda
with its own heliport. The small vacation spot has a white beach, hidden
behind palm trees that is more than half a mile long. At Playa Esmeralda,
you will find some beach bars, a dive center and many opportunities
to participate in different watersports.
Further to the west is the historically important town of Bahia de Bariay.
It is believed that it was there that Columbus first set foot on Cuba
on October 28, 1492. It is understandable that he was impressed by the
landscape. A simple monument serves as a reminder of the arrival of
the Spanish admiral.
History
