El Yunque
The emblem of Baracoa: a flat-topped table mountain 575 m high, the 'Anvil' noted in Columbus's logbook.
El Yunque is a limestone mountain with a flat top, visible from every corner of the town. It is part of the Alexander von Humboldt Biosphere Reserve. Climbing requires an official guide, who leads the way from the Campismo camp at the foot of the mountain. The round trip takes about 4–5 hours and passes through cacao and coffee plantations and rainforest, where you may see birds and snails found only in Cuba. From the summit you can overlook Baracoa Bay and the sea. The admission fee, including the guide, is about 20–25 in foreign currency. After descending, you can swim in the Duaba River. Recommended: set out early in the morning, and bring plenty of drinking water and non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–16:00 (departs with guide)
Nearby sights
- Finca Duaba
- Toa River
- Fuerte de la Punta
- Museo Arqueológico Cueva del Paraíso
- El Castillo de Seboruco
- Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción & Cruz de la Parra
- Casa de la Trova Baracoa
- Malecón de Baracoa