Discover the Most Spectacular Road Trip Route in Cuba
Breathtaking and snaking along the mountain top, La Farola traverses the Sierra del Purial with an exhilarating climb. Situated in eastern Cuba, this legendary route connects Baracoa to Guantánamo, offering stunning vistas of both the sea and lush tropical forests.
Constructed in the 1960s, La Farola stands not only as a remarkable engineering achievement but also as a crucial economic resource. Prior to its construction, Baracoa – the inaugural city established by the Spanish in Cuba, located at the easternmost part of the island – remained largely cut off due to being enclosed by both mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, its 54 kilometers of winding roads and suspended bridges appear to conquer the challenging landscape of the region. At times, the route clings closely to the cliff face some 600 meters above sea level before descending again through ancient forests.
La Farola, a voyage through mountains, vibrant jungles, and coffee plantations
Starting in Baracoa At the easternmost part of the island, as you drive through thick foliage primarily composed of cocoa trees, banana plants, and royal palm trees, the route then ascends with tighter curves. Gradually, the landscape transitions from dense forest to exposed rock formations. At these elevated spots, breathtaking vistas stretch out over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea on one side and lush expanses of verdant canopy on the other. The rugged inclines of the Sierra del Purial hold remnants of a once-thriving agrarian history, marked by former coffee estates that now stand testament to this fertile land’s legacy. cafetales , which serve as evidence of the era when the area was a significant hub for coffee production, particularly due to the French colonists who escaped from Haiti during the 1800s. th Some of these farms continue to operate into the present day, cultivating Arabica beans with hints of chocolate, whereas others have transformed into overgrown ruins hidden beneath the forest cover.
Amidst the two tunnels and suspension bridges, a rendezvous takes place. cucurucho sellers
One of the most striking features along La Farola are the suspension bridges and tunnels carved through the rock: these constructions, frequently narrow, compel you to decelerate and provide an astounding vista of the skyline amid the jungle. While ascending, you might notice that some of the tunnels have succumbed to vegetative growth, and tiny improvised stands materialize beside the roadway. Vendors, typically stationed atop roadside boulders, beckon travelers and peddle locally sourced, freshly brewed coffee or handcrafted, rolled cigars. However, what truly merits tasting from this locale is cucuruchos A blend of coconut, honey, guava, and citrus fruits encased in a palm leaf. As decadent as the most delicious candy and as wholesome as a granola bar, this could be one of the the most delicious snacks we've ever tried in Cuba !