Get to know the Baconao Park, a place full of history and nature

Bed and Breakfast in Cuba will show you in this post how to get to know the Baconao Park, this is a place full of history and nature. The island is full of unimaginable tourist attractions. For lovers of dinosaurs is the Valley of Prehistory, an opportunity to recreate the beginnings of our planet.

Baconao, a popular legend

The name Baconao comes from a legend that was passed down for generations among the inhabitants of the island. Especially those from the province of Santiago de Cuba.

It is said that in ancient times there lived a child who had been taught by an enchanted tree to be a musician. By only using snails from the well.

This little native was already well known in the community thanks to his skills as an athlete. Because, he had skills for swimming, fishing, and bats (a game a lot like modern baseball).

The child used to sit under the bacona tree, which gave shade and freshness. And while he rested next to this he was creating melodies from his snails. All the settlers were amazed by the artistic ability of the child whom they began to call Baconao. The name was given because they believed that it was the tree that gave him the skill to play with the shells.

Someday when the boy went out for one of his usual walks, and he never came back. He left no traces and people never heard from him again.

At the time the melodies that the child produced with the snails were heard in the distance in the forest. The inhabitants thought that the magic of the little one had been trapped in the trees. That is why they started calling that area Baconao.

Get to know the Baconao Park, a place full of history and nature

Currently, Baconao is a large park located almost 20 kilometers from Santiago de Cuba, one of the most visited cities in Cuba. In its 84,600 hectares that covers various recreational attractions. This range from prehistoric to an aquarium and beaches of calm and warm waters… those are ideal to enjoy as a family!

In 1987, UNESCO recognized it and declared it a World Biosphere Reserve. There are several species of spiders and bats that are in danger of extinction, as well as a lush coffee plantation.

Next, let's see what are its main attractions.

The Valley of Prehistory

The Valley of Prehistory is a location within the park that takes us to the beginnings of the Earth. Composed of 227 dinosaurs carved in actual size. Inaugurated 38 years ago. Among its representations are the mammoths and dozens of species that lived millions of years ago.

Also, there is a 12-meter high sculpture that represents the human of the Cro-Magnon. Being the one that stands out for its enormous size among the multitude of figures.

The valley is organized according to geological periods, which are differentiated by scenes. Such as hunting between humans and animals.

It is a unique and magnificent creation. In which the whole family can enjoy for hours admiring and taking pictures of these extinct animals.

The Great Stone

It receives this name an immense boulder whose origin is volcanic. Its measures support the qualifier "great" as it is about 25 meters high by 30 meters wide. While its depth reaches 51 meters. It is located between the Baconao Park and the Sierra Maestra National Park.

To reach the top of the Great Stone, it is necessary to go through each of its 459 stone steps. As you go up the landscape is decorated with an exuberant vegetation that includes ferns and orchids. Also, you will see a variety of fauna in which you can see the national bird, the Tocororo.

Once above you will enjoy a view above 1,234 meters above sea level. A unique natural viewpoint, ideal for an excursion and for those with an adventurous spirit.

It is said that during dark nights it is possible to see in the distance the luminaire of Jamaica. While on clear and bright days it is possible to detect with sight the coasts of the eastern zone.

Although, without much effort, it is possible to appreciate the southeast coast of Cuba. And you can distinguish the beaches and hotels of Baconao. It offers a spectacular view of Santiago.

The Baconao Lagoon

This water reserve has nothing more and nothing less than 4 square kilometers. Surface wide enough to make trips both in boats and jet skis. While you enter the lagoon, you will see the replica of a community of the Taino tribe.

If at the end of the water walk you are hungry, visit the restaurant that is in its surroundings. There you can choose from a wide variety of seafood.

The aquarium

Continuing with the aquatic emblems of Baconao Park is the Aquarium. A natural sanctuary where visitors will appreciate the fauna of the Caribbean Sea. They can enter an underwater tunnel 30 meters below sea level.

Fishes in all their varieties, seals and dolphins are some of the marine species that tourists will see. They are in their own ecosystem during the installation.

Museum of Land Transport

It is not surprising that a museum is in such a vast recreational territory. We already said that Baconao is history and nature ... In this case, the park delights us with the exhibition of a collection of miniatures.

This collection exceeds two thousand copies along with another sample of old cars in its original version.

Granjita Siboney Museum

It was the home of a wealthy Santiago merchant, José Vázquez. But, in 1953 the house was spotted by Fidel Castro. He determined that the house had the proper location and facilities to attack the Moncada Barracks.

To achieve his goal, he managed to rent the house on the pretext of raising chickens. When in fact, they made this place their own fort by digging in the water well to store their weapons, creating chicken coops to hide the cars and make other modifications to hide their arsenal.

Years later, due to its historical value in 1965, it received the name of Granjita Siboney. And in 1979 it was declared a National Monument.

In the present, it is a museum in which elements that corroborate the planning and consequences of the attack on the Moncada Barracks are exhibited. Here you will find from an M-1 rifle, photographs. To even uniforms stained with blood, among other things used by combatants.

Where to stay in Baconao?

It is almost impossible to tour the park in one day and enjoy each of its wonders. So to spend the night, replenish energy after a hot tour there are various options for accommodation. There are big hotels, casas particulares, villas and apartments nearby. Any of these options gives the tourist a comfortable atmosphere.

Although if you have rented a car you can go to a nearby community. Or event to Santiago where you can stay in Casas particulares in Santiago de Cuba. This way, you will enrich your trip even more by immersing yourself in the intimacy of a typical family on the island.

Other things to do in Baconao Park

Without a doubt, Parque Baconao is a destination that you cannot miss in your travel itinerary to Cuba. There are so many things to do there.

Take advantage of each one of the natural and historical activities that this site offers. This will offer an experience that should be enjoyed by a family.

It is ideal to visit it with the children, Baconao offers an unforgettable experience. Which you can leave engraved in your memory if you dare to do scuba diving in the warm and crystalline waters of its beaches.

The whole park has more than 70 areas to practice scuba diving and fishing. In the south region of Playa Sigua, you will see the remains of a shipwreck, Guarico.

If scuba diving is not your thing, but still enjoy the tropical and coastal climate you have many beaches to choose. Playa Cazonal and Baconao stand out, which are appropriate for family sharing.

This is not everything. You can also buy artistic works made by artists from the province in El Oasis and in the Verraco Artistic Community. While in the Mesoamerican Exhibition you will find indigenous crafts.

Cuba is a place to discover in all its latitudes. A similar place full of history, fauna, and flora is Viñales. Although in the opposite direction to Baconao, it is worth crossing the whole country to know this "natural accident". Do not worry about the accommodation, as on the whole island, in your trip to Vinales you will have several offers to stay.

As you can see, the Baconao Park is a place full of history and nature suitable for group visits. If you want to get to know it on your next visit to Cuba, contact us. We can help you to find your accommodation on your next trip to this Caribbean island.