22/08/2026
Here's another one of our favourite day activities in Baracoa: a visit to the Yara-Majayara protected area.
It is right next to town – you don't need a taxi for the day. And it features "the most beautiful view in all of Cuba", according to award-winning Cuba travel expert and Lonely Planet writer Claire Boobbyer.
A nice stroll around Miel Bay (30 minutes) takes you there. We recommend getting up early and having a strong breakfast and good Cuban coffee before starting your hike. You will enjoy the sun rising in the horizon and the cool sea breeze!
To enter the protected area, you must cross the estuary and mangrove at Miel River's mouth. Your options include a wooden hanging bridge or a brief "cayuca" (rowing boat) ride. This lovely fishing community is called Boca the Miel – a beautiful, bucolic setting!
At the Yara-Majayara access point, local park ranger and the best guide to the protected area Juan Carlos Lobaina (+53 58324812) will welcome you and tell you about the different activities you can enjoy there. Entrance fees vary accordingly, but the most expensive excursion (which can last between 4 and 5 hours) costs a bit under 1,500 Cuban pesos.
We never tire of the "Balcón Arqueológico" trail. It showcases all the best features of the protected area – an exploration of the park's limestone geological terraces; traces of the Taíno presence before the conquest; great sights of the fauna including both migrant and endemic birds, as well as iguanas and hutias (Cuban tree rodents); warm interaction with a couple of local farmer families, and the two best lookout points.
You might be feeling a bit (or quite!) hungry as you get back to the loop's starting point. Fortunately, right by the access point to Yara-Majayara, there's Madelaine's "La Favorita" restaurant. We'll have you know that a few years ago, Made was the resident cook to Buena Vista Social Club's Eliades Ochoa! The food is always fresh and delicious. For large groups, she is happy to put together an amazing buffet. [N.B.: Made also makes incredible frappé fruit drinks.]
After the hike and meal, visitors have enjoyed some chilling time at the tiny Playita Blanca (within the protected area).
To get back to Baracoa you can hire one of the local "cayuca" (rowing boat) owners, who can take you along Miel River's mangrove back to town. Or you can stroll back along Miel Bay, perhaps in time to enjoy the sunset, with iconic mount El Yunque in the horizon.
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It's been now over 10 years since my husband Manuel and I opened Villa Paradiso, a casa particular on a hill a few blocks from downtown Baracoa. We'd be delighted to welcome you and help you organize your activities in our region. Don't hesitate to be in touch! [email protected]
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