Discover the Most Stunning Road for Your Cuban Road Trip
Winding dramatically along the mountaintop, La Farola traverses the lofty heights of the Sierra del Purial. Situated in eastern Cuba, this legendary route connects Baracoa to Guantánamo, offering stunning vistas of both the sea and lush tropical forests as it climbs precipitously upward.
Constructed during 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 earliest settlement established by the Spanish in Cuba, located at the easternmost point of the island—was nearly unreachable due to being enclosed by both mountainous terrain and the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, its winding path spanning 54 kilometers with numerous suspension bridges appears to conquer the challenging landscape around it. At times, parts of the route cling closely to sheer cliff faces more than 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 navigate through thick foliage predominantly made up of cocoa trees, banana plants, and royal palm trees, the route begins to ascend with tighter curves. Gradually, the dense forest gives way to exposed rocky outcrops. At these elevated spots, breathtaking vistas unfold: on one side lies the vast expanse of the Caribbean Sea, while verdant expanses stretch endlessly on the other. The precipitous inclines of the Sierra del Purial hold remnants from a prosperous farming history—former sites where coffee once thrived. cafetales , which serve as evidence of the era when the area was a significant hub for coffee cultivation, 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 remnants hidden beneath the forest canopy.
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 awe-inspiring vista of the horizon where sky meets jungle. While ascending, you might notice that some of the tunnels have succumbed to encroaching foliage, and tiny impromptu stands materialize beside the roadway. Vendors, usually positioned atop boulders lining the edge, call out to travelers passing by, offering locally brewed coffee or handmade artisanal cigars. However, what truly deserves your taste buds' attention is the regional specialty that you should sample here. cucuruchos A blend of coconut, honey, guava, and citrus fruits encased in a palm leaf. This treat offers the decadence of the most delicious candies along with the sustenance of a granola bar; it’s likely among the finest options available. the finest snacks we have ever experienced in Cuba !
