MileHacker Logo
Baracoa Travel Resources

Baracoa Travel Resources

Baracoa Eastern Cuba, Cuba Travel Guide

Essential Apps and Websites

Mobile Apps

  • Maps.me

    Download Cuba map for offline navigation; internet is inconsistent.

  • Google Translate

    Download offline Spanish pack for real-time translation.

  • WhatsApp

    Connect with hosts and locals when Wi-Fi or a local SIM is available.

  • Currency Converter

    Quickly convert prices between CUP, EUR, and USD.

  • Babbel

    Language learning for basic Spanish.

Online Planning

  • Viazul.com

    Check bus timings and attempt online ticket bookings (website might not be reliable).

  • Cuban News Sites

    Granma or Juventud Rebelde for a glimpse into local life (VPN may be needed).

  • Travel Blogs & Forums

    Recent traveler experiences and practical tips for Baracoa.

  • Eagle Creek

    Explore travel organization products.

  • NordVPN

    Secure online access.

Social Media & Audio

Official Tourism

@CubaTravel on X/Twitter or Instagram for general updates.

Independent Accounts

Follow travel content creators or photographers specializing in Cuba for insights.

Cultural Podcasts

Search for podcasts on Cuban history and culture for context, especially Eastern Cuba.

Cultural Immersion

Books for Background

  • The Island That Dared: Journeys in Cuba by Patrick Symmes.
  • Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba by Tom Gjelten.
  • Explore Cuban fiction to understand culture and people.
  • A Spanish phrasebook for quick reference.

Local Publications

  • Local newspapers like Juventud Rebelde or Granma.

Connectivity Options

General Web Access

  • Reliable internet access in Cuba can be a challenge.
  • Public Wi-Fi hotspots are often available in squares or parks.
  • Nauta cards (ETECSA) required for Wi-Fi access.
  • Hotels occasionally provide Wi-Fi.

Offline Prep

  • Download offline maps before arrival (e.g., Maps.me).
  • Download offline language packs for converting language apps.
  • Save important documents to cloud or local storage.
  • Consider physical copies of documents.

Local SIM Cards

  • Local SIM cards for data and calls are available for purchase.
  • These SIMs provide more consistent connectivity than Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • Availability and purchase processes vary.
  • Requires an unlocked phone.

Essential Print Materials

Physical Guides and Maps

Guidebooks

  • General Cuba guidebooks (Lonely Planet, A Popular series of travel guidebooks) with Baracoa sections.
  • Offer historical context, attraction details, and practical advice.
  • Valuable when digital access is limited.
  • Provide broader cultural insights.

Physical Maps

  • A good physical map of Eastern Cuba is helpful.
  • National Geographic Adventure Map series is a good option.
  • Reliable when digital maps fail or for a broad overview.
  • Aids in understanding regional geography.

Local Publications

  • Local newspapers like Juventud Rebelde or Granma.
  • Available at newsstands.
  • Offer insights into daily Cuban life and cultural events.
  • Show current priorities and public information.

Historical & Cultural Context

Recommended Reading

  • The Island That Dared: Journeys in Cuba by Patrick Symmes.
  • Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba by Tom Gjelten.
  • Cuban fiction to understand the culture.

Music & Art Immersion

  • Listen to Son, Salsa, Trova, and local rhythms like nengón and kiribá.
  • Explore Cuban art online or in books.
  • Seek documentaries on Cuban history, biodiversity, or revolution.

Community & Language

Online Communities

  • Travel forums (TripAdvisor, Reddit's r/Cuba) for practical advice.
  • Up-to-the-minute traveler experiences plus tips.
  • Platforms to ask specific questions about local conditions.

Language Learning

  • Apps like Duolingo or Babbel for Spanish basics.
  • A Spanish phrasebook (Latin American focus) for quick reference.
  • Practice common phrases for day-to-day communication.

Travel Planning & Essentials

Offline Maps Benefits

  1. Reliable navigation without internet access.
  2. Access detailed street information.
  3. Identify points of interest.
  4. Plan routes on the go.
  5. Conserve mobile data.

Translation App Benefits

  1. Real-time conversation translation.
  2. Understand menus and signs.
  3. Facilitate communication with locals.
  4. Overcome language barriers.
  5. Learn basic phrases contextually.

Cultural Immersion Aids

Historical Context

Gain perspective on Cuba's past and its influence about current life.

Musical Deep Dive

Understand the role of music in Cuban identity and daily existence.

Artistic Appreciation

Recognize Cuban art as a powerful expression of its people and history.

Mandatory Travel Insurance

Medical travel insurance that covers emergencies and evacuation is a requirement for Cuba.

Safety & Wellbeing

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police

    Dial 106 for immediate police assistance.

  • Fire

    Dial 105 in case of fire.

  • Ambulance

    Dial 104 for medical emergencies.

Consular Support

  • Embassy/Consulate

    Keep your country's embassy or consulate contact in Havana ready.

  • US Embassy Havana

    Contact +53 7 839 4100 for consular services.

  • Trip Registration

    Register your journey with your embassy's online system.

Health & Security

Medical Facilities

Baracoa has a general hospital: Hospital General Docente "Dr. Octavio de la Concepción y de la Pedraja."

Lost Documents

Contact your embassy/consulate in Havana immediately for lost passports.

Police Report

File a police report for stolen items; often required for insurance claims.

Safety Protocols

Natural Disasters

  • During hurricane season (Aug-Oct), inquire about local preparedness plans.
  • Obey local authorities or accommodation hosts.

Health Essentials

  • Check vaccination status with your doctor.
  • Bring ample prescribed drugs in their original containers with doctor's notes.

Affiliate Resources

World Nomads Travel Insurance

  • Comprehensive travel insurance: World Nomads.
  • Coverage for medical emergencies and evacuations.

Secure Your Online Presence

  • For online security while traveling: NordVPN.
  • Access content securely and privately.

Important Health Note

Medical evacuation to Havana or your home country might be necessary for serious emergencies, hence medical travel insurance is required.

← Previous
Baracoa Travel Hacks
← Back to Baracoa
Next →
Baracoa Travel Checklist

Next Up: Baracoa Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Continue to Baracoa Travel Checklist
Baracoa Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts