Eastern Cuba Cuba Travel Guide
Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU) in Santiago de Cuba is the closest major international airport to Baracoa. Many international travelers fly here and then continue to Baracoa by road or rail. Santiago de Cuba is approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Baracoa.
A limited number of international flights serve SCU, frequently from other Caribbean hubs, Canada, or select European cities. Airlines that have operated these routes include Cubana de Aviación, Air Transat, Sunwing Airlines, and Copa Airlines.
The cost of flights is highest, especially around peak holiday periods like Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Flight frequency might be slightly higher from certain international origins.
You can frequently find lower prices during the wet season. Flight frequency, especially for domestic routes, may decrease. The risk of weather-related delays (during the season for hurricanes) rises.
Direct international flights to Baracoa (BCA) are generally not available. Most travelers fly into Havana (HAV) or Santiago de Cuba (SCU) and next connect domestically.
No direct train service for Baracoa. The Cuban train system principally provides for the central and western regions of the island. The nearest major train station is in Santiago de Cuba. Train travel within Cuba can be slow and unreliable for tourists.
Viazul is the main bus company for tourists in Cuba, offering air-conditioned coaches connecting major cities. This is the most common way of inter-urban travel for visitors. Routes connect Baracoa to Santiago de Cuba (5-6 hours) and Holguín (8-9 hours).
These private cars operate on fixed routes between cities, picking up multiple passengers. They are quicker than Viazul buses but more expensive. You can arrange them through your Casa Specific host or at Viazul terminals. They offer more flexibility and often pick you up directly from where you are staying.
Rental cars are available in major cities like Havana or Santiago de Cuba. They are expensive, and availability can be limited, so book well in advance.
Routes to and from Baracoa, notably La Farola (the mountain pass from Guantánamo), can be winding, narrow, and in varying states of repair. Potholes are common, and signage can be poor or non-existent.
While Baracoa is on the coast, international arriving by sea are not a typical mode of tourist transport. Baracoa does not have a cruise port or regular ferry services for international tourist arrivals.
As of 2015, the airport departure tax (previously 25 CUC) is included in the price of the airline pass for international flights. You do not need to pay this separately at the airport.
Baracoa does not have a cruise port or regular ferry services for international tourist arrivals. International cruises mainly dock in Havana or Santiago de Cuba.
Small local boats operate along the coast and on rivers like the Toa for angling or local transport. These are usually used for local excursions and do not serve as long-distance arrival methods.
Not applicable for tourist entry to Baracoa, as there are no international sea points of entry.
Not applicable for international arriving by sea; local river trips typically connect to local land routes.
Water travel in Baracoa is mainly for local sightseeing and river excursions, not international or long-distance intercity transport.
As of 2015, the departing from the airport tax (previously 25 CUC) is covered in the price of the airline ticket for international flights. You do not need to pay this separately at the airport.
International Flights (from Santiago de Cuba - SCU): Arrive at Antonio Maceo Be at the AIRPORT 2-ARRIVE 3 hours early for your international flight. Queues can be long, and check-in processes can be manual and slow. Domestic Flights (from Baracoa - BCA): For domestic flights from Gustavo Rizo Airport, 1-2 hours before departure is typically enough due to the airport's small size and fewer passengers.
Gustavo Rizo Airport (BCA) in Baracoa has extremely simple facilities for departing passengers. Expect limited seating, no duty-free shops, and perhaps one small snack stand.
Antonio Maceo Airport (SCU) in Santiago de Cuba has slightly more amenities, featuring a few duty-free shops (with limited selection), cafes, and snack bars.
Viazul terminals generally have rudimentary waiting spots, restrooms, and many times a small snack bar. They are generally functional rather than amenity-rich.
