The southern coast of the eastern provinces of Cuba

By: Dr. Martin Louis The routes described so far have covered the entire northern coast of our country, except the small distance between the city of Baracoa and about to burn, the eastern tip of Cuba. But do not think that there is nothing left for visiting interesting or new, as our southern coast and its territories next interior has unique natural elements in the country. It is true that there are bays on both coasts bags, islands, reefs and coastal shorelines, wetlands, beaches, towns and other natural and social characteristics, but the action of the climate components, the provision of relief and the local geological evolution cause in those natural elements there are differences in both types of costs. Deciding to continue to visit interesting places close to our southern coasts enjoy new natural and cultural elements along the Caribbean Sea. Five coastal sections are in the south coast of Cuba. Start at the south coast of the eastern provinces, starting from Baracoa, Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba and Granma. What surprises await? The following provides a brief summary of how information in this first section of the south coast, which will be expanded as we go further describing his tour of the coast, as has been done in the courses described in back issues to the northern coast.

This first section extends from Punta Quemado cited to Cabo Cruz. It is unique in our country for the presence of natural, social and cultural characteristics, among which are: systems best preserved marine terraces of the Caribbean, both emerged as submarines. They are located at both ends of this stretch. They are excellently preserved worldwide, particularly those located near Cabo Cruz. This is one of values ​​that have justified that this area has been declared the landing of the Granma National Park, which also boasts the category of Natural Heritage of Humanity. The park and its system of terraces can be visited as it has a good program for public use.

The Sierra Maestra mountain range, the most extensive, wide and high in the country, is located on the edge of the coast between Cabo Cruz and Baconao. The road runs parallel to the coast along the Caribbean Sea, known locally as Pylon Road between Santiago de Cuba and Pilon. It is very beautiful and unique in all of Cuba in relation to their environment. Rocks of all kinds, especially volcanic, are polished by heavy waves of the Caribbean and are commonly found on both sides of the road. Turquino National Park, the highest in Cuba, has been in the Sierra Maestra. It has numerous peaks over fifteen, in excess of 1 300m in height, including the higher elevations of our country: the Pico Real del Turquino with 1974m high, the Pico Cuba with 1872 m and 1734m Pico Sweden. It has high value from the scenic views, flora, fauna and history. It's really the roof of Cuba and unique of its kind in our country. It also has public use program. The Baconao Biosphere Reserve, which lies between the cities of Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba.

It has tourist infrastructure that allows you to stay in the area and to coordinate your visit, which must be requested from the ministries of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), Agriculture and Tourism. This reserve is also called the Stone Zoo and Prehistoric Park Jurassic, site of great interest. The greatest depth of Cuban marine waters. A few miles from the coast almost reaches the depth at 6 000km., One of the largest in the Caribbean. It is known as Trench Bartlet or East. There are about 9 miles between the bottom of the pit and the top of Pico Real del Turquino. This is because deep the pit is on the border between the North American Plate and Microplate Caribbean. Throughout the area, particularly around the bay of Santiago de Cuba, there are frequent buses, many of them imperceptible. An excellent road network. All costs can be covered without difficulty since communications are great, including ports or passes that connect the rest of the country to the coast are traversed by these roads. Many hotels, camping sites, marinas, dive shops and facilities of stay are scattered along this road that runs along the south coast, across beaches and walking distance from places of great interest as Monitongos, the desert Guantanamo or the Great House, a miniature copy of Tandil in Argentina.

Two major cities: Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo. Both are capitals of provinces. The first was located toward the central part of the coastline, while the second is located towards the eastern part of it. Cuban cities are having more influence of Caribbean culture. Both have strong cultural life, although the former excels in it for being oldest, most populous and second largest city in Cuba after Havana. It has more than one million inhabitants. Santiago de Cuba was for a short time the capital of Cuba. It is a city steeped in rich history, both during the colonial period and during the republic. It has numerous museums and historical sites of interest, in particular those related to the period that preceded the triumph of the Revolution. Like other Cuban cities is also known by other names: the Hero City and Capital of the Caribbean. The Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, the Patroness of Cuba. It is a Shrine Basilica, located on a hill near the village of El Cobre, near Santiago de Cuba. The same was inaugurated in September 1927, eleven years after SS

Benedict XV agreed to request a letter of general officers and veterans of the Liberation Army which was asked to proclaim the Virgin of Charity Patron of the Republic of Cuba. It is the center of pilgrimage for many Cubans. Visited the whole year. The temple has a grand staircase flanked by pilasters topped by twelve small lights glassed-covered trapezoidal figures, which come to the Sanctuary, which has two floors. In the middle part rises a central tower which is a clock. The same Gothic tower topped by a red tile, with a cross on top. On both sides of the central tower at the back, are two pointed towers. If you are in the city of Baracoa this walk you will continue your trip through the Cuban coast. If you are in another part of Cuba to take your car and make your reservation from any hotel in which they are and be encouraged to visit this part of Cuba, so different from the rest of the country. Pleasant surprises await.