Located in the southeastern region of Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second-largest city and original capital, has a wealth of culture worth discovering. Fidel Castro not only began his revolution in Santiago de Cuba, he ended it there at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery where his ashes now rest. Just outside of the city lies a vast UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, Baconao Park.
The park has numerous attractions including an aquarium, Baconao lagoon, botanical gardens, farms, the Museum of History of Terrestrial Transportation, the prehistoric valley and the Gran Piedra (Great Rock).
The origin of this grand rock remains in dispute. Some people believe a meteorite landed on top of the mountain while others feel an underwater volcanic eruption launched the rock to its current resting place. No evidence validates either hypothesis conclusively, so feel free to formulate your own ideas.
We do know the rock measures 167 feet long, 82 feet high and 98 feet wide. It weighs in at more than 63,000 tons. Climb the 452-step stairway to the top for breathtaking views of the Sierra Maestra mountain range. On your ascent, you’ll pass hundreds of varieties of ferns, orchids, vegetation and wildlife.
You’ll have an amazing time exploring Baconao Park and never forget the views from the Gran Piedra. Definitely make this a stop on your trip to Cuba.
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