La Farola

Until 1965 Baracoa was reachable only by sea, and La Farola is the road that changed that: fifty-five kilometres climbing from the dry Caribbean coast at Cajobabo up over the Sierra del Purial to around six hundred metres and down into the wet forest on the Atlantic side. It is built on concrete pillars where the slope would not hold it, and the vegetation changes completely along its length, from cactus and thorn scrub at the bottom to dripping tree ferns at the top. Roadside stands sell cucurucho, coconut and fruit packed into a palm cone.

What you actually see

• The climb - from sea-level thorn scrub to cloud forest in under an hour of driving.
• The pillars - sections of road carried on concrete supports out from the mountainside.
• The viewpoints - pull-ins looking back down the valleys towards the Caribbean.
• The cucurucho stands - roadside sellers offering coconut and fruit in palm-leaf cones.

When to go

November to April is drier and the views are clearer. Cloud and rain frequently close in over the top of the pass, particularly in the afternoon. Mornings give the best chance of a clear crossing.

Honest expectations

The road is narrow with tight bends and no barriers in places, and it is not a comfortable drive for anyone uneasy with heights. Landslips close sections after heavy rain. The viaduct-like pillared sections are impressive but there are few places to stop safely.

Nearby

Baracoa is at the northern end and Guantanamo is west along the south coast road.