Boca de Miel: Where the river embraces the sea

In Baracoa, where the River Miel meets the Atlantic Ocean, lies Boca de Miel, a small community of 393 inhabitants where fisherpeople, farmers, and descendants of the Taíno people live side by side.

It’s not your typical tourist destination, but rather a place for those seeking authenticity.

The community was established in the 1980s to bring together families scattered throughout the region’s mountains. Today, its wooden houses with thatched roofs line the shores of a tranquil cove.

Access isn’t easy. By land, you have to travel 10km from Saibá along a narrow road; however, the real adventure begins when the tibaracón—a natural sand barrier separating the river from the sea—breaks during the rainy season, isolating the area.

The landscape features 2km of gray beaches fringed by red mangroves, marine terraces with caves concealing Taíno petroglyphs, and mountain trails winding through coffee plantations.

What you can’t miss:

The Tetí ritual: Every year, between April and June, millions of these translucent fish (unique to Cuba) swim up the River Miel to spawn. The village children catch them with baskets in a spectacular natural display.

The petroglyph cave: A 20-minute walk from the village, a cavern holds symbols carved by the Taíno people. Locals believe it was a ceremonial site.

The cacao route: Three family farms showcase the artisanal chocolate-making process, from tree to bar. Boca de Miel has no hotels, only private homes that rent rooms and offers ample opportunities for adventure, which is why this destination attracts backpackers and travelers who love challenging tourism and unusual discoveries.