| Baconao Biosphere Reserve | |
| Iucn Category: | VI |
| Map: | Cuba |
| Relief: | 1 |
| Location: | Cuba |
| Nearest City: | Santiago de Cuba |
| Coordinates: | 19.9019°N -75.4628°W |
| Area: | 848.57km2 |
| Established: | 1987 |
| Governing Body: | El Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología y Medio Ambiente (CITMA) |
Baconao Park is a large park region, about 60 kilometers away from the city of Santiago de Cuba, with a total surface of 848.57km2.[1]
The name Baconao is related to the name of a little native who lived in the south of Cuba during the pre-Columbian period. Legend mentions a magical tree, called bacona, that allowed the child to play music from the lagoon's snails.
This little Cuban was known for his fishing and swimming skills, as well as playing Batos (Cuban original baseball game).
The child used to sit under the bacona tree to play music from his snail. Everybody in the village was fascinated, and thought that the ability to play the music was a gift from the magical tree. Therefore, they began to call the child Baconao.
One day, the young boy left the village for a trip, and never came back. The villagers believed that the child's magic returned to the trees, and as time passed, the whole area got the name Baconao.
In 1987, it was declared a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO.[2]
The park contains a variety of attractions beside wildlife refuges and coffee plantations.[3]
It is possible to climb 459 stone steps to the summit of the rock, and stand 1,234 meters above sea level for a panoramic view. It is said that on a dark night one can see the lights of Jamaica.