The flat summit
Views over Baracoa.
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El Yunque is a 575 metre table mountain about 7 km west of Baracoa and Baracoa Bay in Guantánamo province in eastern Cuba, about 8 km from the town centre in a straight line. Its flat top resembles an anvil, «yunque» in Spanish. Christopher Columbus mentioned it in his chronicles of his voyage to the Americas, and it was declared a Cuban National Monument in 1979. The mountain stands between the Duaba and Toa rivers and is covered in Cuban moist forest, with cocoa planted on the lower slopes in the shade of royal palms. Its flat silhouette can be seen from the streets and bay of Baracoa, especially at sunset. Visitors usually climb with a guide on a forest trail that crosses the river. The final section is steep and the outing takes about half a day, so bring water and good shoes and expect humidity and rain. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Cuba because of fuel, power and water shortages, so read the current advice before you plan. It also says electricity and water remain severely affected in the east after Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
Views over Baracoa.
Palms and cocoa.
Crossed at the start.
West of Baracoa, Guantánamo province, Cuba
Yes, climbs are usually guided.
About half a day.