A quiet seaside village surviving with small-time fishing and a beautiful blonde beach, Playa La Herradura offers its almost on the water to the citizens of Holguin and Velasco.
Without stores or telephone, it attracts travellers looking for a total getaway : one can rent a room in legal casas and enjoy only the skies, the sea, the quiet and the seafood. Although modest, its only three casas are clean and well-equipped. Bring books, sun lotion and wine. Take only pictures, leave only footprints
LOCATION
On the road between Velasco and Puerto Padre : from Lora (a train track passes), go north towards the coast for about 8km. Jesus Menendez (called Chaparra when this was a huge sugar town) is the city that serves it for food and services. If your itin includes Gibara or Holguin, it's easy to get here going through Velasco. From the country's central highway and Las Tunas, you'll go by Puerto Padre, Delicias, then Chaparra and turn left at Lora close to the train track.
POPULATION 400 (est.)
DISTANCES
Bayamo, 168
Camaguey, 200
Delicias, 39
Gibara, via Velasco, 100
Holguin, 73
Jesus Menendez (Chaparra), 31
Las Tunas, 112
Puerto Padre, via Chaparra and Lora, 43
SEE
Swim, eat, drink and dream. A few k's away, on a flat seaside road (easy by bike), there's Punto Uvero, Las Llanitas and at the end of this dead-end road, Las Bocas and its playa.
SERVICES
They are all in Jesus Menendez, commonly called Chaparra. A visit should be called for (we will soon) : there are architectural finds (bungalows and cottages dating from the US colonial period) and a cultural community (musicians, writers, artists) which seems effervescent. Radio Victoria 1050AM, 94,5FM
PLAYAS
It's here ! Almost deserted in winter because Holguineros prefer their beaches in summer (verano) . Some 3 or 4km, away playa Las Llanitas and then Las Bocas. A charming excursion and on your return, fill up with langostas.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
No phones, no addresses, just numbers for the casas : everyone knows them... They've had their permit since 98 or 99 and all offer seafood dinners with salad, banana frita and rice for approx. 5-6 cuc. All-inclusive breakfasts, 4-5 cuc. Rate for a double room for two per night : 20cuc, less for longer. Make an offer. Photos taken in June 05. Added on 26.07.05 Viva el 26 !
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