"Busy Banes, Cuba" Banes by TOFFY

If you are staying in the tourist area of Guardalavaca, a great day excursion is one to the Town of Banes, 31 kms to the southeast. I would say that this road is probably one of the most beautiful in Cuba, taking you through little villages, past stands of royal palms, houses with thatched roofs, and traffic of horses and carts all in rolling hills of green.
The Town of Banes itself is a busy little place, going on about its business without regard to tourists. The town consists of concrete and wooden houses, each with its own character. The main street is one way, travelling west, and therefore you will find yourself arriving on a one way street going east, just to the south of the main street. Just over the bridge you will find the fruit and meat market, and veering left over the bridge, the road to Playa Moralas (and the sea)
On the main street heading west again, you will find the world famous tiny Musea Indocubano, devoted to pre-Columbian Cuban history. Here you will find the famous solid gold “Taino idol” said to be of the 13th century.
Hurricane Ike made its mark on this town in 2008, but great efforts are being made to put things back in shape, and a couple of new restaurants have opened on the main street.

Church of Fidel''s 1st marriage

One block to the north is a very interesting town square, with a domed band shell, an old American style old theatre, and the Church of our Lady of Caridad, when Fidel Castro married his first wife, Mirta Diaz-Balart, daughter of the mayor. If architecture is of interest to you, these buildings should be seen.
Further to the north leads up to the top of the hill, and from there one has a spectacular view of Banes Bay, right over to Antilla.

Banes taxi

Banes also offers a wide variety of Chryslers, Cadillacs, Studebakers and Old Chevy’s, left over from the days of the American fruit companies that owned the whole area. All the fruit plantations have now been replaced by sugar cane

• Pros:A great slice of life
• Cons:Good for a day visit, or overnight to explore areas nearby
• In a nutshell:A lovely day's outing from Guardalavaca