Cacocum

Cacocum is a small rural town in Holguín Province, located about 20 km south of the provincial capital along the road toward the Sierra Cristal. The town serves as a municipal seat for an agricultural area dominated by sugarcane, tobacco, and cattle farming. Cacocum has a population of approximately 5,000 and retains a deeply rural Cuban character.

The town is known locally as a crossroads — the main highway from Holguín south toward Bayamo and Santiago de Cuba passes through Cacocum, making it a common stopover point. The surrounding countryside is gently hilly with fertile farmland and scattered farmsteads (fincas).

Tropical climate with dry season November–April and rainy season May–October. The inland location means slightly hotter temperatures in summer and cooler nights in winter compared to the coast.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Frank País Airport (HOG) in Holguín, about 25 km north. Taxis from the airport cost around CUC 15–25.

By Car / Road

Cacocum is about 20 km south of Holguín on the Carretera Central (approximately 25 minutes). From Bayamo, the drive is about 100 km northeast (1.5 hours). Local buses and colectivos pass through on the Holguín–Bayamo route. The Carretera Central is in reasonable condition through this stretch.

Cacocum is small and walkable. Horse-drawn carriages and bici-taxis serve the main streets. For exploring the surrounding countryside, arrange a taxi or horseback ride.

• Central plaza — The town's social heart, with a bandstand, shade trees, and surrounding modest colonial buildings.

• Sugarcane fields — The surrounding landscape is dominated by sugarcane, with harvest season (November–April) being the most active time.

• Nearby rivers — Several small rivers in the surrounding hills offer swimming spots popular with locals.

• Countryside walks — Explore the agricultural landscape on foot or horseback, visiting small farms and rural communities.

• Fishing — Local rivers offer freshwater fishing. Guides can be arranged through your casa particular.

• Sugar mill visit — Depending on the season, the local sugar mill may be operational (harvest season). Visits can sometimes be arranged informally.

• Casa particular meals — The best dining option. Homestay hosts prepare traditional Cuban meals: rice and beans, roasted pork, yuca, plantains. CUC 5–8 per meal.
• Comedor local — A simple state-run canteen offering basic meals (arroz con pollo, beans) for CUP 20–40.
• Roadside stands — Fruit, juices, and simple snacks sold along the highway.

A small bar near the plaza serves beer and rum. Guarapo (sugarcane juice) is available from roadside vendors. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Casa particulars at CUC 8–15 per night for a double room with breakfast. Very limited selection.
• Mid-range / Upscale: No hotels in Cacocum. Holguín (20 km north) has Hotel Pernik, Hotel E Corona, and other options (CUC 40–70/night).

Very limited shopping — a small produce market, basic supplies at state-run shops. No souvenir or craft shops. Holguín (20 km) has full shopping facilities.

• Holguín — The provincial capital, 20 km north, with museums, nightlife, and the Loma de la Cruz (25 minutes).
• Bayamo — Capital of Granma Province, about 100 km south via the Carretera Central (1.5 hours).
• Cueto — A small town 30 km east, connected to revolutionary history (30 minutes).
• Banes — About 40 km east, with the Museo Indocubano Baní (45 minutes).