Should I Still Plan to Visit Baracoa?

QUESTION:  I am traveling to Cuba in December 2016. My plan was to visit Baracoa on the 18th and 19th of December for 2 nights.

Do you advise me to visit after the hurricane? bare in mind that it’s not like I wanted to see luxurious things in Baracoa in the first place, I know that it’s already a small rural city full of history; And that’s what I care about actually.. I also wanted to go for an excursion in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park. So my question is the following:

– Would they remove the ruble & destruction from the streets?
– Can I normally go to the excursions I had planned?
or has life totally taken a pause in Baracoa?

I emailed the Casa owner I have booked with in Baracoa, it has been almost two weeks and he hasn’t replied yet. I don’t know how to proceed, I want to visit Baracoa very badly, at the same time if it’s totally impossible I have to change my plans.

ANSWER:  Patience is the key right now.  I suggest maintaining your plan to visit Baracoa in mid-December on your trip but it may take another 2-4 weeks to have contact with the casa owners.  Yes there was a lot of destruction but Baracoa will need the visitors to come and visit and see their recovery efforts. As to the excursions I’d say also give it time since they are still in the beginning of the recovery phase.  If you are unable to make contact with the Casa people in the next month write back to us and we will try to make some phone calls.  If their place was destroyed there will most likely be some other options.