The Bariay National Monument Park was erected in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival at this spot in Holguín. A group of monuments created by the Holguín sculptress Caridad Ramos recalls the landing of Admiral Christopher Columbus on Cuban soil on 28 October 1492. The group of sculptures entitled "Encuentro" (Encounter) blends enormous Greco-Roman style columns into the natural surroundings to mark the spot of the historic landing. There are also replicas of a Spanish fort and native village, as well as an archeological museum.

Acknowledged as Cuba’s archaeological city. Many of its archaeological treasures are exhibited in its Museo Indocubano. To visit its museums is to go back to the past and its old residents. Guardalavaca is part of the county of Banes.

Some 8 km south of the Guardalavaca beach is the largest burial ground to be found in the Antilles. Beside this archaeological cemetery is La Aldea Taína, a theme park with reconstructed scenes from the everyday lives of the native communities, with their hut-like dwellings, their customs and games. It constitutes the most important discovery in Cuba regarding an aboriginal settlement. Thus, the site has been declared National Monument.

The most complete collection relating to Indo-Cuban culture is held in this museum in the town of Banes, known as the archaeological capital of Cuba. It exibits indigenous artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and tools. Among the thousands of pieces held, two are of particular interest: a solid gold icon, the first to be found in the area, and an indigenous skull with a hole in it similar to one that might be caused by the impact of a bullet. There are also murals depicting indigenous life.