El Chapuzón resort in Bayamo left in ruins by neglect and hurricane

The El Chapuzón riverside resort in Bayamo, Cuba, has fallen into severe disrepair following years of neglect and the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Once a central social hub for the Granma province, the site—also known as Las Vegas or Vegas del Río Bayamo—offered various amenities including cafes, kiosks, a performance stage, and broadcasting booths.

On October 29, 2025, Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba, causing the Bayamo River to overflow. The resulting floodwaters destroyed the main cafeteria and damaged surrounding structures. While some workers have attempted to rebuild small kiosks, the site's commercial activity is now limited to weekly produce and spice sales. Local resident Juan Luis Vasallo Palomo documented the site's decline, noting that the area had already been deteriorating and serving as a shelter for the homeless prior to the hurricane's arrival.