Valle de Viñales, Cuba
Admire the natural paradise and spectacular scenery of Valle de Viñales, declared a National Heritage Site by Cuba
Valle de Viñales, Cuba
© Tai Pan of HK
The Valle de Viñales (Viñales Valley), also known as Parque Nacional Viñales (Viñales National Park), is in the Pinar del Río region of western Cuba. This fantastic natural environment was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
In this territory, located in the Sierra de los Órganos, the high pines, the limestone mountains and the extensive tobacco plantations stand out. Although the most characteristic is the mogotes, small rounded mountains, and the rich local architecture that can be seen in its villages and farms.
Index:
- What are the best things to see in Valle de Viñales, Cuba?
- How to get to Valle de Viñales, Cuba?
- What are the best accommodations in Valle de Viñales?
What are the best things to see in Valle de Viñales, Cuba?
Valle de Viñales
© Arnaud Samie
In Valle de Viñales you can do many activities in this incredible natural environment, unique in all Cuba. The fauna and flora of this place are very peculiar. Some of the native species you will find are the mazorquilla plant and the male pine. Although one of the most outstanding is the cork palm, a plant that has been declared National Monument as it is a prehistoric species.
Mural de la Prehistoria, Viñales
© Tai Pan of HK
Furthermore, if you like potholing, the Valle de Viñales is ideal for you, as there are numerous caves to be discovered. The most outstanding are: the Cueva de San Miguel (San Miguel Cave), where you can learn about the history of the runaway slaves and their terrible conditions; Cueva del Indio (Indio Cave), that to explore it, you will have to take a boat ride, as it is crossed by an underground river; and Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás (Great Cavern of Santo Tomás), the most extensive cave system in Cuba, whose spectacular stalagmites and stalactites have earned it the status of National Monument.
Without a doubt, one of the unique places in the Valle de Viñales, and in all of Cuba, is the Mural de la Prehistoria (Mural of Prehistory). It is a great mural painting that represents the evolution of the species and the life that has taken place in the Valley. What makes it unique is that it is painted on one of the slopes of one of the best-known mogotes, the mogote Pita.
This area is where the traditional Havana cigars are produced, so you can visit the tobacco plantations and learn about the manufacturing process of this well-known Cuban product. Casa del Veguero is one of the plantations you can't miss.
To finish your visit to the Valle de Viñales and to be able to admire it in its totality the ideal thing is that you go to the mirador los Jazmines (Jazmines viewpoint), especially recommended at sunset when the Valley takes on some unforgettable colours.
Other activities you can do during your visit to this valley are horse riding, hiking and climbing.
How to get to Valle de Viñales, Cuba?
Pinar del Río, Cuba
© Marika Bortolami
Valle de Viñales is close to Havana and Viñales, the capital of the province, so it is a good opportunity to visit when you arrive in Cuba.
There are several transportation options, you can go in a shared or private taxi from a nearby city, such as Viñales or Pinar del Río.
Another possibility is to visit it with an excursion from Havana that includes the Valle de Viñales and some of its most representative spots such as Cueva de San Miguel, the Mural de la Prehistoria, the Casa del Veguero, etc.
What are the best accommodations in Valle de Viñales?
As it is a protected place, there are not many accommodation options. It is best to stay in one of the Casas particulares (private houses or accommodations) in the area. This will allow you to get to know the most traditional part of the island and its best-kept secrets.
In case you prefer a hotel you have the option of Hotel los Jazmines, known for the nearby viewpoint.
Another accommodation option is to stay in Viñales and from there visit the Valley.
Interactive map:
Pinar del Río
What to see:
- Viñales
- Valle de Viñales
- Mural de la Prehistoria
- Cueva del Indio
- Los Acuáticos
- Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás
- La Casa del Veguero
- Jardín de Caridad de Viñales
- Plantación de tabaco Alejandro Robaina
- Rancho La Guabina
- Parque Nacional Península de Guanahacabibes
- Puerto Esperanza
- San Diego de los Baños
- Parque La Güira
- Cueva de los Portales
- Pinar del Río
- Pinar del Río Cathedral
- Fábrica de bebidas Casa Garay
- Fábrica de tabacos Francisco Donatien
- Estadio Capitán San Luis Sports
- Teatro José Jacinto Milanés
Beaches:
Museums:
Other nearby destinations:
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