If you’re looking for the best things to do in Vinales, Cuba, then we have the perfect guide for you. Nestled amid the picturesque gem of Cuba’s tobacco country, this enchanting destination offers travellers a taste of authentic Cuban culture.
In this guide we’ll share a few of our favourite experiences sure to make your visit to Viñales a truly unforgettable one. It may be a pocket-sized town, but with its beautiful green valley, National Park, fascinating plantations and rich history – it sure packs a mighty punch!
So, let’s get started…
1 – Horseriding through the Vinales Valleys
The Viñales Valleys, locally known as Parque Nacional Viñales, serves up a mesmerising and diverse landscape in the heart of one of Cuba’s natural wonders. And what better way to experience its natural beauty than mounting a trusty steed and meandering through the dusty trails and verdant tobacco fields on a leisurely horse ride?
Guided by local horsemen, nature lovers can tour the National Park and Valley on a scenic 3-5 hour excursion. Towering limestone mogotes fill the horizon, creating a surreal backdrop for your adventure. It’s one of the most intimate and cultural encounters not to be missed if you wish to learn more about the area – but be sure to wear long trousers (preferably made of breathable material such as linen) to save you from leaving with sore legs!
2 – Visit the Tobacco Plantations
Now, if you want to indulge in some real Cuban heritage, a trip to the Viñales Tobacco Plantations should be at the top of your itinerary. Situated amidst the lush Viñales Valley, these beautiful green fields are a testament to the island’s rich tobacco history – which is responsible for Cuba’s famous cigars.
Guided tours will take you on an immersive experience through the plantations, revealing the art of tobacco cultivation and cigar rolling. You don’t have to be a smoker to be left in awe either, as you’ll witness skilled farmers tending to their crops and demonstrating how to hand roll – something you can get involved in yourself!
Not only will you learn how to handle the tobacco, but about its growth cycles, where the leaves are dried and stored, and what the process entails – from planting the first seed to lighting up! You’ll be left with a new found appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into Cuba’s world-renowned cigars.
3 – Tour of the underground caves
Did you know that Vinales is home to the largest underground cave system in Cuba? Yup. Exploring these hidden wonders, with their stalactites and stalagmites, is a surreal adventure. So get ready to unveil some of nature’s hidden treasures…
The “Cueva del Indio” (or Indian Cave) is one of the most popular caves in Cuba. Those who fancy embarking on a tour will glide through its subterranean caverns on a riverboat, marvelling at its mesmerising rock formations that have taken a millenia to form, as you go. There’s also the “Caverna de Santo Tomas”, worth exploring for its labyrinth of intricate chambers. Please note; this is not for the claustrophobic among us!
Pop on your explorer’s hat and embark on an unforgettable journey into the depths of the Viñales cave system, where nature’s artistry shines in the heart of Cuba.
4 – Visit the Mural De La Prehistoria
Here’s one for the history buffs; the Mural De La Prehistoria is an immense and intricate piece of artwork painted on the side of a 160m-tall “mogote” or limestone mountain. So, it’s pretty hard to miss.
Upon visiting this amazing canvas, you’ll be left awestruck by its depiction of life’s evolution process across the eras. Brilliantly coloured and larger than life, visitors can study the drawings of the masterpiece as it journeys through time, starting from prehistoric dinosaurs and progressing to the indigenous tribes and finally the emergence of modern humans. It’s a pretty long tale, as you can appreciate, so you won’t be surprised to learn that it took the artist 18 years to complete! This also helps to explain its impressive size, exhibiting at 120m in length.
For a unique blend of art and natural wonder, the Mural De La Prehistoria is a must-see attraction during your Viñales adventure.
5 – Visit the view from Hotel Los Jazmines
Perched on the edge of the Valley, Hotel Los Jazmines offers a slice of paradise with unparalleled views across the entire landscape. It’s located around 3 km uphill, but it’ll be well worth the walk (or taxi ride) as once you’ve arrived you’ll be met by a canvas of multiple shades of green, vibrant red soil and a beautiful blue or sun-kissed sky. Any pitstop here is sure to take your breath away, so don’t forget your camera.
Vinales, is a destination where the vibrant cultural heritage of Cuba meets the serene embrace of nature; a place ready and waiting to be explored by adventurers of all ages. The five must-do activities uncovered in this guide are a small glimpse into the various wonders of this beautiful destination, but we guarantee they’ll leave you with lasting memories.
Whether you’re embarking on a horseback ride through the stirring Viñales Valley, delving into the art of cigar making at a tobacco farm, soaking up the stunning history behind the Mural De La Prehistoria or exploring more of the location’s wonders, Viñales captivates with its unique blend of adventure and tranquillity.
Ready to explore?
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