Viñales is a rural town in western Cuba known for its tobacco plantations and lush green landscapes, with the stunning Sierra de los Organos mountain range as a backdrop. If you’re a rock climber or looking to escape the hustle of Havana, Vinales is a great place to stay for a few extra days. If you are only visiting Cuba for a few days, I highly recommend staying in Havana the whole time and taking a day trip to Vinales. Here’s my list of the top 5 must-see’s in Vinales.
Make sure you have everything you need for a trip to Cuba before leaving the states. Read up on that first here.
You have a couple ways of getting to Vinales. The trip, without any stops, takes about 2.5 hours, so you could hire a chauffeur for 80 CUC each way and drive in a rad vintage car. If you want the chauffeur to drive you around all day in Vinales Valley, it will probably cost a bit more. This is a more economical and quicker option if you’re with a few friends and only have a day to explore. If you have several days to spare, you might want to take a public bus because it is much cheaper but makes several stops along the way. Since I was traveling alone, I decided to sign up for a group day tour through Cuba Travel Network and couldn’t have had a better experience.
Table of Contents
1. GO CAVE EXPLORING
Visit the Cueva del Indio, part of the Cuevas de Santo Tomos cave system, the largest in Cuba. You’ll start by walking through a series of underground caves where you’ll learn about how the Indians who used to reside here built their homes out of limestone, and how fossils of extinct mammals are still discovered in the area today. Then, you’ll get to ride a boat on the river back out of the cave. You may have the opportunity to see bats or other cave dwellers while inside the caves. We had lunch at a local paladar right next to the cave, which was included with the tour.
2. LEARN HOW TO PREPARE CIGARS
There are several tobacco plantations in the area where you can stop and hear from a local farmer on how to grow, dry and prepare tobacco before rolling it into cigars. This is a great place to purchase some really cheap, super fresh cigars as well.
3. GET ARTISTY
Visit the Mural de la Prehistoria,which depicts ancient sea creatures and cavemen. It was created by master artist Leovigildo Gonzalez Morillo in 1961, whom was said to have learned from Diego Rivera himself. The cost of entry is 5 CUC or 15 CUC with lunch if you aren’t on an organized tour. There’s also horseback riding and hiking accessible from this location. This tourist attraction is a bit kooky but definitely still one of the must-see’s in Vinales.
4. DISCOVER THE COLORS OF TOWN
In the heart of town you’ll find streets filled with colorful colonial-style homes, and street vendors selling locally handcrafted goods and freshly rolled cigars. There’s the municipal museum, Jardin Botanico de Viñales, and plenty of food establishments to pick from. If you are staying overnight, it’s easy enough to find a casa particular once you arrive in Vinales. While the town is small, it’s known for having a fun salsa scene at night.
5. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN
The last on my list of the 5 must-see’s in Vinales. Take a ride up the mountain to the pink Hotel Los Jazmines where you’ll get some of the most spectacular views of the valley. This best time to visit is at dusk to watch the sun disappear behind the tall mountain range. It’s definitely a touristy spot, so you can expect to find a bunch of street vendors there as well. There’s also a cool kilometer marker that shows how far away other cities are like Buenos Aires, Zurich, and Mexico City.
That was quite a big knife!!! You lovely photographs bring back recent memories of my time in Vinales – thanks for sharing 🌎🔆
I’ve alway wanted to go to Cuba. You have a great list here. I’d love to go exploring in a cave.
I visited Cuba on a church mission trip almost two years ago. It really is such a beautiful country with beautiful people. Thanks for sharing this.
Love this! I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba, thanks for the sharing these tips. It looks so fun and beautiful!
wow such a nice place visit. and your pictures a god damn lovely.
I would love to visit Cuba. Your interesting post and great pics have made me add the destination to my bucket list. Enjoyed reading your post.
I would love to have the opportunity to travel to cuba one day. I love all the scenic views you posted, especially the river with the trees, it must have been such a nice trip!
Cuba is one of the countries that I want to visit. It’s in my bucket list. Making a cigar sounds exciting!
This had to be an amazing trip. It’s on my bucket list for sure!
I love all of the vibrant colors of Cuba. Your pics represent it very well.
Cuba looks like such a beautiful place to visit! The photos you have here are breathtaking! It looks like you had a wonderful time for sure!
Wow! What a beatiful place! The cigar rolling is definitely something I would want to partake in! I honestly never thought I would consider visiting Cuba, but I may add this to the bucket list.
Wow this place is stunning. from the caves, to the mountains and murals. The underground cave’s scenery is breathtaking. I wish I could be there someday.
Wow, I’ve always wanted to go to Cuba, this looks amazing! Thank you for all the tips and these wonderful pictures. Just beautiful!
I honestly never would’ve considered visiting Cuba before seeing this post but if I ever get the chance I definitely will now. Thanks for showing how beautiful it is!
OMG Cuba looks fantastic! I really want to go there! Such a beautiful country and your photos are gorgeous!
Wow such a nice place visit. It’s in my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
Omg stunning! I really want to visit Cuba and have been talking about going with my fiancé! Hopefully I can convince him.
I would love to know more about cigar making. They say, Cuba cigar is the best in the world.