From the best things to do in Vinales Cuba to the practical tips you need to do them, here is a complete guide for visiting Cuba’s authentic countryside. Read this post and discover why Cuba is so much more than its resort life.
The majority of travellers to Cuba never make their way off the resort. In doing so, they are missing out BIG TIME. Cuba is a culturally rich country with some breathtaking natural landscapes to explore. One such place is Viñales National Park.
Located in Western Cuba, about 2 hours south of Havana, the Viñales Valley is the heart of Cuba’s famed tobacco production. The Viñales is a sight to behold, with a lush green landscape, leafy tobacco fields, and towering limestone “mogotes” (cliffs). It is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Cuba’s rural lifestyle.
Officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the Viñales valley retains a deep sense of cultural authenticity. You’ll enjoy the peaceful scenery while getting to learn more about the tobacco industry that makes up a fourth of Cuba’s GDP. This destination is for nature lovers, history fanatics, and cultural admirers!
Read more down below on how to visit this magical destination and the 23 BEST things to do in Vinales Cuba. With a combination of main attractions and off-the-beaten-path activities, you are sure to have a fantastic rural Cuban adventure!
How to Get to the Viñales Cuba
The Perfect Day Trip in Cuba
Located in Cuba’s Pinar del Río province, the Viñales is best visited as a day trip from Havana. The distance between the two is about 183 km and takes 2 hours to drive each way.
It is also possible to visit the Viñales as a day trip from Varadero. The drive from there takes 4 hours each way. While definitely a large drive to complete in a single day, this was the option I went with based on itinerary restrictions, and have no regrets! Driving the 4 hours there in a classic car with the Cuban countryside passing me by was a big part of the experience itself. And after a long day of exploring, the 4-hour drive on the way back was made shorter by a comfy nap in the backseat. There are also options to stay the night to break up the drive each day.
You can book day trips to Viñales, Cuba through one of many tour companies. They will pick you up from wherever you are staying and handle all the transportation needed for the day. We personally went with the company Havana 60. In addition to transportation, the tour included a private driver and guide who toured us around to all the best spots. They are super flexible with your itinerary, and you can quite literally make it up on the day of. We were able to make special requests, like going for a hike through the valley, and our guide was super accommodating.
Alternative Options – Bus and Hired Taxi
The second and slightly less common option is to visit the Viñales Valley independently. To do so, you will have to figure out your own transportation to and around the valley.
Viazul Bus:
The first way to get to Viñales without a tour is to take the bus. This is the cheapest option, priced at about $15 CUC. The drive time will take about 3 – 4 hours. The best company to go with is Viazul bus and you can find their website here.
Private Taxi:
The second option for getting to Viñales without a tour is by taking a private taxi. The private taxis will have the same drive time as a tour, but instead, you’ll be responsible for getting around the valley once there.
Collective (Shared) Taxi:
And finally, you can also get to Viñales by collective (shared) taxis. By sharing a taxi with others, you can split the costs and pay way less per person. You can check with your accommodation, as they are often able to arrange these collective taxis for you. I have also heard of people simply going to the taxi stands and waiting until someone else comes along that is going to the same place. This option works best in the peak travel season.
Travelling to the Viñales independently, I recommend spending the night there. The transportation will take longer (either to get there or navigate around once you are there), so staying the night allows extra time to explore.
Best Time of Year to Visit the Viñales Cuba
The Viñales Valley is a beautiful destination at all times of the year! With that being said, November – April is often viewed as the best time of year to visit Viñales Cuba. This is simply to avoid the rainy season. However, I visited in May and still had a fantastic experience.
November – February is the best time to visit if you are hoping to see the tobacco fields in all their leafy green glory. The last of the tobacco leaves are typically harvested in February. Moving forward the fields will be barren.
The tobacco farms are still worth a visit outside of these months though, as you can learn about the harvesting and production process. When visiting in May, we were able to see hundreds of leaves hanging to dry in special straw huts.
The 10 Best Things To Do in Viñales Cuba
1. Meet with Local Farmers at a Tobacco Plantation
My personal favourite out of all the best things to do in Vinales Cuba was a tour around a local tobacco plantation. There is no better place to discover how their famous Cuban cigars are made than the premier tobacco-growing region in the country. Even if you don’t smoke cigars yourself, a visit to a plantation is a great way to experience the local Cuban culture and learn something new.
Taking part in one of Vinales’ tobacco farm tours, you’ll be met by an expert, English-speaking local. You’ll receive a tour of the farm, where you can marvel at the surrounding bright red soil, towering palm trees, and marvelous rock formations. After the tour, you’ll sit down to view a cigar-making demonstration. You’ll even get the chance to try rolling the prized merchandise yourself. And the best part comes last: a taste test too!
From there, you will be offered cigars to purchase at a discount. If you are planning to bring some cigars home as gifts or souvenirs, then what better place to buy them than directly from the source?
2. Hike to Los Acuaticos
Los Acuaticos is a small community that lives in the mountains of the Vinales. The community is known for it’s belief in the healing properties of their local water. It is also known for the panoramic view of the surrounding valley.
Los Acuaticos is best visited at sunrise. You’ll be treated to beautiful misty morning views with the valley lit up with sunrise colours. The hike takes about an hour to complete one way and is about 4km long. Although, some tours will start from in town, making it a bit longer.
There are no signs or directions whatsoever, so it is highly recommended to do this hike with a guide. There are numerous tours available in Vinales town. You can book a tour online or by connecting with locals in town, such as asking your accommodation if they know about tour options.
3. Witness the Best Views of the Viñales Valley at the Hotel Los Jazmines
When paying a visit to Viñales, a big priority should be to find the best views of the beautiful landscape. And there is no better place than the Hotel Los Jazmines.
The Hotel Los Jazmines is located on a tall hill overlooking the valley. It is in the perfect location that allows you to see all the Viñales’ natural beauty from above. This particular spot highlights some of the most picturesque rock formations. In fact, the majority of photos you see of Viñales on Google images are taken from the Hotel Los Jazmines.
Despite it being a hotel, the viewpoint is available to all visitors at no fee. Everyone gets to enjoy the view!
4. Take a Horseback Riding Tour
Horseback tours are one of the top things do to in Vinales Cuba. It is a fantastic way to experience Viñales at ground level, getting right out there amongst it all. All levels of horseback riding experience are able to join. You will definitely cover more ground than exploring on foot.
With horse riding being so popular, there are several companies and local guides that offer this activity. Some tours allow you to simply ride around, whereas others will actually use it as transportation between different points of interest. Either way, a horseback riding experience is highly recommended when visiting Viñales Cuba.
5. Taste Test Famous Cuban Cigars
Whether you take part in one of Viñales’ tobacco farm tours or not, a taste test of the famous Cuban cigars is a must. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture. You’ll be smoking them right on the land they were grown and produced on.
You can purchase Cuban cigars from either a tobacco farm directly (even if you are not visiting on a tour) or from Viñales town.
The production of honey is also well-known in Viñales. While visiting a tobacco farm, the locals suggested we try dipping the end of the cigar (where you inhale from) in some honey to add a unique flavour. There are definitely ways to get creative when smoking a cigar in Viñales.
Bonus Tip: If you are buying Cuban cigars on your trip, you’ll want to avoid people selling them to you on the streets of Havana or Varadero. These are typically knock-off versions of the good cigars. Viñales is the ideal place to purchase Cuban cigars.
6. Adventure Through Cuba’s Largest Cave System at Cuevas de Santo Tomas
Another brilliant thing to do in Vinales Cuba, is to explore the Cuevas de Santo Tomas. Located about 18.5km from Vinales town, this cave system is the largest in Cuba and the second-largest in all of the Americas. To get to the cave entrance, there is a steep 20-minute hike up the side of a mogote. The cave consists of seven levels, with two levels open for tourists to explore.
The Cuevas de Santo Tomas is known for its unique rock formations, enormous caverns, bats hanging from stalactites, and spots that open up for great views of the valley. The cave also retains a lot of its originality, as there are no built-in amenities inside.
You are only able to explore the Cuevas de Santo Tomas on a guided tour. The tour will take you hiking 1 km through the cave and lasts about 90 minutes. The entrance costs $10 CUC and includes the informative guide and a helmet with a flashlight for roaming through the caves.
7. Find Unique Photo Ops Amongst Vinales’ Beautiful Landscape
One of the best ways to experience the Viñales is by simply driving around and stopping wherever you feel so inclined. The Viñales’ beautiful landscape offers perfect photo ops around every corner. Most photos of the Viñales are taken from the same viewpoint. Escape the norm by getting out there to capture some unique shots.
When visiting the Viñales as part of a tour, the guides are often very eager to tailor the day to what you are interested in. On my day trip to Viñales, our guide was super open and flexible about stopping anywhere that caught our eye.
8. Enjoy a Farm-To-Table Lunch on the Viñales Main Street
Another great way to experience Viñales’ local culture is by having lunch at a restaurant along the main street. Farm-to-table experiences are pretty much the norm in this small town, as they are quite literally surrounded by one of Cuba’s most prominent farming communities.
Along the Viñales main street, you can taste-test delicious authentic Cuban dishes. One such dish that our guide was particularly excited for us to try was Cuban beans and rice. It is pretty self-explanatory, but they cook the black beans and white rice together with garlic, resulting in a wonderfully purple dish. It was a yummy meal to refuel on our day trip and felt like a great way to immerse ourselves in the rural culture.
9. Float on an Underground River at the Cueva del Indio
Another unique activity to do in Viñales is floating down an underground river at the Cueva del Indio. Cueva del Indio means “Indian cave.” It is a site where an indigenous group made their home before Cuba was colonized. Nowadays, there are sadly no indigenous people left in Cuba, but the Cueva del Indio provides a unique look into their history.
The Cueva del Indio features an underground cave network. Wandering through them you’ll eventually come to a river contained within the cave. Here you’ll get the chance to experience a ride, exploring the caves by boat before emerging back into daylight through a vine-covered hole in the wall.
The price for entry into the caves is $5 CUC and includes the boat ride.
10. Visit a Coffee Plantation
Tobacco farms are not the only must-see plantations in town. Amongst all the amazing things to do in Vinales Cuba, a visit to a coffee plantation is a must! The rich fertile land also allows for quality coffee production to thrive in this region. If you are one of the many coffee lovers out there, then this is definitely a great addition to your trip to Viñales.
When visiting a Vinales coffee plantation, you will see how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and produced in order to get the drink we all love today. And of course, you’ll get a chance to taste test some for yourself. It also makes for an amazing authentic souvenir or gift to take home!
11. Wander the Viñales Botanical Garden
A bit of a lesser-known activity to do while visiting the Viñales valley is a trip to their botanical gardens. The botanical gardens are a humble yet beautiful little spot for viewing Cuban plants, trees, flowers, and tropical fruits. Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable local guide, who will tour you through the wonderful garden.
There is no entrance fee to visit, however, the owners hope for a small donation in order to keep their gardens thriving. The botanical gardens are located along the main road in the town of Viñales.
12. Explore the Viñales Valley on Foot
Another great way to explore the valley at ground level is on foot. If you are not overly keen on horseback riding or you simply enjoy the slower pace that a hike entails, then taking a walk through the valley is a great choice.
We simply asked our guide if there was a spot we could go for a little hike and he happily obliged. There are no designated hiking trails in the area, at least not to our guide’s knowledge at the time, so you’ll likely be exploring along footpaths behind local farms. This was a highlight of our visit to Viñales and something I recommend to anyone who loves a good walk.
13. Enjoy Live Music and Local Nightlife
Surprisingly for such a small town, Viñales actually has a bit of a nightlife scene. If you are the type that likes to explore the local nightlife when travelling, then this is a great activity for those choosing to stay the night. Along the main street, you’ll find some little bars, some of which feature live music on occasion.
Some local nightlife options can be found at the Centro Cultural de Polo Montañez or by simply roaming the street on a Saturday night. I’ve heard that Saturday nights are great for finding live music in the main square.
14. Go Ziplining Above the Valley at Loma del Fortin
Looking for another unique way to view the Viñales valley in all its glory? Try doing so from the sky! While visiting Viñales on a day trip, our guide was really excited to tell us about an activity where we could get right up in the canopy. Loma del Fortin has 4 zip lines that take you through the trees. You’ll be able to get fantastic views as you soar through the canopy.
The cost for the zipline is $8 CUC and the experience takes about 30 minutes. If you are visiting independently, you can get there by taxi and the locals know the place as “Canopy.”
15. Marvel at the Prehistoric Mural
Another popular activity in the Viñales Valley is a visit to the “Mural de la Prehistoria,” also known as the prehistoric mural. I wasn’t prepared for how massive this mural really is. And I bet you won’t be either. Take a look at the people in the photo above to see its true scale.
I also wasn’t expecting to find such a fascinating history and explanation for how the mural was created. The prehistoric mural was commissioned by Fidel Castro in 1961. It depicts images of snails, dinosaurs, and among other things, human beings. It is meant to show the evolution of mankind and takes up an entire cliffside reaching about 120 metres wide. There is an entry fee of #3 CUC. However, the mural can be viewed easily from outside the entrance if you want to save money.
While the mural itself is an interesting thing to see, what makes it even cooler was learning about how the artist created it. The mural was the vision of Leovigildo González Morillo and was made by suspending local farmers from the cliffside. The artist then used a megaphone to shout instructions to the locals on where and how to apply the paint. In addition, the surrounding landscape is beautiful, making the prehistoric mural well worth a stop.
16. Visit One of Cuba’s Less-Trodden Beaches at Cayo Jutías
If beaches are a priority in your Cuban itinerary or you are looking for a place to cool down, then Cayo Jutías is the perfect option for you. The beach is located near the valley and is known for being more remote and natural. Here you’ll have the chance to see starfish and mangroves sprawling in and out of the crystal-clear water. With bright white sand and turquoise waters, Cayo Jutías makes for a great excursion from Viñales.
The drive to Cayo Jutías takes about an hour and twenty minutes. To get there, you’ll need to hire a taxi. You’ll have to arrange a pick-up time with the taxi driver so that you can return to Viñales the same day.
17. Learn About Local Life on a Farm Visit to Finca L’Armonia
Pay a visit to a local farm known as Finca L’Armonia. This charming farm offers the chance to learn about local life from the locals themselves. You’ll embark on a tour of their experimental permaculture farm, where they grow various fruits such as mangoes, bananas, guava, avocado, and more!
Finca L’Armonia also offers coffee-making demonstrations where you can observe how they pick, dry, and roast the coffee beans on a wood fire. In addition to touring the farm, they offer horseback riding tours, where you’ll journey to a mountain viewpoint. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a delicious classic Cuban mojito or pina colada.
18. Enjoy Beach Island Life at Cayo Levisa
There is a second popular beach option near the Viñales Valley, called Cayo Levisa. Cayo Levisa is located on a tiny island. To get there you will need to take a taxi and then a ferry. The drive takes about 45 minutes.
Similar to Cayo Jutias, Cayo Levisa features breathtaking white sand and warm turquoise waters. The beach is a bit more touristy and has a slightly less natural feel than Cayo Jutías. Cayo Levisa is absolutely stunning and the shorter drive time definitely makes it a good contender when choosing where to go for your beach day.
19. Learn a Little History at Museo Municipal de Vinales
The Museo Municipal de Vinales is a great spot to explore if you want to learn a little history about the Vinales Valley. The museum was created in 1982 and consists of 5 rooms, each exploring different aspects of the region’s past. You’ll learn about Vinales’ natural history, specifically relating to their caves and mogotes, the first inhabitants of Vinales, the ethnography of the locals, and the social history related to the revolution.
The museum is located on the main street of Vinales town. There is a small entry fee of $1 CUC.
20. Enjoy a Peaceful Visit to the Valley of Silence
The Valley of Silence is a portion of Viñales national park that is considered a little more off the beaten path. It is truly the Cuban countryside, where you’ll see farmers plowing fields with oxen, horses grazing on the roadside, and a surrounding stillness. It is a peaceful, quieter part of the world where life is simple, yet beautiful.
There are numerous tours that take you through the Valley of silence. You can take a tour on horseback, by bicycle, or on foot. It is truly a peaceful place to visit and enjoy the silence.
21. Have a Drink in a Cave Bar at Palenque De Los Cimarrones
Another great thing to do in Vinales Cuba is a visit to the Palenque de Los Cimarrones. This small cave holds a deep historical relevance, as a spot where runaway slaves used to hide. You can learn about the history, explore the cave and then grab a cocktail in the cave bar inside.
The cave bar itself is a huge part of the attraction. They host weekly shows and it is known as a unique spot in town to enjoy a drink.
22. Bicycle Around the Vinales Valley
Another great way to explore the Vinales is by bicycle. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, then biking can be a fantastic way to get around the valley, especially if you are visiting without a guided tour.
There are bicycle tours if you are interested in a guided experience or you can rent one to explore independently. Bike tours can be booked online with different tour companies.
If you are looking to rent a bike, then you can likely arrange this with your accommodation in Vinales. They will most likely either have bikes or know someone who can rent them to you. Otherwise, there is also a bike rental shop located at 140 Salvador Cisneros in town. Bike rentals cost roughly $10 CUC per person, per day.
23. Visit Monumento Los Malagones
If you like to explore a little history in your travels, then check out the Monumento Los Malagones.
Los Malagones was one of Cuba’s first rural militia groups whose members were from a community in the Vinales region. The group was made up of 12 men. Today the memorial stands to honour the group for their bravery in taking down a counterrevolutionary group in 1959. The statue depicts Los Malagones’ leader, Leandro Rodríguez Malagón, standing with a rifle in his hand.
The Best Way to Experience the Viñales Valley
The best way to experience the Viñales valley is by taking a guided trip. It is much easier to get around the valley to all your points of interest when accompanied by a guide and a private driver. It will allow you to maximize your time there, especially if you have a tight itinerary. Not only is transportation a big stressor off your shoulders, but it is super enriching to travel with a local guide who can provide deeper insight into the things you are seeing and doing. We learned a ton about Cuba because our guide was passionate about his country and its history. A huge motivation for visiting Viñales is to get an authentic Cuban experience, and what better way to do so than with a local? If you wish to stay longer than a day in the Viñales, a lot of the tour companies will offer overnight tour options as well.
The Best Places to Eat in Viñales
When eating in the Viñales, you are pretty much guaranteed a farm-to-table experience in almost any restaurant you go to. Most of the food is locally grown, due to being located in one of Cuba’s most fertile landscapes.
Some of the best restaurants to eat at specifically include:
- Sunset Restaurant – Known as one of the best spots in town for viewing the sunset, Sunset Restaurant is a fantastic family-run spot in the middle of the valley. Enjoy an amazing meal with a view.
- Balcon De Valle – If you are looking for a spot with fantastic views of the valley from above combined with great food then look no further.
- El Olivo – Known simply for its amazing food, El Olivo is the perfect spot for those looking to be proved wrong about Cuba’s bad food reputation. El Olivo doesn’t need all the fancy tricks to entice people inside, the food speaks for itself.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Vinales Cuba
The Viñales Valley is one the best spots to visit in Cuba if you are looking for beautiful landscapes and an authentic local experience. Among the best things to do in Vinales Cuba, you can visit a local tobacco plantation to taste test famous Cuban cigars, explore the valley at ground level by either horseback or a hike, witness crazy historical artistry and so much more. It is truly an adventure traveller’s paradise!
Happy adventuring!
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