If you’re looking for a destination that combines stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals, then you might want to consider traveling to Viñales, Cuba. Viñales is a small town in the Pinar del Rio province, about two and a half hours west of Havana. It’s surrounded by the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features dramatic limestone formations called mogotes, lush green fields, and tobacco plantations.
Viñales is a popular spot for travelers who want to experience a different side of Cuba, away from the busy cities and tourist resorts. Here, you can enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, caving, and visiting tobacco farms. You can also learn about the local culture and history, sample delicious Cuban cuisine, and mingle with the friendly residents.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Viñales, Cuba, as well as some practical tips on how to get there, where to stay, and what to eat. Whether you’re planning to visit Viñales for a day or a few nights, I hope this guide will help you make the most of your trip.
How to get to Viñales from Havana
There are several options for getting to Viñales from Havana, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are some of the most common ways:
- Taxi: Taking a private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Viñales from Havana. It will take you about two hours and cost you around $80-$100 USD. You can book a taxi online or ask your accommodation in Havana to arrange one for you.
- Classic car: If you want to travel in style and enjoy the iconic Cuban experience, you can hire a classic car to take you to Viñales from Havana. This will cost you more than a regular taxi, around $120-$150 USD, but it will be worth it for the views and the photos. You can book a classic car online or find one at the Parque Central in Havana.
- Day trip: If you don’t have much time or don’t want to spend the night in Viñales, you can join a day trip from Havana that will take you to see the highlights of the valley. A typical day trip will include transportation, a guide, lunch, and visits to a tobacco farm, a cave, and a viewpoint. A day trip will cost you around $50-$70 USD per person. You can book a day trip online or through your accommodation in Havana.
- Shared shuttle: Taking a shared shuttle is a cheaper and more convenient option than taking the bus. A shared shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation in Havana and drop you off at your accommodation in Viñales. It will take you about three hours and cost you around $20-$25 USD per person. You can book a shared shuttle online or through your accommodation in Havana.
- Bus: Taking the bus is the cheapest option for getting to Viñales from Havana, but it’s not the most reliable or comfortable one. The bus company that operates this route is called Viazul and it has one departure per day at 9 am from Havana. The bus will take you about four hours and cost you around $12 USD per person. You can buy your bus ticket online or at the Viazul office in Havana.
- Car rental: Renting a car is another option for getting to Viñales from Havana if you want more flexibility and independence. However, renting a car in Cuba can be expensive and challenging. You’ll need an international driver’s license, insurance, and cash to pay for gas and tolls. You’ll also need to be careful with the road conditions and directions. Renting a car will cost you around $50-$80 USD per day plus gas and tolls.
Where to stay in Viñales
The best way to experience the authentic Cuban hospitality and culture is to stay in a casa particular in Viñales. A casa particular is a private room or apartment that is rented out by local families. You’ll get to enjoy a cozy and clean accommodation with amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, wifi (sometimes), and breakfast (usually included). You’ll also get to interact with your hosts who can give you tips on what to do and see in Viñales.
There are many casas particulares in Viñales that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can find them online on platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com or just walk around the town and look for signs that say “se renta” (for rent). Some of the best casas particulares in Viñales are:
- Casa Dovales: This is a charming and colorful casa particular that offers two spacious and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and wifi. The hosts are very friendly and helpful and can arrange tours and activities for you. The casa also has a lovely garden and terrace where you can relax and enjoy the views. The price for a room is $25 USD per night including breakfast.
- Casa Noharis y El Chino: This is a modern and stylish casa particular that offers four cozy and clean rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and wifi. The hosts are very welcoming and attentive and can provide you with delicious meals and drinks. The casa also has a beautiful rooftop terrace where you can admire the valley and the mogotes. The price for a room is $30 USD per night including breakfast.
- Casa Campo Andres y Mary: This is a rustic and charming casa particular that offers two simple and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning. The hosts are very warm and friendly and can organize tours and activities for you. The casa also has a large garden and patio where you can enjoy the nature and the animals. The price for a room is $20 USD per night including breakfast.
What to do in Viñales
There are plenty of things to do in Viñales that will keep you busy and entertained for days. Here are some of the best things to do in Viñales, Cuba:
- Hike around the valley: One of the best ways to explore the Viñales Valley is to hike around it and discover its natural beauty. There are many trails that you can follow, ranging from easy to challenging, that will take you to different viewpoints, caves, waterfalls, and farms. You can hike on your own or join a guided hike with a local guide who can explain more about the flora, fauna, and history of the valley. Some of the most popular hikes in Viñales are:
- Valle del Silencio: This is an easy hike that takes you to a quiet and peaceful part of the valley where you can see tobacco fields, coffee plantations, fruit trees, and mogotes. The hike takes about two hours round trip and ends at a farm where you can enjoy a drink and a cigar.
- Valle del Palmarito: This is a moderate hike that takes you to a more adventurous part of the valley where you can see caves, rivers, springs, and mogotes. The hike takes about four hours round trip and includes a visit to the Cueva del Palmarito, a large cave with an underground pool where you can swim.
- Valle de la Guasasa: This is a challenging hike that takes you to a remote and wild part of the valley where you can see waterfalls, cliffs, forests, and mogotes. The hike takes about six hours round trip and requires some climbing and rappelling skills. You’ll also need to bring your own food and water as there are no facilities along the way.
- Ride a horse through the valley: Another fun way to see the Viñales Valley is to ride a horse through it. You’ll get to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective and feel closer to nature. You’ll also get to visit some of the attractions along the way, such as tobacco farms, caves, springs, and viewpoints. You don’t need any previous experience or equipment to ride a horse in Viñales as the horses are well trained and gentle. You can book a horseback riding tour online or through your accommodation or find one on the street. A typical horseback riding tour in Viñales lasts about four hours and costs around $20-$25 USD per person.
- Visit a tobacco farm: One of the most interesting things to do in Viñales is to visit a tobacco farm and learn about the process of growing, harvesting, drying, rolling, and smoking tobacco. You’ll get to see how the farmers work with their hands and tools to produce some of the best cigars in the world. You’ll also get to try one for yourself if you want (or buy some as souvenirs). Visiting a tobacco farm in Viñales is usually included in most hiking or horseback riding tours or you can arrange one separately with your accommodation or guide. A typical visit to a tobacco farm in Viñales lasts about an hour
