Valle de Viñales
Valle de Viñales is a farming and agricultural area in the north-central Pinar del Río Province of Cuba. Surrounded by mountains Viñales Valley is scattered with dramatic rocky outcrops. The impressive landscape most notable for the mogotes, limestone cliffs that rise up like giant bubbles from the valley floor.
Mogotes
The fertile soil and climate both conducive to the development of stock-raising and the cultivation of fodder and food crops. Traditional methods of agriculture have survived largely unchanged on this plain for several centuries, particularly for growing tobacco. The tobacco industry in this region draws tourists to the area for a visit to a tobacco farm and a bundle of hand rolled cigars as well as an escape from the hustle of Havana. Don’t misunderstand, I loved the hustle of Havana. Read about my time in Havana here if you missed it.
Farming in Viñales – this is not tobacco. I missed tobacco season.
The atmosphere in and around the town itself is laid back and hassle free. Before taking a stroll through town try one of the many activities such as horseback riding, hiking, touring tobacco farms, rock climbing or visiting the many caves, all options for the outdoor lover. After one of these adventures the main strip offers a variety of restaurants, bars and of course the bank where you can exchange your dollars for CUC’s.
Plaza Jose´Marti´
Viñales
One of my favorite meals was at El Olivo in Viñales. It was pure luck that I found this amazing restaurant which is linked to El Olivo Agroecological Farm. The farm located in Viñales a few minutes away from the restaurant supplies vegetables, fine herbs, meat, fish, eggs and milk products. One day I discovered another Agroecological Farm for lunch, Finca El Paraiso where the views were outstanding and the farming system unique. Be on the look out for a separate post about both of these places as they are deserving of a story all their own.
Clothes dryers – Viñales
A visit to Viñales will definitely transport you back in time. Many roads are made of compacted red dirt, that is unless you experience a torrential downpour while visiting this remote area of Cuba, at which time you will find yourself ankle deep in red mud. Trucks pull large trailers full of people being transported up valley or into town, horse drawn carts full of vegetables or families, vaqueros riding horseback, often with a passenger in tow, and the occasional farmer driving his tractor to the fields.
Proof of the bounty of crops grown in Valle de Viñales.
Colorful home in Viñales
Tiny Viñales, colorful and tidy is a must do for at least 2 days and one night. It’s about a 2 1/2 – 3 hour trip from Havana. Viñales is the place for nature lovers, cigar devotees, foodies, and those of us who love to sit back, relax with a chilly Mojito, and take in some awesome views. I leave you with a few more photos. Be on the look out for my posts about the two fincas (farms) and their accompanying restaurants. Don’t miss these stories about Cuba too – Cuba’s #1 Chef, and Trinidad, Cuba.
If you need transportation to Vinales don’t hesitate to contact Rutas de Taxis en Cuba
for the best service.
Viñales nail salon
My cabin in Valle de Viñales
Meet Cookie the pet Iguana of the cabin owners.
