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Have you been looking for things to do in Vinales Cuba? I've got you covered!
If you venture west about 180 km outside of Havana, you will land in the rural side of Cuba.
Welcome to Viñales!
This town is nestled within the Pinar del Río province. And is a perfect escape from any busy city.
You’ll be in awe of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Not to mention all the mogotes!
Mogotes are limestone formations that are elevated way above the Valley of Viñales.
They are some of the most fascinating structures. And you’ll be able to enter into their underground caves.
There’s even an underground waterway that you can ride a boat through inside of the caves!
There are so many seriously great things to do in Viñales!
Keep reading for all the MUST-DO experiences in Viñales, Cuba. This will be a great location for all the nature lovers.
Take in the luscious green nature, explore limestone caves, and even learn about the famous Cuban cigar-making process! (Just to name a few).
I’ll also share with you our top-recommended local Cuban tour guide who will customize your very own Viñales experience!
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If you’re a semi-adventurous traveler, pull up to Cueva del Indio (or Indian Cave).
This is one of the numerous caves that are in valle de Viñales.
When you arrive, you’ll walk up the stoned stairs to the cave’s entryway.
Then as you step down the narrow walkways, you’ll be surrounded by archaeological artifacts inside the cave.
Cueva del Indio is well-lit so you can witness the full essence of what it beholds.
Yes, even a few bats. But there are stunning carvings all along the way.
It keeps getting better as you walk along the path. The cave is traversed by the Río San Vicente (or San Vicente River).
While you explore the magic of this location, you can ride a motorboat through a portion of the cave along the river.
The bilingual boat operator points out the intriguing limestone carvings and shapes during your journey.
You’ll start following the sunlight peeking through the cave until you’re all the way outside.
After you get out of the boat, there are souvenir stations set up. You can also get a fresh cup of sugar cane juice before you leave.
Then you’re off to your next Viñales excursion!
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2. Tobacco Farm
What better place to try a Cuban cigar than Cuba itself? Many people will travel to Cuba solely for the famous cigars.
If this sounds like something you would like to do, go directly to the source!
If you're spending at least 5 days in Cuba, you should definitely check out an authentic local tobacco farm.
Viñales valley has some of the most fertile soil and the perfect climate for exceptional crops. Visit a local tobacco plantation to meet and support the local farmers.
They will teach you all about the extensive tobacco process. It’s truly fascinating how long it takes to go from germination to distribution.
The Cuban farmers will show you how to roll your cigar to perfection, dip it in honey, and enjoy.
You can purchase and bring back 100 Cuban cigars into the United States for you and your friends.
This is legal as long as it’s for personal use only, and not for resale.
Interestingly enough, the Cuban government allows the local farmers to retain and sell only 10% of their tobacco crop.
So if you plan to purchase the famous Cuban cigars, head to Viñales and buy directly from the farmers.
The Viñales tobacco farm is where you can get organic, high-quality Cuban cigars. You can be confident that the cigars are not counterfeit.
And you are supporting the local Cubans by buying directly from them in the tobacco fields.
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3. Mural de la Prehistoría
This gigantic mural symbolizes the theory of evolution. Mural de la Prehistoria (or Prehistory Mural/Mural of Prehistory) was painted in 1960 on a mogote that is 160 meters tall.
The mural of prehistory depicts the natural wildlife of Cuba way before humankind.
The mural also shows the aboriginal Cuban people that lived in Viñales before the colonization process.
This is an incredible and colorful sight to see during your time in Viñales. So be sure to check it out along your journey!
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4. Hotel Los Jazmines
Are you looking for the best viewpoint of Viñales Valley? Well this is what Hotel Los Jazmines is known for.
This bright pink mansion is charming yet antiquated. It would serve as a rustic stay.
But it’s a great location to stop by and enjoy panoramic views of Viñales valley.
You may hear this being referred to as “el mirador de los Jazmines.” This is one of the top things to do to view the beautiful landscape of Vinales.
It’d also be worth it to get a day pass if you’d like to take a dip in their pool.
The sunset views are extraordinary as the yellowish-orange rays set upon the lush green Viñales valley, lined with red soil and limestone mogotes.
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5. Viñales Zipline
If you’re looking for thrills, try the canopy tour at El Fortín. You’ll be ziplining approximately 30 meters above ground.
This experience gives you the perfect birds-eye view of Viñales valley with a shot of adrenaline.
As you swing over this very unique valley full of mogotes, you’ll gain a new appreciation of Cuba’s beauty.
More specifically, the beauty of Viñales valley!
6. Viñales National Park
Parque Nacional Viñales (or Viñales National Park) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The wondrous mogotes are sprinkled throughout its landscape.
These dome-like structures are said to have existed for more than 100 million years!
You will be in awe of its natural beauty whether you stroll, hike, bike, or horseback ride through Viñales National Park.
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7. Cueva de Santo Tomás
Cueva de Santo Tomás (or Santo Tomás Cave) is Cuba’s largest cave system.
It’s sometimes referred to as “Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas.”
This cave is less touristy than Cueva del Indio. You’ll feel like an official explorer when they give you a headlamp to wear.
Be sure to wear shoes with good grip. The walk is a bit steep so you don’t want to get caught slippin’ during this underground adventure.
Similar to Cueva del Indio, there will be bats. But you’ll also see mural paintings, underground lakes, and incredible rock formations.
8. El Palenque de los Cimarrones
Have you ever been to a bar inside of a cave? El Palenque de los Cimarrones offers this experience, and more.
Palenques were once hideaways for enslaved people escaping from their oppressors. The enslaved people were referred to as “los cimarrones.”
This restaurant was created in a cave to recreate these historical hideaways. They are open for lunch and serve delicious creole food.
After experiencing the Afro-Cuban music and dance, you will leave feeling like you got a glimpse into their history.
At night, El Palenque de los Cimarrones becomes a popular party location in the town.
9. Cayo Levisa
If you plan to stay in Viñales for longer than a day trip, you should explore Cayo Levisa. This is a gorgeous beach about an hour away from Viñales.
You’ll need to catch a ferry that runs twice per day to reach this small island. The ferry ride only takes about 30 minutes.
When you step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by a tiny hotel. It’s actually the only hotel on Cayo Levisa.
Just past the sole hotel is exactly what you came for: the secluded beach paradise!
Cayo Levisa offers white sand beaches, and glistening blue waters. Come prepared with a snorkel mask!
You don’t want to miss out on all the colorful fish and coral reef on the northern side.
Just be sure to take note of the ferry times if you plan to head back to Viñales at the end of the day!
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10. Cayo Jutías
The locals call this the “Playa de las Estrellas” or “Star Beach.” Cayo Jutias has countless sea stars!
You’ll definitely want to bring your snorkel mask to this beach.
Cayo Jutías is ideal to visit when your time in Viñales is longer than just one day.
If you go about a two hours’ drive outside of Viñales, you’ll find yourself at this beautiful white-sand beach.
Its shoreline is very long. The further you walk down, the more secluded it will get.
If you’re looking for a relaxing time on a spectacular beach, add Cayo Jutías to your itinerary!
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11. Los Aquáticos
Los Aquáticos is a community in Viñales that was created in the 1940s.
It is said that the women of this community found healing waters within this area. You can explore Los Aquaticos and hike the surrounding area.
It is a very secluded area with no road signs to lead you. You will definitely need a guide to reach Los Aquáticos.
When you arrive, you’ll immediately feel the effects of being in such a serene setting.
Learn all about the local therapeutic remedies and customs of Los Aquáticos.
You might even end up doing some yoga here!
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12. Cuban Coffee Plantation
See how coffee is cultivated on a Cuban coffee farm. This is the ideal place to taste test a few cups of Cuban coffee.
Bring some of the coffee beans home as souvenirs.
13. Viñales Nightlife
Great music, great drinks, great people. The main street to find all the above is along Cisneros Street!
This is near the main square. The live music will lead you directly here.
If you don’t already know how to salsa dance, you will leave there knowing a step or two.
When meeting the locals, it’s best to connect with them by communicating in Spanish.
We’ve included some common Spanish phrases that will be helpful to know inside the “Explore Cuba Travel Guide.”
But if you want to level up your Spanish-learning, use Babbel.
Discover Viñales
If you are an American traveling to Cuba, it must be for one of the 12 travel reasons approved by the Department of Treasury.
Most likely, you’ll be going in “support for the Cuban people.”
For more details on how to get a visa as an American to travel to Cuba, check out this article.
The best way to discover Vinales valley is with our top-recommended tour guide Alizandra!
By booking a tour with Alizandra, a local Cuban, you can be sure that you aren’t breaking any rules.
Remember, when you go in “support for the Cuban people,” you are not allowed to support the Cuban government.
This means if you want to go on any tours, it has to support the local Cubans.
Alizandra is a Cuban, born and raised. She speaks excellent English. And she is open to answer any and all questions that you may have!
Alizandra shares the little-known facts about life in Cuba.
She coordinated our entire trip to Viñales from Havana including transportation, entrance fees, and food recommendations.
She quickly became more than a guide and ultimately a genuine friend.
Alizandra does tours all throughout Cuba. Send her a message on Instagram for more information on pricing, tours, and transportation!
Definitely reach out to her before your trip on Instagram: @alizandra_ph
Viñales FAQs
- What is Viñales known for? Viñales has a vast landscape of lush greenery, limestone mogotes, extensive cave systems, and tobacco plantations. Viñales is popular for its traditional Cuban cigar production and horse riding, as well.
- Is Viñales Cuba worth visiting? I will give this a resounding YES! This UNESCO World Heritage Site was my personal favorite location on my Cuba trip. The natural beauty of Vinales made it most enjoyable for me. Finding food was very difficult during my Cuba trip, but I found the best food in Cuba in Vinales (and I’ve included more details on the best restaurants inside the "Explore Cuba Travel Guide!")
- Is there a bus from Havana to Viñales? Yes. The bus is a cheaper option to get to Viñales, and is also a longer journey. You will need to know how to book your bus ahead of time since they are likely to fill up. Everything you need to know to successfully book your bus ticket is included inside our "Explore Cuba Travel Guide," plus entire bus schedules, bus ticket prices, and exact bus station locations.
- How many days do you need in Viñales Cuba? We visited Vinales on a day trip with Alizandra and saw a lot! You can watch our experience here. Typically one to two days is enough time to spend in Viñales depending on what you are interested in doing.
- Where do you stay in Viñales? This beautiful town has casa particulares. Some cost as low as less than $30 USD per night. We have included our top recommendations for where to affordably stay in Viñales in our “Explore Cuba Travel Guide.”
Explore Cuba Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to Cuba, but unsure of where to start planning? We’ve got the perfect guide for you!
The “Explore Cuba Travel Guide” is 31 pages of every detail you need to know before going to Cuba, even as an American.
It covers information on Viñales, Havana, Trinidad, and Varadero. You’ll find out:
- how to get a visa
- what to pack
- how to access Wifi
- Private taxi driver numbers
- Over 20 unique things to do (many are FREE!)
- Over 30 top-rated places to eat
- Over 30 casas particulares
We’ve even included a sample 5-day Cuba itinerary inside the “Explore Cuba Travel Guide.”
Our recommendations are organized by budget, so as always, we’ll help you “See the world & save a dollar!”
You don’t want to miss out on this one if you are planning to travel to Cuba. Get yours today!
Explore Cuba Travel Guide
Are you considering traveling to Cuba, but unsure of where to start planning?
This 38-page digital guide breaks down every detail you need to know before exploring Cuba, even as an American.
Info on Havana, Trinidad, Viñales and Varadero are all included.
This one-of-a-kind travel guide is filled with first-hand experience and insider tips that will save you time planning your dream trip!
What's inside:
- How to get a visa
- What to pack
- How to access Wifi
- Private taxi driver numbers
- Over 20 unique things to do (many are FREE!)
- Over 30 top-rated places to eat
- Over 30 casa particular recommendations
- Sample 5-day itinerary through Cuba
Our recommendations are organized by budget, so as always, we'll help you "See the World, Save a Dollar!"