When thinking of Cuba, you typically imagine the historic cities of Havana and Santiago, the picturesque beaches of Varadero, and the sunny cays. However, did you know that Cuba is home to a remarkable natural gem in Pinar del Río?

The province of Pinar del Río is located in the western part of Cuba and is part of the region known as the Triangle of Tobacco, renowned for producing the finest tobacco leaves used in Cuban cigars. Did you know that Cuba produces around 5 million cigars annually? Pinar del Río is proud to be recognized as one of the leading producers of cigar leaves in the country. 

Now, let’s turn our attention back to nature!

Just three hours from Cuba's capital, Havana, lies a charming town known as Viñales, a true natural gem of the island.

Viñales is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant greenery. It is the first area to have emerged from the ocean, and in December 1999, UNESCO designated the landscape as a National Park. This region is safeguarded by the Environmental Ministry of Cuba. 

Viñales is the perfect destination for those looking for adventure in an eco-friendly environment.

Where to stay

The destination features a variety of boutique hotels, with two of the most popular being Hotel Los Jazmines by Mystique and Mystique Viñales Central. Hotel Los Jazmines is located nearest to the mountains, providing stunning views from both the rooms and private villas. In contrast, Mystique Viñales Central is in the heart of downtown, offering easy access to authentic private restaurants and bars where you can enjoy traditional Cuban music and embrace its culture.

Also, Viñales offers plenty of local Airbnb accommodations catering to all types of travellers. Most are located downtown.

What to do

As the greenest destination in Cuba, Viñales offers the same style activities like zip lining, hiking, horseback riding, cave exploration (Viñales has the biggest group of caves in Cuba), an underground river boat ride, jeep safari, biking, trekking, and of course a visit to the tobacco and honey farms.

Underground boat river ride, Viñales, Cuba

At the tobacco farm, you will be able to observe how Cubans produce leaves for cigars (all eco-friendly), learn about the leaf deveining process, and even see how to professionally roll a cigar. And of course, you have to stay for lunch and try authentic Cuban cuisine paired with the local coffee.

An interesting fact is that to keep the local cigar production eco-friendly, Cubans create fermentation using water, honey, coffee, and rum. And for the natural glue, they use our Canadian maple!

Tobacco farm, Viñales, Cuba

Another product Viñales is famous for is the local honey, produced in small quantities as it is derived from a rare bee species and collected only once annually. You can also see the hand-crafted production of Arabica and Robusta coffee, done entirely without technology, and, of course, taste the rum that is unique to the region, as it is made from a rare small guava fruit.

Be sure to include this stop on your itinerary: The Mural of Prehistory!

This mural is one of the largest in the world and depicts the life of the first inhabitants of the Cuban archipelago. In the early days of 1959, Dr. Antonio Núñez Jimenez shared with Fidel Castro his discoveries in the Viñales mountains, where he had found fish fossils, a large saurian skull, and evidence of aboriginal settlements in local caves. This conversation inspired the creation of a pictorial mural. 

The Mural of Prehistory, Viñales, Cuba

Are these remarkable features of Viñales enough to persuade you to plan a short trip? Global Agents say ABSOLUTELY!

By Kateryna Ivchenko