5 AWESOME REASONS TO VISIT VALLE DE VIÑALES
So you've booked those plane tickets to Cuba, bought that all essential guidebook and you're planning what to do next! Here are 5 awesome reasons to visit Valle de Viñales on your trip to Cuba:
Experience rural life in Cuba
Throughout the year, the little town of Viñales opens its doors tourists, with a welcome sign on almost every casa inviting guests to come and stay. Even with the influx of outsiders, Viñales has been able to preserve its authenticity, remaining relaxed and wonderfully chilled. A charming neighbourhood where locals know each other and kick-back whilst rocking back and forth on their front porches.
Whilst Havana is the go-to place for nights out, fiestas and salsa lovers, Viñales has a slow and tranquil way of life, coupled with beautiful, picturesque green countryside not to miss out on!
Ride horseback through Valle de Viñales
Valle de Viñales is a UNESCO Heritage Site and horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the breathtaking views. During the wet season where the afternoon heat and humidity can make it unbearable to do excursions, it's best to start early, leaving the afternoon for exploring the town or nearby caves.
Our lovely host at Casa de Marilyn helped us organise horseback riding through the national park. By far the best part of our 2 days! With the weather being temperamental during the wet season, it's a good idea to arrange a time with your guide as soon as you get there.
Tour the tobacco plantations
Traditional methods are still used for the production of tobacco which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. A tour of the plantations is best around November time, however, if you do end up going around June/July, you'll still get a chance to be taken through the production process. The owner of our farm took us through the process of collecting and drying tobacco leaves and even let us try a cigar!If you're thinking about snapping up some Cuban cigars, this is the place to do it! The quality of cigars is superior to that of anywhere else in Cuba due to the natural methods of production (or maybe they were a little biased! ;)). I paid $30 for a pack of 10.
The tour also stops at a coffee, rum and sugar cane farm where you can have a go at grinding your own coffee and order some beverages off the menu at a little cafe. With the heat and humidity, it was great to stop for a moment to re-hydrate with some home-made lemonade. Our final stop was at a lake where if you really fancy cooling down, dive right in!
Salsa with the locals
The main street in Viñales hosts a long strip of restaurants and bars. In the evenings, locals and tourists gather in the main square to dance and the bar right next to the church turns into a local nightclub.<br />(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<br />
Dine and indulge in luscious landscapes
5 AWESOME REASONS TO VISIT VALLE DE VIÑALES
Our wonderful host recommended dining at El Compesino and she was not wrong! The views were stunning, overlooking the mountains and agricultural fields. The food was simply grilled and plentiful. One meal would have easily been enough for two people.
How to get there
There are a number of ways to travel to Viñales from Havana:
Rent a car. If you're comfortable driving, this is a great way to explore Cuba. Bear in mind that the roads are sometimes bumpy and of poor quality. Nevertheless, with hardly any cars on the road, you can easily cruise your way down the highway.
Take the bus. Tickets sell out fast and it's best to buy your ticket the day before at the bus station. The price is $12 each way.
Collective taxi. We found a shared taxi is the easiest and most convenient way to travel around Cuba. Your casa will arrange everything. For more information on prices, you can check out thispost.
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