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Nestled within the lush, green valley of western Cuba, Vinales is a destination that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of urban life. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, this charming town is just a few hours from Havana. The valley is known for its stunning landscapes, large tobacco farms, and vibrant rural culture. It provides the perfect setting for nature lovers and those looking to immerse themselves in authentic Cuban life.
Vinales offers a variety of activities, from exploring its iconic caves and learning about the region’s centuries-old tobacco farming traditions to visiting its peaceful botanical garden. Vinales truly has something for everyone. Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Vinales, Cuba.
How to Get to Vinales
Vinales is easily accessible from Havana. It’s located approximately 112 mi (180 km) away, with a travel time of around 2.5 hours. There are several convenient options for getting there, depending on your preferences and budget.
Taxi
For the most hassle-free experience, hiring a taxi is a great choice, especially for groups. A private taxi will offer comfort and convenience, with prices ranging from $60-80 CUC, depending on your bargaining skills. If you’re traveling solo, consider taking a taxi colectivo. These shared taxis are available near the bus station or can be arranged through your casa particular. Taxi colectivos typically charge around $18-25 CUC per person.
Bus
For those seeking the most budget-friendly option, the Viazul bus service is available, with a daily departure from Havana to Vinales—leaving at 7:30 am. The bus ride is about 4 hours 10 min, so be prepared for a longer journey. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Group Tour
While traveling to Vinales is generally safe and straightforward, if you prefer a guided experience, group tours can also be arranged from Havana.
How Much Time Do You Need in Vinales?
While Vinales can be visited as a day trip from Havana, I highly recommend spending at least two full days in this picturesque town to fully appreciate its offerings. Three days would be ideal, giving you ample time to explore its many attractions.
Though Vinales may seem like a small town, there’s much more to see and do than one might initially expect. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, such as the dramatic limestone mogotes and lush tobacco fields, the region boasts a rich cultural heritage, including local art, music, and historical sites. A day trip simply won’t allow you to experience the depth of what Vinales has to offer.
By spending a couple of days there, you can take the time to explore its caves, hike through the scenic valley, visit local farms, or even take a horseback riding tour through the countryside. You’ll also have the chance to unwind and enjoy the peaceful, slower pace of life that characterizes Vinales.
Where to Stay in Vinales
When planning your trip to Cuba, it’s important to note that most hotels across the country do not accommodate American tourists. A great alternative is to stay at a casa particular (a private homestay), which offers a more authentic and affordable experience. Many Cubans rent out rooms in their homes or entire apartments to supplement their government salaries. Casas particulares are regulated by the government and legal establishments will display a government-approved placard outside.
Not only are these accommodations generally budget-friendly, but they also provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Cuban culture and daily life. Staying in a casa particular allows you to connect with locals, learn about their customs, and get a true feel for the rhythm of the community.
Booking a casa particular is relatively simple and can be done through online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Cuba Junky, which connects travelers directly with casa owners. However, it’s important to be patient as many Cuban families may not always have consistent internet access, so responses can sometimes take a little longer.
One standout casa particular in Vinales is Casa Bernardo y Belkis. This charming home offers a selection of cozy, apartment-style rooms, some of which are separate from the main house and come with private bathrooms for added privacy. Each morning, guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the rooftop patio, which has breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Bernardo and Belkis, the hosts, are incredibly welcoming and go out of their way to ensure your stay is memorable. The location is also ideal, just a short walk from the town center.
How to Get Around Vinales
Vinales is a charming and easy-to-navigate destination. The town’s small size makes it perfect for walking, with many casa particulares conveniently located near key local attractions. The owner of your casa particular can be a valuable resource, offering insights into the best things to do in Vinales, along with transportation recommendations.
For those wishing to explore sights on the outskirts of town, there are several convenient transportation options. A hop-on/hop-off bus operates from Parque de Vinales several times daily, offering a 90-minute continuous loop tour that covers the area’s most popular points of interest. This option provides an easy way to see the highlights.
Alternatively, for a more personalized experience, consider hiring a local driver for the day. This option allows you to visit major attractions at your own pace, ensuring you get the most out of your time in the area. It’s worth noting, however, that securing a taxi can be difficult once you venture beyond the town center, so arranging transportation in advance is recommended.
Top Things to Do in Vinales:
1. Explore Vinales Town
Vinales offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed day of exploration. The town is easily walkable, with charming streets lined with colorful colonial buildings and surrounded by lush countryside. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a drink at one of the local cafes and people-watch. The town also has some great restaurants serving traditional Cuban dishes, often in beautiful settings with views of the surrounding landscape.
For those seeking nightlife, Vinales has a vibrant scene with live music playing at various venues throughout the evening. Centro Cultural Polo Montanez is a popular spot, offering music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere.
2. Hike the Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas
A must-see on this list of things to do in Vinales, the Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas is the largest cave system in Cuba and the second-largest in the Americas. Located approximately 30 minutes outside Vinales, the caves are best accessed by arranging a taxi. Guided tours of the caves run throughout the day and typically last around two hours.
The hike itself is moderately challenging, with some steep areas, so proper footwear is essential. You’ll be provided with a helmet and headlamp for the tour, but be prepared to navigate the cave’s uneven terrain. Inside, you’ll discover stunning rock formations and a variety of small creatures, including bats and frogs.
3. Boat Through Cueva del Indio
Cueva del Indio is located just 10 minutes north of Vinales and is one of the most popular things to do in Vinales. Discovered by a farmer in 1920, it has since become a must-see site. However, unlike Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas, which offers a more serene experience, Cueva del Indio tends to be quite busy. Long entry lines can form throughout the day, so it’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the large tour groups.
The tour starts with a short walk through the cave before you reach an underground river, where you’ll board a motorized boat. As you glide through the grotto, you’ll pass ancient cave paintings left by indigenous cultures and see the impressive geological formations. The experience is unique but if your time is limited and you can only visit one cave, Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas provides a better experience.
4. Swim at Hotel Los Jazmines
Perched high on a hill just 10 minutes outside Vinales, Hotel Los Jazmines offers stunning panoramic views of the Vinales Valley. The pink colonial-style hotel is the perfect spot to unwind, with lush gardens and a refreshing outdoor pool. Non-guests can purchase a day pass to access the pool and its incredible views. It’s a must-visit after a long day of sightseeing, and the on-site outdoor bar serves up some of the best Pina Coladas in the area. The drink, made with fresh tropical ingredients, is especially refreshing on a hot day.
5. Tour a Tobacco Farm
Vinales is the heart of Cuba’s tobacco production, with large tobacco farms scattered throughout the valley. A visit to these farms is a must-do on your Vinales itinerary, offering a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history. For centuries, local farmers have used traditional methods to cultivate tobacco, and the process remains largely unchanged.
The cigar-making process is meticulous and time-consuming. Tobacco plants are typically grown for about three months before being harvested. Once harvested, the leaves are transferred to drying houses where they are left to cure for at least another three months. Interestingly, 90% of the crop is designated for official government cigars, while farmers are left with the remaining 10%, which they can sell privately. At the end of your farm tour, you’ll have the chance to purchase cigars directly from the farmer.
6. See the Mural de la Prehistoria
A striking giant mural can be found near the base of one of Vinales’ tallest cliffs. This roadside artwork was created by Leovigildo Gonzalez Morillo, the Director of Mapping at the Cuban Academy of Sciences. Spanning 394 ft (120 m), the mural took a team of 18 people four years to complete.
The artwork depicts the theory of evolution, featuring a variety of creatures, including dinosaurs and humans. While the mural is somewhat overhyped, it remains an interesting stop. There is a restaurant on-site, but there’s no need to stay—simply make a quick stop for photos and continue on your way.
7. Visit El Jardin Botanico de Caridad
El Jardín Botanico de Caridad is a charming botanical garden located just a few blocks from Vinales’ main plaza. Look for an iron gate tucked off the road to enter the space, which features over 100 species of orchids, fruit trees, and medicinal plants. The garden is particularly unique due to the scattered plastic doll heads, which are believed to be linked to the practice of Santeria, adding a somewhat eerie element to the beautiful surroundings.
Established nearly 100 years ago, the garden was lovingly maintained by the Caridad sisters. One of the sisters still resides on the property and offers guided tours in exchange for a small donation. Visitors are also welcome to explore the garden on their own. Whether you’re interested in the botanical wonders or the garden’s fascinating history, El Jardin Botanico de Caridad is a magical spot to visit in Vinales.
Have you been to Cuba? What are your favorite things to do in Vinales? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Is Trinidad on your Cuba itinerary? To learn more about Trinidad’s beautiful architecture and many activities, continue to my post, “Top 6 Things to Do in Trinidad, Cuba.”
Great read girl! :)
Haha that doll! So you!!
I loved visiting Vinales too! Great post. GLT love :)