Viñales Valley

Overview

The Viñales Valley in Pinar del Río Province is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its dramatic karst hills, known as mogotes, and its traditional tobacco farms. Farmers here still grow the tobacco for Cuba's finest cigars by traditional methods, and horse riding through the tobacco fields and caves is the most popular experience in the valley.

History

The valley's karst hills are remnants of a limestone plateau dissolved over millions of years. Tobacco has been cultivated here since the 17th century, and the region's soil and climate produce some of the world's finest cigar leaf. The valley was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1999 for both its geology and its living agricultural tradition.

Highlights

• •Visiting a tobacco farm
• •Exploring the caves
• •Horse riding through the valley

Practical tips

• •Bring cash, as card payment is limited
• •The light is best in the morning and late afternoon

Practical information

Best time

November to April

Tickets

Free

Opening hours

Open all day

Local food

Farm roast pork, rum and cigars with coffee

Getting around

About three hours from Havana by long-distance bus; the valley is explored on horseback or by bicycle

Visa

Chinese citizens may enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days with a passport valid for at least six months. Travel insurance covering medical care is recommended.

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