Vinales

Traditional, outspoken, and cheerfully sociable: Vinales is a rural fairytale seasoned with a splash of unfeigned hospitality. Cuba’s principal agricultural valley became a World Heritage Site in 1999 for its invaluable culture and unique cultivation methods. Its acclaimed renown made it one of the most visited destinations in the country. Still, Vinales is one of the few regions in the world where ecotourism remains what it is—raw, laid-back, and quintessentially modest. What lies beyond its familiar face is intimate culture and small-living. These values will make you feel at home unlike anywhere else.

There is that gripping world of agriculture that begins among the tobacco fields. There, the old tradition comes into being in myriad agricultural practices from harvesting to drying. Touring the tobacco fields and a visit to the drying house of Casa del Veguero will unravel the intricacies of tobacco growing. Further away, you will be all the more impressed once you lay eyes on Mural de la Prehistoria. It is the most picturesque landmark in Vinales. A vibrant landscape featuring several animals and Cuba’s proud colors is painted on a rock wall of 120-meters high. It is one of the largest open-air paintings in the world, imbued inch by inch by farmers. Next on the way is Jardin Caridad, a national monument brimming with tropical wildlife.

The fabric of local life in Vinales is woven with the agricultural character of the region. Tobacco is much more than a commercial product and serves as a cultural symbol around which a particular way of life has taken shape over centuries. Seek the airy cafes in the town and enjoy your cigar like a Cuban accompanied by refreshing rum, fruits, coffee, and jovial tunes.