The glorious landscapes are the primary attraction of Vinales
Valley. The prehistoric looking valley, with its odd round hills
(magotes), and bright orange soil visible among the striking
greenery, makes the area a unique and absorbing destination for
travellers in Cuba. For a more authentic and intimate tour it is a
good idea to avoid the tour buses and get a local guide to show you
around the tobacco farms, caves and sites like the Prehistoric
Mural. There are walking tours of this beautiful region, organised
by the municipal museum, and this may be the best way to experience
it, particularly as you get the chance to interact with locals who
demonstrate the ancient farming techniques still used in this
agricultural area. There is also a hop-on, hop-off bus available
for tourists though, which stops at all the main attractions in
Vinales Valley.
One of the most popular things to do in Vinales is visit the
extensive and very impressive cave systems. Cueva Del Indio and the
Gran Caverna De Santo Tomas are both really worth a visit. The
unspoiled and un-touristy feel of these subterranean treasures will
be refreshing for cave fanatics who inevitably find that the
touristic flourishes of colourful lighting and cave decorations, so
common at famous cave sites, detract from the majesty and mystery
of the underground world.
A quick stroll down the quaint main road of the village will
show the visitor just how small it is, but there are a handful of
things to see and do in Vinales. The privately owned botanical
garden, Jardin de las Hermanas Caridad y Carmen Miranda, is a
delight. And for some salsa dancing, live shows, and a few mojitos,
the Centro Cultural Polo Montanez is great fun.