Are you ready for a road trip? How about a road trip inside of a Classic 1955 Chevrolet Belair Hard Top equipped with a 4-cylinder diesel engine and air conditioning? Talk about a blast from the past! Cuba is well-known for its vintage American cars from the 1940s and 1950s, which have become an iconic symbol of the country’s culture and history. Due to the historical and political reasons, Cuba has limited access to modern cars, leading to the preservation and daily use of these classic vehicles. Riding in this car was a unique and unforgettable experience. Let’s rewind just a bit before I tell you about Viñales.
My sister-in-love scheduled a tour for us through www.cubanexcursionsbyeddy.com. Eddy, our guide, showed up bright and early at 8am. We hopped inside a classic car and, as I usually do, I asked Eddy a million questions about his beautiful country and himself. From, Old Havana, the drive to Viñales took almost 3 hours on a scenic route through the countryside that is stunning with natural landscapes, farms with rows of crops, rural lifestyles and farmers on their horse-and-carts. In the distance, I could see the peaks of the Mogotes and Valleys, what a sight to see.
The Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique limestone hills called mogotes. These dramatic rock formations create a breathtaking backdrop for the town with colorful houses and offer excellent hiking and rock-climbing opportunities.
Our first stop was to a viewpoint by Los Jazmines Hotel: The panoramic views from this location are simply stunning. This is also one of the best spots to catch a breathtaking sunset over the Viñales Valley.
Ranchon El Arado Tobacco Plantation was the next stop. We started off with a nice horseback ride through the fields surrounded by the limestone landscapes. If you stop by and ride, please say hello to my horse for me. His name is “Chiquitito.” Know that he is a bit mischievous and loves to eat the crops along the way, which gets him into trouble. On the same Tobacco Plantation, the local farmers showed us the traditional methods of growing, drying and rolling cigars. They will give you a cigar to take with you or to smoke, if you choose. Cigars are also for purchase, as well. Don’t forget to try the local honey and coffee.
We worked up quite an appetite and Eddy took us to a local restaurant called Casa Barbaro. This place was as authentic as it gets with open-air table seating, surrounded by large mango trees. Don’t miss out on trying the traditional dishes like Ropa Vieja, Moros y Cristianos, and Yuca con Mojo. The food was fresh, the portions were large, flavorful, and I cannot stop thinking about the squash!
Just a short drive and we were at Cueva del Indio. This cave is a popular attraction with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. You can take a boat tour through the cave, however, on the day we visited, there was only one boat functioning and we were told the wait was over an hour, so, in consideration of time to do more things, we left.
The ride over to Mural de la Prehistoria is breathtaking! From a distance, you can see a massive mural painted on the side of a mogote. The mural is a depiction of the evolution of life in Cuba.
If time allows, enjoy cultural experiences by engaging with the local culture and visiting Casa de la Cultura, where you can enjoy live music, dance performances, and interact with local artist and musicians.
The dry season is from November through May, so keep in mind, Viñales doesn’t have to be a day tour. Opt to stay 2-3 days if you do not want to feel rushed. Viñales has hotels and casa particulars (Airbnb) for you to rent during your stay. There is much more to see and do, such as Hiking, Rock Climbing and Outdoor Activities. Viñales offers various hiking trails, horseback riding excursions, and opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside and lush landscapes. Not too far from Viñales is the northern shores of Pinar del Rio province and the main island of Cuba, where you can explore more beaches or escape over to Cayo Jutia. Traveling conditions and attractions may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check for updated travel information or ask your tour guide before embarking on your road trip to Viñales.
Enjoy your journey!
