One of the most visited places in Cuba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fantastic-looking karst landscapes fascinate tourists who have not seen anything like it before. In the 90s, the country recognized this legendary valley, extremely suitable for recreation and educational tours, as a national treasure.
Viñales Valley: where is it?
A small green paradise, located in the west of the republic, invariably attracts the attention of travelers from all over the world. An unusual attraction is located in the province of Pinar del Rio, not far from the small and quiet town of Viñales. You can easily get here on your own by any transport or come with a tour.
The cost of the tour is approximately $50, but this is only a small price to pay for exploring the emerald lowlands. Millions of years ago, the Viñales Valley, whose photo conveys the peace reigning here, was much higher, butthe beginning of the process of subsidence did its job.
Limestone Giants
The National Park arouses constant interest among tourists with sheer gigantic rocks of the most bizarre forms growing as if from the ground. Many limestone cones are over 160 million years old. The mysteries of the Viñales Valley are being studied by scientists who are confident that entire cave complexes previously stood in this place, which collapsed after centuries of weathering and erosion of limestone.
The Cubans call them "mogote", and for the flat tops, which offer stunning views of the marvelous landscapes, they received the nickname "elephant backs". By the way, these giant rock formations really resemble frozen animals. Climbers come here in search of new experiences, to conquer ancient peaks.
Ancient caves
The beautiful Viñales Valley is famous for its caves, considered the largest in Latin America. The Cueva del Indio is known for its fast-moving underground river, which offers exciting boat trips that provide an unforgettable experience.
In the labyrinths of Santo Tomas, stretching for more than 40 kilometers, interesting excursions are held through the dark halls of the grottoes, in which the Spanish conquerors once hid. Exploration of hazardous areas will require special equipment and an experienced guide.
Speleologists study a unique underground system and declare poorly explored "wild" territories, but this does not stop extreme people who dream of getting to know the hugecave on your own. In this case, no one guarantees the safety of tourists.
Fresco on the rock
Near the most interesting place in the valley, guests of the country always crowd, admiring the 120-meter cliff, on which the Cuban artist depicted ancient people and animals in the primitive period. This work, visible from afar with bright colors, is called "Prehistoric Fresco".
Unique plants and trees
Stretching for 132 square kilometers, the Viñales Valley is of great interest to scientists for its unique flora collected in the Casa de Caridad botanical garden. A special pride of the delightful place is an amazing palm tree, which is a living evidence of the Jurassic period. And during the harvest, all travelers will be treated to unusually delicious fruits.
Tobacco growing
In the very center of the green paradise, there are cute ethnic houses that evoke a special atmosphere. The Cubans living here cherish the ancient culture, and therefore the layout of wooden structures has not changed for two hundred years. They are just as reverent about their traditions, which even in the 21st century have remained unchanged since ancient times.
The local population, who arrived here from other territories, grows tobacco on plantations, which is considered their main source of income. Part of the tour will be watching the process of making cigars of excellent quality. Cubans claim that their tobacco is the best in the world, and often repeat the funny saying that you can’t just grow it - you definitely need to grow it on it.get married.
Manual cigar making
Tropical plant requires a lot of attention to itself, but special care pays off handsomely, and the Viñales Valley is known far beyond the borders of the country. The settlers built factories where world-famous cigars are made by hand. Here, everyone is given a unique opportunity to purchase them at low prices.
Population with a population of no more than 25 thousand is also engaged in fishing and serving visitors. At the end of an exciting journey, each guest will taste national dishes and exotic fruits included in the price of the tour.
Tourists who have been here note that the peaceful Vinales Valley helps to restore mental strength, giving peace and energizing. Tired of noisy cities, people plunge into a healing atmosphere, forgetting about all their problems.
