Viñales is the most tranquil getaway from Havana’s hustle and bustle. Get yourself on a shared coletivo and escape into the lush greenery of Viñales Valley and enjoy the atmosphere of rocking chair, cigars, and horses. Also, don’t visit Viñales on a day trip, you need more time, there are many things to do in Viñales. I would do at least three days and 48 hours is the minimum. Viñales has peaceful scenery that will calm your mind and body. Why rush it when you can enjoy the countryside of Cuba.
How to Get From Havana to Viñales
I highly recommend getting your casa to arrange a shared taxi – Colectivo. The shared taxi will pick you up around 09.00 in the morning and take you driving for about 2 hours and 30 minutes car ride along the most boring highway, and then the last 30 minutes is when the landscape starts curving around the lush green Valley of Viñales. The Colectivo only goes in the morning. Remember that when planing your way to Viñales. It cost around 25 CUC.
Viazul Bus
It is possible to go by the Viazul buses. After my travels in Cuba, I have higher trustworthiness towards the shared taxies – Colectivo. If you have time to use half of your day going to the ticket offices and wait for the buses, go for it.
7 Great Things to Do in Viñales
Viñales has many great sites and by this remember to have time to do them. One day horseback riding, the next day the tourist bus and the last day the beach.
Read More: 10 Days Cuba Itinerary
1. Horseback Riding in Viñales
Don’t be afraid the horses, they are more or less on autopilot and will show you the way around Viñales. I highly recommend doing a horseback riding tour to get a spectacular view of the Valley, and when going on the horseback riding tour, they will stop by a tobacco plantation. Why do you go on the horseback riding tour? Well to check out the amazing views from the top of the small mountain and stirring out in the lush valley of Viñales.
Luis one of the many cowboy in Vinales, Cuba. 
2. Tobacco Plantation & Cigars
The tobacco plantation visit seems like a mandatory stop when being in Cuba. They are the best cigars in the world? Isn’t that right? Please go and have the walkthrough with your guide on the plantation and let him explain to you the process of making the smoking gold. Cigars are not cheap, but then again, the process due takes time.
After the information part, there is always the fun part, which is to taste the cigars. And being in Viñales, the cigars are organic. I decided that if I was ever going to smoke a cigar, this is the time. They use honey as the natural filter, which makes the inhalation of the smoke surprisingly smooth. And also, that’s how Che Guevara smoked his cigars due to having problems with asthma.
3. Viñales Valley Mirador
If you are traveling solo, and don’t have a car, then go on the hop on hop of the bus for the tourist in Viñales. An easy way to cover land and see more of the nearby attractions. I skipped the first stop on the bus, because caves are fine, but not my thing. The second stop was the breathtaking view of Viñales Valley close to hotel Los Jazmines.
4. Prehistorical mural (Mirador) in Valle de Viñales, Cuba
The prehistoric painting that is around 4 kilometers out of town is not very impressive. What’s the deal with that? It is designed in 1961 by Leovigildo González Morillo, and it took four years to complete this surreal painting of the evolution. You need to go to the mural location to get to the next location best Pina Colada in Cuba.
5. The Best Piña Colada in Cuba
In the hunt for the best mirador in Viñales, I discovered the best Piña Colada in Cuba. After the Prehistorical picture, we walked down the road, close to the Campismo Dos Hermanas. We walked into the bar, and Roberto approached us to ask if we needed help. Roberto, as the local guide, would help us to the viewpoint. Of we went by the local ride – horse wagon into the countryside of Viñales. Along the way, the locals did tell us that the mirador was closed; Plan B, what’s next?
To Find Great Piña Colada in Cuba, You Have to Go with the Flow!
Another disappointment this day, in the next 20-minutes, it would be all forgotten. After 20 minutes on the horse wagon in the middle of nowhere, we arrived at a small hut. The magic hut! Roberto, our guide, ordered three Pina Coladas from the lovely lady in the hut. After a time, three glasses arrived on the table, which was basically a paradise dream in a glass. The creaminess, the sweet flavor from pineapple and honey with a cinnamon hint, was a blessing of the day. All sorrows are forgotten, and the best piña colada in Cuba is discovered.
6. A Day Trip to Cayo Jutías
Cayo Jutías is why you need three days in Viñales. Why don’t you want a spectacular beach day when being in the countryside? That is the best of the two worlds if you ask me. Make sure to go. It is beautiful! I only had 48 hours in Viñales, and I did not make it to Cayo Jutías, which I hate. Next time I will go! I’m sharing this stunning picture from Instagram!
7. Dinner at JJJ & Dance at Centro Cultural Polo Montañez
If you want an excellent dinner at night, I recommend checking out the 3J Tapas Bar, one of the best towns. Or if the line is long go to Cuba Restaurant and have Lobster Spaghetti. When you are done with the dinner, it is time to hit the dancefloor, locate the hips, and make them move to the vibrating salsa rhythm at Centro Cultural Polo Montañez.
From Viñales to Playa Larga
Remember that the trip with the car from Viñales to Playa Larga takes half of the day, don’t plan on doing anything else than getting from A to B. If you are lucky you will make dinner and a short stroll around the beach.
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