A couple of hours west of Havana, roads give way to dirt tracks, winding through lush tobacco and coffee plantations, leading to Viñales. Traffic comes in the form of a horse-drawn cart or a pony ridden bareback.
The small town sits in the valley (Valle de Viñales), the main street lined with colonial-era wooden houses. Pace of life here is leisurely, locals sit on verandas puffing hand-rolled cigars and strumming guitars.
Framed by towering pine trees and steep-sided ancient limestone cliffs known as mogotes, the surrounding national park is home to some of Cuba’s most spectacular scenery. Explore expansive orchid gardens, hike forest trails in search of exotic birdlife and horse ride in search of secluded waterfalls.
We have a handful of private guest-houses and farm-cabins for travellers to choose from. In the evening, sample home-cooked stews and afterwards watch live music performances in the main street bars.