While Havana is a must-see destination in Cuba, don’t forget about all the other beautiful, interesting places to visit on the island. Viñales is a perfect escape if you’re looking for a day trip from Havana.
During my second visit to Cuba, I took a day trip from Havana to Viñales and fell in love with the area. Visiting Viñales was one of the best highlights of my trip.
Viñales receives fewer visitors than Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad, but it’s worth a visit, especially if you have a day to spare. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip.
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This is the tenth post in the Cuba series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Cuba Travel Series
Travel Guide: The Complete Travel Guide For First Time Visitors
Money Honey: Cuban Currency Guide: Everything You Need To Know
For The Culture: 36 Ways To Immerse Yourself in Afro-Cuban Culture
The Ultimate Cuba Bucket List: 101 Fun Things to Do in Cuba
Cuba Bucket List: Top 10 Epic Things To Do in Cuba
Packing Tips: The Complete Guide To Packing For Your Trip To Cuba
Inspiration: 30 Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Cuba
Travel Tips: 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Cuba
Trinidad: How To Explore Trinidad in 3 Days
Viñales: How To Take the Perfect Day Trip From Havana To Viñales
How To Take The Perfect Day Trip From Havana To Viñales: Everything You Need To Know
What makes Viñales so special?
Located just 2.5 hours outside Havana, Viñales Valley is known for its striking karst lush green landscape surrounded by mountains and dotted with spectacular dome-like limestone outcrops, also known as mogotes.
Mogotes are a series of tall, rounded hills that rise abruptly from the flat plain of the valley. This region is one of Cuba’s most fertile areas known for its rich cultural associations, particularly its traditional agricultural practices for growing the world’s best tobacco.
Viñales Valley in Sierra de Los Organos is a national monument and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in the late 1900s. Viñales is one of the best-known areas of Cuba.
If you’re a nature lover like myself, into learning about the culture and cigars, then you’ve come to the right place!
Fun Fact: Viñales is said to be Fidel Castro’s favorite place in Cuba.
Viñales day trip from Havana
You can easily spend a day exploring Viñales independently or as part of a tour group. Some tour groups offer multi-stop tours. If you’re staying in Vedado, a neighborhood of Havana, you can stop in the Hotel Meliá Cohiba for information about excursions and book your trip.
Aside from purchasing internet cards and using the hotels’ wifi, this hotel was my go-to for booking trips, especially last minute.
Alternatively, Hotel Nacional de Cuba has information about tours if you stay closer to Old Havana or downtown Havana.
How to get to Viñales from Havana
Viñales is approximately 114 miles from Havana, making it about a 2.5-hour drive depending on your form of transportation. There are two main ways to get from Havana to Vinales: bus and taxi. You can choose which mode of transportation works best for you depending on your budget and how much time you have.
Bus from Havana to Viñales
Viazul is the most popular and reliable bus company on the island. Buses depart daily, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I recommend taking the morning bus so you can maximize your time.
To avoid disappointment, book your ticket in advance online here. The bus ride is about 3 hours and 40 minutes one way. Be sure to bring a book or music to keep yourself occupied.
Most buses will stop for 20 minutes along the journey at a cafe to allow for a break.
Make sure to confirm the departure times of the buses leaving Viñales before venturing off for the day. Most buses depart in the late afternoon and arrive in Havana in the evening.
Taxi from Havana to Viñales
Private Taxi – A private taxi was our preferred method of transportation to Viñales. It worked out perfectly because there were four of us, and we split the ride. The private taxi allowed us to stop along the way to take pictures and make other necessary stops.
The price was $100, which was about the same price as if we had opted to take the bus round trip. Our Airbnb host in Havana was gracious enough to organize our private taxi.
Tip: Make sure to negotiate the price beforehand.
Things to do in Viñales
Before arriving in Viñales, I had no idea what to see and do except visit the tobacco farms. Luckily, our driver was familiar with the area and showed us more than we could imagine. If you’re traveling to Viñales independently, here are some things you can add to your list:
- Hire a Bike
Riding around Viñales via bike is an excellent way to sightsee and explore the area. Expect to see cow-pulled carts along the streets and lush green tobacco fields!
Bikes are available to rent in the main square.
Price: $6 for 5 hours
2. Visit a Tobacco Plantation
Visiting a tobacco plantation was one of the highlights of our day. Our driver took us to Ruta del Tabaco, where we learned about the history of tobacco on the island and what makes the cigars from Cuba so unique. Additionally, we had the opportunity to see how coffee and honey are made.
If you’re looking to purchase cigars, wait until you get to Viñales. You’re guaranteed to get the freshest and most authentic cigars directly from the source!
Alternatively, if you don’t have time to visit a tobacco farm, you can purchase cigars in the tobacco shops on the main street.
3. Learn How To Roll a Cigar
Rolling your own cigar is a uniquely Cuban experience. At the tobacco farm, you will have the opportunity to learn how to roll your very own cigar. Rolling a Cuban cigar is a form of art, and I can’t think of a better place to learn from the best!
4. Smoke a Cigar
After you’ve rolled your cigar, it’s time to light it! If you are on a Cuban Finca, you can follow the instructor’s lead. I’m not a cigar smoker but couldn’t pass up the chance to at least try my first hand-rolled cigar. That wouldn’t be right!
5. Go Zip-lining
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience zip-lining through the picturesque lush landscape for just $8, then the Canopy Tour El Fortin is for you! If you’ve never been zip-lining, do not worry; the instructors are accommodating, friendly, and speak English. I loved zipping through the trees and screaming at the top of my lungs. Talk about enjoyment!
6. Visit the Mural de la Prehistoria
Make sure to head over to the Mural de la Prehistoria for, at the very least, a quick photo. After taking a few pictures, check out the gift shop, and bar before your next adventure.
7. Explore the Cueva Del India (India Cave)
Indian Cave, a few miles outside Viñales, is another popular attraction. This fascinating subterranean underground cave has impressive rock formations that appear along the cave walls. The boat ride is short and a great way to cool off from the heat.
Tip: Ask the cave attendant how many people are already in the cave before heading down. If the wait is longer than 30 minutes to board the boat, I recommend coming back later.
8. Go Horseback riding in Viñales
Horseback riding through the lush tobacco plantains and taking in the spectacular scenery in Viñales is always a must. This adventure is a fun and unique way to learn about rural Cuba.
Note: If you’re not a fan of horses myself, ask about a horsecart ride. A horsecart ride is also a good option for families with small children.
9. Hike Through Santo Tomas Cave
If you have time to spare, hire a guide for $15 US and check out Cuebas de Santo Tomas, Cuba’s largest cave. The cave is 30 minutes outside of Viñales, so plan accordingly.
The 2-hour tour is trekked using head torches to light the way and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
10. Visit The Overlook of Viñales National Park
Before leaving Viñales, stop at the overlook for a breathtaking view of the Valle de Viñales (Viñales Valley), a short taxi ride away from the city center. You’ll know you’re in the right place by not only the views of the stunning Hotel Los Jazmines.
The Hotel Los Jazmine has an incredible pool that overlooks Viñales Valley, making you want to consider booking a room for the night!
For $3, you can take advantage of spending the day at the hotel pool surrounded by mogotes and impressive scenery. I highly recommend visiting, even if it’s to check out the views as we did!
Can you stay for the night in Viñales?
You sure can! If you’re looking to spend the night, or several nights, for that matter, in Viñales, then Casas particulares are your best bet. Casas particulares are private houses, think bed and breakfast. Residents rent out part of their homes or the entire homes to visitors.
Casas particulares are the most popular forms of accommodation in Cuba, so don’t be alarmed. You’re guaranteed to have the most authentic experience.
Depending on the time of year you visit Cuba, you don’t have to book accommodations ahead of time. If you travel to Viñales by bus, you’re instantly greeted by locals offering their place to stay.
If you prefer booking your accommodations in advance, you can check out Airbnb, Booking.com, or TripAdvisor.
Average prices for a private room range from $20-25/per night.
Tip: Make sure to take a screenshot of your reservation, as the app will not work in Cuba.
Hotels in Viñales
If staying with locals isn’t your thing, then do not worry! Viñales has several hotels:
- Hotel Horizontes La Ermita – Cute hotel is located in the heart of Viñales
- Horizontes Los Jazmines – Spectacular views of Viñales Valley and a dope swimming pool (pictured below)!
Wifi in Viñales
Wifi cards can be purchased in Viñales at ETECSA telecommunications centre. You can access the internet in spots like the store itself, some cafes, and parks. You can spot wifi hotspots by large groups of people staring at their phones.
Where To Eat
On the main street in Viñales, there is a strip of restaurants and bars that serve food.
If you’re staying at a casa particular, I highly recommend eating your meals there. Meals usually range from $5 to $8 per person, depending on the prices at your casa.
El Olivio is great for locally produced food with vegan and vegetarian options.
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
Overall, I loved Viñales and highly recommend you dedicate one day to exploring Viñales.
Next time I visit Viñales, there are a few things I will do differently:
- Depart Havana between 6:00-7:00 AM ET to get an early start! We didn’t leave Havana until closer to 9:00 AM ET.
- Consider renting a car to get around.
- Stay in a casa particular for a weekend. I enjoyed my day trip and realized I wanted to spend more time checking out the sights.
- Enjoy the fiesta at Palenque de Los Cimarrones. One of the mogotes just outside the main stretch doubles up as a cabaret-style show displaying Cuba’s dancing, singing, and comedy show.
- Go on a guided hike through Santo Tomas cave. Going alone isn’t recommended. I’ve heard this hike can be pretty strenuous on the body, and it’s best to be in good shape if you decide to venture out.
Did you take a day trip to Viñales? What was your favorite thing to see or do?
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