Walking in Vinales Valley
The UNESCO preserved Vinales Valley is an awe inspiring area of Cuba for walking, amongst the most unique landscapes in the Caribbean. Hike through the imposing Mogote haystack style mountains and plantations of tobacco, mango, pineapple and more. Discover rare fauna and flora, including many endemic bird species and even the tiny Palma Corcho a living plant fossil.
When walking in Cuba’s National Parks a specialist park guide accompanies you, bringing an abundance of local knowledge and enthusiasm, their presence ensuring the walks are more rewarding and informative. The routes are taken on maintained trails and there is certainly a walk to suit all levels of fitness from easy 3 mile strolls to more demanding treks of up to 15 miles, or even tailored multi day walking itineraries.
Sunrise Walk to the “Aquaticos” Community
For those who like early exercise and enjoy a sunrise, this 6 mile walk climbs to a most amazing viewpoint to watch the sunrise over Vinales Valley, an awe inspiring experience which could be one of your holiday highlights.
Enjoy an opportunity to meet some of the last remaining members of the ‘Los Aquaticos’ community. This close knit group firmly believe and live by the doctrine of the medicinal and therapeutic properties of the local water. The tiny community maintain their deep faith in this long-standing tradition and have an isolated presence from the main villagers living in Vinales. Enjoy a coffee and chat with the “Los Acuaticos” before descending back to the valley.
Sunset Walk in Silencio Valley
Our 6 mile sunset walk is a popular way to enjoy the end of the day and heads through the magnificent scenery of the Silencio Valley. Walk through the Juan Luis tobacco plantation one of the most important in the region, continuing to a limestone cave, with its array of stalactites and stalagmites. Arriving at the natural lake called ‘Lago del Valle del Capon’ where if you have remembered your swimming gear enjoy a cooling swim in the lake or if you have forgotten it , perhaps swim “au naturel” !
The trail finishes at our favourite organic farm restaurant and grab a vantage point to enjoy the sunset, alternatively we can book you a table here for dinner if you wish on the terrace overlooking the valley.
The Mogote Trail
This 7 mile more challenging walk winds through the plantations in the valley and then starts to ascend through isolated woodland on a clear and at times steep path. The national park guide can help you to spot endemic birds such as the rare Cuban solitaire (nightingale) as well as some giant ant nests which are quite a sight. Reaching the highest point , just below the high cliffs of the mogote, you are rewarded by some stunning views opening up before you across the valley.
After time for a rest and photos, descend initially along the same route , before exploring hidden parts of the valley , meeting the local farmers for coffee and chat.
Hiking through Three Vinales Valleys
This 10 mile hike visits three different valleys, two of them remote and rarely visited by tourists. who come to enjoy this spectacular region of Cuba. The undulating route passes lakes that are used for agriculture r fishing by the locals. Visit a smallholding, enjoy a super strong and revitalising Cuban coffee and chat to the farmers, before continuing between mango, pineapple and sugar cane fields to a natural lookout over the spectacular Silencio Valley.
Rest and enjoy a farm to table traditional Cuban lunch at a plantation restaurant, followed perhaps by a locally rolled cigar. When in Vinales as they say !
Summit Western Cuba’s highest Peak
Standing at 2,300ft the Pan De Guajaibon is the highest peak in Western Cuba and is located in an isolated spot, over an hour’s drive away from Vinales.
The walk at times is steep, a little wild and requires some simple scrambling. During the ascent a number of caves are passed in which relics of indigenous life have been found, including human remains.
When exploring Cuba there are always little reminders of more recent times and here you interestingly pass discarded military equipment from the Cold War as the mountain was a closed Soviet/Cuban military area!
The summit offers three interesting experiences, spectacular views, a bust of Antonio Maceo a Cuban Revolutionary hero and the relic of a Soviet radar system!
How can I book a walking activity in the Vinales Valley?
If you are booking your holiday to Cuba with Archipelago Choice, then we can include some walks in the Vinales Valley as part of your holiday package with us. All of our holidays in Cuba are fully customisable and you can talk to Matt about any aspect of your holiday, because he’s been arranging holidays to Cuba for over 30 years and can genuinely hand-pick some great experiences and sites that will be perfect for you. So do get in touch if you want to ask Matt any questions about visiting Cuba.
