Vinales Valley was actually one of the greatest places to see in Cuba; it’s a must-see destination, offering beautiful hikes and walking routes. Additionally, it is very easy to get from Havana to Vinales Valley by public transport. Much of the island is relatively flat, and as an adventurous traveler, I was hoping for some trekking options 😉
Vinales Valley is very different from the rest of the country. It’s characterized by dramatic limestone hills (mogotes), surrounded by beautiful green landscape, and is famous for traditional tobacco fields and farming practices.
Few ways to get from Havana to Vinaley Valley!
To taste the natural beauty and the local charm of the spot, let’s navigate how to get to from Havana to Vinales Valley, particularly through public transportation options.
There are many ways to get from Havana to Vinales. If you haven’t tried Taxi collectivo yet – this is a must-try option. You’ll drive in a shiny vintage car, which is a very cool experience.
You can also book an organized tour. And if you prefer to travel on your own take a public bus ‘Viajero’ or Viazul (slightly upgraded bus option).
Where is Vinales Valley?
Vinales Valley is located in the western part of the country and it’s is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viñales offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. It is known for its tobacco farming, with farmers still using traditional methods like animal traction to cultivate their crops.
Bus from Havana to Vinales.
It’s very easy to organize a bus from Havana to Vinales, you can choose between Viajero – a cheap and adventurous public bus, and Viazul – an upgraded bus option, both taking you conveniently to Vinales.
The Viazul Experience.
VIAZUL – the most popular buses in Cuba. Quite cheap and comfortable. The ticket will cost you around 15$. Viazul departs from Havana Viazul bus terminal = Terminal de Omnibus.
Viazul Bus from Havana to Vinales: Viazul operates a bus from Terminal de Ómnibus Nacionales La Habana to Viñales once daily.
If you are looking for a little bit more comfort and convenience an excellent option for traveling from Havana to Viñales is the Viazul bus service. Viazul buses offer air conditioning and more spacious seating, and connect Havana directly to Viñales multiple times daily, allowing for flexibility in your travel itinerary.
Taking a Public Bus: Viajero.
Viajero bus is a reliable and budget-friendly choice. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to get from Havana to Vinales Valley Viajero bus, and the buses are usually available in the morning and early afternoon.
The ride is filled with stunning views of the Cuban countryside. You’ll witness classic cars cruising along the roads, farmers tending to their fields, and the occasional farmhouse, all set against a backdrop of the impressive Sierra de los Organos mountains.
Taxi collectivo in Cuba.
TAXI collectivo – always arrange in advance. Ask for a driver’s phone number. He’ll pick you up from your address and it shouldn’t cost you more than 20$/per person (20 CUC).
I took taxi collectivo, it my first time and it was fun, although after 2-3 hours I was a bit uncomfortable in this cab. After picking me up, the driver collected 4 other people, so it was a full ride. 😉 Of course, the driver wasn’t the same person I arranged the ride with the day before. The whole trip took us 3.5h, and once we reached the destination, he asked if we wanted to visit an organic tobacco farm.
We all agreed to the idea and shortly after landed in a nice farm with a local guide, who obviously was a very good friend of the driver. We all knew it was arranged, but as long as it was nice and pleasant, we didn’t mind. He took us to a traditional tobacco farm, showed us how tobacco leaves grow from little plants, and explained the drying process.
Every FARM must sell 90% of their tobacco leaves to the state, while the remaining 10% can be kept for their own use, potentially for making and selling their own cigars. The government sets the price at which it purchases the tobacco.
Only the government is entitled to put a label on the cigars; the rest 10% can be sold without a label, although it is exactly the same quality.
The best Cuban cigars.
Pablo del Rio is the most famous region in Cuba for cigars. Best tobacco leaves in the world come exactly from this region. Most of the cigars that are sold from local farms (without a label) are natural/organic, without any kind of chemicals.
That’s why they can only last 3-4 years if stored in a dry place. A package of 10 cigars costs ~ 40 CUC, but a package of 30 cigars costs ~ 90 CUC, so we all shared it.
Day trip from Havana to Vinales Valley.
Vinales Valley is an amazing destination for a day trip from Havana. It brings you into a totally different vibe of the island, showcasing the slow-paced urban Cuban life. The tour was fantastic and the local family was extremely friendly. We ended up chatting, smoking cigars and drinking local whiskey – just like the locals. Time didn’t matter. It was just lovely.
In the farm you’ll have a chance to taste different cigars. Even if you are not a smoker, you don’t need to inhale (actually, you shouldn’t) to feel the taste of the cigar. It’s mild and pleasant. You can turn up the flavour by dumping the mouthpiece side in honey or rum.
Vinales Town in Cuba.
Vinales – cosy town in western part of Cuba. You will find lots of small restaurants on the main street which are actually very nice to spend time in. Most of them offer free wifi, which is unusuall for the country. Fruit shakes, nice cuisine and a free drink /mohito or similar/ can be reached just for 6-8 CUC. Moros y Cristianos is a very popular Cuban dish, it is the Cuban version of rice and beans, a dish found throughout the Caribbean. Very tasty for vegetarians like me.
I highly recommend Cocoloco – is a very popular drink in Cuba. It’s a coconut with honey and/or without rum.
Vinales Valley local bus tour.
Go to the Viñales Tourist information, which is located on the main street in the town. This is where you will be able to purchase tickets for a local bus (GREEN), which does a big loop along the most spectacular spots in the valley. The tickets are valid for the whole day. It takes about 1hour to complete the circuit.
Tickets cost only 5 CUC.
In the Viñales Tourist information, you’ll be able to get maps and book bus tickets to other destinations.
What to see in Vinales Valley?
- The famous Mural– a painted rock. I decided to take a walk from Viniales town, as it’s only 5 kilometers from the famous Mural. On the way back, lots of men offered me a trekking tour across the surrounding mountains, ensuring it is not possible to hike alone. This is NOT true; there are no restrictions against hiking alone in the area.
- Valle de Silencio is easily accessible from Vinales town. Find the only petrol station and ask for Valle de Silencio, everyone will show you the way.
- Horseback riding is very popular in this region; however, I would not recommend this attraction.
- Indian Cave – it is a popular tourist attraction, located only 5 km north of Vinales.
From Viñales Valley to Havana – a trip back.
There are plenty of options to get out of Viniales. You need to go back same road you came to Viniales. Bus tickets are easily accessible but I would recommend to purchase tickets in advance. Bus ticket prices from Viniales:
- To Havana: 15 CUC
- To Confuegos: 25 CUC
- To Trinidad: 30 CUC, big comfortable bus 36 CUC (highly recommended! – it’s a 7.30h drive).
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