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Viñales, Cuba
The entire Viñales valley in Pinar del Rio Province is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site. The valley has an area of 55 km2 and is surrounded by “mogotes” or karst hills of the Sierra de los Organos mountain chain. It is often possible to experience a rather mystical atmosphere in the valley, especially if you wander into the tobacco fields or the surrounding hills alone, away from the tour-bus hordes. Sometimes early in the morning after a cold night there is a mist that makes the landscape feel like in a fairytale a thousand years ago.
Valley of Vinales
There a two grand hotels outside the village of Viñales. We prefer the plentiful casa particular or bed-and-breakfast places, however. They give you the chance to get intimate with the locals' way of life and the hosts are experts in arranging reasonably priced activities like guided hikes or horseback riding into the hills. Like everywhere in Cuba, the food the casas provide is quite good, sometimes even great. Anyway, there are not too many alternatives in Vinalés.
Tobacco field in Vinales. Some of Cuba's best cigar leaves are grown in this valley
A local kid having a bit of Tarzan fun in the "jungle"
This friendly farmer rolled us two fresh cigars
Andy's cigar smoking skills need improvement!
Farmer taking oxen home after day's work
Impressive lines on this old barn, still in use
Drying tobacco in a barn
Golden sunset in Vinales
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Images of rural Cuba - Pinar del Rio Province |  |
Many faces of Cuba - A b&w photo series on Cuban people |
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Cuba photo series and travel stories
