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Cayo Levisa – around Viñales - Scuba diving and snorkeling
This tiny island, some 75 kilometers off the north coast with its white sands, mangroves and coconut trees looks like a small version of paradise. You can spend a lazy day on the secluded beaches or go snorkeling exploring the spectacular coral reefs of Los Colorados, one of the biggest in the world and home to an astonishing array of sea life, including marlin and other game-fish.
In the waters of Cayo Levisa there are many species of sea life; 500 different fish, amongst which black breams, wreck fish, red snappers, jocuses, moray eels, marlin, lobsters and the most ancient living fossil found in Cuba, the mollusk Trigonia. There are 23 diving sites on the island, some very near the coast, at only 8 meters under water. Going under you will be able to explore massive formations of star coral and brain coral, sea fans and feathered gorgonians, a bit deeper you will find huge flat coral formations, coral ridges and hills.
You will need to take a boat to get to the island, for instance from the Playa de Palma Rubia pier, near La Palma. The boat trip takes more or less 20 minutes and costs 15.00CUC (there are to crossings a day: one at 10:00am and the other at 5:00pm).
Address: leaving Viñales, take carretera 241 + CD direction La Palma, after La Palma continue on the CD until you reach Playa de Palma Rubia.
María la Gorda – around Pinar del Río - Scuba diving and snorkeling
The sheltered reefs around María la Gorda, on the tip of the Península de Guanahacabibes, are an underwater paradise for scuba divers with around 30 diving sites, some of which at only 200 meters from the beach. Giant sea turtles, gorgonnese gardens and the largest colony of black coral are only part of the natural beauty of the secluded shores of María la Gorda, listed as Biosphere Reserve.
Diving here you might see barracudas and red snappers swimming through the black coral formations at only 14 meter under water. A few meter lower, at 18 meter, there is a cave you can enter with small feather coral (Salón de María).
If you never did any scuba diving or snorkeling, you could take an introductory course and guided immersions in coral reefs and sea caverns at the International Diving Center at María la Gorda Hotel.
To get to María la Gorda you can take the train from Pinar del Río to Guane and then take a bus to Sandino and cover the last bit by taxi. Alternatively, you simply take a taxi all the way, or rent a car.
Address: leaving Pinar del Río, take the Carretera Central de Cuba direction Sandino and La Fe, after Sandino / La Fe continue on carretera 22 until you reach María la Gorda.
Pinar del Río and Viñales – around Pinar del Río and Viñales - Rock climbing
The province of Pinar del Río, and in particular the Viñales valley is a paradise rock climbers. The limestone faces and the impressive crags called ‘mogotes’ by the locals are definitely a challenge even for the most experienced climbers, and the view once on top is absolutely stunning.
Your hosts in the casas particulares will be able to get you in touch with a local who can take you into the hill and up.
Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve – around Las Terrazas and Soroa – Hiking
There are many spots within the Pinar del Río province worth while exploring hiking. To start with the Biosphere Reserves Sierra del Rosario. You can take a guided hike through the tropical forests in Cuba’s first biosphere reserve, recognized in 1985. Watch out for the zunzún (bee hummingbird), the world smallest bird, the tocororo and the pájaro carpintero.
Las Terrazas is one of the spots from where you can start. The location of this sustainable village, on the slopes of the Sierra del Rosario mountain range, makes it ideal for hiking excursions past waterfalls, coffee plantations and mineral springs.
Address: Main entrances to the reserve: Soroa y Las Terrazas
Entrance: 4.00CUC (often included when booking a tour).
Península de Guanahacabibes Biosphere Reserve – around Pinar del Río – Hiking
This sprawling reserve covers over 100,000 hectares, including the Guanahacabibes National Park. Its diverse vegetation comprises mangroves, marsh grasslands, coastal scrublands and forests. Wildlife includes 170 bird species, as well as an abundance of local jutía and iguanas. When visiting between May and October you might just be lucky to see the turtles come ashore.
Dirección: from Pinar del Río, Carretera Central de Cuba direction Sandino
Entrance: 4.00CUC (often included when booking a tour).
Parque Nacional de Viñales around Viñales – Hiking
This picturesque valley was named a UNESCO World Cultural and Landscape Site in 1999, thanks to idyllic farms and villages set against the region's iconic limestone mogotes. Breathtaking view in an easy going atmosphere.
There are a number of trails with experienced professional guides. The tours range from 1.5 km to more than 8 kms and can last from a few hours to the whole day. These trails are generally in three valleys, Valle Los Jasmines Palmarito Valley and the Valley of Silence, all incredibly beautiful. In this place you will see farmers with their different crops, cigar rollers and agriculture in its most traditional form. While most tours start in the village of Viñales, there are also starting at the Hotel Los Jasmines and at the Visitor Center. There are also tours of flora and fauna.
These excursions can be booked at the following locations:
- Municipal Museum: On the main street, with a wide choice of routes, in terms of duration and location. Cost 8.00CUC. These tours start at the museum, The Jasmine and the Sitio del Infierno to 8 km from the village.
- Visitor Center of Viñales National Park: also a good option, departing at 9:00am and 2:00pm, some depart from the town and other center. Price 10.00CUC and last about three hours.
The walks also be booked at travel agencies in Viñales. Prices are from 10.00CUC and departure times vary.
Address: Museo Municipal Viñales, Centro de Visitiantes Viñales, Agencias de Viajes Viñales
Cueva de los Portales – around Viñales – Cave exploring
La Cueva de los Portales is a cave situated near the village of La Palma. Worthwhile a visit for its natural beauty and surroundings and its historical value. This 30 meter high cavern has plenty of stalagmites and hanging stalactites and is connected – through a complex system of balconies, walkways and stairs built by a former owner- to two other caves; the Cueva los Espejos and Cueva la Catedral.
La Cueva de los Portales is said to be one of Che Guevara’s preferred sites in Cuba. He also thought the cavern to be of strategic importance and during the Bay of Pigs crisis he set up his headquarters inside this spectacular cave. Items once used by the revolutionary hero are housed in a small museum, located there. Artifacts include his bed and table and some personal belongings.
Guided tours are organized from the camping Los Portales, located at the foot of the mountain.
Address: San Andrés, La Palma
Cueva del Indio – around Viñales – Cave exploring
Cueva del Indio, 6km north of Viñales, is an extensive cave system, but only a small portion of it is open to visitors. You can enter by foot and continue the visit by boat following the underground river that runs through this huge cavern. The interior is properly illuminated so you will be able to get a good look at the inside of a mogote. Once there you can take a quick visit to the Palenque de los Cimarrones (Cueva San Miguel), west of the Cueva del Indio, which nowadays is used as a disco.
Address: Km 8 Carretera to La Palma, Viñales
Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás – around Viñales – Cave exploring
17 km south west of Viñales you can explore the caves in the Valle de Santo Tomás. This 46km cave system is Latin America´s largest. Spread out over eight levels, it is home to bats, underground pools and a replica of an ancient mural. Of particular interest is the Gran Caverna. Tours take longer than those of the Cueva del Indio and are more difficult, but there are experienced guides to lead you through them. Near this cave system is situated the community El Moncada, know for the 3km ecological path called Maravillas de Viñales.
Address: El Moncada (14km west of Dos Hermanas and 1.5km off the road to Minas de Matahambre)
Reserva de la Biosfera Península de Guanahacabibes – around Pinar del Río – Bird watching
You can explore the western tip of Cuba to watch some of the 170 bird species that call the Península de Guanahacabibes home, including Cuba’s national bird, the tocororo. Moreover, this sprawling reserve covers over 100,000 hectares, including the Guanahacabibes National Park. Its diverse vegetation comprises mangroves, marsh grasslands, coastal scrublands and forests.
Dirección: desde Pinar del Río, Carretera Central de Cuba dirección Sandino
Entrada: 4,00CUC (a menudo incluido al reservar un tour).
Valle de Viñales – around Viñales – Bird watching
Viñales Valley, with quite a few settlements, is a great destination for birdwatchers. There is even a designated bird-watching trail starting at the El Ranchón, a restaurant near the Cueva del Indio (and three other caves up on the hillside: El Espejo, El Salvador and Cueva Oscura). Trips can also be arranged from the nearby Hotel Mirador or you can ask the staff at the cave entrance.
Address: Kilómetro 8 Carretera a La Palma, Viñales
Valle de Viñales – around Viñales - Horseback riding
One of the best ways to explore the beauty of Viñales is to hire some horses and explore the region on horseback. The usual horseback tour takes you behind the mogotes around the town of Viñales, but there are other paths you can take as well (prices start from 5.00CUC per hour). Pick up a map at the national park building, rent some horses and get to know the most beautiful areas of Viñales. Or if you prefer to get some more information on the way, find a local to take you into the hills, rather than using the hotel-based tourist horses.
Address: Visitor Center of Viñales National Park
Rancho La Guabina – around viñales - Horseback riding
Rancho La Guabina is a small and quiet hotel located in the best equine farm development in the province of Pinar del Rio. Part of a protected area of 1,300 hectares, this ranch offers visitors horseback riding tours of 1 hour up to 3 consecutive days. Trotting around you may observe more than 70 endemic species of birds, flora and fauna.
Address: Carretera to Luis Lazo, Km 9,5 (right hand side)
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