Things to Do in Viñales, Cuba: Best Activities & Attractions

How much time should you spend in the Viñales Valley?

We recommend staying two to three days in Viñales. There’s so much to see and do here, so give yourself enough time to explore everything properly.

Tips for Sightseeing in Viñales

Viñales is a small tourist town made up almost entirely of accommodations. The highlights aren’t in the town itself but in the surrounding area — though most are only a few kilometers away.

Our tip: Explore the Viñales Valley by bike

You can easily reach all the sights in the Viñales Valley by bicycle. It’s the cheapest and most flexible way to get around.

You can rent bikes for a low price in the town center or through your accommodation. We paid 10 euros per day. Our hosts at the B&B sorted the bikes for us.

If you’d rather not cycle — which is totally understandable given the hilly terrain — you can grab a taxi or book guided tours on the spot.

If you’re doing a road trip through Cuba with a rental car, you can of course also just drive.

Read our travel report from Cuba

Cueva del Indio

The most popular attraction in the Viñales Valley is probably the Cueva del Indio — a large cave with seriously impressive rock formations.

At the entrance, you pay a small admission fee in cash in pesos.

You then walk a short distance on foot through the cave before boarding a boat for a ride along the underground river, where you’ll learn more about the cave’s history.

Our tip: There are many more caves in the Viñales Valley that see far fewer tourists. For example, you can visit the Cueva de la Vaca or the Cueva del Palmarito.

Mural de la Prehistoria

The Mural de la Prehistoria is painted directly onto a limestone hillside in the middle of the countryside. Its vivid colors are visible from far away.

The painting depicts the history of human evolution — but beyond taking a few photos, there isn’t a whole lot to do here. To get up close to the mural, you’ll need to pay a small admission fee in cash.

Our tip: We’ve heard multiple times that the bar at the Mural serves a really delicious Piña Colada. Since we were there at 8 in the morning, we didn’t get to try it ourselves.

Horseback Riding Through the Valley

One of the most popular things to do in Viñales, Cuba is horseback riding. On horseback, you can explore trails that you’d never reach by bike or car.

It’s a completely different way to experience the valley — and incredible views are guaranteed.

Your best bet is to ask at your accommodation about a guided horseback tour. They’re offered at most farms around Viñales. You can also ask spontaneously when you pass by a farm.

Sunrise at the Los Acuaticos Viewpoint

Los Acuaticos is a fantastic spot to watch the spectacular sunrises over Viñales. Since the viewpoint isn’t easy to find and you have to hike there in the dark, it’s best to book a tour.

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation around 5 AM and do a short hike to the viewpoint with a guide. After the sunrise, our guide even took us to a coffee farm and then on to the Mural de la Prehistoria.

Smoking a Cigar at a Tobacco Farm

Alongside its many sights, the Viñales Valley is also famous for tobacco farming. Tobacco farms are scattered throughout the valley.

Most farms offer tours where you can learn all about Cuban tobacco. You’ll also be shown how to roll a Cuban cigar — and then you get to smoke it. Honestly, one of the most memorable things to do in Viñales.

Sunset at Hotel Los Jazmines

Sunsets in Viñales are a highlight in their own right. The best spot is Hotel Los Jazmines, perched on a hillside four kilometers from town. It has an observation deck with a stunning panorama over the valley.

Not quite as well known is Hotel La Ermita. From here, you’ll also enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset — and it’s usually less crowded.

Beaches near Viñales

Viñales is a great base for a beach day trip. You can, for example, book a tour to the island of Cayo Levisa, which has one of what we consider the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.

To get there, you’ll need to arrange a transfer or taxi (best to ask at your accommodation) or take a rental car. By car, you drive to Palma Rubía and then take the ferry. Be sure to check the ferry departure times in Viñales beforehand.

Closer than Cayo Levisa is the Cayo Jutía peninsula. It also has a really beautiful beach that’s still a genuine under-the-radar pick. You can get there directly by car or taxi.

Where to stay in Viñales

Viñales is home mainly to small apartments and B&Bs (known as Casas Particulares). Your best bet is to book them through Airbnb. Casas Particulares are very personally run, and the hosts always give great tips on what to do in Viñales.

If you’d prefer a hotel, the Hotel E Central Viñales is right in the town center. For the best views, you can also stay at Hotel Los Jazmines. Don’t expect luxury at either, though.

More tips on where to stay in Cuba can be found in our travel tips article.

Also read our travel tips for Cuba

Restaurant tips for Viñales

Viñales has a great selection of restaurants. Prices are very reasonable everywhere and you pay in pesos.

See our tips on currency & payments in Cuba

Our favorite was Don Manuel. We also really loved the restaurant Da’Tuty.

Getting to Viñales

Since Viñales is located in the far west of Cuba, your best starting point is Havana. There are daily connections via Viazul buses, with the journey taking about four hours.

Even if you’re coming from Varadero, Trinidad, or Santa Clara, you’ll need to stop in Havana before continuing on to Viñales.

Alternatively, you can book a taxi or a private transfer. Ask at your accommodation in Havana for recommendations. By car, the drive takes about three hours — the same applies if you’re traveling by rental car.