For more information on Walking Adventures International, check out: https://walkingadventures.com/.
Day 5: Sunday, February 2 – Activities in Viñales National Park
0700 – Breakfast provided by the casa particulares
0800 – Begin today’s first walk
A hearty homemade breakfast prepares us for a day of exploration in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Viñales National Park. Our first walk nearly circumnavigates one of the larger mogotes, passing farmers at work in the fields (probably behind a pair of oxen) and offering possible sightings of some of Cuba’s 28 endemic bird species. [Endemic means only in Cuba]
1100 – Finish walk
We finish with some of Cuba’s best piña coladas [at the dinosaur rock mural] then return to Viñales and our guesthouses for a mid-day break and a chance to explore this interesting town. [Had a sandwich at a local bakery for lunch].
1330 – Depart by bus for the Viñales Tobacco Farm Walk
Later this afternoon, we head for a different part of the valley and a walk to a more remote tobacco farm. Here, we learn the time-honored techniques of tobacco farming and unique aspects of a state-controlled agricultural sector.
1700 – Arrive back in Viñales for a rest break before dinner
1800 – Depart by bus for dinner
Dinner this evening is at a picturesque organic farm offering sweeping views over the valley from a rambling hilltop farmhouse.
A very strange dinosaur mural painted on the wall of the mogote
Walking down the hill to the tobacco farm. We get the explanation of the process, then the owner hand rolls a cigar and lets everyone who wants to try it out. Then, coffee and rum.
Rolling of the cigar and testing it
On the Organic Farm for a great dinner
