The valley of Viñales and its pacifying atmosphere

One of the most visited places in Cuba is UNESCO's World Heritage List. Fantastic looking karst landscapes enchant not tourists who have seen anything like this before. In the 1990s, the country recognized this legendary valley as a national treasure suitable for recreation and cognitive tours.

Vinales Valley: where is it?

A small green paradise located in the west of the republic, invariably draws the attention of travelers from all over the world. An unusual attraction is in the province of Pinar del Rio, near the small and quiet town of Vinyales. It is easy to get there by yourself on any transport or come with an excursion.

The tour costs about 50 dollars, but this is only a small price for acquaintance with the emerald lowland. Millions of years ago the valley of Viñales, photo of which conveys the pacification here prevailing, was much higher, but the process of settling started its work.

Limestone giants

The National Park evokes the constant interest of tourists growing as if from the ground steep gigantic cliffs of the most bizarre forms. The age of many limestone cones exceeds 160 million years. Mysteries of the Vinales valley are studied by scientists who are sure that earlier on this site there were entire cave complexes that collapsed after centuries of weathering and erosion of limestone.

Cubans call them "mogote", and for the flat peaks, which offer a breathtaking view of the marvelous landscapes, they received the nickname "elephant backs". By the way, these giant rock formations really remind frozen animals. Mountaineers come here in search of new impressions, to conquer ancient peaks.

Ancient caves

The beautiful valley of Viñales is famous for its caves, which are considered to be the largest in Latin America. Cueva del Indio is known for its rapid underground river, along which fascinating boat rides take place, giving unforgettable impressions.

In the labyrinths of Santo Tomas, which stretch for more than 40 kilometers, interesting excursions take place through the dark halls of the grottoes, in which once the Spanish conquerors hid. For the investigation of dangerous areas, special equipment and an experienced conductor will be required.

Speleologists are exploring a unique underground system and claiming poorly researched "wild" territories, but this does not stop the extremals dreaming to get to know the huge cave on their own. In this case, no one guarantees the safety of tourists.

Fresco on a rock

Near the most interesting place of the valley, guests of the country are always crowded, admiring the 120-meter rock on which the Cuban artist painted ancient people and animals in the primitive period. It is visible from afar with bright colors the work is called "Prehistoric fresco".

Unique plants and trees

The valley of Vinyales stretched for 132 square kilometers is of great interest for scientists with the unique flora collected in the botanical garden of Casa de Caridad. The special pride of this delightful place is an amazing palm tree, which is a living witness to the Jurassic period. And during the harvest all travelers will be treated with unusually tasty fruit.

Growing of tobacco

In the heart of the green paradise are lovely ethnic houses, which cast a special atmosphere. Living here Cubans are sacred to the ancient culture, and therefore the layout of wooden structures has not changed for two hundred years. They are also very anxious about their traditions, which even in the 21st century remained unchanged from ancient times.

The local population, who came here from other territories, grows on the plantations tobacco, which is considered their main source of income. Part of the tour will be the observation of the process of making cigars of excellent quality. The Cubans claim that their tobacco is the best in the world, and they often repeat the ridiculous saying that it can not just be grown - it is absolutely necessary to marry.

Manual way of making cigars

A tropical plant requires a lot of attention to itself, but a special care pays off a hundredfold, and the valley of Viñales is known far beyond the country. The settlers built factories on which cigars are famous for the whole world. Here, all comers have a unique opportunity to purchase them at low prices.

The population with a population of no more than 25,000 is still engaged in fishing and serves visitors. At the end of a fascinating journey, each guest will try out the national dishes and exotic fruits included in the tour price.

Tourists who visited here note that the peaceful valley of Vinyales helps restore spiritual strength, giving peace and energy. Tired of the noisy megacities people are immersed in a healing atmosphere, forgetting about all the problems.