The dramatic rocky terrain of Cuba's Vinales Valley makes it a challenging beauty that many adventurers can't wait to explore. Peppered with agricultural communities in which ethnic traditions still remain deeply embedded into the communal fabric, this region is a dynamic adventure for the mind and spirit.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the valley is filled with karsts, a geologic formation often accented by sinkholes and subterranean caves. The caves of Vinales, while an old feature for the region's natural accolades, were also the homes of many native people before the arrival of Spanish explorers. Today, guests can explore these historic sites on their own hikes, making their way through the limestone outcroppings to uncover these small, large and gigantic features.
The hills and mountains surrounding Vinales have provided the valley with a dynamic cocktail of fertile nutrients, making the valley one of the best areas for tobacco, a favorite crop for Cubans who love their cigars.
The traditional lifestyles here are practiced unabashedly, as many locals continue to produce crafts that flaunt the area's beauty and historic importance. Famous Caribbean artists like Domingo Ramos and Tiburcio Lorenzo Sanchez have come to the Valley for inspiration as well.
The rich soils and caves of Vinales Valley
Posted on Thursday, March 8th, 2012
