Pinar del Rio

This western area is known for its stunning scenery, a landscape of prehistoric looking flat-top mountains or "mogotes", tabacco plantations, caves and rivers and verdant plateaus. The Viñales Valley and Las Terrazas are both found here, easily accessible from Havana and perfect for some relaxation after the bustle of Havana. This area produces the best tobacco in Cuba, some say in the world.

Viñales

Just a couple of hours drive from Havana, the countryside around Viñales is spectacular. There are caves to visit with an underground river system, and horseriding and birdwatching excursions available. Viñales itself is a small, friendly place and worth the walk into town. You can hire a car, or preferably a bicycle, for a scenic trip around the area to try out the bars and restaurants. Accommodation is less sophisticated than in Havana, all the hotels in this area would be considered 2 to 3 star, but the scenery makes up for this.

3 nights accommodation:

Viñales
CUB15	Los Jazmines	Superb peaceful location, famous for its beautiful views of the valley, this hotel is the only one in the region to afford a panoramic view of the mountains and valleys. On offer there is hiking, walking, horse-riding and bird-watching.	from £82
CUB16	La Ermita	A well-appointed low rise hotel enjoying a good position in the Viñales Valley, it is the sister property of Los Jazmines. As well as a swimming pool the hotel has a tennis court.	from £102
CUB17	Rancho San Vicente	Hotel Rancho San Vicente is located in the San Vicente Valley, a short distance from the Vinales Valley. It has 20 air-conditioned cabanas, a sulphur-water swimming pool with medicinal properties, and is close to some lovely caves and good walks.	from £81

Las Terrazas

Las Terrazas is the best area in Cuba if you enjoy walking and hiking. Situated just outside Havana, this small co-operative village was set up in the 1960s to be self-sufficient. The hotel La Moka promotes ecotourism and is part of a the large eco-projcet that is ongoing in the Las Terrazas community.

You can visit the Soroa waterfall, nearby caves and the town of Viñales from here or simply relax in this beautiful environment.

 

3 nights accommodation:

Las Terrazas
CUB18	Hotel La Moka	An hour's drive from Havana, La Moka is located within the rainforest of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. A charming colonial style white washed-property, this simple but unique hotel overlooks a lake and has an old lime tree growing in the lobby.	from £114
CUB29	Hotel La Soroa	The location of this hotel provides an ideal setting to visit the region, it is close to the River Manantiales with its attractive waterfalls and the mountainous valley of Sierra del Rosario. The accommodation comprises of 80 two-room cottages set in the forest, with swimming pool and three restaurants.	from £RQ

 

Notes:

Prices are per person based on double occupancy, in the low season unless otherwise stated.

The price shown is a guideline only and may change due to variations in the exchange rate or season. Please contact us for an exact quote based on your requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008