How to plan a trip to Viñales?

Not sure where to start planning your trip to Viñales? Don’t worry because we at Passporter are here to help you with all the preparations, from finding the perfect accommodation to the most efficient way to explore this picturesque valley. Throughout this post you’ll find plenty of tips to help you during your stay, including the best time to visit, how to get around the area and the local dishes you need to try.

Good travel planning will enrich your experience as you can spend more time creating the perfect itinerary and find cheaper accommodation and flight tickets. With the Passporter App you can create a detailed travel itinerary and make sure you don’t miss a thing – read on to find out how!

1. Prepare your travel documents for Viñales

The first step in planning your trip to Viñales is to check what travel documents you will need. In the case of Cuba, you’ll need to apply for a visa, which you can apply for online or in person at the embassy or consulate. You can also apply for a visa through a travel agency or from some US airlines.

The price varies depending on where you apply. For example, it costs €35 online for European citizens, while for US citizens this figure rises to $103. From the time the visa is granted, it is valid for 6 months, so it is not advisable to apply more than 3 months in advance. This will also depend on how long you want to stay in the country. The tourist visa covers stays of up to 90 days with the possibility of extending it for further 30 days. Here are all the details about visas to Cuba: Travel visas to Cuba: How to obtain a visa to travel to Cuba.

Please note that, while the vast majority of travellers need to apply for a blue visa, those travelling from the US will need to apply for a pink visa. We tell you why in this post: What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?

These are the documents you need to apply for your visa to Cuba:

• Passport: You will need to submit your passport number along with the date of issue and expiry, and origin. It is also necessary to attach a photo of the first page of the passport.
• Personal details: In the application form you will be asked for your first and last name, landline and home phone number, and email address.
• Working details: are not mandatory, but the workplace, telephone, fax and email are also requested.
• Flight details: You must specify the date of the flight, the date of entry into Cuba, the country and airport of embarkment and the airline you are flying with. It is also necessary to attach an image of the return ticket.
• Data relating to the stay: days of stay, place of accommodation, municipality and province. In addition, the hotel reservation must be attached.

Remember that if you are travelling from the United States you must also apply for an authorisation from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. We tell you how to do it in this post: 12 categories of legal travel to Cuba

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Viñales

The best time to visit Viñales is between November and April, when the weather is drier and allows you to stroll through the landscapes and mogotes of the valley. During these months temperatures are generally pleasant and it is not as humid and hot as during the summer. The downside of travelling during this time is that it is the high season, and as a result there can be more crowds and slightly higher prices.

Another highlight of the year when the town transforms is the “Fiesta a la Guayabita del Pinar” in December. On this occasion locals celebrate with traditional Cuban music, dancing and tastings of the local liquor made from guavas. The only thing is, if you decide to travel during these months you may encounter a lot of tourists.

3. Find out how to get to Viñales

If you are travelling from abroad, before arriving in Viñales you will have to go through José Martí International Airport, from where you can choose between several options to get to your final destination:

• Car: Renting a car is a flexible option that allows you to explore at your own pace. Companies such as Cubacar and Enjoy Cuba Travel offer rental services at an economical price.
• Bus: Viazul offers direct routes from Havana to Viñales. It’s an economical and popular option for tourists.
• By collective taxi: you can share a taxi from Havana. It’s faster than the bus and relatively inexpensive, ideal if you’re looking for comfort without paying the full price of a private taxi. You’ll have to negotiate the price, but it won’t cost more than €20 per person. We used this option to get around Cuba and found it very comfortable and economical.
• Excursions: several agencies in Havana offer daily excursions including transport and tours of Viñales. You can also arrange this through your hotel.

To get around Viñales these are the options:

• Bike or scooter hire: you can hire bikes or scooters to explore the valley at your own pace. Prices vary but are generally affordable.
• Taxis and car hire: available for longer journeys or if you prefer not to rely on public transport.
• On foot: Viñales is small and walkable, many of the attractions are close to each other.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Viñales

The relaxed atmosphere of the town and the proximity of all its attractions make it possible to stay in almost any corner of the town. A curious thing is that as there are hardly any hotels, you’ll have to stay in private homes where you can experience local life at first hand.

Best areas to stay in Viñales:

• Central Viñales: ideal for those who want to be close to restaurants and cultural life. Mostly private houses and the only main hotel, the Hotel Central Viñales. It is practical but can be a bit more expensive due to its convenience.
• Barrio de los Jazmines: this is located a little further from the centre, but offers spectacular views of the valley. Hotels here tend to have more amenities, such as swimming pools and panoramic views, and are a little more expensive, but offer a quiet, relaxing environment.
• Quadrant Quarter: This area is ideal for travellers seeking peace and quiet without being too far from the centre. Accommodation options here are more affordable and are famous for their authentic and welcoming atmosphere.
• Barrio de La Ermita: known for its stunning valley views and serenity, it is perfect for those who prefer a more natural and peaceful environment. Here you will find some accommodation with excellent facilities at moderate prices.

5. Where and what to eat in Viñales Cuba?

The gastronomy of Viñales is distinguished by its simplicity and authenticity, and reflects the agricultural life of the region. Some of the most typical ingredients are cassava and malanga, fresh vegetables from local gardens, pork and chicken. They are combined in different ways and seasoned with herbs and spices to create a variety of delicious dishes.

Here’s a list of some of the dishes we enjoyed the most during our stay in Viñales:

1. Yucca with mojo: cooked cassava served with a garlic and lemon mojo.
2. Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef cooked in a tomato and spice sauce.
3. Rice with chicken: a staple dish on any Cuban table, made with rice, chicken and vegetables.
4. Roast suckling pig: pork marinated and slowly roasted until tender and juicy.
5. Tostones: Fried and smashed green plantains, a popular and crunchy side dish.

In Viñales, Guarapo, freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, is a refreshing and energising drink popular with locals and visitors alike. It is consumed especially during the sugar cane harvesting season.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Viñales Cuba

Viñales, with its spectacular landscape of valleys and mogotes, is a destination where we recommend you spend two or three days to explore comfortably. This peaceful village offers a unique experience of rural Cuban life and outdoor activities that capture the essence of the insular Caribbean.

In this post you can read more in detail about Viñales: Things to do in Viñales Cuba. But if you can’t wait any longer, here’s a quick way to start planning your trip today with the Passporter App:

1. Valley of Viñales: is famous for its unique hummock formations and green landscape, ideal for hiking tours.
2. Mural of Prehistory: a huge mural painting on a mogote depicting evolution.
3. Cueva del Indio: this is an underground river that can be explored by boat inside a natural cave. Price: 5 CUC.
4. Palenque de los Cimarrones: is a historical site depicting the life of runaway slaves. It includes a cave and a cultural representation. Price: 5 CUC.
5. Botanical Garden of Viñales: a small family garden with a variety of medicinal and tropical plants. Entrance by donation.
6. Finca Agroecológica El Paraíso: an organic farm offering tours and a chance to sample fresh local foods.
7. San Miguel Cave: a historic site with a bar inside the cave, used as a hideout by the Maroons. Price: 1 CUC.
8. Casa del Veguero: museum where you can learn tobacco growing techniques and see a plantation.
9. Mirador de Los Jazmines: offers panoramic views of the Viñales Valley, ideal for sunrise photos.
10. Canopy Tour Viñales: zip-line adventure over the valley, an exciting and different experience. Price: approximately 10 CUC.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Viñales

Have you ever travelled with friends? Then you’re probably familiar with the typical conflicts that can arise over money, each other’s interests and schedules. On top of that, there are the pre-travel challenges, such as finding a date you can all agree on, agreeing on the destination or organising the travel itinerary. Luckily, there are tools like the Passporter app that make it easier to organise your trip.

Download the Passporter App and start organising trips with your friends together today. Create an itinerary for Viñales, invite your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create your ideal tour together. You can also share your experience through the pictures you take during the trip. To help you even more, we have prepared an article with useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Viñales

• To travel to Cuba it is necessary to apply for a visa, which can be processed online: Cuba travel visas: How to obtain a visa to travel to Cuba?
• Remember that if you are travelling from the United States you will need to apply for a different visa and travel authorization What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?
• The currency used in Cuba is the Cuban peso.
• Although Spanish is the predominant language, English is also widely understood.
• It is advisable to carry a first-aid kit with essential medicines, due to possible shortages in pharmacies.
• Remember that credit and debit cards issued by US banks are not accepted in Cuba; therefore, it is necessary to carry cash to exchange it into local currency.
• Be covered for medical emergencies with compulsory travel insurance. Choose a good travel insurance, for example, Mondo.
• To avoid health problems, drink only bottled water and avoid ice.
• Sun protection is a must, along with appropriate clothing for the heat that also protects you from sun exposure, and staying well hydrated is vital.
• Keep your travel documents accessible at all times.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Viñales Cuba

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Viñales Cuba.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Viñales Cuba