The Viñales We Mustn’t Lose

Photo feature by Caridad

HAVANA TIMES, Oct. 25 – Viñales Valley is one of the most well-known sites of Cuban geography.  Even before it was declared a Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO, it was one of the places on the island most visited by Cubans and foreigners alike.

Many of these visitors stay at the Los Jazmines Hotel, or in homes rented out in the town of Viñales itself.

But in this area of Pinar del Rio Province there are thousands of roads to travel, thousands of virgin landscapes, all far from the tourist rental cars and offering the chance to discover images unlike what others will find.

You’ll have the possibility of meeting straightforward folks who will offer you a glass of cold water and a little coffee…even if it’s the last cup they have left.  They are a hard working and sincere people.

You may stumble on a horse race or a small herd of ponies running wild – free of human ties.  Silent evenings are accented by the song of some cicada or a hatchling that has still not left its nest.

It is a world to discover behind the touristy images.

Click on the thumbnails to see all the photos in this gallery

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