The province of Pinar del Rio was barely touch by the wars of the past two centuries. Until the Triumph of the Revolution its rural life continued much as it had done since the 17th century. Its countryside is the image of picture postcards. Its agriculture and industry are based on growing the best tobacco leaves in the world, and, from them, making the best cigars. With the Revolution came schools, hospitals, and better living conditions for the rural people. But you still see those efficient buffalos pulling a plough on the tiny, highly productive farms, cowboys rounding up sheep, and cows tethered in the lush grass of the roadsides.
Join us for a relaxing visit to this delightful province.
Soroa and Las Terrazas
Set in the foothills of the Sierra Rosario, Soroa is the home to Cuba’s largest and most interesting orchid collection. Join us to tour this collection and the behind the scenes propagation and hybridizing.
Las Terrazas was one of the first projects of the Revolutionary government. It was designed to provide housing, education, and social services to people living in the mountains. The development is home to many artists who open their homes and studios to visitors.
Preserving Heritage Fruit
Discover the amazing variety of tropical fruit available in Cuba. Life is more than mangos. In the nursery of this hilltop organic farm there are varieties long forgotten, and varieties which are suddenly in all the health magazines. Take a tour of the nursery, and then enjoy the products of the farm for lunch. Let us know if you would like to explore this subject in more depth – propagation, preservation, natural health care.
Vinales and the Migotes
Mountain walk
This hike of about 8 kms takes you off the beaten tourist track to seldom visited limestone caves with deep pools and the stalagtites and stalagmites of eons. Lunch at a mountain farm with time to enjoy a visit with the farmer, a walk around his mixed farm of vegetables, root crops, animals and tobacco. The old ways with tobacco are still practiced in these hills.
Migotes
The Pinar del Rio of the postcards is located in the Valley of Vinales. Strange limestone outcrops dominate the landscape, create mysterious canyons with immense trees, and windblown hills. The isolation of the migotes has developed micro-worlds with individual migotes having unique flora and fauna.
(If you wish to climb one of the migotes, please advise us well in advance – this is for experienced climbers only – permission and a guide are required)
Special Request – the Pennisular of the Guanahacabibes
The rocky termination of Western Cuba. the Pennisular of the Guanahacabibes, is named for the most ancient of the aboriginal tribes which came to Cuba from the northern continent. Home to many endemic and visiting birds, unique animals and plants, hiking in this remote and fragile area requires special permission for visitors. Snorkeling and dive packages are available at two hotels.