Viñales
Despite its increasing popularity, some of Cuban’s most spectacular parts remain largely undiscovered. With our exclusive Viñales Secret Valley tour, you’ll uncover the secrets of an enchanting destination by horse and will stay overnight in a remote cabin deep into the sub-tropical forest.
| #Days | 1 Person price in CUC | 2 Persons price in CUC |
|---|---|---|
| 3D2N Viñales Secret Valley Note: Max 2 people! included: 1 night in Viñales, 1 night in Secret Valley, horse, guide, meals excluded: flights, airport taxes, visas, health & travel insurance, tips to local guide, personal expenses | 260 | 390 |
| 4D3N Viñales Secret Valley Note: Max 2 people! included: 1 night in Viñales, 2 nights in Secret Valley, horse, guide, meals excluded: flights, airport taxes, visas, health & travel insurance, tips to local guide, personal expenses | 350 | 520 |
Contact
The Guide
Your guide Osniel is a local cowboy. Known for his warm and fun character, he’s experienced with teaching the basics of horse riding to beginners, and is happy to delve into the finer aspects of Cuban horsemanship for advanced riders.
Itinerary in Nutshell
The morning after your arrival in Viñales, we go straight off-the-beaten-path. Destination: The Secret Cabin, your remote accommodation with pastoral serenity that will make any traveler feel at ease.
While the Viñales Valley is the popular and touristic horse ride area, we will ride through the so-called Secret Valley, which is the lesser known and yet even more impressive valley with its untouched sub-tropical forest and limestone cliffs towering above lush groves.
As we discover hidden paths, explore caves and admire the amazing scenery, we may sporadically meet one of the few local farmers. With their known hospitality, don’t be surprised to get invited for a drink.
At the Secret Cabin, you can enjoy the breathtaking views over the forest, and explore the area. Additionally, with the recommended 4D3N Viñales Secret Valley Tour, you’ll be taught by local farmers how to make cigars and we’ll delve further off-the-beaten path by horse!
Accommodation
What makes our Viñales Tour unique, is the overnight stay at The Secret Cabin! It is remotely located at the heart of a sub-tropical forest. The mindblowing view from the cabin is hard to describe. Although it sells for €89 on Airbnb, we have an exclusive package deal for the same price as the average accommodation in Viñales.
The cabin is unique for its location but basic in facilities. It includes a comfortable double bed, basic bathroom (only cold water), terrace, and a finca that is yours to explore. A perfect place for the outdoor, the off-the-beaten-path adventurer, or the privacy-minded traveller!
Good to Know
Fly to José Martí International Airport in Havana. From Havana, there are several different options to get to Viñales:
1. Take an official private yellow taxi (100-120 CUC) at the airport. This is the easiest, safest and most comfortable option. It is expensive and you should negotiate the price down.
2. Take a shared taxi (20-30 CUC p.p.), which are located near the bus terminals Havana Terminal de Omnibus Nacionales and Terminal Víazul La Habana. Although it is the most popular transport means for budget travellers and usually a great option, please be informed that this is - strictly speaking - not legal in Cuba.
3. Take a bus from Terminal Víazul La Habana. Buy your bus ticket at Viazul (12 - 15 CUC p.p.). You can also reserve a ticket in advance at any other Viazul office in Cuba. Please be informed that we do not assist with booking bus tickets.
4. Only for experienced travellers: the cheapest (2-10 CUC p.p.) and most adventurous way to Viñales is by local truck/bus or a shared taxi to the city of Pinar del Río. From there you can take another local bus/shared taxi to Viñales. This route, mostly used by Cubans, takes more time and can be confusing and a lot less comfortable. But it can be a great experience for adventurous or experienced travellers.
Upon arrival in Viñales please go directly to your homestay Nuevas Aventuras.
This place is marked on Google Maps, so it should be easily found.
When you are standing in the center of the village on the big square with the church, which is where most busses and taxis will stop, go north-east on the main road Salvador Cisnero until you reach a gasoline station. Go straight at the gasoline station (the main road takes a turn towards the left, don't take that road).
Once you passed the gasoline station, take the second road on your right, which is a dirt road. The homestay is located less than 100 meters away. Nuevas Aventuras has no sign yet, but you can look for the house called 'Frankbollan'; they are the next door neighboors.
It will take you about 10 minutes when you start walking from the village center.
Here is a link with walking directions on google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/FMAtXJ4gB
We advice you to visit Cuba with a good travel insurance. In case you do not have one yet, you may want to consider the international travel insurance World Nomads that many backpackers use.
For other frequently asked questions, see our FAQ section to the right.
Viñales Tour Itineraries
This tour is for the open-minded, outdoors traveler only!
Note: Below is the default program that will apply if the weather and road conditions allow. Depending on the conditions, the exact itinerary may be different. For example, if conditions do not allow to ride in the Secret Valley, we may alternatively ride in the Viñales Valley (and sleep in Viñales instead of the Secret Cabin), or go by car to the Secret Cabin as we make stops for drinks, meals and meeting locals. One thing is sure: This is a beautiful adventure with a guide that will do endless efforts to make you leave Viñales with a smile on your face. Therefore, in order to fully enjoy this adventure journey, please come with an open mind and be part of- or appreciative to the creative solutions that may be required when the weather turns against us.
Day 1: Arrival to Viñales (L D)
Included: guide, accommodation, meals as mentioned
excluded: transfer to Vinales
You arrive to the rural village of Viñales by your own means, and check-in at the homestay Nuevas Aventuras where you will be welcomed your guide.
You will get to know the village and watch the sunset over the valley while enjoying the best Cuban food Viñales has to offer.
Day 2: Horse ride in Secret Valley (B L D)
Included: guide, horse, meals as mentioned
We ride by horse straight off-the-beaten-path into Cuba's untamed nature. Destination: The Secret Valley, your remote accommodation with pastoral serenity that will make any traveler feel at ease.
While the Viñales Valley is the popular and touristic horse ride area, we will ride through the so-called Secret Valley, which is the lesser known and yet even more impressive valley with its untouched sub-tropical forest and limestone cliffs towering above lush groves.
As we discover hidden paths, explore caves and admire the amazing scenery, we may sporadically meet one of the few farmers around.
With their known hospitality, you shouldn't be surprised to receive invitations for a drink along the way and be prepared to experience the authentic rural life of a Cuban cowboy.
The Secret Cabin is on a private finca which covers a vast area. Osniel's uncles live here a simple lifestyle and they cultivate both tobacco, rice, yuka and other vegetables. Depending on your desire for interaction, they can show you some beautiful spots in the area or cut you a fresh coconut.
At the Secret Cabin, you can decide yourself what to do. Either enjoy the breathtaking views over the forest, play board games on the balcony with Osniel, explore the finca, or have a chat with the wise uncles.
Day 3: Return to Viñales (B)
Included: guide, horse, meals as mentioned
excluded: transfer from Viñales
Enjoy the picturesque view from your balcony as you have breakfast in this breathtaking place.
In case there is time, you can explore the area for the last time. Then it is time to pack and say goodbye to Osniel's friendly uncles and your new friends as we return to Viñales by horse (depending on the weather conditions or your wishes, we could alternatively take the car).
The program ends here, and you can decide to either spend more time in the village, or continue your journey to your next destination.
Day 1: Arrival to Viñales (L D)
Included: guide, accommodation, meals as mentioned
excluded: transfer to Vinales
You arrive to the rural village of Viñales by your own means, and check-in at the homestay Nuevas Aventuras where you will be welcomed your guide.
You will get to know the village and watch the sunset over the valley while enjoying the best Cuban food Viñales has to offer.
Day 2: Horse ride in Secret Valley (B L D)
Included: guide, horse, meals as mentioned
We ride by horse straight off-the-beaten-path into Cuba's untamed nature. Destination: The Secret Valley, your remote accommodation with pastoral serenity that will make any traveler feel at ease.
While the Viñales Valley is the popular and touristic horse ride area, we will ride through the so-called Secret Valley, which is the lesser known and yet even more impressive valley with its untouched sub-tropical forest and limestone cliffs towering above lush groves.
As we discover hidden paths, explore caves and admire the amazing scenery, we may sporadically meet one of the few farmers around.
With their known hospitality, you shouldn't be surprised to receive invitations for a drink along the way and be prepared to experience the authentic rural life of a Cuban cowboy.
The Secret Cabin is on a private finca which covers a vast area. Osniel's uncles live here a simple lifestyle and they cultivate both tobacco, rice, yuka and other vegetables. Depending on your desire for interaction, they can show you some beautiful spots in the area or cut you a fresh coconut.
At the Secret Cabin, you can decide yourself what to do. Either enjoy the breathtaking views over the forest, play board games on the balcony with Osniel, explore the finca, or have a chat with the wise uncles.
Day 3: Horse ride in Secret Valley (B L D)
Included: guide, horse, meals as mentioned
Enjoy the picturesque view from your balcony as you have breakfast in this breathtaking place.
After breakfast you will learn about the process of making cigars from farmers that do this for decades for private consumption.
Then we continue our horse riding journey further off-the-beaten path into the magnificent valley. The exact direction depends on the weather and your interests. We will explore the hidden paths and get back to the Secret Valley before diner.
Day 4: Return to Viñales (B)
Included: guide, horse, meals as mentioned
excluded: transfer from Viñales
Enjoy for the last time the incredible view from your terrace as you have breakfast. Then it is time to pack and say goodbye to Osniel's friendly uncles and your new friends as we return to Viñales by horse (depending on the weather conditions or your wishes, we could alternatively take the car).
The program ends here, and you can decide to either spend more time in the village, or continue your journey to your next destination.
What’s included?
Included: Accommodation, Guide, Horse, Meals according to itinerary
Excluded: Flights, Transfer to Viñales, Health & Travel insurance, Tips to guide, Personal expenses
What to bring?
Hiking shoes, insect repellent, small backpack, pocket light
