Local Guides


  • HOME

  • TOURS
    • Bali
    • Bukit Lawang
    • Flores
    • Tana Toraja
    • Tanjung Puting
    • Persepolis

  • Eco-Blog

  • REFUND POLICY

  • CONTACT

Viñales Tours

>Home / Cuba / Viñales Tours
Vinales_01
Vinales_01
Vinales_09
Vinales_09
Vinales_03
Vinales_03
Vinales_02
Vinales_02
Vinales_04
Vinales_04
Vinales_08
Vinales_08
Vinales_05
Vinales_05
Vinales_06
Vinales_06
Vinales_01
Vinales_09
Vinales_03
Vinales_02
Vinales_04
Vinales_08
Vinales_05
Vinales_06

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.

Viñales Secret Valley Tour Prices
#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
Book Your Tour!
Contact
Address
Local Guides Viñales – Hidden Cabin
walk until the end of the Camilo Cienfuegos street, and turn right at the end.
Telephone
+53-5804 0304

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.

Osniel

Itinerary in Nutshell
NOTE For a more detailed itinerary description, click on the tab “Tour Itineraries” above the image slider on top of this page

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.

Vinales horesback riding

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.

VinalesOsniel

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
NOTE Local Guides has an exclusive package deal with The Secret Cabin
Vinales Secret Cabin

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.

Vinales CabinVinales Cabin

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

How to Get to Viñales?

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.

How to Get to Nuevas Aventuras?

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

Travel Insurance

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.

Book Your Tour

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.

3D2N Viñales Secret Valley Tour

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.

Vinales Village

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.

Vinales horesback riding

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.

Vinales Secret ValleyVinales Cabin

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.

VinalesOsniel

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.

Vinales

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.

Vinales DominoVinales Osniels Uncle

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).

Vinales

The program ends here, and you can decide to either spend more time in the village, or continue your journey to your next destination.

4D3N Viñales Secret Valley Tour

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.

Vinales Village

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.

Vinales horesback riding

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.

Vinales Secret ValleyVinales Cabin

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.

VinalesOsniel

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.

Vinales

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.

Vinales DominoVinales Osniels Uncle

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.

Vinales CigarsVinales Cigars

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).

Vinales

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

IDEAL
VISA or MASTERCARD
Submit Booking Request
Complete Pre-Payment

About Us

We are a community of local guides in Indonesia with a passion for the outdoors and our environment. We fight for our rainforests, we support our local communities, and we provide ecotours for local prices to promote responsible travel.

Excellent Service, Incredible Experience.
Excellent Service, Incredible Experience.

The tour was wonderful and well organised by our guide Nur. The residence is a boat known as a klotok. It’s basic sleeping and washing, which is fit for purpose, and makes you feel a lot closer to the jungle. We loved every minute. The food and drinks on board are excellent. The walks though ...

Tanjung Puting

Very Friendly & Helpful Guides
Very Friendly & Helpful Guides

Haben über local guides die klotok Tour gebucht. Budi holte uns einen Tag vor Beginn der Tour abends nach einer langen Busfahrt von Makassar in Rantepao ab. Wir besprachen die Tour, aßen lecker zu Abend und er brachte uns in unsere etwas entferntere Unterkunft von Rantepao,was wohl sonst nicht so üblich ist. Eine Unterkunft Nähe ...

Tana Toraja

Best Tour with Local Guides
Best Tour with Local Guides

We had very high expectations of our Tanjung Puting tour, and it still exceeded our expectations! While cruising along the river sekonyer using klotok, we saw many bekantan and birds. The first feeding place there were some orangutans in tanjung harapan station, and then we set out again down the river and staying near the ...

Tanjung Puting

Amazing Trek!
Amazing Trek!

We did a 3 days/2 nights trek with our guide Randy. He was so helpful, was constantly looking for animals and told us everything about the flora and fauna. Also, he was really considerate about if we could keep up. We saw many different animals and beautiful nature. The camps were also really nice, the ...

Bukit Lawang

Excellent Tour
Excellent Tour

This tour was more than we expected ! Beyond imagination…and it is not only about seeing orangutans and other animals. Delicious food, comfortable setting included shower and toilet (!) , fantastic service and endless serenity … I don’t what I like more seeing those beautiful creatures or just be taken away by boat cruise on ...

Tanjung Puting

Leider Viel zu Kurt!
Leider Viel zu Kurt!

Ich habe dort leider nur den 2 Tag und 1 Nacht Trek gemacht, das war viel zu kurz. Edi und seine Mitarbeiter sind alle sehr nett und freundlich. Das ganze Dorf ist es. Es wurde sich einfach um Alles gekümmert und sämtliche Sorgen wurden einen genommen. Die Guides sind sehr bemüht und auch lustig. Man ...

Tana Toraja

BEST TRIP EVER!
BEST TRIP EVER!

This tour was an amazing surprise. Everything was well organised. We booked with the help of local guides and had Nur has guide. The klokok is really nice and peaceful. You sleep in the jungle with these amazing sounds of the animals and the nature. In october there were not so many people so it ...

Tanjung Puting

Just Incredible
Just Incredible

Local-Guides helped us incredibly with all our questions beforehand via email, and always replied promptly, enthusiastically and patiently! We booked through them also a very comfortable (airco, shower) accommodation, beautifully bordering the jungle, for a supergood price. And our guides were spectacular! Firstly, I was positively surprised that despite the good price we had, we ...

Bukit Lawang

Great Experience
Great Experience

3 days 2 nights was the perfect amount of time, spend the days searching for animals and the nights in a shanti camp, eating well prepared meals, with some card trick entertainment. Anytime less than this trekking you get stuck in a bit of a tourist trap at the semi wild orangutans and in season ...

Bukit Lawang

Comfortable private boat tour with family
Comfortable private boat tour with family

Our boat tour in Tanjung Puting with local guides was perhaps the best holiday experience i have ever had in my life. Therefore we decided to do the komodo boat tour also with local guides, and again they were truly amazing. Upon arrival in Labuan Bajo, me and my family were picked up from the ...

Flores

previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best period to visit?

The best period to visit Viñales is during the dry season starting in November until early April. However, this is for the same reason also the most touristic period.

The hottest as well as the wettest period is June until September. Especially in this period you should take into account that the actual program will deviate from the default itinerary.

The hurricane season is in September and October. Tours are still offered if the weather allows, but take into consideration the possibility of flight cancellations as well as deviations from the default itinerary.

What's the program when it rains?

A bit of rain will not change the itinerary noticeably.

During short rain shower we will look for a shelter and then continue the journey.

When there is heavy rain, we could either do a horseride trek in the valley, or alternatively have a tour in Viñales. Although heavy rain is out of our control and considered a force majeur event, the guide will provide a fair discount in case the programme will significantly deviate.

If the weather is good, but the unpaved roads are too muddy for a horse ride, we will take a nice alternative route by car to the Secret Valley with a few interesting stops in between.

Is it an issue that I have no horse riding experience?

No problem at all. Most clients have no or very little experience. The guide will patiently teach you the basics of Cuban horsemanship as you explore this beautiful area.

What time does the tour start/end?

Upon arrival in Viñales you walk to the house Nuevas Aventuras for check-in. As you get yourself prepared, your guide will arrive, show you around in Viñales and go through the itinerary with you for the next days. Breakfast is not included on the first day.

On the last day, the return from the Secret Cabin to Viñales starts in the morning after breakfast. Exact times can be tailored to your schedule, so discuss you own wishes and needs with your guide during the tour.

Should I tip the guide?

Tipping is of course not expected, but it will very much appreciated by the guide.

Some clients insist on getting a rough indication of what are the norms with regard to the amount. Obviously, this depends on how you experienced the service and budget.

However, if we must give a range as indication, then most clients give $5 to $10 for each day of the tour.

Can the luggage be stored anywhere?

For the sake of comfort, you may not want to bring all your luggage to the Secret Valley. In that case, you can just store your luggage at the homestay in Viñales for free and pick it up upon arrival at the end of the tour.

Therefore, it is useful to bring a small backpack to bring the few things that you do need during the horse riding or your stay at the Secret Cabin.

Environmental Blog

Why you shouldn’t visit Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary in Sumatra

Tangkahan is a remote village in Gunung Leuser National Park (Sumatra) and is famous for its elephant sanctuary. The elephants have in the past been used for logging trees. As the logging destroyed the rainforest and triggered stricter environmental regulations, elephant logging became illegal and locals were forced to look for new ways to make […]

What is Ecotourism & Why is it so Important?

Covid-19 Devastates Indonesians in Tourism & How to Help

Why Palm Oil Destroys our Rainforest and Kills Orangutans

Our Tours

  • Bali Day Tours
  • Bukit Lawang Jungle Trekking
  • Flores Komodo & Overland
  • Tana Toraja Funeral & Village Stay
  • Tanjung Puting Orangutans

Latests posts

  • Nature & wildlife experience we never will forget!
  • Can’t recommend enough! Incredible 5D/4N tour
  • Why you shouldn’t visit Tangkahan Elephant Sanctuary in Sumatra
  • What is Ecotourism & Why is it so Important?

Further Info

  • Contact Us
  • Affiliate Login
  • Affiliate Registration

Social Media

  • HOME
  • TOURS
    • Bali
    • Bukit Lawang
    • Flores
    • Tana Toraja
    • Tanjung Puting
    • Persepolis
  • ECO-BLOG
  • REFUND POLICY
  • CONTACT