Tuesday, November 19, 2019

A few days in Vinales

We headed to the Western end of the island and the quaint village of Vinales. Soon out of Havana we stopped at the seaside village of Jaimanitas made famous for its Gaudi like buildings and decorative features. The "artist" is Jose Fuster. Gaudi or gaudy? See the photos and decide!







                                       Gail deciding. Like Sid Burton on steroids!!

We drove a long way that day with a stop at a tobacco farm that was one of the best in Cuba! We had lunch and a cigar making demo but had to abandon the visit due to heavy rain.


                                                  We did not inhale! Others did!

We eventually reached the viewpoint over the valley where  Vinales sits. It has UNESCO World Heritage listing.


                                                           The Central Valley.

The village seems to be a place to "drop out" for a few days and has some nice small restaurants and if you are lucky they have white wine to coincide with your visit. The next morning we set off on a long hike in the " National Park"...it was the rural outskirts of the town and farmland and not virgin forest!


                                         Gail fresh for the hike. Just one "mountain" to cross.


                                     With the heritage listing no metal roof is allowed..all palm thatch.


We stopped at a small scale coffee farm. A very strong brew! Crossed one steep rough section and we were in a quiet central valley.


                The old farmer came down to greet us and gave us bananas. Extra for the "mangos."


                                                              Great views!


Back in town we rested and walked up to the main square for lunch. In the afternoon we headed out again.


We visited the Great Prehistory wall painted  in the 1960's under Castro's direction. It is on the list of the Worlds Tackiest sites.


We visited a large cave complex and walked through until we came to the river and exited by boat. Interesting but not in pristine condition!


                                                                        The exit.

On our tobacco farm visit we missed the drying sheds so stopped at one on the way back. This one was organic..think this means that you die from them more slowly!


                  It was sunset and the end of our visit to Vinales. Had another enjoyable dinner.


3 comments:

Miss Di said...

So the Great Prehistory Wall is now on my bucket list, is this wrong?

Amanda said...

Yeah I need to immediately find out more about this prehistory wall😂

gailandrob said...

Yes Di it is wrong!