Home
Cuba
PLAN MY VISIT
Cuba Destinations HotelsThings to do Transport Maps Vacations Team
  • Top Destinations
PLAN MY VISIT →
  1. Home
  2. Cuba
  3. Destinations
  4. Western Cuba

Western Cuba, Cuba

Dramatic landscapes, tobacco fields, and white-sand beaches are what travelers have to look forward to in Western Cuba. It’s a lovely and important area, and one that you’ll want to include on your trip to this island. The beautiful town of Viñales is worth spending a few days exploring, and if you’re a diver, you’ll want to look into the coral walls and shipwrecks around María la Gorda.

Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
Western Cuba Cuba
←→

The small, quaint town of Viñales is found within Cuba’s most scenic valley. Huge, rounded mountains known as mogotes rise up from the valley floor—these mountains are the remnants of a limestone plateau that existed here about 160 millions years ago. The town of Viñales is pleasant and cheerful, with a number of local accommodation options and a few tasty restaurants. Caves are plentiful in the nearby area, and there are several that can be explored, including Portals Cave, which was Che Guevara’s secret hideout during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Horseback rides through the Viñales countryside are popular, and the coming years may see an explosion of rock climbing here too—the mogotes have top-notch routes that are begging to be mapped by professional climbers.

Locals walk, bicycle, and ride horses along the country roads that link tobacco and corn farms to the town. The province of Pinar del Río, and more specifically the region of Vuelta Abajo, grows some of the world’s top tobacco. The climate and reddish, nutrient-dense soil creates ideal growing conditions for this plant. While driving through the countryside in Western Cuba, you’ll see farmers working in fields of waist-high tobacco plants. A-frame barns border the farms, and are used to dry and cure the tobacco before it’s sent off for processing. Tobacco plantations can be visited in the Valle de Viñales or in Vuelta Abajo around the small town of San Luis. In fact, one of the world’s most famous tobacco farms is found here—Finca El Pinar Robaina has been in continuous operation since 1845, and is globally renowned for its high-quality tobacco.

The northwestern coast of Cuba is home to a few islands that will interest travelers, including Cayo Levisa and Cayo Jutías. Cayo Levisa is a small and lovely island with only one hotel. It has powdery, white-sand beaches and excellent diving options nearby. It’s a nice place to unwind for a night or two, or else visit on a day trip while staying in Viñales. Cayo Jutías attracts a more local crowd, but has an equally beautiful beach and swimming area. Do note that the southwestern coast of Cuba is full of swamps and should be avoided.

The small communities of Las Terrazas and Soroa provide ecotourism opportunities close to Havana. Less than an hour from the capital city, these communities boast hiking trails, natural swimming pools, an orchid garden, and Cuba’s only zip-line. Las Terrazas is a “model village” that was created in post-revolution Cuba and was part of a large-scale rural development program. The whitewashed concrete buildings stand in stark contrast to the forested mountains that surround them—a fascinating intersection between early communist projects and modern ecotourism efforts in Cuba.

The westernmost tip of Cuba is home to the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park and the beach of María la Gorda. The secluded, white-sand beach at María la Gorda borders some of Cuba’s top dive sites—there are opportunities to dive amidst coral walls and sunken Spanish ships, and whale sharks have been seen here on several occasions. María la Gorda is a good option for travelers who are looking for a secluded, beachside experience. What’s more, other parts of this national park have fine birding opportunities.

Personalized Trips for Western Cuba, Cuba

Learning About Historical Havana, Cuba
Cuba
Learning About Historical Havana

Customer Reviewed We had a wonderful five days soaking in the classical vibe of Old Havana. From informative tours to unforgettable experiences (dancing with the locals), we’ll be back for more!

6 days $View Trip
Charming Cuba—History and Nature, Cuba
Cuba
Charming Cuba—History and Nature

Customer Reviewed The people that hosted us and the transportation was great — always on time. Appreciated the Viñales experience and learning not only about agriculture, but also tobacco and meeting locals along the route.

6 days $$View Trip
A Quick Havana Getaway, Cuba
Cuba
A Quick Havana Getaway

Customer Reviewed Havana was wonderful. Our 5-day quick getaway includes a thorough introduction to Cuba’s architecture and culture. We also loved the trip to Varadero to experience the beautiful coastline!

5 days $$View Trip
In Search of The Lost Mojitos, Cuba
Cuba
In Search of The Lost Mojitos

Expert Choice Make the most of your vacation — get the sun, fun, and culture you seek on this amazing Cuban adventure through Havana, Varadero, and more.

7 days $$$View Trip
An Excellent Intro to Cuba, Cuba
Cuba
An Excellent Intro to Cuba

Customer Reviewed Our Cuba trip was excellent. During our trip we were met at the appointed times and all the tours were just as described and proved to be very interesting and joyful.

10 days $View Trip
See More Trips

Where to go in Western Cuba, Cuba

Viñales, CubaViñales, Cuba
Cayo Levisa, CubaCayo Levisa, Cuba
Isla de la Juventud, CubaIsla de la Juventud, Cuba
María La Gorda, CubaMaría La Gorda, Cuba
Las Terrazas & Soroa, CubaLas Terrazas & Soroa, Cuba
Matanzas, CubaMatanzas, Cuba
Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park, CubaGuanahacabibes Peninsula National Park, Cuba
Indian Cave, CubaIndian Cave, Cuba
El Pinar Robaina Tobacco Farm, CubaEl Pinar Robaina Tobacco Farm, Cuba
←→

Key Destinations

MatanzasViñales
Excellent!
Trustpilot Rating
Based on 705 reviews
Trustpilot
Great Service!
We had a great experience with Anywhere Cuba. They really made our trip comfortable and were 100% available and collabor...
Feb 04, 2020
– Daniela R.
Trustpilot Rating
Another great trip
As usual, Anywhere provided a great and professional service both before and during our trip. Thanks!
Sep 06, 2019
– Sadie
Trustpilot Rating
Book with Anywhere! Easiest decision you'll have to make
Booking with Anywhere was the best decision we made. Our trip was absolutely amazing, everything we wanted, plus everyth...
Apr 26, 2019
– Stephanie
Trustpilot Rating
This service is outstanding
This service is outstanding. We had changes to be made, and they were done so with ease. All of the excursions and dri...
Mar 23, 2019
– Linda A
Trustpilot Rating
This was our third time using Anywhere…
This was our third time using Anywhere to help us create an adventure (Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba). As with our first two ...
Mar 15, 2019
– Brent Pat.
Trustpilot Rating
Great service that caters to the…
Great service that caters to the desires and wishes of their clients. We had the best vacation ever with this visit. Any...
Mar 07, 2019
– Bill
Trustpilot Rating
The Hidden Treasure of Travel Agency ( that shouldn't be anymore )!
Super pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable staff! We plan to have them coordinate our next trips to the areas they ser...
Feb 15, 2019
– Mari
Trustpilot Rating
Best vacation of my life
Best vacation of my life! I told them the type of vacation and experiences I wanted and they somehow found the most perf...
Feb 08, 2019
– Lisa
Trustpilot Rating
Our First trip to Cuba
We had our first trip to Cuba in January. Juan and Daniel helped us plan the trip accommodating what we were most intere...
Jan 29, 2019
– Abby Elle.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere.com is the best.
I would recommend Anywhere.com to anyone who is looking to travel to the destinations that they coordinate. I have been ...
Dec 17, 2018
– Robert
Trustpilot Rating
Great Experience in Cuba!
Initially was very hesitant to book with Anywhere since they are a smaller company but they really went above and beyond...
Nov 06, 2018
– Nina
Trustpilot Rating
Great Customer Service
We have now used the services of anwhere.com for trips to Cuba and Peru. I cannot endorse them strongly enough. Our expe...
Nov 01, 2018
– Peter Tes.
Trustpilot Rating
Anywhere exceeded all expectations
Anywhere exceeded all expectations. Schedules were kept, accommodations were excellent and tours were very high quality....
Apr 25, 2018
– David Bet.
Trustpilot Rating

Let's Dream Together

Share your bucketlist to get inspiration and local connections.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy.

Cuba Vacations
  • Beach
  • Culture
  • History
  • Romantic
Cuba Travel
  • Places to go
  • Things to do
  • Hotels
  • Maps
  • Getting around
  • Safety
ANYWHERE'S TOP SPOTS
  • Costa Rica
  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
  • Costa Rica Beaches
  • Machu Picchu, Peru
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Galapgos, Ecuador
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Ambergris Caye, Belize
  • Gladden Spit and Silk Caye, Belize
GET INSPIRED!
  • Our Safest Pick!
  • Family Vacations Made Easy
  • Best Tropical Beaches
  • Best Islands
  • Best Hot Springs
  • Cloudforests & Rainforests
  • Get into Nature
  • Mystical Destinations
  • Best Swimming Holes
  • Best Ruins
Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service
Trustpilot "Excellent"
Plan My Visit→+1 (888) 456-3212
MessengerContact AnywhereWhatsapp ContactCall USA: +1-888-456-3212

© 2023 Anywhere Inc. All rights reserved.Privacy Policy