Viñales Valley
Listed under Natural World in Pinar del Río, Cuba.
This valley is lush land sunk below islands of limestone outcrops. The rich soil of the valley and the hillsides have long supported tobacco farms and fruit and vegetable crops. These days as well as the farmers this region is very popular with hikers and rock climbers who come for the limestone and rich green views from the top of the 'islands' which are grown over with some unusual endemic palms and other plants.
As well as the tobacco fields and traditional rural landscape there are more formal man made attractions: the Museo Municipal, Museo Paleontologico and a botanical gardens. The cave system below the valley was used by slaves, so is a natural wonder altered by man. The Cueva del Indio Cueva de Jose Miguel and Cueva de Santo Tomas are the best known, but there's also a local cave which doubles as a night club.
Written by 
Emilie Stokes.
Other expert and press reviews
“Viñales Valley”
'The Viñales valley is encircled by mountains and its landscape is interspersed with dramatic rocky outcrops. Traditional techniques are still in use for agricultural production, particularly of tobacco. The quality of this cultural landscape is enhance… Read more...
Written by press. UNESCO
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