Vinales Landmarks and Monuments

(Vinales, Pinar del Rio, Cuba)

The Vinales Valley is chock full of magnificent landmarks, and all of them are natural. This scenic farming valley was declared a National Natural Monument by Cuba in the 1970s, and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1999.

It is an extraordinary example of a karst valley, with dozens of stately eroded limestone structures rising from the flat valley floor. With the Sierra de los Organos mountain range in the background, the sights and wonders around the Vinales Valley are truly impressive to behold.

Vinales Valley

Address: Vinales Valley, Cuba, CU
The entire 132-square kilometre / 51-square-mile valley surrounding the town is dotted with dramatic stone karsts called 'mogotes' that stick out of the valley floor. Add to this a dozen or so extensive cave systems and you've got the makings of a true national monument. The Cuban government thinks so, as does UNESCO. Many visitors come to the Valle de Vinales exclusively to explore the natural attractions on offer. Be sure to bring your camera, and possibly a pair of binoculars.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Mogotes

Address: Vinales, Cuba, CU
The trademark image of Vinales are the karst formations known as 'mogotes', and these litter the valley. Formed after literally millions of years of erosion, these rounded limestone monoliths were once part of the Sierra de los Organos mountains that still ring the area. The mogotes stand as high as 300 metres / 985 feet and have a girth anywhere from a few hundred yards to 2 km / 1.5 miles in diameter. Although most visitors are content to simply gawk at them and take photos, climbing these karsts has emerged as a hot new sport in town.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free