Day 2: Travel today to Viñales. Enjoy lunch upon arrival and then visit a tobacco farm. Explore area geology with Dr. Manuel Itturalde. Later in the day, check-in at the hotel or casa and have some time to freshen up. In the evening enjoy spectacular views of the valley at dinner.

Day 3: Start the day with a visit to the Geopark Visitors Center followed by exploration of geological sites in the Viñales and San Vicente valleys and the Alturas de Pizarra del Norte. Sites of interest include outcrops of the Jurassic, Cretaceous rocks of Pangea and proto Caribbean seaway and karst landscape. Enjoy lunch at Agro Ecológico in the hills surrounding Viñales. Arrive early to meet the owners and learn how they juggle family, the farm, a paladar operation, and life in Cuba, and then savor the dishes made with the farm’s fresh produce. After lunch, visit Viñales´s Stonehenge and Cretaceous-Tertiarybolide impact deposits above Cretaceous limestones. The final stop will be Moncada Town and the monument to the local farmer´s Guerrilla Los Malagones. Return to the accommodations and have time to freshen up before heading out to dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: This morning, depart for the Zapata Peninsula stopping at René Dopico´s farm land at El Cuajaní valley en route. This site offers fossil-bearing Late Jurassic limestone, including an Icthyosaur skeleton in a cave. Enjoy lunch before arriving in Playa Larga. Spend time exploring coastal geomorphological features before dinner.

Day 5: After breakfast visit Casa Ana to look for the endemic Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world. Head east to view Pleistocene rocks, karst and storm boulders along the roadway. Visit Cueva de los Peces a 70 meter deep cenote (sink hole) that connects to the ocean through underground channels. Optional snorkeling is available in the cenote or nearby ocean. Snorkeling in the ocean offers crystal clear waters full of tropical fish and coral. After lunch at Cueva de los Peces, visit the Bay of Pigs Museum to learn about the famous events of the 1961 invasion. The last stop of the day will be at Korimakao project in the town of Palpite to learn about their work and interact with the artistic community. Group dinner to follow.

Cuba’s geological landscape offers a captivating blend of diverse features that reflect its complex geological history. One of the most striking features is the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique limestone karst formations called mogotes. These towering limestone hills dot the valley, creating a breathtaking panorama that has captivated visitors for centuries. The valley’s geological wonders also include underground cave systems, such as the Cueva del Indio, where visitors can explore fascinating underground rivers and ancient cave paintings, offering a glimpse into Cuba’s rich prehistoric past.

In addition to the limestone formations of Viñales, Cuba boasts other geological treasures, such as the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park. This vast wetland area is not only a haven for biodiversity but also hides an underground labyrinth of caves and sinkholes, making it a paradise for cave explorers and spelunking enthusiasts. Furthermore, the island’s coastal regions feature stunning cliffs, caves, and coral reefs, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving to discover the vibrant marine life beneath Cuba’s crystal-clear waters.

Moreover, Cuba’s geological history is intertwined with its cultural heritage, as evidenced by the presence of historic sites like the Bay of Pigs. This area, known for its failed invasion attempt in 1961, also boasts geological features such as underwater caves and coral reefs, adding layers of intrigue to its historical significance. Whether exploring the limestone landscapes of Viñales, the wetlands of Ciénaga de Zapata, or the coastal wonders of the Bay of Pigs, Cuba promises an immersive experience that combines geological marvels with rich cultural heritage.