Small, really cute and very famous. Vinales is a small, charming village near the coast of Cuba. Despite it’s size there is a lot to see, which is making Vinales quite touristy. Firstly, there is the famous rock of Vinales. You can also go on cigar tour, ride horses through the countryside, take a day trip to Cayo Jutias and much more.
Accordingly, almost all the houses in Vinales are Casas Particulares – Cuban Airbnbs. As the tourist flow is naturally quite high, they hence are relatively expensive. Funnily, the bus to Vinales also costs quite a lot of money which is why I travelled there by taxi colectivo. That cost me like half or even a third of the bus price. Concerning supermarkets or stuff like that… Since you usually can’t cook in Casas Particulares, just go out to eat. There are inexpensive and very tasty options. You could also ask at your Casa Particular and they might make you food, but it will be more expensive and very probably less good than going out. Just being honest.

Otherwise, Vinales itself is really small, quite pretty in the centre and totally cute. And apart from that it’s simply a village. Accordingly you are incredibly quick ‘outside’ civilization and seeing nothing but nature. Apart from that it’s pretty easy to walk to the viewpoint of the famous rock. The cigar tour and stuff you gotta book and to get to Cayo Jutias you have to find a driver and then negotiate the price. Because there are no buses to Cayo Jutias. It’s quite far off the beaten track and in Cuba most transport is by taxi colectivos (for the locals as well)

Go or not? Definitely yes. Vinales is far away and you have to watch your expenses if you want to keep it cheap, but Vinales is just really cute and the rock is really great. And frankly, I liked Vinales a lot. Despite the fact that it’s touri-zone.