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Explorando la provincia
Pinar del Rio is the capital of the province of Pinar del Rio. With a population of 139,336 inhabitants (2004), in a municipality of 190,332, it is the tenth largest city in Cuba. The inhabitants of the area are called “pinareños”.
History
Pinar del Rio was one of the last major cities in Cuba founded by the Spanish on September 10, 1867. The city and province were originally named Nueva Filipinas (New Philippines) due to the influx of Asian workers coming from the Philippines to work in tobacco plantations.
The history of Pinar del Rio begins with the Guanahatabeys, a group of nomadic Indians who lived in caves and obtained most of their sustenance from the sea. Less advanced than the other indigenous groups living on the island, the Guanahatabey were a peaceful and passive race whose culture was more or less independent of the Taíno and Siboney cultures further east. Extinct by the time the Spanish arrived in 1492, there is little first-hand documentation about how the archaic Guanahatabey society was structured and organized, although some archaeological sites have been found on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula.
After Columbus, the conquistadors left the rugged Pinar del Rio largely to its own resources, and the area only developed unrealistically after the Canarians began arriving in the late 16th century. These Canarians became the tobacco cultivators of the region.
Originally named Nueva Filipina, the region was renamed Pinar del Rio in 1778, supposedly because of the pine forests that crowded along the Guama River.
Tobacco plantations and cattle ranches quickly emerged in the rich soil and open pastures that characterize Pinar, and the farmers who made a living with the delicate and well-tended crops were colloquially baptized with the name Guajiros, a native word that literally means “one of us.”
By the mid-19th century, Europeans were hooked on the fragrant herb and the region flourished. Maritime routes were opened and railroads were expanded to facilitate the transport of perishable products. Pinar del Rio is known as the Mecca of Tobacco.
Main Sights
Pinar del Rio is a fascinating region of Cuba. It is located at the western end of the island. There are numerous natural and cultural sites in this region. Three mountain ranges of Cuba, the Sierra del Rosario, the Guaniguanico Range, and the Sierra de los Organos can be found here, not to mention the famous UNESCO World Heritage site – the Valley of Viñales, which is a top tourist destination in the country.
The Guanahacabibes Peninsula is another fantastic natural site in the region, marking the westernmost point of Cuba. Pinar del Rio is also famous for its fantastic diving sites and beaches, including Maria la Gorda and Cayo Levisa. If you want to learn more about the best tourist attractions in Pinar del Rio, read the following guide.
Viñales Valley
The impressive Viñales Valley is one of the main tourist destinations in Cuba. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most outstanding places in the province. If you are interested in traditional agricultural techniques, tobacco (and other crops) plantations, the best place to visit in Cuba is this valley.
The Viñales Valley is very popular among hikers and climbers. In addition, there are numerous and beautiful caves in the area that make the valley even more attractive to tourists. The flora and fauna of the area are also amazing and very attractive to nature lovers.
– Guanahacabibes Península
The westernmost point of Cuba is the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. Part of the peninsula is an important biosphere reserve of Pinar del Rio. The waters surrounding it are important fishing grounds for red snapper and spiny lobster, not to mention the beautiful coral reefs. The protected area of the peninsula is considered one of the largest biosphere reserves in Cuba. The peninsula is one of the best places to visit if you are a birdwatcher. There are dozens of species living here.
– María la Gorda
If you are looking for a good beach and a great place to go diving, María la Gorda is a good choice. It is one of the highlights of Pinar del Rio for tourists. It is located on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. The María la Gorda International Diving Center is very famous among divers who visit the western part of Cuba. In addition to its magnificent diving sites, María la Gorda is very popular for ecotourism.
– Cayo Levisa
Another fantastic tourist attraction in Pinar del Rio is Cayo Levisa. If you are looking for sunny beaches, water sports options, good diving sites, and great accommodation, Cayo Levisa is the perfect destination in the province. This beautiful island will surely make for an unforgettable vacation.
Pinar del Rio City
Main Sights
- Casa de la Cultura Municipal Pedro Junco
- Galería “Arturo Regueiro”
- Museo “Antonio Guiteras”
- Museo “13 de Marzo”
- El Parque de la Independencia
- Fábrica de Guayabita
- El Palacio de Guasch
- Casa de Cultura Pedro Junco
- Teatro José Jacinto Milanés
- Casa del Ron
- Fabrica de tabaco Francisco Donatién
- Centro Provincial de Artes Visuales
House of Rum of Pinar del Rio Cuba
La Casa del Ron is a modern 20th century building. Recently incorporated into the tourist activity, it is possible to taste any of the prestigious brands of Cuban rum. It also offers star products such as coffee, tobacco itself, symbol of the region. Souvenirs born of identity, and a rich catalogue of Cuban music in which groups and famous names are registered.
Francisco Donatién Tobacco Factory
The Francisco Donatien Tobacco Factory is located in one of the busiest areas of the legendary Máximo Gómez Street. This is one of the emblematic constructions of the 9th century Pinar del Río architecture. At the entrance of this construction that seduces everyone by the smell of tobacco leaves, it is possible to find the Estanco l. shop and in front of it the Casa del Habano where the visitor will be able to delight with an assorted register of vitolas of the most recognized brands, at the same time that he will have the occasion to take with him some souvenir or any other object belonging to the universe of tobacco.
José Jacinto Milanese Theatre
On 28 November 1898, it ceased to be called Teatro Lope de Vega and a new History began, that of the Teatro Milanes. The Theatre, where the greatest festivities of the City were held, offers on this day a banquet and dance of honour to the mambises generals Juan Lorente de la Rosa and his companion General Antonio Varona. Don Félix del Pino y Díaz, occupying the turn of speaker in one of the speeches of the official banquet, pointed out that having concluded the war, he would like to call his theater by the name of a Cuban playwright who had always been of his predilection and without more, toasted for the theater that would henceforth bear the name of the matancero poet José Jacinto Milanés.
