Parque Nacional de Viñales

Nestled in the heart of Cuba’s Viñales Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. As Nicolò Balini puts it, “This valley is stunning, with unique mountains.” The park’s signature mogotes—limestone formations softened by time—create a dramatic backdrop for horseback riding, which he describes as “an incredible experience.” While not a restaurant, the valley’s rustic paladares and tobacco farms nearby serve as natural stops for a taste of local life.

Beyond the views, the park’s appeal lies in its raw authenticity. There are no polished dining rooms here, but the spirit of Cuban hospitality is palpable in the smoke-cured pork and freshly pressed sugar-cane juice sold from roadside stands. Balini’s deep dive into a country under embargo for 64 years reveals a place where the land itself is the main attraction—and any meal is simply an extension of that immersion. For a true Viñales experience, bring an appetite for both scenery and simplicity.