Extensive cave system lets visitors explore an underground river
Those visiting the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio can briefly go the caveman (or cavewoman) route.
The province, best known for its tobacco production, is also home to la Cueva del Indio, an extensive cave system that visitors will first explore on foot and then by motorboats that travel an underground river.
The cave system, used as an Indigenous dwelling during pre-Columbian times and rediscovered in 1920, has now become a tourist attraction, with visitors able to walk through chambers, some of which have towering ceilings, and view unusual rock formations that are given such names as Pig, Dinosaur and Crocodile because of their supposed resemblance to those creatures.
Those touring the facility will first walk up stone stairs to the system’s narrow entrance, and then descend along an initially narrow passage.
Visitors will walk for some 200 meters, at times finding themselves in broad, high chambers and at other times having to work their way through low, narrow passages that may force them to duck. The final several hundred meters are completed in one of the motorboats that work their way along an underground river.
Different colourations can be seen in cave formations, reflecting the different minerals found in them.
Lessner Gomez, director of the Cuba Tourism Board’s Toronto office, says attractions like la Cueva del Indio underscore that his homeland shouldn’t simply be viewed as a beach destination.
“La Cueva del Indio, located in Cuba’s Viñales Valley, is a remarkable underground attraction that highlights the island’s diverse natural beauty beyond its surface landscapes,” he says. “Visiting La Cueva del Indio demonstrates that Cuba’s attractions are not limited to above-ground scenery like beaches and mountains. Instead, the cave system provides an adventurous experience through exploration, spelunking, and learning about the island’s prehistoric cultures.”
Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen in the illuminated attraction.
The area immediately outside la Cueva del Indio has a restaurant and visitors can also buy souvenirs.
Meanwhile, Gomez says the cave system is a great option for those who enjoy an adrenaline rush during their vacations.
“Its interconnected tunnels and underground rivers make it a thrilling destination for adventure seekers, combining natural wonder with cultural insights,” he says.
The cave is found about 5.5 kms from the town of Vinales, which can easily be visited on day trips from Havana.
