Locale: Viñales is famous for its mogotes, large limestone formations which date back to the Jurassic period. I have seen these rock formations described as a “striking karst landscape” and “a series of tall, rounded hills that rise abruptly from the flat plain of the [Viñales] valley.”
Weather: 80s. Sunny.
Itinerary: West to Viñales and back to Soroa
Overnight: Villa Soroa
Excursions: Early departure at 6 am. Breakfast at Dary y Tuty, birding at Cueva del Indio, visit to family-owned tobacco farm, short tour of Viñales and its market, lunch at organic farm Finca Agroecológica el Paraíso, birding at the town dump, birding at Los Jazmines, birding at shrimp farm, buffet dinner at hotel
Habitats: Forested mogotes. Agricultural land.
Bird Species (partial listing, by family): Ring-Necked Duck (Aythya collaris), Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), Cuban Martin (Progne cryptoleuca), Cuban Solitaire (Myadestes elisabeth), Olive-Capped Warbler (Setophaga pityophilia), Red-Legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus), Western Spindalis (Spindalis zena), Cuban Blackbird (Dives atroviolaceus)
Other Species: Hutia, captive (Capromys pilorides)
Guides and Driver: Angel, David, Liu and Carlos
Observations: This is prime land for growing tobacco; we had an opportunity to buy both cigars and coffee beans (I opted for the coffee).
Our lunch was excellent and quite the feast; it was the only time during the trip when we were allowed to eat fresh vegetables. Concocted of herbs, spices, and rum, the anti-stress drink was uniquely delicious.
We encountered living statues at Los Jazmines lookout.
Reflections: As you all know, I am an animal rights activist in the US, so I asked our guide about cats and dogs in Cuba; he replied that they are not treated very well. We have seen both cats and dogs roaming the streets, and even wandering around the hotel grounds, but these animals are not companions as in the US. Basically, cats and dogs fend for themselves. It horrifies me, but I understand that caring for these animals is not a priority. I’m told that rabies is not a big issue in Cuba, so that’s a blessing. When I get home, I will research how I can help Cuban animal welfare organizations (I know they do exist). Probably providing funds for spay/neuter services for both cats and dogs would be a place to start.
Images:
We are looking at one of the mogotes.
Here is a closer view of the rock structure called a mogote.
This area of Cuba is famous for its tobacco.
We are visiting a family-owned tobacco farm.
This lovely church faces the central plaza in Viñales.
After lunch, I wandered through the restaurant’s vegetable garden.