Pinar del Rio

In contrast to its neighbouring tourist attraction Viñales, Pinar del Rio is not a touristy city.
As such amenities, while available, are more modest than those in cities such as Havana or Cienfuegos. Despite this, Pinar del Rio is a clean, laid-back city in stark contrast to Cuba's other cities.

By bus

• Bus terminal

Viazul has twice daily buses between Havana and Viñales that stop in Pinar del Rio’s bus terminal.
The bus from Havana takes about 3 hours.
There’s one morning bus from Viñales to Trinidad. Be sure to download the schedule from their website in advance.

By train

There is a slow overnight train from Havana on alternate days that arrives very early in the morning; the return train to Havana runs during the day.

• Train station

By taxi

A taxi from Havana starts from 60 CUC.
Shared collectivos are typically waiting in Havana at the Viazul bus stop and are typically 15 CUC per person to either Pinar del Rio, Viñales or Las Terrazas. For the return trip look for taxi touts near the bus terminal.

• Collectivos to Viñales

The city center is easily walkable on foot.

Pinal del Rio is famous for the pillars. Walking through the city, you’ll notice that with only few exceptions, every house has front pillars.

• ParkTrees cover this small stretch of green and benches allow to relax from the otherwise busy city.

There’s a number of supermarkets, e.g.

• Supermarket

• Book shop

There’s also at least two different banks with ATMs on the main street (Marti):

• Canadian bank

• Unnamed bank (green)

The city center (e.g. around the bus station) provides plenty of street food.

• ETECSA officeThere’s usually a very large crowd waiting outside. Wifi is readily available in most public areas, such as parks and squares. Look for open areas, and you'll see large groups on their phones or laptops.

• Don’t miss the national park near Viñales
• Make a brief stop in Las Terazzas before going back to Havana
• Go further east to the Guanahacabibes Peninsula and its national park