Viñales Geopark launches website on Cuban geological heritage

The Viñales Geopark launched a website to showcase the geological heritage of one of Cuba’s most beautiful areas, as reported on social media by the Ministry of Tourism’s delegation in the province of Pinar del Río.

During a scientific event, organized by the institution to celebrate the anniversary of Viñales’ designation as Cuba’s first geopark, entrepreneurs and students gathered and enjoyed the launch of the website https://geoparquevinales.minem.cu/.

The Geopark seal was also awarded to those who have contributed to this project, and the creativity and knowledge of geodiversity demonstrated by children who participated in a photographic expedition as part of the event were recognized.

Viñales was Cuba’s first geopark, established on November 1, 2021. Its territory encompasses areas of the municipalities of Viñales and Minas de Matahambre; it is notable for its remarkable geological heritage, which includes internationally significant geosites, karst formations, cave systems and Jurassic fossil records. It also promotes geotourism, geoconservation and geoeducation.

The first recorded attempt to create an International Geological Park in Cuba dates back to 1954, when Dr. Carlos Rodríguez Casals proposed a project of this kind in Pinar del Río, according to the newly launched website.

The proposed park would extend across the Guaniguanico region, along a 100-km line, from Punta de la Sierra in Guane to San Diego de los Baños, encompassing the entire Viñales Valley and its surrounding areas. The purpose was to promote scientific research and the development of tourism in the region.

The Viñales Valley is one of the best-known and most visited tourist destinations in Cuba.