Vinales and the Sierra de los Organos: Cycling in the Vinales valley

Adrian, our guide was amazing, and took us to all the non tourist places....On the bike tour our highlights were, 1)speaking to an employee on a co-operative farm about boxing and growing organic food - we could have spent all day talking to him, but he had to get on with his work; 2) stopping at the home of a farmer and having the most delicious pineapple we have ever tasted, and then being given a cup of cold coffee made from his homegrown coffee beans.  He was also one of the loveliest people I have met; 3) speaking to a farmer who was digging up Yuca (hope I have spelt this right) who asked me how much my running shoes cost, and when telling him he pointed to his shoes which were falling apart - this was very sad, as indeed were other encounters with poor Cuban people.  I just wished I had bought some of my old running shoes out with me to give to them. 

Arturo was terrific. Took us off the beaten track. Didn't expect too much of us.

I found cycling quite difficult but our guide was extremely patient with me and tailored the route somewhat to accommodate me ! A lovely morning.

Despite the high temperatures which made cycling quite hard, we really enjoyed he opportunity to explore this beautiful region. Boat trip through the caves was fun ,as was the opportunity to see a farmer making a cigar.

These two guys were great and the tour just right through fabulously beautiful scenery.