The World of Tobacco

The famous American writer Mark Twain once said: "If I can't smoke cigars in heaven, I'm not going". That special a pleasure smoking a cigar is. The elaboration of the best cigars is a complex process that begins in the region of Vueltabajo, the land of the best tobacco in the world. Today you will visit that blessed land and will learn from the experts how to roll a good puro. Early in the morning, depart from Havana to Finca Quemado del Rubi, owned by Hector Luis and considered one of the top three tobacco farms in Cuba. Still very young, Mr. Luis’ outstanding production won him the prestigious Hombre Habano award. Depending on the season, you will be able to appreciate some of the various stages the plant goes thorugh: growing, harvest or drying. Also, you will learn about the different types of leaves and cigars. Continue to Pinar del Rio city to visit a cigar factory where dozens of torcedores artfully mix multiple layers of leaves to produce the Habanos. Next, head for Viñales to appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes in Cuba. Stop at the lookout point of the Hotel Los Jazmines for a spectacular view of the typical Mogotes, limestone outcrops that are home to endemic species, caves and underground rivers. Appreciate this unique natural scenery form another angle during your lunch at La Finca Agroecologica. A sustainable project turned into a restaurant, here you can enjoy typical Cuban dishes made with excellent organic products. Relax rocking on a hammock while indulging your sight with the view of the Valley of Silence. After a short tour of the town of Viñales, return to Havana.

Important: Tobacco factories are closed to regular visitors on holidays, weekends, during company holidays, and during the tobacco festival. Sometimes they are also closed on other days without prior notice. Caribbean Tours AG cannot guarantee that a factory is open. In the event of a closure, we will do our best to offer you an alternative program.

• Start: Accommodation in Havana
• End of excursion: Accommodation in Havana
• Minimum number of participants: 1 person
• Maximum number of participants: 10 persons
• Departure time: 8.30 am
• Return time: about 4.30 pm
• Duration: about 8 h
• Departure days: Monday to Friday
• Bookings: Bookings possible up to 72 hours of the arrival

• Day trip according to programme
• Travel from / to the hotel by taxi / minivan / minibus with driver
• Local English-speaking guide
• Visit to the Quemado del Rubí Farm
• Visit to a tobacco factory
• Lunch at an agroecological farm
• Visit to the Mirador de los Jazmines

• All not specifically mentioned services
• Personal expenses and tips