Puerto Esperanza (Cuba)
Puerto Esperanza is a small seaside town in Pinar del Rio Province, just north of Viñales. The beach apparently is not Varadero but it's an authentically relaxed Cuban fishing town with very few foreign tourists.
Understand
Flora and fauna
Lot of chickens scrawl around in the streets. Many other birds flying around, and some livestock and horses can be found in the gardens.
Get in
Take a “machina” before midday from Pinar del Rio town or Vinales for 1-2CUC. It takes about 20-40min from Vinales to get there.
Get around
Within Puerto Esperanza most places are in walking distance but you can get a bici-taxi as well.
See
Jump with the local youth into the cosy warm Caribbean Sea, smoke some tobacco at the harbour while enjoying the sunset. Or dance at the local bar directly at the seaside.
Do
Ask one of the relaxed locals if someone is willing to show its “casa en el campo” where you might get less touristic insights into the tobacco production and agriculture than around Vinales.
- Swimming - Either jump directly from the landing stag into the warm Caribbean sea or ask the locals how to find the nearest beach.
Buy
Local tobaccos directly at the cafeteria in front of the seaside.
Excellent fresh mangos from the local farmers.
There is a bank but no ATM in Viñales. So make sure that you have enough cash with you when you go. If necessary, ATMs can be found in Pinar del Rio or Viñales.
Eat
Most casa particulares offer fresh fish, seafood and especially lobster dishes but are always open for other suggestions. A local chicken or vegetarian dish is always an alternative.
A very good typical Cuban pizza from the wooden oven can be found in the street between the cafeteria at the seaside and the cabanas entrance. If you cannot find it, just ask some locals where you can find THE pizza place. But don't come too late, they are in high demand - occasionally sold out before 2 pm. At the main streets you can find some other restaurants.
Drink
A nice bar/outdoor disco directly at the seaside. As well as a cafeteria which serves rum , of course.
Sleep
As far as in know there are no hotels in Puerto Esperanza but a couple of Casas particulares.
- El pescador - The fisherman, Calle La Marina, No. 6, ☏ +5355460925, siviadys.cuella82@nauta.cu. Check-in: 10, check-out: 16. In Siviadys casa particular (El pescador – the fishermans) it really feels as if I was staying with friends instead of being just a tourist. Great spirit and wonderful familiy made the stay one of my bests in Cuba. Her husband is a fisherman, so fresh fish is always a great option. Ideal for tourists looking for quiet and rest. 10-20 CUC.