Naturalists will love this westernmost part of the country. Two UNESCO biosphere reserves protect some of the country's loveliest landscapes, including parts of the 175m-long Cordillera de Guaniguanico, a hiker's paradise. The province's limestone bedrock has been carved into the surreal and beautiful pincushion hills for which Vi?ales is famous, while the entire area is riddled with caves carved by underground rivers, some of which make for great diving. If you'd rather scuba through saltwater, however, María la Gorda boasts some of the finest underwater scenery in the Caribbean.

After a few days of exerting yourself, soothe your sore muscles at San Diego de los Ba?os, a century-old Spanish spa and natural hot spring. After a relaxing soak, you'll want to sample the province's pride and joy: The finest cigar tobacco in Cuba, hence the world, is grown right here in Pinar del Río with the sort of love and attention most people reserve for their own children.

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