This week, two UNESCO specialists have arrived in Viñales Valley, located in Pinar del Río, to determine if the area qualifies for inclusion in the Global Geoparks Network. Their mission, running through Friday, October 10, will assess whether the site meets the necessary criteria.
If successful, Viñales would earn the distinction of being the Caribbean's first UNESCO Global Geopark, a title yet to be awarded within the region.
The evaluators are tasked with examining the preservation of geological heritage, educational and research programs, local community involvement, and sustainable tourism initiatives, as reported by state-run Cuban media.
Representing the Cuban regime in this evaluation is Enrique Castellanos, the General Director of Geology at the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
The bid for Viñales was approved by the Council of Ministers in May 2025, with a formal submission to UNESCO in November of the same year. According to UNESCO's timeline, a final decision from its Executive Board is not expected before the spring of 2028, making this week's evaluation merely an initial step in a lengthy process.
Viñales: A Region of Geological Significance
Viñales boasts several accolades. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site in 1999, became a National Park in 2001, and was recognized as Cuba's first national geopark in 2021.
The area features 57 geosites, ten of which hold international significance, unique karst formations known as mogotes, the island's most extensive caves, and endemic biodiversity that includes traces of Cuba's indigenous peoples.
Tourism Collapse Amid UNESCO Bid
While the Cuban regime seeks international recognition, the stark reality faced by Viñales' residents paints a different picture.
The EFE news agency reported a complete absence of foreign tourists during a visit in early October. Approximately 80% of Viñales' 28,000 inhabitants rely directly or indirectly on tourism, and private businesses have been without income for months.
Lázaro Mena, who runs the private enterprise Mogote Adventure, stated that his business has generated no revenue for over half a year, noting that "Viñales is practically the cheapest destination in all of Cuba."
Elieser Duarte, a former chef turned farmer due to the downturn in tourism, described the situation bluntly: "The working class, like us, who merely earned enough to get by, now have nothing."
The crisis in Viñales is emblematic of the broader collapse of Cuban tourism. Between January and August 2026, only 450,353 international visitors arrived on the island, a 64.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
This decline is compounded by the exit of major Spanish hotel chains—Meliá, Iberostar, and Barceló—which withdrew from Cuba in July 2026 following Trump administration sanctions against companies linked to the military conglomerate GAESA.
Basic Services Struggle in Viñales and Beyond
Viñales, like much of Cuba, is experiencing a crisis in basic services. The area has been without regular potable water supply for over six months and endures power outages lasting up to 30 hours, stifling any hopes of recovery for the local private sector.
Understanding Viñales' Challenges and Potential
What is the significance of Viñales becoming a UNESCO Global Geopark?
If Viñales is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark, it would be the first in the Caribbean, enhancing its international prestige and potentially boosting sustainable tourism in the region.
How has the decline in tourism affected Viñales?
The decline in tourism has severely impacted Viñales, where 80% of the population depends on tourism for their livelihood. Many businesses have suffered from a lack of income, exacerbating economic hardships.
What are the current challenges faced by Viñales residents?
Residents of Viñales face challenges such as irregular water supply, prolonged power outages, and economic instability due to a significant drop in tourism.