Viñales, Rural Heart of Cuba Between Mogotes and Tobacco Drying Barns
Discover Viñales through a photographic journey into the authentic Cuban countryside: tobacco fields, mogotes, colonial heritage and local life. A story told through the lens of Sebastien Desnoulez, capturing textures, contrasts, and contemplative moments in the UNESCO-listed Viñales Valley.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Viñales Valley is known for its dramatic karst landscapes—called mogotes—and its vast tobacco plantations. Located in the province of Pinar del Río, it reveals a rural and authentic side of Cuba, far from the bustling streets of Havana. Sebastien Desnoulez’s camera lingers on lush scenery, surprising details, and everyday life in the Cuban countryside.
The first photographs present a panoramic view of the valley, lined with vegetation-covered limestone hills. The vivid colors of cultivated fields contrast with the dense green of tropical forests. The rounded mogotes, unique to this region, punctuate the horizon like sculpted monoliths beneath a radiant blue sky.
Off the beaten path, a traditional wooden house appears, proudly flying a Cuban flag and a portrait of Che Guevara. Its humble architecture reflects the local agricultural economy, while its decorations assert a strong political and cultural identity. Nearby, an old red car drives down a pine-shaded street, exemplifying the omnipresence of Cuba’s vintage automobile heritage.
The series continues with an immersion into a tobacco farm. Inside a rustic drying barn, bunches of tobacco leaves hang from the rafters. A worn-out blue armchair sits quietly in the center—a silent witness to the daily manual labor. Close-up shots reveal the crinkled textures of the dried leaves, soon to be transformed into world-famous cigars.
In a surprising detail, the lens focuses on a chrome jaguar ornament mounted on a car’s hood. Its reflective surface captures tropical light and the outlines of palm trees, evoking a distinctly retro ambiance. Not far away, a blue car cuts through the valley under a striped sky, as if plucked from a 1950s road movie.
The yellow church of Viñales, with its bright façade and blue door, is a reminder of the colonial influence still visible in Cuba’s smaller towns. The bold contrast between primary colors and the simple architectural lines creates a strong visual identity.
This photographic reportage is part of a broader visual travelogue across Cuba. Viñales offers a contemplative pause—closer to the land and its rhythms.
Sebastien Desnoulez highlights the contrasts central to his work: lush nature / geometric structures, heritage / rural simplicity, raw light / textured materials. These limited edition prints can elevate an interior space or enrich a photo collection focused on authentic atmospheres and remarkable landscapes.
Next stop: Bay of Pigs – Caribbean Colors and Retro Vibes
Click on the photos below to view them full screen.
All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
Legal Notice
Tags
