Colored Socialism

Viñales, a small town in western Cuba, is known for its colourful, colonial houses that dominate the streetscape. Outside Viñales, on the way to the caves, the rural scenery is characterised by scattered, colourfully painted houses. The buildings are mostly of simple construction, often with corrugated iron roofs and wooden verandas. In between, tobacco fields, palm groves and red dirt tracks stretch through the landscape. The surrounding area is characterised by the striking limestone formations of the Mogotes, which dominate the valley. Despite the increasing tourist development, the region remains agricultural and the colourful houses form a contrast to the natural surroundings. | Cuba