Lumino makes this Casa what it is. She is such a wonderfully animated, vibrant and caring woman. She will do everything she can to make you feel at home. Her cooking is outstanding so make sure you eat at home if you still here. We had such a lovely time, Lumino really made our Cuban experience. Thank you!

Lumino came and picked us up, brought us back to her casa and immediately served us with the best (have never tasted anything like it) homemade mango juice. Always there to help with or spoil us rotten with lovely home cooked food and homemade juices. You won't be short of anything staying here!

When we arrived in Viñales on the Viazul we were greeted by a enthustically smiling and waving Lumino. I immediately knew this is going to be a wonderful 2 days. Everything is nice and clean and Lumino and Heriberto are very helpful with tips and setting you up with whatever you fancy doing (cycling, horseriding, etc). You get a fair bit of space to yourself on a lovely terrace and are just a few minutes away from the bus. The food was amazing and far too much!!! Although my Spanish is less than basic Lumino had so much patience with me and we actually did understand each other. We laughed a lot. I felt I had found a second mother in Cuba and didn't want to leave!!!!

One word of advice which is not concerning the casa but the horseriding, make sure you ask the price before. We didn't ask and the guy being all sweet and nice charged us for 4 hours instead of the 1.5/2hrs we actually went. That was one lesson learned.

Hopefully one day we will be able to return to Casa Lumino and by then I should be able to have a proper conversation ;-)

We arrived in Vinales via rental car and had a bit of difficulty in finding Casa Lumino. But when we did find it, we were well welcomed and pleasantly surprised. This was our first experience staying in a private home. It was more than we could ask for. The room and bathroom were immaculate. Food extremely plentiful and delicious and inexpensive. (See the photos posted by the Toronto travelers-one pic shows a typical spread of food)
Lumino and her son Herbierto was fun hosts. They set us up with horseback riding, recommended the plaza for Salsa dancing, and provided us with much entertainment with their antics.
We loved Vinales so much that we wanted to stay for a third night, but Lumino had already had another reservation for that night. Herbierto said we could stay in his daughter's Casa Particular around the corner. Our room in her casa was equally clean and food was good, but of course, our host wasn't as entertaining as Lumino and Herbierto. After Vinales, we decided to return to Havana via Soroa, a beautiful mountain village. Lumino recommended we stay at her friend's casa. This too was nice, but again- nothing compares to our stay at Casa Lumino!
Here are some recommendations for things to do in Vinales:
Horseback riding with Manuel
Swim in the natural pool in the caves
Walk through the picturesque town in the early evening
Salsa dancing in the plaza at night
Drive to Cayo Jutia- 45 min. away-for a beach day
Stay at casa Lumino