CubaPLUS Magazine

A powerful symbol of nature, adventure, and rural tourism has emerged in the Cuban bohío—the traditional thatched-roof hut that is a hallmark of the countryside and the island’s agrarian heritage.

This traditional style of dwelling has become a cornerstone of a new travel offering that gains relevance each year, even amidst current economic challenges and the fluctuating flow of international visitors.

In a quiet corner of Bacuranao, the Vista Hermosa farm welcomes dozens of travelers every weekend who are looking for something beyond the typical "sun and sand" package. They aren't just looking for a room; they are seeking an experience. They find it in structures of wood and palm thatch (guano) that evoke the very soul of the island: the Cuban bohío.

Once exclusively the humble homes of rural farmers, these traditional buildings have been reimagined as high-value tourism assets.

"This is a significant Local Development Project that has even hosted several official state visits," noted Raúl Reloba, general coordinator of Finca Vista Hermosa, in statements to Prensa Latina.

This shift toward authenticity is driving a growing niche. In the province of Pinar del Río, the data is compelling: the island’s westernmost province has identified over 200 farms for rural tourism development. In Viñales alone, more than 60 are already under contract, according to the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur).

In contrast to the massive resorts of Varadero, accommodation in a bohío offers a "digital detox" and a profound connection to the land.

Major players like the Cubanacán hotel group are capitalizing on this trend. In Villa Clara, the Horizontes La Granjita hotel offers bungalow-style rooms modeled after traditional peasant huts, as explained by sales executive Yanisley Sanetis.

The appeal, however, goes beyond aesthetics; sustainability is the primary pillar. In Camagüey, the La Liliana farm integrates silvopastoral systems, agroecology, and biodiversity conservation to provide an experience that is both recreational and educational.

Research published in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) highlights that this model generates significant productive, environmental, and social benefits. This boom in rural construction responds to a global demand for more "conscious" tourism.

Modern travelers no longer want to be mere spectators. At Finca El Justo, also in Camagüey, visitors can engage in traditional bamboo-pole fishing or cook produce harvested directly from the garden, according to the specialized portal Apodaca12.

This formula is proving to be economically viable. Beyond lodging, these farms are diversifying their income streams. At Vista Hermosa, for instance, they market buffalo milk yogurt, goat cheese, and other sustainably sourced products, all with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The revival of the bohío as a tourism draw does more than just boost the local economy; it helps curb rural depopulation and revitalizes trades that were on the brink of extinction. By placing a premium on these structures, Cuba is protecting a "know-how" that dates back to the very origins of its peasantry.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)