Geomorphological Heritage in Viñales National Park (Aspiring UNESCO Geopark): Geomatic Tools Applied to Geotourism in Pinar del Río, Cuba

A comprehensive analysis of Viñales National Park (VNP) has identified 20 geosites of significant geological interest, with the Viñales Valley and Santo Tomás Polje ranking highest for their geoheritage value. Using advanced geomatic tools—including digital terrain modeling and virtual itineraries—the study mapped key geomorphological features such as poljes, valleys, and mountain fronts to assess their potential for geotourism and conservation. The research employed a multi-layered approach, integrating relief, drainage, slope, lithology, and geomorphology data to evaluate sites based on criteria from the Spanish Institute of Geology and Mining. Findings highlight the park's diverse geological landscapes, with values ranging up to 1050 for the Viñales Valley, underscoring its importance as an aspiring UNESCO Geopark.

Goy, J. L., Corvea, J. L., de Bustamante, I., Martínez-Graña, A. M., Díaz-Guanche, C., Zazo, C., Dabrio, C. J., González-Delgado, J. Á., Blanco, A., & Nieto, C. E. (2023). Geomorphological Heritage in Viñales National Park (Aspiring UNESCO Geopark): Geomatic Tools Applied to Geotourism in Pinar del Río, Cuba. Sustainability, 15(7), 5704. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075704