Pinar del Rio is home to Cordillera de Guaniguanico, one of Cuba's three mountain ranges. One of the province's fertile valleys, Viñales, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tobacco is the principal agricultural product of this province, which is at the western end of the island, and approximately 70 percent of Cuba's tobacco is grown here.

The shores around the province are also considered some of Cuba's best scuba diving areas, and the many caves in the mountains are favorites to spelunkers from around Cuba and from around the world. Pinar del Rio was home to many sports figures, including major league baseball pitcher José Contreras. Pinar del Rio is 176 kilometers (110 miles) from Habana.