Fabrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien

Visit a Cuban Cigar Factory at Francisco Donatien

In Cuba, North America by SheenaLeave a Comment

Take a tour of the renowned Fabrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien Cuban cigar factory in Pinar del Rio, which rolls out some of Cuba’s finest: the Trinidad, Cohiba & Vegeros brands.


 

Working at a Cuban Cigar Factory

The Fabrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien Cuban cigar factory employs over 100 workers, who work from 8am-5pm every day… this is why we here at DIY Travel HQ like to to keep travelling, though with the blog we sometime feel we work similar hours!

* Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before any trip to Cuba. We’ve been using World Nomads for over 10 years. It’s the best-value provider we’ve found but there are other important things to consider. Check out our post and find out which of our claims were successful or denied.

Each person is required to meet the quota of 100-140 cigars a day, depending on the type. Some cigars are smaller, thinner, easier & faster to produce than the more characteristic, fatter rolls.

There’s a monthly roster that determines who rolls what. But before you can even get onto the permanent payroll, you need to undergo 9 months of cigar-rolling training! Intense, right?!

The cigars made by these trainees are sold to locals for 1 peso at government-run stores.

There’s also a monthly salary, ranging from 1000-3000 pesos / $40.00-$120.00 a month. Cuban cigar factory workers earn bonuses in CUC for any cigars rolled over the quota. They also receive 2 cigars a day.

Pinar del Rio cigar factory

An illegal photo inside a Cuban cigar factory! Scroll on for more!

Each worker is wholly responsible for every cigar they roll, from start to end.

There are about 4 layers of tobacco leaves to roll before a smoother leaf is applied as the outer layer, giving the cigar that fine, iron press finish.

After each cigar is rolled, it’s put into a presser for firmness for 30 minutes.

Then it’s put into a kind of quality control testing machine that checks the breathability/air-intake – you don’t want the cigar to be too tight or too loose.

If it is, it’s gotta be unrolled & made again.

For more information check out Lonely Planet’s Cuba Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.

Cigar rolling at Pinar del Rio factory

Much concentration needed to roll cigars right the first time round

Fabrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien Tour

For some reason, you buy your 5 CUC / $5.00 entrance ticket from the cigar shop across the road.

You have to leave your bags in the free lockers.

Photos aren’t allowed at this Cuban cigar factory but obviously we disregarded that – once you lose your tour guide, snap away somewhat subtly & the workers don’t care.

Cohiba Cuban cigar factory

Kinda fascinating to watch the cigar rollers at work!

The “tour” is just an admin staff giving you an explanation of the cigar process as you overlook the factory workers rolling & shaping.

It’s in English or Spanish (or whatever other languages they speak) but even though we asked a lot of questions, it lasted about 10 minutes.

DIY Travel HQ at Pinar del Rio cigar factory

Say cheese! It felt a little like being in a zoo but it was a great experience

You’re then free to stay & observe for as long as you like.

There’s not much to see though, just the 36 or so workers in their rows of little desks.

It’s interesting to see the little personal touches on each workspace, decorated with stickers & football cards – though they could just be old school desks.

Nevertheless, some people work as they listen to the radio, under fans or with drinks at arms reach.

Women selecting cigar tobacco leaves

The women selecting the tobacco leaves work in a separate area

The Partagas Cigar Factory in Havana is under renovation, and while they’re still running tours at a relocated site, this could be a good alternative if you only want to visit one Cuban cigar factory.

The Alejandro Robaina cigar plantation outside of Pinar del Rio town also offers tours.

At 5 CUC, the tour isn’t great value, but it was informative & interesting – it’s also a quintessential Cuban tourist experience you can tick off your list & one of the best things to do in Pinar del Rio.

Fabrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien

After your tour, step outside the factory into the fresh air!

Know Before You Go

Fabrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien Entrance Fee: 5 CUC / $5.00

Opening hours: 9am-1:30pm, Monday-Friday

Tour time: 10 minutes

Bags & cameras: not allowed, must be checked

[put_wpgm id=63]

*** The Final Word – Don’t make a special stop in Pinar just for a tour of Fabrica de Tabacos Francisco Donatien, many other cities also offer Cuban cigar factory tours ***

Did you visit any cigar factories in Cuba?

5 Shovels-2

Super easy DIY travel around city centres

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means that we receive a small commission if you click on a link & purchase something that we’ve recommended – at no extra cost to you. This helps us to keep our site running so we can continue to provide free content. Thank you for your support!

Visited in May 2016

 

Leave a Comment

4 + twenty =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.