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Cienfuegos, Cuba

Explore Cienfuegos and get to know its incredible historical center and its beautiful natural landscapes on your visit to Cuba

Cienfuegos, Cuba
© Wilder Méndez

The beautiful city of Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of Southern Cuba, is located in the center of Cuba. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Cienfuegos is one of the most spectacular places in the country due to its cultural, landscape and natural richness. Its main attraction is its beautiful French colonial architecture and the natural environment that surrounds it.

Founded in 1819 by French colonists, the city of Cienfuegos is one of the youngest on the island. The atmosphere of the past 19th century is reflected in this historical site, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.

Index:

• What can't you miss in Cienfuegos?
• What are the best activities to do in Cienfuegos?
• What are the best dates to go?
• What are the best excursions to go on from Cienfuegos?
• How do I get there?
• Where to stay in Cienfuegos?

What are the best places to visit in Cienfuegos?

Cienfuegos, Parque José Martí
© Andrea Pravettoni

You will surely be surprised in its historical centre by buildings such as the Palacio de Valle (Valle Palace), the elegant Teatro Tomás Terry (Tomás Terry Theater) and the great Catedral de la Purísima Concepción (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception). Neither should you miss the Parque José Martí (José Martí Park) and the Arco de Triunfo, symbol of Cuban independence. Interestingly, in Cienfuegos you will find the longest street in the country, the Paseo del Prado. In addition, there are various museums where you can soak up the culture of Cienfuegos, such as the Museo Histórico Provincial (Provincial History Museum) or the Museo Histórico Naval Nacional (National Navy Museum).

Palacio de Valle, Cienfuegos
© Maurizio De Mattei

This beautiful city will seduce you by its elegance, its tranquil and Caribbean atmosphere and its fascinating French spirit, for which it has received the name of the Pearl of southern Cuba.

Other institutions that distinguish this city are the Cementerio Tomás Acea (Tomás Acea Cemetery), which emulates the model of the Greek Parthenon with magnificent marble sculptures and tombstones; and the Cementerio La Reina (Queen Cemetery), which maintains its 19th century foundation structure. Here you can see the sculpture of the legend of Sleeping Beauty; both declared a National Monument.

What are the Best Activities to do in Cienfuegos?

El Nicho Waterfall, Cienfuegos
© Julia Neather

Natural beauty is a defining feature of the province of Cienfuegos. On the outskirts of the city you will find El Nicho, a beautiful enclave totally immersed in the Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes in the Sierra de Escambray. In this place you will enjoy beautiful waterfalls of crystalline waters and natural pools where you can freshen up. You can also find the Parque Natural Guanayara, where its lush vegetation, especially its orchids, are sure to impress. Finally, in the exceptional Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos, one of the largest and most important botanical gardens in the world, you will discover many unique species.
In Cienfuegos, you will connect with nature like never before.

Playa Rancho Luna, Cienfuegos
© Wilder Méndez

Another important attraction of this spectacular province is its incredible marine life. The Bahía de Jagua (Jagua Bay), also known as Bahía de Cienfuegos (Cienfuegos Bay), surrounds nearly the whole area with a rich marine fauna and flora, especially white shrimp. Certainly, the most remarkable is the paradisiacal Playa Rancho Luna, which with its beautiful coral reefs and its beautiful seabed, is the ideal place to give free rein to your passion for diving.

Another place you cannot miss in this charming province is the Balneario de Ciego Montero, where you will enjoy medicinal waters that will leave you as good as new.

What are the Best Dates to go to Cienfuegos?

The best times of the year to visit Cienfuegos are from January to April, especially for nature lovers, who will enjoy the beautiful beach and natural areas. August and September also stand out, for the spectacular Carnaval de Cienfuegos (Cienfuegos Carnival) and the great Benny Moré Biennial Festival, in honor of one of Cuba's most famous and beloved musicians. You can learn more about his history in his hometown Las Lajas and its Museo Benny Moré.

What are the Best Excursions to go on from Cienfuegos?

El Nicho, Cienfuegos
© Cristian Viarisio

The central position of the city makes it an ideal place for you to explore the surrounding areas. Without a doubt, the ultimate excursion from Cienfuegos is a visit to El Nicho, a spectacular natural landscape surrounded by waterfalls and natural pools in the middle of the Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. On the Jeep Safari you can discover this beautiful site and you can even stay at the end of the excursion in Trinidad.

If you're an animal lover, you can't miss a visit to the Laguna Guanaroca, one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Cuba, where you can admire a huge number of water birds. Afterwards, the visit is completed with a visit to the dolphinarium of Rancho Luna.

With the three-city tour you will get to know not only Cienfuegos, but also Santa Clara and the spectacular mausoleum dedicated to Che Guevara; and the wonderful city-museum of Trinidad.
In case you only have one day and want to get to know Cienfuegos in depth with the one-day electric bike excursions you will discover all the details of the Pearl of Southern Cuba.

How to get to Cienfuegos?

Cienfuegos' ideal location in the centre of Cuba, makes it a perfect city to stop off at during your journey from Havana to more eastern parts of the island such as Cayo Santa Maria or Santiago de Cuba. In addition, the proximity to natural sites such as El Nicho and the colonial Trinidad, known as the city-museum, will make your stay here meet all your expectations.

The best way to get here is to fly to the José Martí International Airport in Havana and from there drive along the Circuito Sur to Cienfuegos.

Where to stay in Cienfuegos?

Hotel Palacio Azul, Cienfuegos
© Jack K.....ski

The best option to spend the night in Cienfuegos is to do it in casas particulares, private accommodations or homes so you can soak up Cuban tradition and culture first hand. Besides, their hospitality is more than outstanding.

However, if you prefer to stay in a hotel the best options are: Hotel La Unión, located in a neoclassical building in the center of the city; Hotel Rancho Luna, an all-inclusive hotel with spectacular views; Hotel La Jagua, located in nearby Punta Gorda; and Hotel Meliá San Carlos, a five-star hotel in the heart of the historic district.

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