Things to do in Cienfuegos - Routes to know La Perla del Sur

We suggest some sites that are not to be missed on your visit to this destination, renowned for its beautiful architecture and its wonderful coastal and mountain scenery.

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Cienfuegos day by day

With its blend of French and Caribbean heritage, the Pearl of Southern Cuba has thousands of stories for you to discover.

THE CITY, ITS PEOPLE AND THEIR STORIES

A tour with a difference

In many Cuban cities, the ‘bicitaxi’, or bike taxi, is an excellent means of transport for travelling short distances. You can watch the city go by and learn about its history directly from its people. And Cienfuegos is no exception; come and join us on this special tour, perhaps starting off at the traditional Prado, travelling along the famous Malecón until you reach Punta Gorda. Much of the city’s history can be found along this route, from its traditional architecture in many different styles, to the wonderful proximity of the sea, with its cool breeze and the chance to enjoy a dip in the warm waters of the bay.

MEMORABLE CIENFUEGOS

Watching the sun set from The Terrace of La Unión

Beauty and tranquillity are essential elements of everyday life in Cienfuegos. From the terrace of the hotel La Unión you can enjoy the unrivalled views of the sunset, just as the bay displays its most beautiful hues and the city basks in the last rays of the day’s sun.

José Martí Park

This park, the only one in the country covering such a large area, takes you on a unique journey through the history of the city and its people. Small statues remember founders and prominent figures, whilst its central bandstand still hosts concerts and bands. The park is surrounded by the buildings associated with the foundation of the city: The Tomás Terry theatre, the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción, the Town Hall and the historic College of San Lorenzo. Visiting the Ferrer Palace is a must, offering stunning views of the city.

Tomás Terry Theatre

The Terry theatre is an undisputed symbol of the city of Cienfuegos and its rich cultural life over the years. It is one of the great Cuban theatres founded in the 19th century and many of its original features have been wonderfully preserved.

Boulevard de Santa Isabel

The street of Santa Isabel runs between the Parque Martí park and the Muelle Real, and has become one of the city's main arteries. As you stroll along it, you can see local artisans at work, enjoy typical dishes and experience Cuban life in all its splendour, as the locals go about their business. The International Cruise Ship Terminal is located near the Muelle Real.

Boulevard San Fernando

The Boulevard is one of the city's main shopping streets. It was one of the colony's first roads and links the Parque José Martí park with the Paseo del Prado. It is the ideal place for exploring the culture of Cienfuegos in each of the storage houses that were built between the 19th and 20th centuries, and which have now been converted into galleries, restaurants, shopping centres and nightspots.

Statue of Benny Moré

Known as the “Wildman of Rhythm”, Benny Moré is a true legend of the Cuban and international music of his time. His statue on the Paseo del Prado in Cienfuegos therefore pays fitting tribute to this illustrious son of the region and of Cuba as a whole.

Paseo del Prado

The longest in the country, the Prado in Cienfuegos connects the area of Punta Gorda with the Old Town, as well as showcasing the wealth of architecture in the city. There are gems from the Art Deco period, such as the Baptist Church, with its North American influence, as well as heritage buildings such as the Casa de los Leones (House of Lions) or the Falla Gutiérrez family home. The Trianón and Luisa theatres are also worthy symbols of the city, as is the statue of the famous Cuban singer, Benny Moré.

Punta Gorda

As you enter the wide bay of Cienfuegos, Punta Gorda is one of the city's most beautiful spots. The smell of the sea, the small beaches and the popular Malecón seafront make this place a must for every visitor. The villas of Casa Verde, Casa Perla and Palacio Azul, forming part of the hotel Jagua, offer a unique setting in the area beside the bay with its bars and restaurants.

Palacio de Valle

This small palace, built by the tycoon Acisclo del Valle, is a true rarity in the history of Cuban architecture. Its combination of style and cryptic details incorporated into the decoration make it a must for visitors to Cienfuegos. From its terrace you can enjoy wonderful views of the city and the bay.

A city in love with the sea

Founded in the early 19th century by French colonists, the city of Cienfuegos is a unique architectural testament to the colonial era. Its historic centre, declared a National Monument in 1995 and a World Heritage Site in 2005, is a mix of numerous styles of architecture. The bay and its surrounding areas also harbour the traditions and values that make the region’s inhabitants so special. Here are some places of interest that should not be missed on your tour.

THE CITY, ITS PEOPLE AND THEIR STORIES

A unique fishing community: El Perché

In the area surrounding the famous Jagua Castle, at the entrance to Cienfuegos Bay, lies the fishing community of El Perché. A visit to this area is a must for those wishing to discover the ancient traditions of the bay’s inhabitants, recognised as part of the region’s intangible heritage. The community runs numerous local initiatives for the creation, appreciation and conservation of fishing, in a location with lush coastal vegetation, including the red and black mangrove varieties, as well as providing an ideal haven for various coastal species. Small local restaurants will also introduce you to the delicious history of the local dishes, enhanced by generations of knowledge.

MEMORABLE CIENFUEGOS

Strolling along the malecón

A stroll along the Malecón forms a key part of Cienfuegos nightlife. The locals tend to gather on the seafront to chat with friends and family, have a laugh or simply to enjoy the numerous bars and restaurants in the area.

Botanical Gardens

Founded at the end of the 19th century, the Botanical Gardens of Cienfuegos boast 70% of plants considered to be exotic, with one of the continent's finest collections of palm trees and over 2,000 species of outstanding botanical interest.

The Reina and Tomás Acea cemeteries

Both cemeteries were declared National Monuments due to their particularly special features. The Reina cemetery is the only one in the country in which the burial niches are aligned vertically in walls. The Tomás Acea cemetery, on the other hand, founded in the early 20th century, is the only 'garden cemetery' on the island.

Laguna de Guanaroca

Natural wildlife haven. Enjoy a stroll on the western side of the bay to explore a wonderful spot. It covers an area of 202 km2 and its canal connects it to the bay. It is a protected area, providing a haven for numerous species of flora and fauna, including the pink flamingo.

Rancho Luna Beach

A popular destination in the south of the central region, Rancho Luna Beach invites you to take a dip in its warm waters or to savour the delicious local cuisine, based on fish and seafood. Just 30 minutes from the city of Cienfuegos, it is the perfect escape for visitors to the region. From Faro Luna you can take boat trips that include snorkelling and diving.

Jagua Fortress

The fortress of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua, strategically positioned at the narrow entrance to Cienfuegos Bay, is still in excellent condition today and is a living testimony of the history of Cienfuegos.

Cienfuegos Bay

The calm waters of Cienfuegos Bay are the perfect spot for rest and relaxation. Numerous species of flora and fauna take refuge on its coasts and small beaches, which are very popular in the summer. A boat trip takes you to small inhabited keys and fishing villages along the coast, where the ancient wooden houses of French heritage and the scents of the sea will captivate the passing visitors.

Between the city and the mountains

En route to the town of Trinidad, one of the first seven towns to be founded on the island by the Spanish, there are some wonderful natural spots, including those renowned for their unique historical value, such as the Valle de los Ingenios and the Iznaga Tower, as well as Trinidad itself. As you travel into the Escambray Mountains, you will find the large Hanabanilla reservoir, a place of outstanding natural beauty, and linked to the famous El Nicho waterfalls.

THE CITY, ITS PEOPLE AND THEIR STORIES

The Cienfuegos tobacco industry: The art of twisting and sowing

Along with the hills of Vueltabajo and Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos has been one of Cuba’s largest producers of tobacco leaves since the 19th century. All the hard work and dedication in the fields and the greenhouses culminates in the ‘Casas de Torcido’, or twisting houses. Visit the Cienfuegos cigar factory and see firsthand the final step in the process, when the cured leaf is turned into a cigar, and discover the peculiarities of this craft, in which the curious figure of the cigar-factory reader plays a leading role.

MEMORABLE CIENFUEGOS

Sunset crossing the bay

From the area surrounding Cienfuegos Port or Punta Gorda it is easy to arrange a little boat trip with the local fishermen. During your trip around the bay, not only will you gain an insight into the lives and traditions of the small coastal communities, but you can also enjoy some stunning views of the sunset.

Trinidad

Known as the museum city of the Caribbean, Trinidad is living history. Walking through its cobbled streets, visiting its colonial houses and museums, or sitting in its parks and cafés are all ways of discovering its five centuries of tradition. Places such as the Valle de los Ingenios or the Iznaga Tower are an ideal complement to this visit full of beautiful legends associated with the cultivation of sugar cane, coffee and tobacco.

Hanabanilla

The Hanabanilla reservoir, one of the largest on the island, is a real treat for nature lovers. Situado en el macizo montañoso del Escambray, destaca por el verde intenso del paisaje que le rodea y sus tranquilas aguas. A boat trip offers you the chance to explore these wonders at leisure or to visit the famous El Nicho waterfalls.

El Nicho

This is one of nature's wonders, dozens of waterfalls and natural pools, hidden in the mountains. One of Cuba's most beautiful spots. A paradise of vegetation, rivers, waterfalls and quaint rural villages. The area is popular with lovers of ecotourism, and a varied cuisine, with regional dishes, typical local products and impeccable service, can be enjoyed at the Los Helechos restaurant.

From the pearl of the south to the city of Ché, Santa Clara

Very close to Cienfuegos is the city of Santa Clara, famous for its close association with Ernesto “Che” Guevara, whose remains rest here. An ideal place in which to explore one of Cuba’s most musical towns, along a route that can start with the discovery of other places of interest just outside of Cienfuegos, such as the Dolphinarium.

THE CITY, ITS PEOPLE AND ITS HISTORY

THEATRE OF THE ELEMENTS, between art and the community

A visit to this fascinating community is a must on your visit to Cienfuegos. Having worked in a natural environment for 25 years, the Theatre of the Elements group is renowned in the Cuban theatre for its unique community activity. Based in the community of El Jobero, in the foothills of the municipality of Cumanayagua, the group is actively dedicated to transforming the living conditions of its inhabitants through activities that extend beyond the realms of traditional theatre. For the members of the group, the landscape as a whole provides a large stage on which to perform its works, in which the audience also forms part of a different kind of theatre. The cultural community of El Jobero provides employment for the local inhabitants, who are involved in the community work carried out by the actors and reflect the local customs within an artistic setting.

MEMORABLE CIENFUEGOS

Music in a colonial setting

Before your stay in Cienfuegos comes to an end, don’t forget to choose from the calendar of events at the Benny Moré Cultural Centre, where you can just as easily enjoy a rumba as some typical rural festivities.

Dolphin Pool

The only one of its kind in the central region of the country, the Cienfuegos Dolphinarium allows visitors to admire the skills and beauty of dolphins reared in absolutely natural conditions. Visitors can enjoy a show performed with trainers or swim with these beautiful aquatic mammals.

Santa Clara

Known as the City of Ché, Santa Clara is steeped in history and has a great many wonderful cultural traditions. Visit the many sites of interest in this popular city followed by relaxed evenings with Cuba’s truly pleasant people.

OTHER PLACES YOU CAN NOT LOSE

Botanical Gardens

Boulevard de Santa Isabel

Boulevard San Fernando

Cienfuegos Bay

Dolphin Pool

El Nicho

Escambray Mountains

In the mid-south of the Island, the geography of this mountain mass makes it ideal for trekking, walking and excursions, caving, cycling and horse riding, activities that bring you into contact with the local nature and culture.