Cienfuegos is a coastal city hailed for its rich heritage and beautiful landscape, with authentic local culture, beautiful lagoons, and French colonial architecture – it boasts a UNESCO-listed status. Known as the “Pearl of the South”, it may be small and humble, but Cienfuegos certainly has a lot to shout about, since it offers everything from history to natural beauty and must-see attractions – making it an all-rounder for those who want to experience all of Cuba’s best bits.
Nature & the outdoors
The Sierra del Escambray Mountains dominate the city’s stunning backdrop, but the natural beauty doesn’t stop there. The El Nicho Waterfalls make an ideal day trip if you want to escape the bustling city for a few hours, where you can hike to the waterfalls and take a dip in one of the many crystal-clear natural indigo pools; while a little closer to the city you’ve got Laguna Guanaroca, a lake which is home to over 2,000 pink flamingos, plus pelicans, hummingbirds and other beautiful bird species. A trip to Cuba’s oldest Botanical Gardens the Jardin Botanico de Cienguegos is also a must if you’re a lover of open spaces, with 97 hectares full of exotic plants and over 2000 species of trees.
Where to visit in Cienfuegos
If you consider yourself a history buff, you’ll be in your element in Cienfuegos. Explore the architectural marvel that is the Palacio del Valle, this palace designed by an Italian architect is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the out, playing host to a museum and a fantastic rooftop bar and restaurant – climb the spiral staircase for 360° views of the city and twinkling sea. Similarly, Castillo de Jagua is a national monument worth visiting for its fascinating network of 18th century fortresses in the bay of Cienfuegos, complete with a drawbridge, canons, plus a recently renovated museum to browse. Finally, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Parque José Martí; listed as a national monument, this unique space (also known as Plaza de Armas) honours Cuban Independence with a handful of significant monuments to marvel over, sure to take you on a journey through history.
What to do in Cienfuegos
While there’s a host of exciting things to see and do in Cienfuegos, one of the most rewarding is simply to lose yourself while wandering its cobbled streets. You’ll pass awe-inspiring neoclassical buildings – including a miniature version of the ‘Arc de Triomphe’ – plus a host of bars and restaurants worth diving into for fantastic food (and a break from the heat!). If you’ve got time on your hands, head south on Paseo del Prado and walk the Malecón – this palm-fringed promenade passes a picturesque bay, colourful buildings and is a great spot for catching those golden-hue sunsets, too.
Fancy visiting this calming coastal city? Love Cuba is the one-stop platform to make your holiday to Cienfuegos an unforgettable affair. Our team of dedicated professionals in the UK and Cuba work in tandem to tailor a hassle-free holiday to Cienfuegos you’ll remember forever.
