Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos is a city on the south coast of Cuba, an island country in the Caribbean. The city is dubbed La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South).

The Jagua Fortress is located near the entrance to the Bay of Cienfuegos. It was built by King Philip V of Spain in 1742 to protect the bay from pirates. The fort is built in solid limestone, has several floors, a well, a watch tower, moat and a drawbridge in perfect working order.

Take a drive along the Malecón, the seaside road which offers panoramic views of the city’s sparkling coastline and vibrant nightlife.

Cienfuegos is home to 11 sites that have been declared national monuments, including the old Reina Cemetery.

The Arco de Triunfo dating back to 1902, leads visitors into the heart of the Parque Jose Marti and commemorates the foundation of the Republic of Cuba. Here you will also find a marble statue of Jose Marti, the Teatro Tomas Terry (theatre), the Catedral de la Purísima Concepción, the Palacio de Gobierno and the blue Museo Provinical building, dating back to 1898.

Jardín Botánico Soledad is located 14km from Cienfuegos city centre. It stands in 97 hectares and is one of the oldest institutions of its kind on the island, founded in 1901. The garden has a large collection of tropical exotic plants including orchids, palms and bamboo.

Palacio de Valle is located in Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos and has a mix of styles including Spanish-Moorish, Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque. Inside, there is a museum, bar and seafood restaurant and many cultural events are held here.

In the mountains of El Nicho visitors can hike through caves, bathe near waterfalls and explore the exotic flora and fauna. The Cuban national bird, the tocororo can be found here and bird watchers can visit a protected sanctuary nearby.

Diving enthusiasts can explore the reefs along the coastline, where a formation of coral columns known as Notre Dame can be found. The region’s calm waters are also ideal for sailing, boating and kayaking.

Playa Rancho Luna is located 18km south of Cienfuegos. This beach resort has a Diving Centre, two hotels and the Delfinario de Cienfuegos where sea lions and dolphins can be seen.

El Bulevar is the main shopping stretch in Cienfuegos, popular buys include rum, cigars and coffee.

Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Native American Taino food, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines. Try some fresh fish and seafood or local dishes such as rice and beans or 'ropa vieja' (shredded beef in tomato-based sauce). Cuban desserts are known for their sweetness and many desserts use citrus peel, cinnamon and/or anise seed to add flavour.

Currently, most cruise ships dock at Olimpia Medina pier, in the Cienfuegos bay, not far from the historic centre of town. However, some may anchor and tender passengers ashore.

There are future plans to build a new modern cruise terminal, in the location of the current facilities.

If hiring a taxi, agree on a price before setting off.