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Cienfuegos Cuba, Central Cuba

Find out why Cienfuegos is called the pearl of Cuba

Beach City History
Nestled into the central-southern lush forests of Cuba, Cienfuegos holds a beguiling aristocratic feel that can be traced back to its French roots. Nicknamed Cuba’s ‘Pearl of the South’, Cienfuegos has a striking combination of both elegance and fiery spirit that will delight anyone who decided to visit. With charismatic locals and a sunny ambiance made even more glorious by the white, decadent French architecture, it’s hard to refuse the call of this charming city.
Good to know

At a glance

Best time to visit
Nov–Apr
Recommended duration
1 night / 2 days
Average price per night Partner link

$35.00 / 31,00€ in Cienfuegos

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Travel guides Partner links
Lonely Planet
Rough Guides
Current weather
21.7°C / 71.1°F
clear sky
What's around

Highlights

Visit the picturesque El Nicho Waterfalls & Lake Hanabanilla

Snuggled into the exuberant greenery of the Topes de Collantes National Park is the beautiful El Nicho Waterfalls. This spot is a popular day trip among those who visit Cienfuegos. A short hike along a well-maintained forest trail with a gorgeous lookout, the trek alone is worth the trip. But once you get to the end of the trail you are gifted with views of the waterfalls. You can also take a boat ride across the gorgeous Lago Hanabanilla, a nearby lake.

Boat among flamingos and pear trees on Laguna de Guanaroca

Located only a short 12 km from Cienfuegos is a gorgeous lake lined with mangroves and home to countless birds is the fascinating Laguna de Guanaroca. The only protected area in Cienfuegos, Laguna de Guanaroca has cool flora and fauna including lemon, avocado, and pear trees which you can see firsthand on a guided tour. Once you're actually on the lake, via boat tour, then you can see both flamingos and tocororos in their natural habitat.

Learn about pirates and Cienfuegos at the old Jagua Castle

A well-preserved stone fortress, Jagua castle sits at the entrance of the bay of Cienfuegos and stands as a historic symbol of the city. Built-in the 1700s in order to keep pirates at bay, Jagua castle became the third most prominent fortress in Cuba behind the ones located in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Today the castle houses an interesting museum that goes into the turbulent battles waged in order to stave off pirates from the city and makes for an educational excursion from Cienfuegos.
Where to go next

Experiences nearby

All distances are direct distances.
How to get there

Getting there & away

VRA
Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport (VRA) in Varadero is located about 190 km and 2:33 hrs away if you take a car, taxi or minibus.
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HAV
José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana is located about 247 km and 2:55 hrs away if you take a car, taxi or minibus.
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