Culture and History: Cienfuegos is a beautiful waterfront city situated on the southern shore of Cuba. It is a lesser known destination in Cuba with a unique culture that is accredited to its French heritage. It is known as “The Pearl of the South,” a description that perfectly describes its scenic marine setting. The calm waters of this area allow for many aquatic activities such as diving, sailing, kayaking and boating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTVgpXucTNY

Attractions:

Statue of Benny Moré: The famous Cuban musician Benny Moré grew up in a nearby town and you can also visit his birthplace which is now a museum.

Notre Dame: Not a church, but a coral column nicknamed Notre Dame. This maze of coral reef is a wonder to explorer for diving enthusiasts.

UNESCO World Heritage Buildings: A group of buildings with amazing architecture known as a highlight of the city.

Cultural Centre: A must see building that resembles a palace. This centre holds after-school activities such as music and dance for local children.

Castillo de Jagua: An impressive 18th century fortress built to protect the city from pirates. It is known as one of Cuba’s most important military structures. The castle has a drawbridge that still works to this day and a small museum. There is also a legend that the castle is haunted by “The Lady in Blue” ghost.

Malecón: a beautiful seaside drive along the Malecón is a must. Panoramic views are offered of the city and ocean coastline.

Arco de Triunfo: The French influence of Cienfuegos has dubbed it the ‘Paris of Cuba.’ Just like the ‘Arc de Triomphe’ in Paris, this arch in Cuba is dedicated to Cuban Independence.

Delfinario:  A dolphin park where visitors can swim with the dolphins and watch a daily dolphin show. Located at Rancho Luna.

El Bulevar: The main shopping area of Cienfuegos with amazing deals on hand-made items.

Activities and Excursions:

Playa Rancho Luna: Beach resort area is a beautiful stretch of beach with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Faro Luna Diving Centre, two hotels and the Delfinario are located here.

Marlin Marina Cienfuegos: A marina where visitors can book a deep-sea fishing trip or a short cruise around the bay.

Horse-Carriage Tour: Book a horse-drawn carriage tour around the beautiful city of Cienfuegos.

El Nicho waterfalls: A must when visiting Cienfuegos. Swim in the majestic waterfalls high up in the Sierra de Trinidad mountains.

Restaurants:

Paladar Aché: This restaurant showcases unique wall art and a gnome garden along with their signature dish of local prawns.

Teatro Café Terry: Enjoy live jazz music nightly at this lively café with cheap snacks.

Dinos Pizza: A favourite of the locals serving pizza and lasagnas. Also great for vegetarians with salads, soups and bruschetta.

Finca del Mar: A beautiful seafood restaurant with a great ocean view. Excellent service and even better lobster. Finish off the night with desserts and expresso.

Festivals:

Benny Moré International Music Festival: A festival held every September (in odd-numbered years) to celebrate this famous Cuban singer.

Carnaval: Held in the first week of April to celebrate the landing of Antonio Maceo along the Malecón.

Documentation:

Passport: Required for any foreign traveler to enter Cuba, must be valid for at least one month after departure. To be safe it is best to have at least six months of validity after your scheduled departure date.

Tourist Card: Is always needed to enter Cuba, and will usually be provided by airlines and tour operators.

Other Documentation: A return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. It is required that travellers show proof of health insurance when entering Cuba. An airport tax will be charged upon departure of 25 Cuban convertible pesos. Travel Tip: Set this amount aside in a secure place so it is readily available when departing.

Health and Safety:

Health: Do not expect the same standard of health care as in Canada.

Crime Rate: Petty theft and pick-pocketing may occur in larger cities or crowded areas. Be sure to keep your valuables and passport locked away in a hotel safe.

Weather: Enjoy the hot weather of Cuba year round with an average annual temperature of 27°C. Cienfuegos is influenced by the Tropical Wet & Dry climate, December to February is the dry season with less precipitation than July to October. Be aware of thunderstorms and rain during these months. The hottest month in Cienfuegos is July with maximum temperatures of 32°C or more. While the coldest month is February with temperatures of 22°C at night.

Transportation: It is best to use transportation available from your hotel such as buses and vans to get around. Taxi’s are a great and affordable way to tour the area. You can also rent jeeps for excursions outside of the city.