Introduction 

Cienfuegos is one of the main industrial centers of Cuba. There are oil- and sugar refineries, a thermal power plant, cement factories and a harbor specialized in sugarexport.   

The city offers you some nice neoclassical buildings especially around the park ‘Jose Marti’  

One day is enough to visit the citycenter and nearby places.    

Getting there and away 

to/from Trinidad (72 km) :  

to/from Havana (251 km) :  

to/from Sancti Spiritus (140 km) :  

Accommodation 

Sr. Senem R. Hernandez, calle 37 nr. 4220, c/42 y 44. They charge 20 US$ for a room with AC and shower, breakfast is extra at 3 US$. The room is very nice and situated in a quiet area.  

Jorge & Ana Maria Miranda, ave.58 # 2725 entre 27 y 29 Tel : 0432-7532 or e-mail:noel@perla.inf.cu One room with AC (20 US$), the other without (15 US$). In both cases, shared bathroom with shower (cold/hot), shared fridge. Food and laundry service are possible. No private enterance. Located in citycenter.   

Isabel Martinez Cordero y Pepe, Ave 52 N° 4318, e/ 43 y 45, Tel 8276, 15 USD for two, 7 USD for dinner and 3 USD for breakfast. Run by a family. Different rooms (airco), shared bathroom. Very nice food. Self-made wine ! (Jacky Cillen)  

Mr. Manolito Lujan, Calle 39 #5019 y 52 (downtown), tel. 8676. Room: 10US$, Breakfast 2US$, Dinner (very good) 7US$ . Three rooms with AC and private bathroom. Manolito is a person who can be trusted and he gave useful addresses in other towns. There is also a sort of private garage (1US$). (9/'99)  

Maria Rodriguez Oropeza, Ave. 8 No. 3702 entre 37 y 39 Apto. 3 Phone 7478 (it is near Hotel Jagua at Punta Gorda). A double room is 20 US$/night, breakfast 3 US$/person, very good extensive dinner for 6 US$/person ('99)   

Sra. Berta Linares, Calle 43, #4302, e/ Avenida 34 y 36 tel. 53-432-9926, email: alberto@hecf.cfg.sld.cu. Best food I ate in Cuba (and huge amounts), all three meals available if you want it ($3-$8, from simple to lobster), air conditioning in 3 nice, large bedrooms with closets, immaculate, very secure house, hot shower and guest bathroom. Rooms average $20 night for short stays. In a quiet neighborhood, 2 blocks from Malecon, conveniently halfway between the town center and the Hotel Jagua area. (1/2000).  

Senora Zoraida Machin, Avenida 56 No. 4906, telefono 3336. next to the busstation. (You can quickly dip in from the station to escape the scrum of hustlers around new arrivals, peddling other casas particulares for a commish). Her daughter Jamy teaches Spanish to English visitors, both kind, reliable and helpful women. The accommodation is basic  there is a double room (15-20 US$) and a room with two single beds, with separate bathroom. Great cafe cubano! , breakfast (3 US$), dinner (3 US$) (april 2000)  

"La Flor de Cuba", Ave 56 No 4936 esq. 51 near the bus terminal. The wooden, colonial house is very beautifull, with lots of atmosphere and extremely well kept. 3 double r

ooms, $ 15 per day with shared bathroom, hot water and air conditioning. The local police chief used to reside in this house. Fidel Castro was once arrested in this house during the pre-revolutionary years. The family is very friendly and helpfull. Garage available(6/2000).  

Daniel Valdes at ave. 56 nr 3905 (alto) entre 39 y 41. phone 432 6267. They charge 15 US$ double room, 3 US$ pp for breakfast and 5 US$ for dinner. A/C provided. Very useful tourist tips available as well (8/2000)  

Jesus & Arelys, Calle 37 # 4406 A, 3/ 44 y 46, phone  + 53 4032 7037 The casa privada is situated in the centre of Cienfuegos, but the rooms are quiet. Rooms with air conditioning, fan, ,independent bathroom, privacy, very good food, especially the fish and much fruit: papaya, guave, et al. Price diner $ 5. Price: $ 15 (10/2000)  

Finca Neo Marisol, (Proprietors: Nelson and Marisol Rumbout Hernandez) Carretera de Rancho Luna Km #14, Cienfuegos, tel. (432) 7630 walking distance to the Rancho Luna public beach and Rancho Luna and Faro Luna   hotels, and a ten minute drive to the city. Finca Neo Marisol, is a peaceful, quiet casa with a beautiful patio, dining room and large kitchen you can use, or you can have the chef, Piri, prepare great meals for you.  Laundry can be done also. Rooms all include either two single beds, or one double, private bath, hot water, air conditioning and a fan. One has a full fridge.  Rates are $20 per night. (8/2001) 

Restaurant/bars 

Restaurant "Los Amigos", calle 37 nr. 4220 entre 42 y 44. Food is good, count on 8 US$ (same place as casa above).  

Bar Il Palatino : at the Parque Marti, excellent mojito (rum, lime, mint, ice and soda) and a decent Cuban trio of musicians plays often in the afternoon.     

What to do 

Parque José Marti :  

Cementerio La Reina : The entrance of the graveyard is a copy of the parthenon in Athene (Greece). Inside are some impressive tombs. Another report didn't really like it.  

Museo naval nacional : The museum describes the revolt of students and sailors against the Batista-regime (daily, 8 am till 4 pm)  

Villa Valle : The most remarquable building in Cienfuegos consisting of a mixture from different architectural styles. Inside is an expensive restaurant.  

Ferry to "Castillo de Jagua" (0,5 Pesos) : for the trip (45 min) and the beautiful places you pass. The castle itself : we think seeing the outside is enough. Bar & restaurant inside, the rest is closed for visitors.  

Around Cienfuegos 

Playa Rancho Luna (15 km from Cienfuegos) : Public beach with trees and white sand. At the westside is a local restaurant. Possibility for scuba-diving at the nearby coral reef which has a unique 4 metres high column called ‘the Notre Dame’. There is a hotel ‘Rancho Luna’ from the Horizontes chain. You can rent also a casa particular but I don’t have any recommendations yet.  

Jardin Botanico (17 km from Cienfuegos). A 90 hectare garden with a variety of flowers, palmtrees, cactusplants etc. Daily open, 8 am till 4 pm, 2 US$  

Go on to Trinidad  

For questions on Cuba  send an e-mail to Steven Buvens.

Article Comments:

04/21/2006

Sandra Bitaye (1)

I am searching for EIDE ENTENZA BORRERO - he lives in San Pedro, Y Villvenda C.P. 57300 Pamira Cienfuegos - I met him 5 yrs ago in Havana....can you give him this message. I wish he could email sandra@clara.co.uk I wish to visit him later this year and will want to stay in cienfuegos I hope you can help me best wishes Sandra

03/29/2006

xelil (1)

There are many useful information in your site. I take this opportunity to ask a question. Is there a bus from Jose marti airport to Cienfuegos? If not, how much does it cost from havan airport to cienfuegos by private taxi or any other car? Thank you in advance

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