Cienfuegos, Cuba

Cienfuegos, this charming waterfront town earns its name Perla de la Sur (Pearl of the South). Established in 1819, French ancestry gives Cienfuegos a unique look and feel. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 2005 due to the architecturally noteworthy buildings that line the main square and the Paseo del Prado. This avenue is Cienfuegos version of the Malecon, which most say is the most beautiful in all of Cuba. It leads to the first seaside suburb, Punta Gorda.

Cienfuegos Tours

Private English speaking Guides.

Transportation in Classic American Car with AC (4 or more, a van or classic van, according to your preference). Groups of 8-9 a van with AC is available.

Itinerary subject to change according to weather, ship or flight delays and each locations hours of operation.

  • In the case of visitors who come on a cruise, it is recommended to adjust the duration of the tour according to the time you arrive and your length of stay.

  • All Cruise Passengers will be returned to the port before departure time. All other guest can make arrangements for their drop off location.

Recommended to bring on any tour selected… bottle of water, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight rain jacket. And of course, local currency to purchase food and souvenirs.

Tours are kid friendly, though not wheel chair or handicapped accessible.

Please remind your guide if you want time (for souvenir shopping ) to stop at local artist galleries, rum or cigar shops and/or artisan shops.

CIENFUEGOS CITY TOUR       

5-6 hours

$55.00 per person (2 person min.) Havana pickup can be arranged. Email for cost.

Pickup in Cienfuegos from Airport, HOTEL, CASA particular or cruise ship terminal.

  • Panoramic drive along the Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful Malecons in all of the island. A stop at the Cienfuegos baseball stadium for those of you who also enjoy Cuba’s favorite past time. If you are fortunate, you may even get to see a game or practice in session. Continue driving down the wide tree lined boulevard  and admire the beautiful neoclassic and eclectic buildings. Get a rare opportunity to visit with a beautiful Casa Particular on the bay and talk with the owner of this private rental business. A short ride to the Palacio de Valle,the Taj Mahal of Cuba, built by a Spanish millionaire provides you with a rooftop view of the Jagua Hotel, city and sea. Sip on a traditional Cuban beverage while listening to a live performance of typical Cuban music.

  • Lunch (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)

  • Walking tour of this Historical City begins at the statue of Benny More’, a self-taught master of music. He directed, composed and performed without having ever studied music.

  • On our walk down the pedestrian Boulevard we will pass many shops.

  • If time permits, enjoy some of the best coffee in town and view of the city on the rooftop of the Hotel La Union.

  • Our walk continues past a cigar shop on the way to Jose Marti’ Plaza to see the iconic sights of Cienfuegos: City Hall, Tomas Terry Theater, The Arc of the Workers, the Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion, Founder’s house and Ferrer Palace. Climb the wrought-iron spiral staircase of the  Ferrer Palace for a panoramic view of the city.  

  • Visit Ferrer Palace for panoramic view of the city.


CIENFUEGOS CITY TOUR AND 18th CENTURY FORTRESS  

7-8 hours

$100.00 per person (2 person min.) Havana pickup can be arranged. Email for cost.

Pick up from Cienfuegos AIRPORT, HOTEL, Casa particular or cruise ship terminal.

  • Jagua Castle built in 1733 by the Spanish as a fortress at the bay’s entrance to protect the city. Painstakingly restored to welcome visitors who will learn about the legend of the Lady in Blue who haunts the rooms at night.

  • Panoramic drive along the Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful Malecons in all of the island. A stop at the Cienfuegos baseball stadium for those of you who also enjoy Cuba’s favorite past time. If you are fortunate you may even get to see a game or practice in session. Continue driving down the wide tree lined boulevard  and admire the beautiful neoclassic and eclectic buildings. A stop at Palacio de Valle,the Taj Mahal of Cuba, built by a Spanish millionaire provides you with a rooftop view of the Jagua Hotel, city and sea. Sip on a traditional Cuban beverage while listening to a live performance of typical Cuban music. Continue the ride past the  beautiful Playa Rancho Luna Hotel and ride the ferry over to the Jagua Castle.

  • Lunch (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)

  • Walking tour of this Historical City begins at the statue of Benny More’, a self-taught master of music. He directed, composed and performed without having ever studied music.

  • On our walk down the pedestrian Boulevard we will pass many shops.

  • If time permits a stop at the Hotel La Union for coffee and a rooftop view of the city and the bay.

  • Our walk continues past a cigar shop on the way to Jose Marti’ Plaza to see the iconic sights of Cienfuegos: City Hall, Tomas Terry Theater, The Arc of the Workers, the cathedral, Founder’s house and Ferrer Palace.  

  • Visit Ferrer Palace for panoramic view of the city.


CIENFUEGOS CITY TOUR AND DOLPHIN SHOW

6-7 hours

$160.00 per person (2 person min.)

Cienfuegos pick up at AIRPORT, HOTEL, Casa particular or cruise ship terminal.

Depending on the time of departure from the pier will decide the order of the tour. Dolphin shows are at 10am or 2pm. (Cost of the show and swimming with the dolphins is included in the price of the tour. Remember to bring swimsuits).

Unique experience to interact with the dolphins in their natural habitat.

  • A Panoramic drive through town down the Prado through Punta Gorda.

  • On our walk down the pedestrian Boulevard we will pass many shops.

  • Around the Jose Marti’ Plaza there are iconic sights of Cienfuegos: City Hall, Tomas Terry Theater, The Arc of the Workers, the cathedral, Founder’s house and Ferrer Palace.

  • Lunch (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)



CIENFUEGOS CITY AND COLONIAL TRINIDAD

6-7 Hours

$150 per person (2 person min.)

Cienfuegos or Trinidad pick up from AIRPORT, HOTEL, CASA particular or cruise terminal. See map. Havana pick up can be arranged. Email for cost and time needed.

  • Panoramic drive along one of the most beautiful Malecons on the island, the Paseo del Prado.

  • On the way to Trinidad, stopping at a farmer’s stand to taste exotic fruit.

  • Walk through the historical center of the city of Trinidad

  • Also known as the city of museums, choose one to explore. (entrance fee covered).

  • Lunch (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)

  • Back in Cienfuegos, the walking tour begins at the Benny More’ statue.

  • On our walk down the pedestrian Boulevard we will pass many shops.

  • Our walk continues past a cigar shop on the way to Jose Marti’ Plaza to see the iconic sights of Cienfuegos: City Hall, Tomas Terry Theater, The Arc of the Workers, the Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion, Founder’s house and Ferrer Palace. Climb the wrought-iron spiral staircase of the  Ferrer Palace for a panoramic view of the city.  



EL NICHO WATERFALLS

5 hours

$125 per person (2 person min.)

Cienfuegos, Santa Clara or Trinidad pick up at AIRPORT, HOTEL, Airbnb, CASA particular or cruise terminal. See map. Havana pick up can be aranged. Email for cost and time.

This natural reserve on the Cienfuegos Escambray Mountain Range provides a natural retreat from the heat and bustle of the city. This area is known for it cascades, caves, natural pools and trails, and is abundant with wildlife and flora.

The park admission is covered in the tour and their is a concession stand where lunch can be purchased. This area is an oasis and you want to plan to stay awhile. Bring your swim gear for a jump in the water.

Trails are not wheelchair accessible and a difficult climb for anyone needing walking assistance.

  • Drive scenic mountainous road to El Nicho Park and waterfalls.

  • Visit with the park ranger naturalist to learn about the native flora and fauna.

  • Free time to swim and explore the waterfalls and caves.

  • Lunch (One hour, on the grounds, as you visit with locals who love to escape the heat of the city in this beautiful area, cost additional) .

 

CIENFUEGOS CITY - CIGAR FACTORY TOUR

4-5 hours

$80 per person (2 person min.)

Cienfuegos pick up at AIRPORT, HOTEL, CASA particular or Cruise terminal. See map.

  • Panoramic drive along the Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful Malecons in all of the island. A stop at the Cienfuegos baseball stadium for those of you who also enjoy Cuba’s favorite past time. If you are fortunate, you may even get to see a game or practice in session. Continue driving down the wide tree lined boulevard  and admire the beautiful neoclassic and eclectic buildings. Get a rare opportunity to visit with a beautiful Casa Particular on the bay and talk with the owner of this private rental business. A short ride to the Palacio de Valle, the Taj Mahal of Cuba, built by a Spanish millionaire provides you with a rooftop view of the Jagua Hotel, city and sea. Sip on a traditional Cuban beverage while listening to a live performance of typical Cuban music.

  • Visit cigar factory (entrance fee covered) An iconic educational experience of watching handcrafted cigar making artisans.

  • Lunch (Allow 1 hour) Cost varies according to your preference. Guides can recommend, reserve and help in ordering.

  • Walking tour of this Historical City begins at the statue of Benny More’, a self-taught master of music. He directed, composed and performed without having ever studied music.

  • On our walk down the pedestrian Boulevard we will pass many shops.

  • Our walk continues past a cigar shop on the way to Jose Marti’ Plaza to see the iconic sights of Cienfuegos: City Hall, Tomas Terry Theater, The Arc of the Workers, the Catedral de la Purisima Concepcion, Founder’s house and Ferrer Palace. Climb the wrought-iron spiral staircase of the Ferrer Palace for a panoramic view of the city.

  • If time permits, enjoy some of the best coffee in town and view of the city on the rooftop of the Hotel La Union.



CIENFUEGOS AND BOTANICAL GARDENS   

6 hours

$100 per person (2 person min.)

Cienfuegos pick up at AIRPORT, HOTEL, CASA particular or Cruise terminal. See map.

In 1901 Edwin Atkins owner of the Soledad sugar works transformed his estate into a sugar cane research center and filled the garden with a great number of tropical plants. In 1919 the University of Harvard bought the property  and founded a botanical institute for the study of sugar cane and tropical flora. One of the largest in Latin America has been run by the Cuban Government since 1961. More than 1,400 different species of plants. Guided tours are made partly on food and partly by car.

  • Panoramic drive along the Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful Malecons in all of the island. A stop at the Cienfuegos baseball stadium for those of you who also enjoy Cuba’s favorite past time. If you are fortunate, you may even get to see a game or practice in session. Continue driving down the wide tree lined boulevard  and admire the beautiful neoclassic and eclectic buildings. Get a rare opportunity to visit with a beautiful Casa Particular on the bay and talk with the owner of this private rental business. A short ride to the Palacio de Valle, the Taj Mahal of Cuba, built by a Spanish millionaire provides you with a rooftop view of the Jagua Hotel, city and sea. Sip on a traditional Cuban beverage while listening to a live performance of typical Cuban music.

  • Journey to the Botanical Gardens of Cienfuegos, boasting over 2000 species of plants and a stunning orchid collection (orchid blooms may vary depending on the season) (Entrance fee to the garden is included)

  • Lunch (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)

  • Walking tour of the landmarks in the colonial downtown Cienfuegos


THE THREE CITIES

CIENFUEGOS, TRINIDAD, SANTA CLARA TOUR    

7-8 hours

$150 per person (2 person min.)

Pick up from any of the three cities. Round trip. Havana pick ups can be arranged.

Email for cost and time needed.

Driving tour through Cienfuegos along the Prado through Punta Gorda to Trinidad

  • A quick orientation walk through the historical center of the city of Trinidad.

  • Mountainous drive from Trinidad to Santa Clara

  • Lunch on the way ( cost additional)

  • In Santa Clara a drive past the most important sites of the city

  • On the way to Cienfuegos stop for a view of a Sugar Mill and hear it’s history

  • In Cienfuegos a drive past Jose’ Marti, City Hall, Terry Theatre

  • If time permits coffee at the top of the Union Hotel for a roof top view