Cuba - Lonely Planet [210]
The Necrópolis Tomás Acea (Map; Carretera de Rancho Luna Km 2; admission CUC$1; 8am-6pm) is classed as a ‘garden cemetery’ and is entered through a huge neoclassical pavilion (1926) flanked by 64 Doric columns modeled on the Parthenon in Greece. This cemetery contains a monument to the marine martyrs who died during the abortive 1957 Cienfuegos naval uprising.
MUSEO HISTóRICO NAVAL NACIONAL
A little out of the way, the Museo Histórico Naval Nacional (Map; 51-91-43; cnr Av 60 & Calle 21; admission CUC$1; 10am-6pm Tue-Fri, 9am-noon Sun) is housed in the former headquarters of the Distrito Naval del Sur (1950). It was here in September 1957 that a group of sailors and civilians staged an unsuccessful uprising against the Batista government. The revolt is the central theme of the museum.
Activities
The Marlin Marina Cienfuegos (Base Náutica; Map; 55-12-41; cnr Av 8 & Calle 35; 7am-5pm) is a 36-berth marina a few blocks north of Hotel Jagua. You can organize deep-sea fishing trips here for CUC$200 for four people for four hours. Multiday trips cost CUC$400/680 for one/two nights (gear and crew included). A classic bay cruise costs CUC$16 for the day or CUC$10 for a two-hour sunset cruise (stopping briefly at Castillo de Jagua). Book through Cubatur or Cubanacán Click here.
Nearby, in Club Cienfuegos (Map; 52-65-10; Calle 35 btwn Avs 10 & 12; 9am-1am Sun-Fri, 9am-2am Sat), you can organize water sports including kayaking and windsurfing (there’s a small dock out back). There’s also a tennis court and a small amusement center with bumper cars, go-carts and video games.
If you’re into billiards or bowling, go to La Bolera (Map; Calle 37 btwn Avs 46 & 48; per hr CUC$1-2; 11am-2am), where there’s an ice-cream parlor and occasional live music. Nonguests can use the beautiful Italianate swimming pool at Cubanacán Boutique La Unión on the corner of Av 54 and Calle 31 for CUC$5.
Courses
The Universidad de Cienfuegos (Map; 52-15-21; Carretera Las Rodas Km 4, Cuatro Caminos; www.ucf.edu.cu) offers Spanish courses for beginners to advanced. The courses last one month and incorporate 64 hours of study (CUC$340). It also offers courses in ‘Cuban Culture’ (CUC$340). Language courses run monthly, culture courses every other month. Check out its website for more details.
Tours
Cubanacán organizes some interesting local tours, including the three-hour Along the Paths of the Orishas (CUC$12) and the ever-popular El Nicho excursion (CUC$30, eight hours; includes lunch).
Festivals & Events
Local festivals in Cienfuegos include the cultural events marking the foundation of the city on April 22, 1819, the Carnaval in August and the Benny Moré International Music Festival in September of odd-numbered years.
Sleeping
Cienfuegos has a plethora of quality private rooms – your best bet for budget accommodation. Those at Punta Gorda are more removed, but generally more atmospheric. There are three excellent hotels in Cienfuegos proper, and a cheaper Islazul outfit a few kilometers to the east.
IN TOWN
Casas Particulares
Friendship Home – Armando & Leonor (Map; 51-61-43; Av 56 No 2927 btwn Calles 29 & 31; r CUC$20; ) Friendship’s the word in this venerable colonial house stuffed full of family heirlooms just off Parque Martí. Legendary food includes the exotic Cola chicken (yes, pollo cooked in the real thing). The chatty hosts offer two well-kept rooms and a lovely roof terrace reached via a spiral staircase.
Pepe & Isabel Martínez Cordero (Map; 51-82-76; Av 52 No 4318 btwn 43 & 45; r CUC$20-25; ) Run by two teachers in a colonial house near the bus station, there are two very clean rooms, a fountain out back and a guaranteed open-arms welcome.
Claudio & Ileana (Map; 51-97-74; Av 54 No 4121 btwn Calles 41 & 43; r CUC$20-25; ) Another hospitable couple renting a polished place with two bedrooms and all mod cons near the bus station and