Cuba Guide
Cienfuegos and Villa Clara
Despite attracting an increasing number of tourists, the neighbouring provinces of Cienfuegos and Villa Clara still offer a taste of undiluted Cuban life, albeit at the subdued pace which characterizes so much of the country away from Havana. Capital of the eponymous province, Cienfuegos is one of Cuba's more attractive big cities, situated alongside a large enclosed bay and within easy day-trip distance of the province's other destinations.
The province of Villa Clara sits at the top of Cienfuegos, along its northern border. Its capital city, Santa Clara, is dominated by more Cubans than tourists and enjoys status as the region's liveliest cultural hot-spot. You'll find an excellent range of accommodation here, a large student population and some of the best nightlife in provincial Cuba.
In the northeastern reaches of the province, almost 50km out to sea, are Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Santa María, with a fantastically secluded yet fully equipped beach resort.
Highlights
1 Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos These flourishing botanical gardens have one of the country's most complete collections of tropical plants.
2 The Jagua ferry The chug across the Jagua Bay in Cienfuegos is a great way to enjoy the slow, laid-back pace of local life whilst taking in views of the city and the far-off mountains.
3 Parque Vidal The main square in Santa Clara is amongst the most vibrant in Cuba, particularly in the evenings at weekends when young and old converge on it.
4 Museo Memorial al Che Santa Clara's most popular museum, devoted to its adopted son and revolutionary hero.
5 The northern cays The drive to these secluded islets alone, along a fifty-kilometre-long causeway skimming above clear waters, makes a trip here worthwhile.