Best of Cienfuegos and Villa Clara Provinces

Parque Martí [1]: Cienfuegos’s expansive central plaza is surrounded by impressive neoclassical structures and a cathedral.

Palacio del Valle [2]: This Mogul-inspired confection is a one-of-a-kind mansion turned restaurant; sure, the food and service win no awards, but the setting is memorable.

Jardín Botánico Soledad [3]: This vast botanical garden on the outskirts of Cienfuegos has separate sections for cactus, rubber trees, and other plants.

El Nicho [4]: The placid Sierra Escambray setting of this recreational site features beautiful waterfalls and horseback riding, hiking, and other activities.

Complejo Escultórico Memorial Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara [5]: A splendid museum sits beneath the imposing Che Guevara monument in Santa Clara. A reverential mausoleum contains the revolutionary hero’s remains.

Remedios [6]: Time your visit to this beautiful colonial town for year’s end to catch the parranda—a fireworks battle like no other.

Cayos de Villa Clara [7]: A 50-kilometer-long land bridge provides access to stunning white-sand beaches and jade waters on remote cays with great fishing and scuba diving and top-class resorts.