The central plaza is the beating heart of any Latin American city or town, and Cienfuegos is no exception. The Parque José Martí (also known as the Plaza de Armas) is, as is usually the case, surrounded by key government and religious structures, and spending a morning or afternoon exploring the plaza and its environs is an enjoyable way to learn more about the culture and history of Cienfuegos. While the plaza was first laid out when Cienfuegos was established in 1819, it was renamed for the father of Cuban independence, José Martí, at the beginning of the 20th century. If popping into museums and other sites isn’t for you, find a café where you can sip Cuban coffee and log on to the plaza’s free Wi-Fi network.
