5 Great Excursions From Rancho Luna Resort in Cienfuegos Cuba
Located just south of Cienfuegos, Cuba on the Caribbean coast, Rancho Luna is part of a small, lesser known resort area. Due to its small beach area surrounded for miles on either side by coral cliffs, it is doubtful this area will ever be as popular as a Cayo Coco, Guardalavaca or Veradero. This is perhaps a selling point for vacationers trying to avoid the big crowds.
From Rancho Luna, there are several day excursions at very reasonable prices. Located relatively close to major heritage cities like Cienfuegos, Trinidad and even Havana, the options are plentiful. What follows are five of these day trips that provide the greatest value.
Trinidad is considered a living museum of Spanish Colonial architecture. It has been designated a UNESCO heritage site. Every day, if the minimum numbers are met, there is a tour to Trinidad leaving from Rancho Luna. The cost is just 17 CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) with lunch and snacks NOT included in the price. The tour consists of the typical visits to museums and souvenir shops.
The Botanical Gardens are located in the Cienfuegos area and make a short, inexpensive escape from the resort. Featuring over 2,000 species of plants, the trip is available daily if demand is met. Cost is just 10-15 CUC, depending on the number of people departing. This excursion gets you back poolside by 1:00.
El Nicho is an absolute must for anyone visiting Rancho Luna. Close by the resort, to the east, are the Sierra de Trinidad mountains. The mountains are majestic enough on their own. El Nicho is a series of waterfalls nestled in a rainforest-like jungle setting. The waterfalls are outstanding and the clear water pools at the base of most making for an extremely enjoyable swimming experience. The tour is just 30 CUC and includes a spectacular lunch at El Nicho.
Havana is the political and cultural centre of Cuba. For 33 CUC, you can get an express tour of the city. It is a 3-4 hour bus trip from Rancho Luna but well worth it. The drive is an opportunity to take a peek into the ‘real’ Cuba. The city tour covers the standards, such as Old Havana, the Plaza de la Revolution and the Capitol building. This one is long. You leave the resort at 7:00am and arrive back at around 10pm.
Cienfuegos is typically discovered by guests at Rancho Luna on their own. It is a 10 CUC taxi drive into the city. However, there are guided tours available, as well. Cienfuegos is a beautiful and historic city located on Cienfuegos Bay, a safe haven from the Caribbean. The city is culturally rich and is sort of a ‘junior’ Havana.
