Cuba Cycling Tour
Cuba Cycling Tour
Cuba Cycling Tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Varadero, Matanzas, Santa Clara, Trinidad, Cienfuegos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Age range:
15-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Pedal through the narrow alleys, cobbled lanes, and vast landscapes of Central Cuba on this tour that starts and ends in Havana. You’ll experience up close and personal the diversity in nature and architecture and that this jewel of and island has to offer with visits to five different provinces. You won’t just see Cuba, you’ll immerse yourself in its streets and its culture, accompanied by your English-speaking tour leader, bike mechanic, and support vehicle driver. Our accommodation is in privately owned guesthouses that are typically run by local families. In Cuba this form of accommodation is the best way to get an insight into how the locals live – their food, culture, and it provides opportunities to interact with the family members. Recently comfort levels of this type of accommodation in Cuba have increased considerably and are highly rated by our travellers. The tour starts and ends in Havana, so if you are interested you can add a few days before or after the tour to experience this unique city. Take our Havana Short Stay package or just add a couple of extra nights of accommodation and choose from our selection of Havana day tours with specialist guides.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Welcome to Havana! Home of the most fascinating architecture and the famous seawall, el Malecón. Your included airport arrival transfer will take you to your guesthouse in Havana. The tour leader will conduct a welcome meeting at 6:00pm in the main guesthouse. Your optional snack kitty of US$20 will be collected. This money will be used to buy additional water, sodas, crackers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc for the road because it is difficult to buy food in remote areas. It is a good opportunity to learn about how the locals like to fuel themselves between meals and to try new foods. We offer this as a convenience, it is optional but those who don’t contribute will not have access. Due to the scarcity of snacks in Cuba, we also recommend you bring your own packaged snacks from home.
Day 2 : Varadero
Location: Varadero
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning we meet the crew for bike fitting and mechanical check, then it’s off we go on our first riding adventure as we tour the modern part of Havana on two wheels. You’ll cycle through the neighborhoods Vedado, Nuevo Vedado, Havana Forest, and Miramar. We’ll stop for a photo op at the Revolution Square where the state buildings are adorned with metal sculptures of some of Cuba’s most important historical figures. We’ll have a delicious lunch at a paladar (private restaurant) in Old Havana before we stretch our legs on a two-hour walking tour of Old Havana four main plazas after which we will hop on our support vehicle and head to one of the top-rated beach destinations in the world, Varadero!
Included Activities: Cycling tour of Modern Havana (20km, elevation gain 132m), 2-hour walking tour of Old Havana
Day 3 : Matanzas
Location: Matanzas
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise and shine for an early 30 min drive to Camarioca, just outside of Matanzas, where we start our first cycling route. We ride to Matanzas on a lightly undulating road in good condition. Matanzas is known by many monikers such as the “Athens of Cuba” “Venice of Cuba” or “City of Bridges”, it is rich in art and music heritage and is birthplace of many of Cuba’s most important cultural figures as well as Afro-Cuban history and culture. This hidden gem is often neglected by tourists in favor of the crystalline waters of nearby Varadero, we explore its treasures of everyday life on bike tour though the city. Afternoon is at your leisure, you can enjoy the sun and sand, bike around on your own, or watch the sunset on the beach.
Included Activities: Cycling for 40km (elevation gain: 138m), Bike tour of Matanzas
Day 4 : Santa Clara
Location: Santa Clara
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We hit the pedals early to our next destination Santa Clara. The cycling route is mostly flat through agricultural fields, small villages, and interesting cities such as Cardenas and Colon. Santa Clara is the city of Che, as here is where the national hero is laid to rest near a gigantic bronze statue of his likeness. Another city overlooked by tourists, Santa Clara is unapologetically edgy, its large student population means that subcultures are well-represented here. It is a city of creativity, and rebellion. Today dinner is included.
Day 5 : Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Make sure you fuel up with a good breakfast this morning as we will be uphill riding for much of today’s route. We cycle early to the mountains of Guamuaya, with an average incline of 4% during 10km. We’ll meet a farmer family in Jibacoa who will prepare a farm to fork meal while we rest our legs and enjoy the conversation. After lunch we take our support vehicle to colonial jewel Trinidad where we’ll do an orientation walking tour in the historic center. For many visitors to Cuba, Trinidad is their standout favourite destination. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well preserved, and the local residents are extremely friendly and festive. Trinidad is steeped in religiosity, none the least of which is Santeria, which is one of several Afro-Cuban religions. After the tour the rest of the evening is free. If you have some excess energy to burn, we recommend a salsa lesson followed by a night of dancing in arguably one of the best places for nightlife in Cuba.
Included Activities: Cycling for 30km (elevation gain 390m), orientation walking tour in Trinidad
Day 6 : Cienfuegos
Location: Cienfuegos
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
With the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea at our side, we ride along the coast from Trinidad to Cienfuegos, or “The Pearl of the South”. Expect the terrain to be slightly undulating in the first 5km, then it flattens out with the sea to the left and mountains to the right for about 40km. The last 20k will be hilly. We’ll take the rest of the journey in the support vehicle. French inspired boulevards and architecture await you in the elegant and peaceful city of Cienfuegos. After an orientation tour of the center of the city, around Parque Jose Marti, you are free to explore on your own. Don’t miss some of Cuba’s most beautiful buildings on Punta Gorda. There is nothing like an ice-cold beer at the Yacht Club or the astounding Palacio del Valle while watching the sun set.
Included Activities: Cycling for 60km (elevation gain 356m). Orientation walking tour of Cienfuegos.
Day 7 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start our last day of the tour with a ride in the support vehicle to Bay of Pigs, site of the infamous U.S. invasion during the JFK presidency. We’ll learn the Cuban side to this story with a cycle on flat terrain to the Museum of the Invasion. Afterwards we’ll have an hour to enjoy the beach snorkeling or swimming and lunch on the road. Back in Havana for our bittersweet farewell dinner (not included). Who could say good-bye to Cuba without a final night out for music and mojitos? Perhaps at the Buena Vista Social Club or the Time Magazine honored Fabrica de Arte Cubano, art and nightlife megaplex (optional).
Included Activities: Cycling for 30km (elevation gain 64m), entry to the Museum of the Invasion
Day 8 : Departure Day
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you can depart at any time, there are no activities or cycling today. We suggest you stay longer to enjoy the many wonderful restaurants, museums, and galleries that Havana has to offer. Your departure transfer is not included but a taxi can easily be arranged with your casa host.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouses throughout. Twinshare
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Transport
Bicycle (you are required to bring your own helmet), support vehicle (bus or mini-bus depending on group size). Upgrade to an e-Bike for an additional US$338, limited availability. See FAQ for e-bike option
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Activities
2-hour old Havana walking tour, orientation walking tours in Trinidad and Cienfuegos. Cycling routes as noted.
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Airport Transfer
Airport Arrival Transfer only
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Fully Guided
English-speaking tour leader Maurice or one of our other excellent and expert biking tour leaders, bike mechanic
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Meals
All breakfasts, all lunches, 1 dinner.
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Drinks
Cold filtered water to refill bottles.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Insurance (Travel Medical Insurance is required to participate on the tour)
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International Travel
No International flights
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Visa
Visa and passport fees
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Meals
Food: meals before Breakfast on Day 2 and after Breakfast on Day 8, dinners (except on Day 4), additional snacks (snacks included for snack kitty participants)
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Beverages
Drinks other than cold filtered water to refill bottles.
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Transfer
Airport departure transfer
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Other
Tips Optional activities
Accommodation
Guesthouses ( Casa Particulars) throughout. Twinshare.
Mode of Transport
Bicycle (you are required to bring your own helmet), support vehicle (bus or mini-bus depending on group size). Upgrade to an e-Bike for an additional US$338, limited availability. See FAQ for e-bike option.
Air conditioned bus
Check out our Q&As
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes all our transport is air conditioned
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Arrival Transfer is included
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes!. It is feasible to bring you child of any age with you on the tour in Cuba.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 12
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Are flights included in this tour?
No flights are included
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Medium to high experience cyclist who is able to cycle at least 20 - 40 km everyday in a humid climate (bus support provided)
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotel. You can order this on your booking form.
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What is the tipping policy?
Cuba is a tipping country. You can budget $2-5/day for the tour leader, $1-3/day for the driver, $1-5 for a local guide, $1 for musicians in restaurants or on the streets, $.25 for bathroom attendants
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Local guides as a minimum all speak English and Spanish
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Almost all tourists visiting Cuba, need to obtain a tourist 'visa' which is called the Cuban Tourist Card. The tourist card is valid for 90 days. Make sure you do not misplace this while in Cuba - you cannot leave the country without it.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour will be cancelled
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only person qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Our travel health precautions page does provide links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Our accommodation is in privately owned guesthouses that are typically run by local families.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Solo travellers are invited to share a room with a same sex traveller on the tour. If you prefer a single room, you can pay the single supplement.
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What currencies are required for this tour
We recommend you bring USD OR Euros
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, we can normally arrange for you to meet up with the group. Transportation at traveller's own expense.
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How long is a Cuba visa / tourist card valid for after entry to Cuba?
The standard Tourist Card is valid for 90 days. However, this can be extended once when you are in the country upon payment of a small fee – our local team can help you. This means you can stay for up to 180 days maximum on a single visit.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We can often change the dates with no penalty if it's far enough in advance. Otherwise, our cancellation policy will apply.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, there are strict health and safety guidelines that all casas particulares must adhere to.
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What currencies or money should I take to Cuba?
Following the abolition of the CUC (convertible peso) in 2021 the only official national currency now in circulation is the Cuban Peso (CUP, also known as ‘Moneda Nacional’). However, it is not necessary to exchange money to local currency, USD and Euro cash are widely accepted. We do not recommend exchanging money at official institutions, the rates are very unfavourable. Ask your guesthouse staff or guide for help exchanging to CUP. Travellers must bring USD or EUR cash sufficient for the length of their stay in Cuba. Bank cards cannot be relied on to work in Cuba and US affiliated cards will not work at all in Cuba. Card payments are usually only accepted at government run institutions and hotels, the majority of restaurants, galleries, and privately owned shops are cash only.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We adhere to all local protocol and best practices, including social distancing, sanitizing, and mask wearing. Travellers must be fully vaccinated.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
When you are confirmed on the tour you will receive the Essential Trip Notes with information to help you prepare for your tour and maps of each of the destinations. Then 10-days before the tour you'll receive a pre-departure message with the tour leader's name, arrival instructions, and the name and phone number of the casa where you'll be staying in Havana.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have proudly been in operation since 2005
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I am a US citizen. Can Americans go on these tours?
Yes, Americans can join all our tours legally. Our Ultimate Cuba tours (coded SCP) are designed with a full itinerary to satisfy USA requirements. Other tours are fine as well, but since there is a lot of free time they require the traveller to select activities appropriate under Support for the Cuban People, such as visiting private business or interacting with locals. US travellers on any tour must maintain a daily record to show that they are complying with Support for the Cuban People and keep it for 5 years.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Solo travellers are not required to pay single supplement if they are willing to share with someone of the same gender.
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Are Cuban Adventures tours legal for Americans?
Yes. Our programs comply with ongoing US travel restrictions and are legal for US and non-US citizens alike. It is not necessary to apply to ‘OFAC’ for special permission to visit Cuba, We will provide you with an affidavit to sign that will serve as proof of your legal travel. When reserving airfare, the airlines will require you to confirm that you are travelling to Cuba under one of 12 permitted categories of travel. For general purpose visits, select ‘SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE’, this is a travel category our programs comply with.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded individuals of all ages who are interested in a cultural adventure and getting to know the real Cuba
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Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Citizens of most countries will need to get a visa (also known as a Tourist Card) to enter Cuba. When flying from a country in the Americas to Cuba, you can purchase these tourist cards at the departure airport. Flying from Europe you can request the tourist card from the consulate or buy in advance online from companies such as https://www.easytouristcard.com?aff=43 A pink coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required for any nationality when flying to Cuba directly from the USA and a green coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required to visit Cuba when flying from any country except the USA. NOTE: From 1 January 2025 the Tourist Card will be replaced by an eVisa which will be obtainable in the same way as above.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cuban adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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