Cycling Cuba
Cycling Cuba
Cycling Cuba
15 Days Starting and ending in Havana
Visiting: Havana, Santa Clara, Remedios, Mayajigua, Camaguey, Puerto Padre, Gibara, Holguin, Biran, Santiago de Cuba, Sierra Maestra, El Cobre, Bayamo, Manzanillo, Banao, Trinidad, Playa Ancon, Cienfuegos, Playa Larga, Matanzas, Playa Jibacoa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MAH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 18
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
16 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4350
$4230 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$120
Tour Overview
Cuba’s music, beaches, old cars, striking architecture and revolutionary history combine to make the perfect cultural destination with a lively atmosphere. Our cycle route passes through stunning countryside with a patchwork of plantations, fields and jungle, allowing us to appreciate the traditional way of life that continues today. Out of the saddle we can experience Trinidad’s vibrant music scene, the crumbling colonial buildings of Havana and learn about the revolutionary history of Santiago. After a day of cycling you'll no doubt welcome Cuba's speciality - a refreshing mojito!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start .Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Nacional (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
The group flight arrives in the afternoon, a transfer will be provided to
take you to our hotel. Land only clients will meet the group at the start
hotel in Havana.
Day 2 : Cycle Through Havana; Transfer To Remedios Via Santa Clara.
Location: Havana, Santa Clara, Remedios
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Barcelona or Hotel Mascotte (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we will have our bike fitting before we set off on a warm-up
ride through residential and modern Havana. Today we will be joined by
members of the Cuban ‘Masters’ Road Cycling Club. This club is made up of
veteran Cuban cyclists who regularly compete in races in their respective age
groups and will give us an insight into competitive cycling in Cuba. We will
cycle through various districts of the city, stopping along the route in the
old town for a coffee and fruit juice at a small café run by local
residents, located in a typical urban residential community. From here
we’ll depart by bus and drive eastwards to begin our tour of the island. On
the way towards Santa Clara, we’ll stop to eat our picnic lunch before
continuing to see the Che Guevara memorial site in Santa Clara. The pretty
town of Remedios is our final stop today. Upon arrival we will visit a
workshop, in which they prepare for the towns’ famous event celebrated
every Christmas, ‘Las Parrandas de Remedios’. This is a very lively
street parade where people from the local community participate. We will
enjoy a group dinner tonight at a local paladar.
Today's driving time is approx. 4 hours.
Day 3 : Cycle To Mayajigua; Transfer To Camaguey.
Location: Mayajigua, Camaguey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Colon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we take a short transfer to just outside the town of
Caibarien, where we start cycling towards Mayajigua. Along the way we stop
for coffee at the home of a Cuban family, where we we can find out about
life in rural Cuba. The cycling route today is mostly flat as we head
eastwards along a section of the country’s ‘northern circuit’. Despite
the ride not being too challenging today, there is the likelihood of
encountering a headwind when cycling in this direction. After lunch we
transfer to Camaguey, where we check-in to our hotel located in the centre of
town. A local historian will join us for dinner this evening, to discuss the
history of Camaguey, the third biggest city in Cuba.
Today's driving is approx. 4 hours.
Day 4 : Transfer To Puerto Padre; Partial Coastal Ride To Gibara.
Location: Puerto Padre, Gibara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arsenita (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we depart the hotel by bus, driving to Puerto Padre in Las Tunas
province. Starting from the coastal Malecon road, we cycle out of town
heading eastwards on undulating roads. We will be greeted by a Cuban family
at the town of Delicias, who will welcome us into their home and offer fresh
fruit and coffee. We carry on riding from Uñas to Aguas Claras, experiencing
some climbs. Today’s destination is the charming coastal fishing town of
Gibara, where we will stay at a centrally located hotel. In the evening
we’ll take a short walk before dinner to meet local fisherman and learn
about their way of life in this remote coastal town. Dining at a private
restaurant, we will have an array of seafood specialities. The town is also
the unassuming destination for an annual film festival, so this evening we
will be joined by a local resident involved in the running of the festival.
Today's driving time is approx. 2.5 hours.
Day 5 : Transfer To Holguin; Cycle To Biran; Transfer To Santiago.
Location: Holguin, Biran, Santiago de Cuba
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel San Felix (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we take a short transfer to the outskirts of Holguin before
jumping on our bikes and starting cycling towards Biran. Today’s route
covers well-surfaced roads with some undulations and several fast downhill
sections. Fans of Buena Vista Social Club will appreciate riding along the
route that rose to fame in their song ‘Chan Chan’. In Biran we will
explore a famous village with great historical significance as it is the
birthplace of Raul and Fidel Castro. A farm visit will give us an insight
about the sugar cane industry in Cuba. Afterwards we board the bus and
transfer to Santiago. This evening we take part in a salsa class with Cuban
dance partners, where each member of the group will have their own dance
partner to assist in teaching salsa moves!
Today's driving is approx. 3.5 hours.
Day 6 : Explore Santiago: City Tour; And Cocktail Making Class
Location: Santiago de Cuba
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Salton (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Santiago de Cuba is known as the ‘City of Heroes’ due to the important role it played in the battles for both the independence and the revolution. The morning is spent sightseeing, including a visit to the Moncada Barracks ‐ where the opening shots of the revolution were fired on 26 July 1953 when Castro and his men attacked the barracks. We also visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where both Jose Marti and Fidel Castro are buried.
Whilst in Santiago we visit Serrano park and join a game of dominoes – probably the most common pastime throughout Cuba. We’ll also have the chance to learn how to cook a quintessentially Cuban dish with the kitchen staff of a local paladar restaurant, where we’ll also have lunch. This evening we visit a local paladar for dinner, and visit the Casa de la Trova which is considered to be the cradle of traditional Cuban music.
Day 7 : Ride From Santiago De Cuba To Palma Soriano Via El Cobre; Transfer To Bayamo
Location: Santiago de Cuba, Sierra Maestra, El Cobre, Bayamo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royalton (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we ride through the Sierra Maestra, heading deeper into the mountains, today’s route is dominated by Pico Bayamesa – at 1,730m above sea level it is Cuba’s third tallest peak. This is an area of stunning natural beauty that is rarely visited by tourists. We have a packed lunch during the ride, and finish at El Cobre, the most sacred pilgrimage site in Cuba. We’ll visit Cuba’s most emblematic church where a local expert will take us on a short tour.
After our visit to El Cobre, we transfer to our accommodation in Bayamo. This city is where the Cuban national anthem was composed in the mid-19th Century and is one of the original 7 ‘villas’ founded by the Spanish conquerors. In the afternoon, we enjoy a tour of the city with the traditional transportation of a horse and cart. During this tour we will have several stops at different sights so you can gain insider knowledge from local Cubans as you enjoy discovering Bayamo. This evening we visit a local paladar for dinner.
Day 8 : Cycle To Manzanillo; Transfer To Camaguey.
Location: Manzanillo, Camaguey
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Colon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
With a long day ahead of us, we start early today, leaving Bayamo by bike. We
exit the city passing through agricultural towns and sugar cane plantations,
on a fast and flat ride cycling westwards towards the coast. On route we will
stop in the town of Yara to find out about Cuba’s national sport, baseball.
We will visit the stadium and our guide will explain the importance of the
sport in the culture of the island. We carry on cycling to Manzanillo,
stopping to have a packed lunch by the water in a small park at the end of
the coastal road. From here we transfer to our final location for today,
Camaguey – the youngest UNESCO heritage site in Cuba. Characterized by
'tinajones' – large, earthen jugs found in the squares, churches and
gardens that were originally used to store water during drought periods. Upon
arrival you will be taken on a tour along the four plazas by ‘bicitaxi’,
whizzing around in true Cuban style!
Today's driving is approx. 3 hours.
Day 9 : Transfer To Banao; Cycle To Trinidad.
Location: Banao, Trinidad
Accommodation: Casa Particulares in Trinidad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we will travel by bus to Banao. Once we reach Banao, the
group will start cycling along a scenic route to the town of Trinidad. On our
journey, we stop to visit a group of women from the local community, who are
keeping regional traditions alive by teaching textile handicraft making to
younger generations. When we arrive in Trinidad, we enjoy a welcome drink at
Casa de Alberto – our group’s hub for the next two days. In the afternoon
explore the town of Trinidad with a local resident, adding a different
perspective to the walking tour. Trinidad has been a UNESCO World Heritage
Site since 1988, it is one of the best-preserved colonial towns of the
island. Exploring Trinidad is like stepping back in time, the cobbled streets
and horse drawn transportation whisks you back to colonial times. The tour of
the city will also include a visit to the ‘Casa Templo de Santaria de
Yemaya’ where we will find out about the Santeria Afro-Cuban religion. In
the evening learn how to make the perfect mojito at a cocktail making class.
Local Cuban bar staff will provide a tutorial before judging the group to see
who has made the most authentic Cuban drink.
Today's driving is approx. 3.5 hours.
Day 10 : Cycle To Playa Ancon; Afternoon Pottery Making Class.
Location: Playa Ancon
Accommodation: Casa Particulares
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On today's ride we will be joined by members of the Trinidad Cycling Club,
wtih plenty of time to chat and interact as we all cycle to the fishing
village of La Boca, a popular spot with local fisherman going about their
daily business. Our ride continues to Playa Ancon, a classic white sand
Caribbean beach, where weather dependent we have a picnic lunch. For those
who wish to, there will be swimming opportunities before we cycle back to
Trinidad. On our return, we will visit the workshop used by the Trinidad
Cycling Club to learn more about the local cycling culture as well as finding
out how they maintain bikes without having easy access to spare parts. In the
afternoon we join the Santander family and enjoy a pottery making class. Here
we will learn the skills that have been passed down by several generations of
this Cuban family before making our very own pottery with the guidance of a
family member. This evening we enjoy dinner at a private paladar with a local
collective of musicians that will perform interpretations of classic Cuban
Trova songs.
Day 11 : Cycle The Coastal Road To Cienfuegos.
Location: Cienfuegos
Accommodation: Casa Particulares
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we are joined by our new friends from the Trinidad Cycling Club
for the first part of our ride on the coastal road. Literally sandwiched by
the mountains and the sea, the road clings in sections to the shimmering
Caribbean. We stop at Rancho La Vega farm to have fruit juice or
coffee. Today's route passes small communities and crosses bridges over
picturesque bays with some short sharp hills. The road then undulates
through mango groves until it reaches the Botanical Garden of Cienfuegos,
where we stop to relax and take a break in the serene, natural environment.
Our ride finishes here, just outside the city of Cienfuegos, and from here
we will be transferred by bus to our casas. Tonight, we enjoy a Cuban themed
evening which will include Cuban music, delicious roast pork, rum and
dominoes prepared by our fabulous host Lily.
Day 12 : Ride To Playa Larga.
Location: Playa Larga
Accommodation: Casa Particulares
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we depart by bus to the village of Navarra, from where we will
start our ride. Today’s route covers a variety of landscapes – this is a
day for discovering the rural heart of Cuba as we pass through small
communities dedicated to agriculture and charcoal production. We ride through
the Zapata Peninsula – the biggest marshland in Cuba, stopping at Playa
Giron for a chance to learn about the CIA-backed ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion
in 1961. This region of the Zapata Peninsula is a national park and swamp,
providing a habitat for some of the most important bird species of Cuba.
Afterwards continuing by bus to Playa Larga, we’ll stay in casas
particulares. For our evening meal tonight, we will be joined by a local
nature expert who will talk to us about the natural landscapes and
characteristics of the area.
Today's driving is approx. 1.5 hours.
Day 13 : Cycle To Organic Farm For Lunch: Transfer To Matanzas.
Location: Matanzas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Velasco (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, a short transfer to Jaguey Grande takes us to our starting
point. Today we ride alongside citrus plantations at the heart of the island,
arriving in time for a country lunch at ‘Finca Coincidencia’, an organic
farm in the centre of Matanzas province. The property is home to a family
venture that combines farming, art and eco-friendly agricultural methods. In
the afternoon, we transfer north to the city of Matanzas where we visit a
pharmaceutical museum and talk to a local expert to learn how Matanzas was
well known for its innovative treatments and the legacy that still exists
today.
Today's driving time is approx. 2 hours.
Day 14 : Cycle To Playa Jibacoa; Transfer To Havana.
Location: Playa Jibacoa, Havana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Nacional (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For the final ride of the tour, we depart directly from the hotel in
Matanzas, climbing out of the city as we leave and head westwards. On the
first section of the route we may encounter some road traffic. After we turn
towards the town of Ceiba Mocha and begin the climb to Picadura Valley pass,
we’ll soon find ourselves in peaceful and beautiful surroundings where we
can enjoy valley views and the occasional small village. One of these is an
old traditional sugar cane village, where we will stop to learn about the
historical importance the industry had on Cuba. We will carry on cycling
until we reach a lookout point, from there we are rewarded with a long
stretch of flat and downhill roads that take us all the way to the Caribbean
coastline. We will end the ride at the beach, arriving in time to have lunch
at a hotel. Make the most of an all-inclusive pool bar and have a well-earned
swim and cool down in the water! From Playa Jibacoa we drive back to Havana
in time for a city tour in classic cars. Visiting both the old and new areas
of the city, we discover the distinct neighbourhoods of the capital, stopping
at points of interest. Feel free to ask questions about why the streets of
Cuba are filled with classic American cars manufactured in the 1950’s and
how on earth the owners manage to maintain them! Afterwards we will head
back to our hotel to get ready to go out for our farewell group dinner at a
paladar in Havana.
Today's driving time is approx. 1.5 hours.
Day 15 : Sightseeing In Havana; Visit Bike Workshop; End Havana.
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we have a walking tour of Old Havana – the heart of Cuba's
capital and the largest city in the Caribbean. Havana is a busy, bustling,
energetic capital, and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with
narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of
faded grandeur about the place with paint peeling off buildings. The area of
Old Havana is often described as a living museum, with its marvelous
monuments, cathedrals and palaces. During our tour we visit a ration store,
food market and artisan market for a chance to buy some souvenirs. We will
finish this tour by visiting the Velo Cuba cycling project which is run by an
inspiring group of Cuban women who rent bikes and promote cycling as a form
of transport. During our visit we will find out how they use limited
resources to help fix people’s bikes up so that they are roadworthy and
about teaching children of ‘La Habana Vieja’ how to ride!
Those on group flights will transfer approx. 30 - 40 minutes this afternoon
to Havana airport for the return flight to London. Everyone else is free to
leave or make onward travel arrangements.
What's Included
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 10 dinners.
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Accommodation
We spend 14 nights in casas particulares, traditional Cuban guesthouses that provide a warm welcome and, best of all, an insight into the local lifestyle and culture. Rooms are on a twin-share basis with air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Every property we use has been inspected and assessed by our local team. Some are large multi-room houses that are home to entire families, others are run by individuals, and in some cases the owners live elsewhere. We typically use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our full group. We always do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other Exodus clients are staying.
The casa owners are usually happy to help with laundry for a small fee. Most casas do not have hairdryers. There are often pets (a cat or dog) at the casas - please advise at the time of booking if this is problematic.
Please note, power cuts occur regularly in Cuba and you should expect there to be blackouts for hours at a time. This is a part of daily life in Cuba and torches are readily available for evening
ight-time blackouts. Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental. Cuba is not a luxury destination and anyone travelling to the island should be prepared for this.
Food
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 10 dinners included, allowing the option to try
some local restaurants on the other evenings.
We provide packed lunches during the day and there are plenty of water and
fruit refreshment stops. 3 litres of water per person is included on cycling
days. You may wish to bring some of your own energy snacks, as food shops,
cafes and restaurants are scarce in many of the rural areas we visit. Cuba is
not renowned for its culinary excellence (although it is improving). Food can
sometimes be relatively unexciting and expensive - in no small part due to
the long trade embargo implemented by the US. Vegetarians will often find the
food choice limited. Meals will be more varied for everyone in Havana and
seafood is available on the coast. We recommend that you allow CUC 20 to CUC
30 pp per day for the lunches and evening meals on the days where food is not
included. If you need more water than provided, it is available for approx.
CUC 1.50 per bottle.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
16+ children can go on this tour.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Arrival & departure transfers
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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What is the maximum group size?
18
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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