Cuba Cycling and Culture Tour

Duration
10 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
All Levels
D-Score™
D2 - Intermediate

Overview

On this 10-day cycling tour through the heart of the country, we will explore some of Cuba’s most vibrant communities, sparkling coastlines and breathtaking countryside. Our adventure is designed for much more than just cycling and sightseeing, however. We aim to immerse you in Cuba’s rich culture and heritage as well, offering meaningful interactions with the local communities. Along the way we will meet and engage with artists, farmers, educators, restaurant owners, market vendors, and park guides to hear first-hand the stories behind the legend that is Cuba. Visiting developing countries can be eye-opening and life-changing, and hopefully visiting Cuba is both. Traveling within Cuba in particular requires a flexible attitude. Our days are full, and (as required by U.S. Law) we have a full-time agenda of activities to provide “Support for the Cuban People.” Cuba, however, has its own rhythm: things aren’t always open when they claim to be, and things don’t always run on time. We will endeavor to do our best to provide all of the content for the support program, but the specific activities and visits listed in our itinerary cannot be guaranteed. Similarly, accommodation and restaurants may not be up to the standards you are accustomed to. Sometimes the hot water or air conditioning doesn’t work. Restaurants may not have the same range of options you are familiar with, and so forth. Our guides promise to do their best to make this a fascinating and educational experience, but we also ask our guests to understand – as well as respect and appreciate – these differences in the people, food and culture. You may have seen recent news coverage that new travel restrictions to Cuba have been implemented by the U.S. government. The primary effect to our itinerary has been that we can no longer stay in Cuban hotels. All accommodation on the tour will now be at Casas Particulares (informal homestays).

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Meet, greet, and enjoy a welcome dinner in Havana.

Meet, greet, and enjoy a welcome dinner in Havana.

Day 2: Museums, mosaics and classic cars. Tour colorful Havana!

Museums, mosaics and classic cars. Tour colorful Havana!

Day 3: Cycle to Santa Cruz del Norte and end the day in Matanzas – the “Athens of Cuba.”

30 km 1086 m

D1

Cycle to Santa Cruz del Norte and end the day in Matanzas – the “Athens of Cuba.”

Day 4: Matanzas loop ride, museum tour and dance performance.

30 km 1022 m

D1

Matanzas loop ride, museum tour and dance performance.

Day 5: Ride inland from Matanzas and shuttle to Playa Larga on the south coast after lunch.

27 km 1032 m

D1

Ride inland from Matanzas and shuttle to Playa Larga on the south coast after lunch.

Day 6: Cruise the coast, snorkel, visit the Bay of Pigs Museum, and transfer to Cienfuegos.

49 km 945 m

D1

Cruise the coast, snorkel, visit the Bay of Pigs Museum, and transfer to Cienfuegos.

Day 7: Cycle on the “colonial coast” from Cienfuegos to Trinidad.

41 km 1739 m

D1

Cycle on the “colonial coast” from Cienfuegos to Trinidad.

Day 8: Explore Trinidad, cycle to the beach, go kayaking, and have dinner on your own.

8 km 127 m

D1

Explore Trinidad, cycle to the beach, go kayaking, and have dinner on your own.

Day 9: Cross the Escambray Mountains to Santa Clara.

43 km 3505 m

D2

Cross the Escambray Mountains to Santa Clara.

Day 10: Departure day from Santa Clara

Departure day from Santa Clara

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

B&B

What's Included

Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Support vehicle following all rides