Cuba by Bike

Upon arrival into José Marti International Airport in Havana please make your way through customs and to the baggage claim area. Make your way out of the airport and take a taxi to the group hotel (approx US$35). You may also elect to have a prearranged transfer that can be organized with us before departure. As travellers will be arriving at different times, you should simply check in at the group hotel. Overnight: Overnight: Ambos Mundos or Similar

After the bike fitting we set off on a panoramic sightseeing of the City (approx 30km cycling) covering the following areas; Miramar, Parque Metropolitano de la Habana, Nuevo Vedado, stop at the Revolution Square. Continue through Vedado passing by the Hotel Nacional de Cuba down to the Capitolio via Centro Habana. Stop at the Capitolio building, continue biking down Prado promenade, near the former Presidencial Palace, then on to the train station, the remains of the wall and to the Arms square. From here we continue on foot visiting the four most important colonial squares in Old Havana and have lunch in the area.
In the early evening we meet up for dinner at the Restaurant Meson de la Flota.
Overnight: Ambos Mundos or similar
Cycle: approx 22km. Ascent +149m / Descent -156m. 100% Paved

After breakfast we’ll transfer by bus to collect the bicycles. After some minor adjustments we’ll commence cycling west out of Havana, along the coastal highway to Mariel (40km), a town founded in 1762 that is today a major industrial town and port with the largest cement factory in Cuba. We travel inland to the Sierra del Rosario Mountains where Royal Palms sprout abundantly among the tobacco and sugarcane filled valleys. Few Cubans own or drive a car making the roads ideal for quiet cycle touring. After lunch at La Fonda de Mercedes we continue to Pinar del Rio, the capital of the province- a bustling town with many historical buildings.
Overnight: Villa Aguas Claras (or similar) – a quiet resort about 20kms from the Viñales valley.
Cycle: approx 39km. Ascent +445m / Descent -280m. 100% Paved

Depart for the Viñales Valley (18 km) in the Sierra de los Organos- one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba and the country’s oldest geological formation. The mogotes, (eroded limestone mountains) are the main attraction and date back 160 million years. Throughout the Viñales valley there are small villages, mostly self-sufficient farming communities and traders, plus a vast cave network. Exploring this friendly and somewhat sleepy area by bike is ideal, giving us plenty of time to witness the farming techniques and to enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people, as well as exploring caves and the generally beautiful scenes at a leisurely pace. The cycling is moderately graded with some small hills. After a traditional lunch at Palenque de los Cimarrones Restaurant we’ll continue on to our evening accommodation.
Overnight: Casa Particulares Viñales.
Cycle: approx 26km. Ascent +276m / Descent -276m. 100% Paved

This morning we travel by bus to Palma Rubia before taking the 10am boat to Cayo Levisa (50mins). The island of Cayo Levisa is a small coral key off the north side of Pinar del Río and is part of the Archipiélago de los Colorados in the Gulf of Mexico. It is best known for its white coral beaches, thick mangroves, abundant seabirds and seas rich in red snapper, sea bass, lobster and marlin. Here the group has an opportunity to swim, snorkel, play beach volleyball and enjoy other beach related activities. Lunch at Villa Cayo Levisa. We return to the mainland in the late afternoon (approx 5.30pm) and have dinner at a local Paladar.
Overnight: Casa Particulares or similar.

After an early breakfast we’ll cycle 18 kms to the impressive Santo Tomas Cave after which we’ll head to the historic village of El Moncada were the first revolutionary militia was formed in honour of the local hero Leandro Malagones. Viñales town, a village of 4000 inhabitants that was founded in 1607 will be next on the agenda, before lunch at Mural de la Prehistoria Restaurant (or similar). After lunch we will continue by bus to Soroa.
Overnight: Hotel La Moka or Soroa (or similar).
Cycle: approx 21km. Ascent +229m / Descent -248m. 100% Paved

Morning cycling in & around Soroa - the closest mountain resort area to the capital, known as the rainbow of Cuba. Here we will visit the Salto de Soroa, a waterfall in the Arroyo Manantiales, where it is novel to swim at the foot of the falls. Horseback riding along forest trails is another option. We take a packed lunch for our long transfer (4 hours approx) to Playa Larga, where we’ll stay the night. Playa Larga is on the Bay of Pigs, scene to the 1961 CIA backed invasion of Cuba. The hotel is set on the beach in a small rural village so expect basic accommodation in a wonderful setting. This evening we’ll enjoy a seafood dinner in a local Paladar.
Overnight: Casa Particulares in Playa Larga.
Cycle: approx 18km. Ascent +343m / Descent -306m. 100% Paved.

This morning we set off by bike from our hotel and enjoy and easy ride along the Bay of Pigs coastal road, the Caribbean sea glistening to the right and very little traffic. We reach Playa Giron and there’s the chance to visit the small museum dedicated to the Bay of Pigs Invasion in April 1961. From there it’s a short ride to our lunch stop. We’ll enjoy lunch at Caleta Buena, a huge flooded tectonic fault, or cenote, where you can swim in crystal waters. Buffet style lunch is served here and you can also rent snorkeling equipment and pedalos. Continue to Cienfuegos to discover the charm of the old city with its grand structures surrounding the central square. We’ll spend the night in Cienfuegos and enjoy dinner in our hotel tonight. Overnight: Jagua or Melia San Carlos Hotel or similar in Cienfuegos.
Note: There is such high demand for travel to Cuba that hotel rooms are selling out months in advance. In some instances it may be necessary to use a Casa Particular (Homestay).
Cycle: approx 46km. Ascent +119m / Descent -119m. 93% Paved

Setting off from Cienfuegos we cycle past mango groves and then through pasture land along the nippy hills towards the Escambray mountains. The first part of today’s ride is challenging but you’re rewarded with spectacular view all the way. After 50km ( and plenty of undulations! ) we stop for a country lunch in Hacienda La Vega. From here it’s about a 20-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad. Facing the Caribbean Sea, Trinidad is a metropolis of beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Much of the city’s fortune came about through the sugar boom that saw great wealth translate into elegant mansions, which till this day form the nucleus of the city. Trinidad is best explored on foot, along cobble stone streets that wind to open market places where old churches contrast with the culture of outdoor café entertainment. Like Havana, Trinidad is a great place to listen to some of the live music for which Cuba is world renowned. Another appealing feature is the artistic flare of the town, and as you wander you’ll see merchants crafting their wares such as weaving, pottery, musical instruments, flower decorations, painting and the like. After check in to our casas, we’ll have an orientation tour to explore this wonderful city. Here we will spend two nights.
Overnight: Casas Particulares in Trinidad.
Cycle: approx 50km. Ascent +476m / Descent -351m. 95% Paved

After an early start we drive up the steep windy hillsides to Topes de Collantes (850m) in the Guamuhaya Mountain Massif. Depending on conditions, we’ll take a 4WD to our trek start point ( Guanayara ) and undertake a 2-3 hour walk in the morning. Our walk through beautiful forest encounters waterfalls, birds, Butterfly Lilies, Royal Palms & Giant Reeds that are over 100 years old. A further highlight of the walk is the visit to isolated rural communities. The final stage of the walk winds up to Rocio Falls and the Venado (deer) pool, where the brave can take a dip in the fresh springs. Lunch will be at the La Gallega Restaurant that specializes in Creole food. We return to our vehicle and descend the steep mountainsides back to Trinidad and our hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Casas Particulares in Trinidad.

After breakfast we set off early and drive to Santa Clara, a city founded in 1689 by settlers who fled the coast fearing the ongoing pirate insurgencies. Today Santa Clara is an important university town but best known for the historic events that surround the great revolutionist Che Guevara. Che led the rebels in the battle of Santa Clara, a decisive victory over Batista’s army that resulted in the triumph of the revolution. In the centre of town, the statue of Che Guevara stands in front of the provincial PCC, the Communist Party of Cuba building. After lunch we return to Havana and enjoy a farewell dinner at the Bodeguita del Medio.
Overnight: Ambos Mundos or similar.

Tour ends after breakfast. Make your way to the airport for departure or remain in Cuba.