Bicycling Central Cuba

Sharpening knives - what you might see when you take a guided bike tour in Cuba
  • Length 8 days
  • From USD$4795
  • Style/Level Classic 2.0
  • Countries Cuba
  • Begin/End Remedios / Havana
See related tours

Cycle inland through the dynamic cities of Remedios, Trinidad, and Sancti Spiritus with their cobbled streets and tranquil countryside energy. You’ll visit local farms, entrepreneurs and artists, pedal through national parks, snorkel in the Bay of Pigs, and taste some of the finest Cuban cuisine. Finally, you’ll have a chance to take in Havana’s colorful rhythm as you explore the city’s culture, architecture, and history.

All of our itineraries meet the United States requirements for a People-to-People licensed trip and we will provide all licensing documents necessary for our American travelers. Recent loosening of regulations has allowed airlines to schedule direct flights from Miami and Houston into a variety of Cuban cities making this fascinating country more accessible than ever before.

If this sounds great but you’d like to explore more of Cuba, join us on the Grand Cycling Tour of Cuba: Central and Western.

Please Remember: With over 50 years of a trade embargo by the United States (and sanctions if other countries trade with them) and an economy that has boomed, busted and never truly found its way, Cuba is like no other place you have traveled. We choose to travel by bicycle because we know that getting off the buses and into the heart of a country on two wheels is one of the best ways to truly experience a place. With that said, you will notice that buildings are in need of repair, sometimes including portions of the hotels we use. Air conditioning, though present in 100% of your hotel rooms, may break down. Hot water and water pressure can vary. Internet access is sporadic and hard to find. But, the people in Cuba are some of the warmest and friendliest people on earth. They genuinely want to share and talk about their lives with travelers from all over the world – especially Americans.

We recommend you bring an attitude of flexibility and an understanding that you may not find the amenities that exist in other destinations. But, a trip to Cuba could be one of the most fulfilling travel experiences you can have.

Highlights

  • Colonial cities and architecture of Cuba, Historic Trinidad, Bay of Pigs museum, Snorkel the Bay of Pigs, Take a swim in Playa Larga, Havana

Includes

Keep in mind

We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

Please remember, Cuba is in a Zika prone area so be aware it is not recommended to travel there if you are pregnant.


Date Price Private room fee Note

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  • Total distance 235 km (146 miles) – 303 km (188 miles)
  • Average daily distance 47 km (29 miles) – 61 km (38 miles)
  • Tour style Classic
  • Tour level 2.0

Highlights: Exploring Remedios, Fit Bikes

Fly into Santa Clara and join our group shuttle to the city of Remedios. Once in Remedios we will have an orientation talk and bike fitting. If you arrive in Santa Clara a day early, you’ll see why the city is fittingly nicknamed Ciudade de Che for the spirit and history of this revolutionary figure.

Meals : Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Barcelona

Highlights: Quiet roads, sugar cane fields and colonial Sancti Spíritus

Ride today from Remedios to Sancti Spíritus, pedaling through rolling hills, past small villages, and Spanish colonial facades weathered by time. Lunch is en route before we end our day in Sancti Spíritus, one of the first colonizer settlements on the island. Established in 1514 by conquistador Diego Velázquez, the present-day city is full of history and Spanish colonial architecture. Before we enjoy a delicious dinner, explore town with a walk across the Puente Yayabo, a quadruple-arched bridge fit for an English countryside, stroll through the plaza, and admire the Teatro Principal, Cuba’s oldest theater still in use.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel del Rijo , Hotel Don Florencio

Highlights: Manaca Iznaga estate, walking tour of Trinidad

Today’s ride will take us us to the 18th century Manaca Iznaga Hacienda, a former sugar plantation northeast of Trinidad. Climb its 44-meter tower, originally used to oversee the enslaved laborers below, for a bird’s eye view of verdant valley. We’ll shuttle into Trinidad for lunch then check into our Casa Particulares (B&B) for the next two nights before exploring the cobbled streets of this 16th century town on a walking tour. After dinner together, stroll the streets in search of salsa beats floating on the warm night air.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Casa Particular

Highlights: Loop ride or rest and explore Trinidad

Take a rest day and continue exploring Trinidad or join us on a short bike ride to the turquoise waters of Playa Ancon and nearby fishing villages. This visit provides an interesting glimpse into the contrast between sleepy fishing towns and the tourism economy on the beach and in Trinidad.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging : Casa Particular

Highlights: Ride along the coast, fresh seafood lunch

We say goodbye to Trinidad and pedal along the southern coast, passing fields, beaches and estuaries – keep your eye out for flamingos. Feel free to take a swim or stop for a snack at a beachside bar. At lunch we’ll enjoy lobster and shrimp caught just a few miles away. We’ll shuttle to beautiful Cienfuegos after lunch. Settle into our centrally located hotel before joining our tour of the colonnaded Paseo del Prado or the Punta Gorda with its grand 20th century palaces.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Meliá San Carlos

Highlights: Visit Bay of Pigs, Pedal the Coast

We shuttle out of Cienfuegos and then pedal past rice paddies toward Playa Girón, landing site for the Bay of Pigs invasion. From there you can extend the ride all the way to our night’s destination in Playa Larga or jump in the shuttle for a ride. En route you have the chance to stop and snorkel in the Bay of Pigs if the cool water beckons. Tonight, sleep in a local home stay and enjoy a traditional home cooked meal.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Casa Particular

Highlights: Korimacao Community Project

After a short ride, we’ll shuttle to Havana today with a morning stop to visit the nearby Korimacao Community Project, a collective of teachers and young Cubans investing in local performance and musical arts. We’ll be in Havana in time for lunch. After lunch we’ll take a tour of town before checking into our hotel to unwind. After dinner in a local restaurant, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some live music.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging : Hotel Grand Aston La Habana

Highlights: Havana

We’ll have breakfast together before sending you on your way to explore more of Havana or head home! If this sounds great, but you’d like more Cuba join us on the Grand Cycling Tour of Cuba: Central and Western.

Meals : Breakfast

Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.



Pre-trip planning checklist



  • This is a terrific trip for those interested in learning about Cuban life, culture, music and history and exploring rural Cuba on bike. It”s probably not the best trip for foodies or for those who desire a five-star hotel experience. Biggest surprise: Lots of opportunities to hear Cuban music!

    Deb B., St Paul, MY – December 2017
  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? An amazing blend of excellent cycling conditions, interesting and educational cultural experiences, fun activities and plenty of good food and beverages!

    Lauren B., Naples, FL – December 2017
  • How would you describe this tour to a friend? In many ways, ” it was like Mexico, without the crime concern”. Great people and scenic rides. Love the horses and way of life. Very good trip! Excellent Company. The office people and guides are first rate.

    David V., Newport, RI – January 2018