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Bicycling Central Cuba

Bicycling Central Cuba

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.

There are no upcoming tours scheduled at this time.

Tour Style: Classic Hold A Space Request Private Departure Download Itinerary Tour Map
  • Trip At-A-Glance
  • Tour Summary
  • Daily Itinerary
  • Travel Information
  • Map
  • Reviews
Trip At-A-Glance

Trip At-A-Glance

  • Length / 8 Days
  • Total Distance / 235 km (146 miles) - 303 km (188 miles)
  • Avg. Distance / 47 km (29 miles) - 61 km (38 miles) per riding day
  • Tour Level & Tour Style / 2.0 Classic
  • Countries / Cuba
  • Begin/End / Remedios / Havana
  • Price / From USD$4795
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Tour Summary

Tour Summary

  • 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

    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.
  • Includes
    7 nights' accommodation; full van support; bilingual tour leaders; 6 dinners, most lunches, all breakfasts; and the usual (see below).

    Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
  • Arrive / Depart
    Santa Clara / Havana
  • Overall Tour Level
    2.0 difficulty level 2.0

    Shuttles are used more frequently than most ExperiencePlus! tours because of lodging logistics.

  • Daily Ride Summary

    Day

    Distance/Gain
    mi/ftkm/m

    Terrain

    Day Level

    Notes

    1
    Test ride
    2
    78km / 527m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.5
    3
    55km / 382m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.0
    4
    35km / 104m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.0
    Today's ride is an optional loop ride
    5
    40km / 379m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.5
    6
    81km / 265m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 2.0
    7
    Transfer day
    8
    Last day

Terrain Legend

Gentle Gentle

Rolling hills Rolling hills

Hilly Hilly

Very hilly Very hilly

Mountainous Mountainous

Daily Itinerary
Download Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive in Santa Clara - transfer to Remedios

Highlights: Exploring Remedios, Fit Bikes

Fly into Santa Clara and take a taxi (45 minute transfer) 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

DAY 2: Remedios to Sancti Spíritus

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 historic 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.

  • Distance: 78km (49mi)
  • Gain: 527m (1729ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: Sancti Spíritus to Trinidad

Highlights: Manaca Iznaga estate, walking tour of Trinidad

Today’s ride explores the Valle de los Ingenios – the Valley of the Sugar Mills – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Rolling hills lead 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.

  • Distance: 55km (34mi)
  • Gain: 382m (1253ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: Trinidad Loop

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.

  • Distance: 35km (22mi)
  • Gain: 104m (341ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5: Trinidad to Cienfuegos

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.

  • Distance: 40km (25mi)
  • Gain: 379m (1243ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: Cienfuegos to Playa Larga

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.

  • Distance: 81km (51mi)
  • Gain: 265m (869ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Playa Larga to Havana

Highlights: Korimacao Community Project, tour Havana

We 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

DAY 8: Adios Havana!

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
Travel Information

Travel Information

Day 1: Arrival Information

Arrive in Santa Clara - transfer to Remedios

Note:

As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.

The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.

Meeting time 1:30 p.m. - on Day 1: meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Santa Clara Airport (SNU) (right outside the airport, you can't miss them).

Book your flight arrival into Santa Clara no later than 1 p.m.

Arrival at Santa Clara:

  • Meet our shuttle (see information bolded above).
  • In case you can't make the meeting time specified above, take a taxi from Santa Clara Airport to the tour starting location in Remedios (40 min/CUC 40-60)

Arrival into Havana (HAV):

  • Bus from Havana Airport to the Santa Clara Airport - remember the meeting time above as you plan (4.5 hours/prices vary)

Note:

  • Private transfers: We will gladly arrange a private transfer for you (this can be done about 3-4 weeks prior to your tour start date). Cost will be available upon request, but it will likely be more expensive than a taxi. If you arrive early, your place of accommodation can oftentimes help with transfers as well.
  • If you spend time in Cuba before the tour start, we ask that you come meet the complimentary ExperiencePlus shuttle on Day 1

Day 8: Departure Information

Adios Havana!

Your trip ends on the final day after breakfast.

The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. 

We recommend flying out of the Havana Airport (HAV)

  • Taxi from the ending hotel to the Havana airport (25 min/CUC 20-30)

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.

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

To do right after you booked!

6 to 3 Months Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
  • Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
  • Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
  • Begin your chosen training program.
  • Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.

6 to 2 Weeks Prior to Tour Start Date

  • Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Reading and Movie Lists: https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/
  • Plan what you are going to pack and start packing! Refer to the Packing Lists on our website at https://www.experienceplus.com/blog/travel-planning/packing/.
  • We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).

Day of Your Flight

Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!

What to Expect on Tour

Classic Tour Style

Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.

Map

Map

Reviews

Reviews

Awards, Memberships and Reviews