This 15-day tour combines our central and western tours to give you an in depth experience of one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Pedal past much of Cuba’s less-traveled countryside on quiet roads with visits to local farms, national parks, and even snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs. You’ll have a chance to take in Havana’s colorful rhythm as you explore the city’s culture, architecture, and history. Then continue cycle off the tourist track and into the heart of Cuba. Along the way you will see Cuban cigars being rolled, taste some of the finest food the country has to offer and spend time with locals learning about the history of agriculture and revolution in this lush land. From its crystal blue coast to it’s lush forested hills, this stunning route will show off the best of Cuba's culture and landscapes.
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 also allowed for a number of airlines to schedule direct flights from Miami and Houston into a variety of Cuban cities making this fascinating country more accessible than ever before.
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.
Colonial cities and architecture of Cuba, Historic Trinidad, Bay of Pigs museum, Snorkel the Bay of Pigs, Take a swim in Playa Larga, Havana, Cycle To The “Rainbow of Cuba”, Tobacco Plantation/Cuban Cigars, San Carlos Valley, Limestone caves of Vinales, Organic farm visit, La Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve
Includes
13 dinners, bilingual tour leaders; most lunches, all breakfasts, all activities as described in itinerary - compliant with People to People General License for group travel. And the usual (see below).
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 regal colonial facades worn by time. Lunch is en route before we end our day in quaint Sancti Spíritus. Founded in 1514 by Diego Velázquez and one of the original seven villas, the city is full of historic and colonial charm. Before we enjoy a delicious dinner, take time to explore: 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.
Distance: 78km (49mi)
Gain: 527m (1729ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Sancti Spíritus to Trinidad
Highlights: Manaca Iznaga estate, walking tour of Trinidad
Today's ride takes you towards beautiful colonial Trinidad. Enjoy rolling hills as we cycle to 18th century Manaca Iznaga estate northeast of Trinidad. Climb up the town's 44-meter tower for a bird's eye view of Valle de los Ingenios and its stunning surroundings. Climb up the tower for the beautiful view before we shuttle into Trinidad for lunch. We check into our Casa Particulares (B&B) for the night before we hit the cobbled streets of this 16th century town for a walking tour. For those interested in the music scene, we recommend strolling the streets after dinner as there is often live music in the main square. Listen to salsa beats floating on warm Trinidad air turning in for the night.
Distance: 55km (34mi)
Gain: 382m (1253ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Trinidad Loop
Highlights: Loop ride or rest and explore Trinidad
Take a rest day and explore Trinidad or join us on a short bike ride to the pristine waters of Playa Ancon and local 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:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Trinidad to Cienfuegos
Highlights: Ride along the coast, fresh seafood lunch
We say goodbye to Trinidad and pedal toward the southern coast cycling past Cuba's fields, beaches and estuaries where you might be able to spy flamingos. 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 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:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Cienfuegos to Playa Larga
Highlights: Snorkeling the Bay of Pigs, Pedal the Coast
We shuttle out of Cienfuegos and then pedal past rice paddies toward Playa Girón, today's first stop, also known as the landing for the Bay of Pigs invasion. We continue to pedal along the Bay towards Playa Larga. We have a guided visit of the museum and then continue to pedal along the beautiful Bay. For those who want to take a swim, we'll stop at a spot where you can snorkel. From there you can extend the ride all the way to the hotel or jump in the shuttle to reach our final destination for the evening. Tonight's lodging is a fabulous example of how the tourist economy can vitalize a town through private enterprise. A wonderful home-cooked meal awaits us tonight at our hotel.
Distance: 81km (51mi)
Gain: 265m (869ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Playa Larga to Havana
Highlights: Korimacao Community Project, tour Havana
We shuttle to Havana today but not without first visiting the Korimacao Community Project and its 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: Havana
Highlights: Explore Havana
Join a guided tour of Havana or the museum if we have already had a walking tour the day before. The rest of the day is for you to explore all the wonderful sights of this bustling city. We'll meet for dinner and to gather with anyone joining us for the second part of the trip.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Transfer and bike to Soroa
Highlights: Bicycle Carretera Central, cycle to the Rainbow of Cuba
An hour long shuttle takes us out of Havana today before we begin our ride through western Cuba. The bustle of the city fades away as you bicycle quiet roads into Las Terrazas. Aptly named the Rainbow of Cuba, as rainbows frequently shimmer over the rivers, waterfalls, and orchid-laden trees. Located in the Cordillera de Guaniguanico, our hotel is nestled in a lush and tropical garden filled with orchids. Have a cool drink by the pool before dinner.
Distance: 48km (30mi)
Gain: 622m (2040ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10: Soroa to San Diego de los Banos and Pinar del Rio
Highlights: Learn about Cuban Cigars
Follow Cuba's Carretera Central as you pedal deeper into the heart of tobacco country. Coast down to the plains and wind your way through small towns to San Diego de Los Banos, an old thermal hot springs vacation town brimming with colonial architecture. We'll have lunch after our ride and then shuttle to Pinar del Rio. This evening we'll visit a local arts organization that works with adults and kids who would otherwise not have anything to do. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Distance: 57km (36mi)
Gain: 308m (1010ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11: Pinar to Viñales
Highlights: Cycle through the San Carlos Valley, Mogotes and limestone caves.
Today we continue West from Pinar del Río, named after its river banks adorned with pines. After a shuttle out of town you'll cycle one of the prettiest valleys in the area, the San Carlos Valley boasting incredible views of limestone bluffs blanketed in lush forests overlooking isolated huts and rust-colored tobacco fields. The stocky limestone mogotes abruptly rising from flat plains give it a fantastical appearance. Lunch is along the way before shuttling into Viñales. Tonight we have dinner at our hotel.
Distance: 52km (33mi)
Gain: 437m (1433ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: Viñales - Rest day
Highlights: Explore the limestone caves of Vinales, visit an organic farm
Take the day to stretch out your legs and explore the wonderful town of Viñales. There is plenty of hiking to be done in the valley just behind this charming town. We'll organize a group hike to walk in the Mogote National park before heading to lunch where we'll learn about the small farms working to create a sustainable way of farming as we visit a local organic farm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13: Viñales to Soroa/Las Terrazas
Highlights: Pedal the Carretera del Norte
We pedal North away from the tourist track today as you leave the Vinales Valley. Your route takes you through small rural farming villages on your way to Palma Rubia where we'll regroup, have lunch and then shuttle back to the hills for a tour of the beautiful botanic gardens in Soroa or a relaxing stay at Las Terrazas.
Distance: 45km (28mi)
Gain: 272m (892ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14: Soroa/Las Terrazas to Havana
Highlights: Pedal ridgeline roads
Our ride today takes us through a variety of routes with varying terrains and views. Enjoy some of Cuba's lushest landscapes as we head out of La Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve where stretches of forests and grasslands, rounded hills and waving royal palm trees surround you. The beautiful lush hills then give way to cultivated farmland and small rural towns as we pedal our final kilometers outside Havana. We'll regroup for a picnic lunch before shuttling into Havana. We'll celebrate the end of our tour in style tonight at a local restaurant in Havana for dinner.
Distance: 49km (31mi)
Gain: 537m (1761ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15: Adios Havana!
Highlights: Explore Havana or head home
We'll have breakfast early before sending you on your way to explore Cuba or head home!
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 15: 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)
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Check the online itinerary of your trip and review the arrival and departure information under the "Travel Information" tab to see 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 you have received for detailed instructions.
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 Getting To and Away information and one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
Sailing the boat, every afternoon relaxing on the boat after biking and swimming, lovely dinners, hearty breakfasts, bee keepers, traditional dinner out, rides through the islands (up and down!), guides, fellow passengers, crew on the boat-- really it was ALL great.
Cheryl A., Colchester, VT - June 2021
Gentle
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Very hilly
Mountainous
