- Cycle the length of Cuba, interacting with local people as we go
- Benefit from high-quality bikes and mechanical support throughout
- Ride with the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club
- Create authentic mojitos in a cocktail-making class
- Cruise the streets of Havana in a classic car
Cycling Cuba
15 Days
Excluding Flights
16 Days
from
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Itinerary
Havana Havana
Fly to Havana
Fly to Havana, Cuba’s lively capital. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. It is a busy, bustling, energetic place and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of faded grandeur about it with paint peeling off buildings. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Start Havana
Welcome to Havana, the lively capital of Cuba. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. It is a busy, bustling, energetic place and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of faded grandeur about it with paint peeling off buildings. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle through Havana; transfer to Remedios via Santa Clara
We have our bike fitting this morning before a warm-up ride through residential and modern Havana. Today we are joined by members of the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club, veteran Cuban cyclists who regularly compete in races in their respective age groups, for an insight into competitive cycling in Cuba. We cycle through various city districts, stopping in the Old Town for a coffee or fruit juice at a locally run cafe in a typical urban residential community.
From here, we depart by bus and drive eastwards to begin our tour of the island. On the way towards Santa Clara, we stop to eat our picnic lunch before continuing to see the Che Guevara memorial site. The pretty town of Remedios is our final stop today. Upon arrival, we visit a workshop where they prepare for Las Parrandas de Remedios, a lively Christmas festival in which people from the local community participate. Enjoy a group dinner tonight at a paladar (a traditional family-run restaurant).
Today’s driving time is approximately four hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Mayajigua; transfer to Camaguey
Take a short transfer to just outside the town of Caibarien after breakfast, where we start cycling towards Mayajigua. Along the way, stop for refreshments at the home of a Cuban family, where we can learn about life in rural Cuba. The cycling route today is mostly flat as we head eastwards along a section of the country’s ‘northern circuit’. Despite the ride not being too challenging today, we may encounter a headwind when cycling in this direction. After lunch, we transfer to Camaguey, checking into our town centre accommodation. A local historian joins us for dinner to discuss the history of Camaguey, the third-biggest city in Cuba.
Today’s driving is approximately four hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Puerto Padre; partial coastal ride to Gibara
We depart our accommodation this morning by bus, driving to Puerto Padre in Las Tunas province. Starting from the coastal malecon road, cycle eastwards out of town on undulating roads. We are greeted by a Cuban family in the town of Delicias, who welcome us into their home for refreshments. We carry on riding from Uñas to Aguas Claras, experiencing some climbs. Today’s destination is the coastal fishing town of Gibara, where we stay at a centrally located accommodation. In the evening, take a short walk before dinner to meet local fishermen and learn about their way of life in this remote coastal town. Dining at a private paladar, we have an array of seafood specialities. The town is also the unassuming destination for an annual film festival, so this evening we are joined by a local resident involved in running the event.
Today’s driving time is approximately 2hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Holguin; cycle to Biran; transfer to Santiago
Take a short transfer after breakfast to the outskirts of Holguin, then cycle towards Biran. Today’s route covers well-surfaced roads with some undulations and several fast downhill sections. Fans of Buena Vista Social Club will appreciate riding along the route that rose to fame in their song Chan Chan. In Biran, we explore the village where Raul and Fidel Castro were born. A farm visit gives us an insight about the sugarcane industry in Cuba. Afterwards, we board the bus and transfer to Santiago. This evening, we take part in a salsa class, where our Cuban dance partners help us to improve our moves!
Today’s driving is approximately 3hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Explore Santiago: city tour and cookery class
Santiago de Cuba is known as the City of Heroes due to the important role it played in the battles for both the independence and the revolution. Spend this morning sightseeing, including a visit to the Moncada Barracks, where the opening shots of the revolution were fired on 26 July 1953 when Castro and his men attacked the barracks. We also visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where Jose Marti and Fidel Castro are buried.
While in Santiago, we visit Serrano Park and join a game of dominoes – probably the most common pastime in Cuba. We also have the chance to learn how to cook a quintessentially Cuban dish with the kitchen staff of a paladar, where we have lunch. This evening, we visit a paladar for dinner and visit Casa de la Trova, which is considered the cradle of traditional Cuban music.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Ride from Santiago de Cuba to Palma Soriano via El Cobre; transfer to Bayamo
Today we ride through the Sierra Maestra. Heading deeper into the mountains, our route is dominated by Pico Bayamesa – the third tallest peak in Cuba at 5,675ft (1,730m) above sea level. This is an area of stunning natural beauty that is rarely visited by tourists. We have a packed lunch during the ride and finish at El Cobre, the most sacred pilgrimage site in Cuba.
After our El Cobre visit, we transfer to our Bayamo accommodation. This city is where the Cuban national anthem was composed in the mid-19th century and is one of the original seven ‘villas’ founded by the Spanish conquerors. In the afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour of the city with stops at several sites. We visit a paladar for dinner.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Manzanillo; transfer to Camaguey
With a long day ahead, we start early, leaving Bayamo by bike. We exit the city passing through agricultural towns and sugarcane plantations on a fast, flat ride cycling westwards towards the coast. En route, we stop in the town of Yara to dive into baseball, the national sport of Cuba. Depending on availability, we may be able to enter the local stadium or speak to locals who often play baseball in the street. We carry on cycling to Manzanillo, stopping for a packed lunch by the water in a small park at the end of the coastal road. From here, we transfer to our final location for today, Camaguey – the youngest UNESCO-listed site in Cuba. Look out for tinajones – large, earthen jugs found in the squares, churches and gardens that were originally used to store water during drought periods. Upon arrival, we have a tour along the four plazas by bici-taxi, whizzing around in true Cuban style.
Today’s driving is approximately three hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Banao; cycle to Trinidad and cocktail-making class
After breakfast, we travel by bus to Banao. Upon arrival, we cycle along a scenic route to the town of Trinidad. On our journey, we stop to visit a group of women from the local community, who are keeping regional traditions alive by teaching textile-making handicrafts to younger generations. When we arrive in Trinidad, enjoy a welcome drink at Casa de Alberto & Osmary, our hub for the next two days. In the afternoon, we explore the town with a local resident, adding a different perspective to the walking tour. Trinidad has been a World Heritage site since 1988 and is one of the best-preserved colonial towns on the island. Exploring it is like stepping back in time, the cobbled streets and horse-drawn transportation whisking you back to the Colonial era. The tour includes a visit to Casa Templo de Santeria de Yemaya, where we learn about Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion. We also have a cocktail-making class today, creating authentic Cuban mojitos in a paladar.
Today’s driving is approximately 3hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Playa Ancón; afternoon pottery-making class
On today’s ride we are joined by members of the Trinidad Cycling Club with plenty of time to chat and interact as we all cycle to the fishing village of La Boca, a popular spot with local fishermen going about their daily business. Our ride continues to Playa Ancón, a classic white-sand Caribbean beach, where we have a picnic lunch (weather dependent). For those who wish, there are swimming opportunities before we cycle back to Trinidad. On our return, we visit the workshop used by the Trinidad Cycling Club to learn more about the local cycling culture and how they maintain bikes without easy access to spare parts.
In the afternoon, we join the Santander family for a pottery-making class. Here we learn skills that have been passed down by several generations of this Cuban family before making our own pottery with the guidance of a family member. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a private paladar with live music.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle the coastal road to Cienfuegos
This morning, we are joined by our new friends from the Trinidad Cycling Club for the first part of our ride on the coastal road. Sandwiched by the mountains and sea, the road clings in sections to the shimmering Caribbean. We stop at Rancho La Vega farm to have fruit juice or coffee. Today’s route passes small communities and crosses bridges over picturesque bays with some short, sharp hills. The road then undulates through mango groves until it reaches the Botanical Garden of Cienfuegos, where we stop to relax and take a break in the serene, natural environment. Our ride finishes here, just outside the city of Cienfuegos; from here, we are transferred by bus to our casas. Tonight, we enjoy a Cuban-themed evening of Cuban music, delicious roast pork, rum and dominoes prepared by our fabulous host Lily.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Navarra; ride to Playa Larga
This morning, we depart by bus to the village of Navarra, where we start our ride. Today’s route covers a variety of landscapes – this is a day for discovering the rural heart of Cuba as we pass through small communities dedicated to agriculture and charcoal production. We ride through the Zapata Peninsula, the biggest marshland in Cuba, stopping at Playa Girón for a chance to learn about the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961. Afterwards, we continue by bus to Playa Larga. For our evening meal, we are joined by a local nature expert who talks to us about the natural landscapes and characteristics of the area.
Today’s driving is approximately 1hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to farm for lunch; transfer to Matanzas
A short transfer to Jaguey Grande this morning takes us to our starting point. Today we ride alongside citrus plantations at the heart of the island, arriving in time for a country lunch at Finca Coincidencia, a farm with organic principles in the centre of the Matanzas province. The property is home to a family venture that combines farming, art and sustainability-led agricultural methods. In the afternoon, we transfer north to the city of Matanzas, where we visit a pharmaceutical museum and talk to a local expert to learn why Matanzas was well known for its innovative treatments and the legacy that exists today.
Today’s driving time is approximately two hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Playa Jibacoa; transfer to Havana
For the final ride of our tour, we depart directly from our accommodation in Matanzas, climbing out of the city as we leave and head westwards. On the first section of the route, we may encounter some road traffic. After, we turn towards the town of Ceiba Mocha and begin the climb to the Picadura Valley pass. We soon find ourselves in peaceful and beautiful surroundings where we can enjoy valley views and the occasional small village. One of these is an old traditional sugarcane village, where we stop to learn about the historical importance of the industry in Cuba.
We continue cycling until we reach a lookout point, where we are rewarded with a long stretch of flat and downhill roads that takes us all the way to the Caribbean coastline. Our ride ends at the beach, arriving in time for lunch at our accommodation. Make the most of an all-inclusive pool bar and have a well-earned swim and cool down in the water!
From Playa Jibacoa, we drive back to Havana and get ready for our farewell group dinner at a paladar.
Today’s driving time is approximately 1hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Classic car tour and sightseeing in Havana; end
This morning, we see Havana in style – by classic car. Visiting both the old and new areas, we discover the distinct areas of the capital, stopping at points of interest. Feel free to ask why the streets of Cuba are filled with classic American cars manufactured in the 1950s and how the owners manage to maintain them! Afterwards, we have a walking tour of Old Havana – the heart of the capital. The area is often described as a living museum with magnificent monuments, cathedrals and palaces. During our tour, we visit a ration store and food market to gain a deeper understanding of daily life in the capital.
Then it’s time to bid your group and leader a fond farewell as this marks the end of our Cuban two-wheeled adventure.
Arrive London.
Arrive London.
Itinerary
Havana Havana
Fly to Havana
Fly to Havana, Cuba’s lively capital. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. It is a busy, bustling, energetic place and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of faded grandeur about it with paint peeling off buildings. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Start Havana
Welcome to Havana, the lively capital of Cuba. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. It is a busy, bustling, energetic place and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of faded grandeur about it with paint peeling off buildings. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle through Havana; to Santa Clara and visit Che Guevara's Mausoleum; to Remedios
We have our bike fitting this morning before a warm-up ride through residential and modern Havana. Today we are joined by members of the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club, veteran Cuban cyclists who regularly compete in races in their respective age groups, for an insight into competitive cycling in Cuba. We cycle through various city districts, stopping in the Old Town for a coffee or fruit juice at a locally run cafe in a typical urban residential community.
From here, we depart by bus and drive eastwards to begin our tour of the island. On the way towards Santa Clara, we stop to eat our picnic lunch before continuing to visit the Che Guevara memorial site. The pretty town of Remedios is our final stop today. Enjoy a group dinner tonight at a paladar (a traditional family-run restaurant).
Today’s driving time is approximately four hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Mayajigua; transfer to Camagüey
We take a short transfer to just outside the town of Caibarién after breakfast, where we start cycling towards Mayajigua. Along the way, we stop for refreshments at the home of a Cuban family, where we can learn about life in rural Cuba. The cycling route today is mostly flat as we head eastwards along a section of the country’s ‘northern circuit’. Despite the ride not being too challenging today, we may encounter a headwind when cycling in this direction. After lunch, we transfer to Camagüey, checking into our town centre accommodation.
Today’s driving is approximately four hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Puerto Padre; partial coastal ride to Gibara
We depart our accommodation this morning by bus, driving to Puerto Padre in Las Tunas province. Starting from the coastal malecon road, cycle eastwards out of town on undulating roads. Along the way, we meet a Cuban family who welcome us into their home for refreshments. We carry on riding from Uñas to Aguas Claras, experiencing some climbs. Today’s destination is the coastal fishing town of Gibara, where we stay at a centrally located accommodation. Dining at a private paladar, we have an array of seafood specialities. The town is also the unassuming destination for an annual film festival, so this evening we are joined by a local resident involved in running the event.
Today’s driving time is approximately 2hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Holguín; cycle to Birán; transfer to Santiago
Take a short transfer after breakfast to the outskirts of Holguín, then cycle towards Birán. Today’s route covers well-surfaced roads with some undulations and several fast downhill sections. Fans of Buena Vista Social Club will appreciate riding along the route that rose to fame in their song Chan Chan. In Birán, we explore the village where Raúl and Fidel Castro were born. A farm visit gives us an insight about the sugarcane industry in Cuba. Afterwards, we board the bus and transfer to Santiago.
Today’s driving is approximately 3hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Explore Santiago: city tour, cookery class and optional salsa class
We have a day out of the saddle today to explore Santiago de Cuba, known as the City of Heroes due to the important role it played in battles for both independence and the revolution. Spend this morning sightseeing, including a visit to the Moncada Barracks, where the opening shots of the revolution were fired on 26 July 1953 when Castro and his men attacked the barracks. We also visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where Jose Marti and Fidel Castro are buried.
While in Santiago, we visit Serrano Park and join a game of dominoes – probably the most common pastime in Cuba. We also have the chance to learn how to cook a quintessentially Cuban dish with the kitchen staff of a paladar, where we have lunch.
In the early evening, there is the option to join a salsa class to perfect those dance moves before we visit Casa de la Trova, considered the cradle of traditional Cuban music.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Ride from Santiago de Cuba to Palma Soriano via El Cobre; transfer to Bayamo
Today we ride through the Sierra Maestra. Heading deeper into the mountains, our route is dominated by Pico Bayamesa – the third tallest peak in Cuba at 5,675ft (1,730m) above sea level. This is an area of stunning natural beauty that is rarely visited by tourists. We have a packed lunch during the ride and finish at El Cobre, the most sacred pilgrimage site in Cuba.
After our El Cobre visit, we transfer to our Bayamo accommodation. This city is where the Cuban national anthem was composed in the mid-19th century and is one of the original seven towns founded by the Spanish conquerors. In the afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour of the city with stops at several sites of interest.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Manzanillo; transfer to Camagüey; bici-taxi tour
With a long day ahead, we start early, leaving Bayamo by bike. We exit the city passing through agricultural towns and sugarcane plantations on a fast, flat ride westwards towards the coast. En route, we stop in the town of Yara to dive into baseball, the national sport of Cuba. Depending on availability, we may be able to enter the local stadium or speak to locals who often play baseball in the street.
We carry on cycling to Manzanillo, stopping for a packed lunch by the water in a small park at the end of the coastal road. From here, we transfer to our final location for today, Camagüey – the youngest UNESCO-listed site in Cuba. Look out for tinajones – large, earthen jugs found in the squares, churches and gardens that were originally used to store water during drought periods. Upon arrival, a local historian joins us for a tour along the four plazas by bici-taxi, whizzing around in true Cuban style.
Today’s driving is approximately three hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Banao; cycle to Trinidad and cocktail-making class
After breakfast, we travel by bus to Banao. Upon arrival, we cycle along a scenic route to the town of Trinidad. On arrival, enjoy a welcome drink at Casa de Alberto & Osmary, our hub for the next two days.
In the afternoon, we explore the town with a local resident, adding a different perspective to the walking tour. Trinidad has been a World Heritage site since 1988 and is one of the best-preserved colonial towns on the island. Exploring it is like stepping back in time, the cobbled streets and horse-drawn transportation whisking you back to the Colonial era. The tour includes a visit to Casa Templo de Santeria de Yemaya, where we learn about Santería, an Afro-Cuban religion. We also have a cocktail-making class today, creating authentic Cuban mojitos in a paladar.
Today’s driving is approximately 3hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Playa Ancón; afternoon pottery-making class
On today’s ride we are joined by members of the Trinidad Cycling Club with plenty of time to chat and interact as we all cycle to the fishing village of La Boca, a popular spot with local fishermen going about their daily business. Our ride continues to Playa Ancón, a classic white-sand Caribbean beach, where we have a picnic lunch (weather dependent). For those who wish, there are swimming opportunities before we cycle back to Trinidad. On our return, we visit the workshop used by the Trinidad Cycling Club to learn more about the local cycling culture and how they maintain bikes without easy access to spare parts.
In the afternoon, we join the Santander family for a pottery-making class. Here we learn skills that have been passed down by several generations of this Cuban family before making our own pottery with the guidance of a family member. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a private paladar with live music.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle the coastal road to Cienfuegos
This morning, we are joined by our new friends from the Trinidad Cycling Club for the first part of our ride on the coastal road. Sandwiched by the mountains and sea, the road clings in sections to the shimmering Caribbean. We stop at Rancho La Vega farm to have fruit juice or coffee.
Today’s route passes small communities and crosses bridges over picturesque bays with some short, sharp hills. The road then undulates through mango groves until it reaches the Botanical Garden of Cienfuegos, where we stop to relax and take a break in the serene, natural environment. Our ride finishes here, just outside the city of Cienfuegos, and we are transferred by bus to our casas.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Navarra; ride to Playa Larga
This morning, we depart by bus to the village of Navarra, where we start our ride. Today’s route covers a variety of landscapes – this is a day for discovering the rural heart of Cuba as we pass through small communities dedicated to agriculture and charcoal production. We ride through the Zapata Peninsula, the biggest marshland in Cuba, stopping at Playa Girón for a chance to learn about the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961.
Afterwards, we continue by bus to Playa Larga. For our evening meal by the beach, we are joined by a local nature expert who talks to us about the natural landscapes and characteristics of the area. We round off the evening with a quintessentially Cuban pastime – rum and a game of dominoes.
Today’s driving is approximately 1hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to an organic farm for lunch; transfer to Matanzas
A short transfer to Jaguey Grande this morning takes us to our starting point. Today we ride alongside citrus plantations at the heart of the island, arriving in time for a country lunch at Finca La Coincidencia, a farm with organic principles in the centre of the Matanzas province. The property is home to a family venture that combines farming, art and sustainability-led agricultural methods, and we take a guided tour around the farm to learn about the produce including mangoes and honey. In the afternoon, we transfer north to the city of Matanzas.
Today’s driving time is approximately two hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Playa Jibacoa; transfer to Havana
For the final ride of our tour, we depart directly from our accommodation in Matanzas, climbing out of the city as we leave and head westwards. On the first section of the route, we may encounter some road traffic. After, we turn towards the town of Ceiba Mocha and begin the climb to the Picadura Valley pass. We soon find ourselves in peaceful and beautiful surroundings where we can enjoy valley views and the occasional small village. One of these is an old traditional sugarcane village, where we stop to learn about the historical importance of the industry in Cuba.
We continue cycling until we reach a lookout point, where we are rewarded with a long stretch of flat and downhill roads that takes us all the way to the Caribbean coastline. Our ride ends at the beach, arriving in time for lunch at our accommodation. Make the most of an all-inclusive pool bar and have a well-earned swim and cool down in the water!
From Playa Jibacoa, we drive back to Havana and get ready for our farewell group dinner at a paladar.
Today’s driving time is approximately 1hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Classic car tour and sightseeing in Havana; end
This morning, we see Havana in style – by classic car. Visiting both the old and new areas, we discover the distinct areas of the capital, stopping at points of interest. Feel free to ask why the streets of Cuba are filled with classic American cars manufactured in the 1950s and how the owners manage to maintain them! Afterwards, we have a walking tour of Old Havana – the heart of the capital. The area is often described as a living museum with magnificent monuments, cathedrals and palaces. During our tour, we visit a ration store and food market to gain a deeper understanding of daily life in the capital.
Then it’s time to bid your group and leader a fond farewell as this marks the end of our Cuban two-wheeled adventure.
Arrive London.
Arrive London.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
- Average daily distance: 37mi (60km)
- Number of days cycling: 12
- Vehicle support: 100 percent
- Terrain and route: 90 percent paved, 10 percent dirt roads, some hills
The trip is not too strenuous, but a good level of fitness is required. The route mainly follows quiet backroads and covers some remote parts of the island. Expect potholes and poor road conditions in places. The roads are generally free of heavy traffic, except in some of the bigger towns/cities.
Terrain varies from flat around Las Tunas to hilly and mountainous in the Sierra Maestra. In the harder areas, we face some longish climbs, which require good fitness (particularly as Cuba is invariably hot and humid) and some steep descents. Day 7 is particularly strenuous as we are cycling in a mountainous region.
Understanding Cuba: Cuba’s famously turbulent history and economic stagnation have resulted in daily difficulties: supermarket shelves can be bare, finding a working ATM is often tricky and wifi is unreliable. However, our tour leader helps to unravel the nuances and red tape of island life, allowing you to truly absorb this fascinating destination. We strongly recommend reading the Trip Notes carefully, there’s plenty of information in there that will enhance your experience!
Staying hydrated: Drink lots of water when cycling as the heat and humidity can be high (especially June to August). Our back-up vehicle is available if you need support.
Phone signal: Phone networks don’t make or receive calls particularly well in Cuba, and coverage may not be available in many locations. There is 4G but not all phone networks work here, so please check with your service provider before travel. Data roaming from your home network can be incredibly expensive – we recommend switching this off. There are several ways to connect to the internet using a mobile device, but it’s best not to expect a reliable internet connection. Most casas particulares have free wifi which, while much slower than your usual connection, is adequate for keeping in touch with friends and family via WhatsApp or email. If you have time, you could buy a Cuban sim card to access roaming; however, service is slow and it may take a couple of hours to buy and register your sim card.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start accommodation: Casas particulares in Havana
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. The welcome briefing often takes place in the morning of Day 2, due to the evening arrival of many flights
Airport: Havana (HAV)
Getting to the start accommodation
The start accommodation is approximately 35 minutes from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start accommodation from the airport for all customers arriving on the start date of the trip (customers arriving earlier than the start date may take a taxi or book a private transfer). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers departing on the last day of the group trip to Havana Airport (HAV) from the end accommodation. Please note that there is an excursion scheduled on the final day of the trip that ends at approximately 12pm, so if you are booking your own flight, we recommend choosing a flight that departs after 4pm.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start accommodation and from the end accommodation and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Havana
Location end: Havana
Passport
Check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return, and to have at least two clear pages for entry stamps.
Casas particulares: a uniquely Cuban experience
We stay in casas particulares, guesthouse-style accommodation that provides a unique insight into local life – an experience you just wouldn’t get in a traditional hotel!
Understanding casas
Casas are privately owned homes with rooms to rent. Some call them Cuba’s answer to the B&B, but the truth is they offer a far more personal experience. Typically, the owner (and often family) will live at the property, meaning you have meaningful interactions with them as soon as you wake. The hosts are warm, welcoming and gracious – expect generous breakfasts, plenty of smiles and friendly conversations in Spanglish. Who knows, you may make a friend or two!
The properties we use have been handpicked by our local team and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, reflecting the personality and lifestyle of the owners. As family homes, they tend to have a maximum of three or four bedrooms each, so we often use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our group. We do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other group members are staying.
The rooms are often vibrant, simply furnished and with tiled floors, sometimes with wooden shutters in place of windows. All have air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Worth knowing
- Power cuts are part of daily life in Cuba, so please prepare for blackouts that may last several hours. Torches (flashlights) are readily available for evening/night-time occurrences. Also pack mosquito repellent for these periods – you’ll want to open your window, too.
- Internet connections can be unreliable.
- Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental.
- Casas do not have lifts (elevators) so you should be able and prepared to carry your luggage up stairs.
- Many casa owners can help with laundry for a small fee.
- Most casas do not have hairdryers.
- There are often pets (a cat or dog) at the casas – please advise at the time of booking if this is problematic.
Trip Experts
Arley Varona
Expert Leader: Cuba
Reviews
Add your own reviewChildren of the revolution!
Great trip, crew worked tirelessly for us, fascinating place.
Most Inspirational Moment
Scenery in SE hills was especially good.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant, could not be faulted
Advice for Potential Travellers
Change your money on the street!
Cycle Cuba
Good trip, superb guide, interesting journey.
Of 8 on the trip, 6 came back with (subsequently medically-diagnosed) Giardia.
Not Exodus’ fault, but people should be made aware of this problem so that they seek medical attention earlier. This is more than holiday tummy.
I have been on many guided holidays, not only with Exodus, and our guide on this trip was probably the best we’ve encountered.
June Cuba Ride
The most favourite group of the five Exodus trips I have experienced, but the least favourite of the holidays. This trip certainly isn’t moderate in May/June as the weather conditions are challenging. Over 35 degrees every day and high humidity on the bike is no easy feat! Long transfers and head winds add to the interest.
Most Inspirational Moment
Finishing the day cycling the Sierra Maestra. Beautiful scenery and challenging riding, a real achievement for everyone. Closely followed by swimming in the Caribbean surrounded by tropical fish, a real highlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Disinterested and disengaged. Very wordy, some of the long bus transfers felt like a long day on the school bus being fed propaganda Not really proactive or showing any anticipation of his guests needs, more about how much he knew and making sure he let us know! I understand he has been guiding this trip for some time, perhaps he is just bored.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Train, train, train! Bring gels and electrolyte tablets with you to keep hydrated, and bring an open mind. Cuba is a third world country, things are not up to a Western standard so take is into account.
Cycling through Cuba and it's history
A fantastic holiday for those keen to experience the delights of this vibrant and happy country. The cycling is tough, lots of hills and a strong headwind much of the time, not to mention the potholes and exhaust fumes! But in the saddle you get to see the real Cuba, off the beaten track, the smiling Cuban faces, the simple Cuban homes and the wonderful Cuban music – all in warm weather and clear skies. We did however not expect the fantastic history lesson that we received from our leader, who left no stone unturned in his explanations of the events prior to, during and post the Revolution of the 1950s. By the end of the holiday we had all gained a much better understanding of the Cuban way of life and we found ourselves being intrigued as to what the future might hold for this amazing country.
Most Inspirational Moment
Understanding the Revolution in great detail was inspirational, but seeing inside the simple homes of a doctor and a university professor and seeing how a 'ration shop' worked, made a big impact on me.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Carlos was excellent and could have done no more to make this holiday truly memorable. So close were we that there were 'wet eyes' as we said our goodbyes to fly back to London
Advice for Potential Travellers
This holiday really suits keen road cyclists. Many sections of the route involved long straight roads against the prevailing wind in very hot sun! There was very little 'off-road', which for me personally (as a mountain biker) was a bit disappointing. Many of the roads were busy and Cuba has plenty of very inefficient diesel lorries and buses belching out black fumes.
Cycling Cuba
Excellent trip cycling around the Caribbean island of Cuba. It was like going back in time to the 50s with the old American cars and basic lifestyle. Free from phone and Wi-Fi for 2 weeks was a bonus for me!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the "real" Cuba away from the tourist hot spots and living like a local. The snorkelling was brilliant on the Catamaran trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Laz was a brilliant guide, so knowledge and passionate about his home country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack a scarf or some form of cover for your face as some of the vehicles do chuck out some smoke!! Wear plenty of sunscreen, the heat is deceiving when you are cycle with a head wind. Wear sunscreen on your lips too - a few of our group had blistered lips. Pack some toilet paper. Cycling shorts and a gel saddle are a must. It can get chilly in the evening so pack a cardi/pashmina. Ear plugs are also handy as some hotels are on main roads. Mask and snorkel if you go on the catamaran trip. Ladies a turban towel for your hair as most places only provide one towel each. I wore a pair of closed toe open sandals which were ideal for keeping your feet cool. Also some sort of carrier for your bike to hold camera, money, tissues etc is handy
Not the greatest cycling holiday we have had
Cuba is very 3rd world. The standard of the accommodation was very variable and at times frankly unacceptable. Much of the cycling was on very busy roads with ancient lorries putting out thick black exhaust fumes. The island had its prettier parts but on the whole was flat and uninteresting.
Most Inspirational Moment
We enjoyed the very few off main roads rides
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was very good. The driver also very helpful and safe
Advice for Potential Travellers
You may well enjoy the experience but there are lots of downsides to travel in Cuba
Cycling in Cuba
A very interesting and enjoyable trip, the combination of the cycling, scenery, culture, history and music made for a memorable experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Making it to the hotel in Sierra Maestre.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Liesner was very knowledgeable about Cuba and it's history. He was always helpful and considerate, and a very fit cyclist.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be flexible in your expectations of hotels, plumbing and food. Although not to European standards the rooms were always clean and functional. The food while not varied was interesting and some cases well cooked and presented.
Unforgettable
This was our first group cycling holiday and our first trip with Exodus and it did not disappoint. The cycling is really well planned with great backup and the places we visited combined to give us a varied taste of this unique and fascinating country. We found ourselves in great company – the group really gelled and we had a ball.
Most Inspirational Moment
The views in the Sierra Maestre, the most challenging cycling day - reward for our effort; the atmosphere of Trinidad at sundown and the music, the people and sights by the roadside throughout the trip, the walk in the forest on day 10, snatched swims in pools and the sea and the fabulous evening out in Havana that rounded off an unforgettable holiday
Thoughts on Group Leader
Angel was just the best - calm and kind, managing all the unknowns one encounters in Cuba expertly.His insights into life in Cuba were comprehensive, and utterly fascinating - history and facts of course but always delivered with personal anecdotes and in a funny and insightful manner. We all loved him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Talk yourself out of using WiFi any more than is absolutely essential - it's frustrating, expensive and hard to come by. Have a break! Also, as Exodus advise, if you want snacks of any kind or hydration additives do take them as there is very little available, same goes for suncream - basically take all you need with you and don't rely on shopping .
Cycling Cuba
Having wanted to visit Cuba for many years I’m convinced this was a great way to do it. It is a fascinating country with a turbulent history. The people and their ability to ‘make do’ when they have so little is inspirational.
Never having been on a guided, group cycling tour before I was unsure what to expect and it took a few days to settle into the format. Apart from the opportunity to see and learn about the country the other great aspect of the trip was the other people on it. They were a lovely group of people each with an interesting life story to tell and cycling presents a great way to chat to people during those hours in the saddle.
Most Inspirational Moment
The people. Cuba is a country with many problems including a broken economy and yet its people manage somehow to get by no doubt helped by the music, the dancing and the rum (one of the few "foods" that's neither rationed nor expensive)!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lismar was great. Very knowledgeable about Cuba and its history, careful in the management of expectations (some of its Russian built hotels are not in great shape), and all presented with good humour. I always felt he tried to go the extra mile, arranging extra tours and visits in addition to what was described and finding interesting Restaurants where possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
They say you shouldn't go to Cuba for the food and its true. Its bland, overcooked and with very limited choice - fried chicken, fried pork, fried fish with rice and beans just about sums it up. More to the point though most of our group had stomach upsets, some more than once. Its hard to know what the cause was but hygiene in the government run hotels and restaurants (which is most of them) is probably not great. The privately run restaurants and Casas are probably safer and definitely better quality. Be prepared to spend a long time in the coach. Cuba is a surprisingly large country with generally poor roads so getting about takes time. If you plan to take up the Cayo Levisa extension be aware that its quite a long way from Havana and none of the activities (the main reason we went) run on a Sunday (the only full day we had there). It is a beautiful island though and the food quality is an improvement on any of the other state run places we stayed.
Exhilarating and fun
This was my first every cycling holiday. I was never a cyclist and although fit cycled moe in this cortnight than i have in my life comvined….but i did it…never once riding in the bus…although there qas no ahame in that! Although one of the weaker cylists i was encouraged by the others and felt a treme dous sense of accomplishment to have completed it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Actually not riding the bus.....altnough i had to walk short stretches on the mountainous day...i did it. The other cyclists were wondèful and our vuide, Lee superb. He woas encouraging, funny and so knowledgeable about the history and the places we visited. We all swear he has a photographic memory.! The sight seeing was perfect and the rides interesting especially when we went tbrough small towns and villages where even the school childen chered us on like celebrities.
Thoughts on Group Leader
FANTASTIC! Incredily knowledgeable and always there to help. On the tough cycling day he stayed behind with me encouraging me all the way. Our drivers too were excellent and always there with help and a joke. They made the whole experience wonderful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring pens and makers and sweets to give to the kids along the way. They flock round you, not begging but a oen or marker is a prize to them. The people are delightfyl and friendly and it is a pleasure to be able to give them something little that they really appreciate. At the end of tbe trip we asked our gyide if we could leave clothes or toiletries behind and he happily took them to give to needy people...so pack some old clothes.
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
22 Feb 2025 22 Feb 2025
Saturday Sunday
08 Mar 2025 09 Mar 2025
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price USD 4275 Book with USD 1068 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 563
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes For Cycling Cuba 2025Saturday Saturday
22 Mar 2025 22 Mar 2025
Saturday Sunday
05 Apr 2025 06 Apr 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4320 Book with USD 1080 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 563
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes For Cycling Cuba 2025Saturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Saturday Sunday
25 Oct 2025 26 Oct 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4350 Book with USD 1087 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 563
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes For Cycling Cuba 2025Saturday Saturday
08 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025
Saturday Sunday
22 Nov 2025 23 Nov 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4350 Book with USD 1087 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 563
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes For Cycling Cuba 2025Saturday Saturday
29 Nov 2025 29 Nov 2025
Saturday Sunday
13 Dec 2025 14 Dec 2025
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4425 Book with USD 1106 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 563
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes For Cycling Cuba 2025Saturday Saturday
24 Jan 2026 24 Jan 2026
Saturday Sunday
07 Feb 2026 08 Feb 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4650 Book with USD 1162 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Saturday Saturday
21 Feb 2026 21 Feb 2026
Saturday Sunday
07 Mar 2026 08 Mar 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4650 Book with USD 1162 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Saturday Saturday
21 Mar 2026 21 Mar 2026
Saturday Sunday
04 Apr 2026 05 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4725 Book with USD 1181 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Saturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Saturday Sunday
25 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4725 Book with USD 1181 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Saturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Saturday Sunday
24 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price USD 4770 Book with USD 1192 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +USD 578
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Cycling Cuba
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