Current as of: March 31, 2025 - 21:26
Cycling Cuba Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Cuba
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: MAH
- Carbon Footprint: 24kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Cycle the length of Cuba, immersing yourself in a beautiful Caribbean island with an evocative, eye-opening story
Hop on the bike for an immersive adventure through Cuba, where revolution and resilience have created a culture like no other. Guided by an expert tour leader, we cycle through a patchwork of plantations, fields and jungle, experiencing a traditional lifestyle that survives here through necessity. Out of the saddle, enjoy the vibrant music scene of Trinidad, the crumbling colonial buildings of Havana and learn about the revolutionary history of Santiago. End your day of cycling with an icon of Cuba – a refreshing mojito!
From February 2026, this adventure is only available as a private departure. Contact us to find out more.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 14 Classic nights (Cuban guesthouses known as casas particulares)
- 12 days of cycling with full vehicle support
- 90 percent paved, 10 percent unpaved
- Good level of fitness required
- Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for Cuban People programme
Highlights
- 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
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 has resulted in daily difficulties: supermarket shelves can be bare, finding a working ATM is often tricky, wifi is unreliable and there are frequent power outages. 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.
Breakfasts: Breakfast times are sometimes based on local logistics and may have an impact on when cycling begins each day.
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.
Group
Our guides are local cycle tour leaders, experienced at working with groups, English speaking, and very knowledgeable about their country. A mechanic accompanies the group throughout the trip.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Havana
- End City: Havana
Land Only Itinerary
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; ride to Gibara
Depart 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 welcomes 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.
We finish our cycling at 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.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
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. Please bring a torch (flashlight) with you in case of 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.
Single supplement from £ 375
Food & Drink
There are 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and six dinners included on this trip, allowing you to try some local restaurants on the other evenings.
The paladares are likely to be a highlight of any visit to Cuba – they are one of the few types of private enterprise allowed (although still heavily regulated). Think soul food – rice, black beans, slow-roast pork or chicken, fresh fish, lobster and plenty of tropical fruit. The atmosphere in private paladares and the opportunity to integrate with Cubans will absolutely enhance your stay!
In general, Cuba is not renowned for its culinary excellence (although it is improving) and some ingredients are just not possible to acquire. Food tends to be simple and relatively expensive – in no small part due to the long trade embargo implemented by the US. Dishes tend to be simple, with most mealtimes consisting of meat or fish accompanied by rice and salad or vegetables. Seafood is widely available on the coast, including cheap and abundant lobster! Vegetarians will find choices are limited, but it’s still possible to eat well. Snacks are not freely available in Cuba so you may wish to bring some with you – particularly energy snacks, as food shops, cafes and restaurants are scarce in many of the rural areas we visit. It can be difficult to find quick lunches on the go as Cubans typically eat two meals a day – we provide packed lunches during the day and there are plenty of water and fruit refreshment stops. While food choice can be basic, on the plus side there is absolutely no shortage of rum! Havana Club, Black Tears, Ron Santiago, Caney… after your visit, you will be an expert.
Transport
The support vehicle carries all your luggage and personal belongings. It follows the group at all times, allowing you to cycle as much or little as you like. Most of the tour is spent on two wheels but the shape of the island does mean we have a couple of long transfers. See the day-to-day description for more details.
Weather & Seasonality
The dry season runs from November to April (with December to March being the peak months for traditional tourism). It is very humid between May and October, with heavy rains at times and the possibility of hurricanes. July and August are some of the most popular months to visit Cuba but are hot (average 28C/82F) and wet. Cuba has an average of six hours of sunshine per day with a more or less constant humidity of 62 precent. Water temperature is normally 24C-28C (75F-82F).
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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Filter water bottle (Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source. Exodus customers can claim 15% off their first order, while 15% of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation)
- Waterproof jacket
- High-factor sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Torch (flashlight) or portable camping lamp for blackouts
- Power bank for blackouts
Please note, GPS devices, including GPS watches, are subject to import restrictions. Ensure you do not bring them into Cuba. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops can be brought into the country, but any inbuilt GPS must be switched off.
Optional Equipment
- Long-sleeve shirts and light trousers (pants) are good for helping to keep mosquitoes off during the evenings
- Mosquito repellent containing DEET is generally thought to be the most effective deterrent
Cuba has a shortage of many basic items, shopping is very limited (often with long queues), and items are expensive. Cubans endure these shortages with remarkable resilience. We recommend bringing any medication and toiletries that you need for the entire trip, as well as packing a few extra to give out along the way. Cubans struggle to get hold of even the most basic medications so these make incredibly useful gifts if you have extra space in your luggage. Here is a list of items that are incredibly hard to buy in Cuba: painkillers, antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, hydrocortisone cream, soap, sanitary protection, razors, moisturisers, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant. If you want to make friends for life, taking chocolate, tea, coffee, sweets, nuts and other snacks will also be hugely appreciated in Cuba.
If you would like to bring items to Cuba to donate, consider good condition second-hand clothes and children’s shoes, second-hand mobile phones with chargers, school stationery such as pens/pencils/notebooks, toiletries, and small gifts such as toys or balls. If you bring items with you, the group leader will assist you by offering advice on where to take your donations. Sanitary items, known locally as intimas, are on the ration list for Cubans and are often very hard to come by. If you would like to pack some sanitary towels in your luggage these will be hugely appreciated and can be passed to your guide who can deliver them with the help of our local operational partners in Cuba.
Equipment Hire
Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Trek Dual Sport 2.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Accessories and clothing
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
- Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
- Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
- Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
- Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
- Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride
Practical Information
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.
Visa
Cuba
UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan passport holders residing in the UK/Ireland
If you hold a passport from the UK, an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan AND reside in the UK/Ireland, Exodus will arrange your visa for you. We will provide paper visas until June, then e-visas after.
Please note, visas supplied by Exodus will not be valid if you are travelling via the USA as you will then be subject to comply with the same regulations as an American citizen. For this reason, we do not recommend travelling to Cuba via the USA.
Other passport holders residing in the UK/Ireland
If you reside in the UK or Ireland but do not hold one of the above passports, please contact your nearest Cuban consulate to check which visa is required – Exodus is unable to provide a visa for you.
Customers residing outside the UK/Ireland
If you do not reside in the UK or Ireland, you must contact your nearest Cuban consulate to check which visa is required – Exodus is unable to provide a visa for you.
USA passport holders and residents
Any USA passport holder wishing to travel to Cuba should be fully aware of current legislation before committing to a trip to Cuba. As an American-owned company, Exodus programs to Cuba are fully compliant with the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) general license under the Support for the Cuban People category of travel.
Travellers from the USA are required to obtain an e-visa for travel to Cuba. Please first check with your airline if the e-visa is included as some airlines include it in the airfare. If it is not included, you can apply for an e-visa at www.cubavisaservices.com. The cost as of November 2024 is $50 for the e-visa plus a $35 processing fee.
You must keep a copy of your itinerary and any correspondence/transactions relating to the trip for a minimum of five years after the trip takes place to comply with OFAC requirements. For more information about the Support for Cuban People and OFAC requirements, visit: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html.
Canada passport holders
Please visit https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba for more information on securing your visa.
IMPORTANT FOR ALL CUSTOMERS:
Cuba now requires all passengers to fill in a locator form prior to travel – this form is mandatory. You can access the form here: www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio Make sure to keep a photo of the QR code generated so you can easily present it on arrival. You can only fill in the D’Viajeros form seven days prior to entry into Cuba. For advice on how to complete it, consult our Help Sheet.
The Cuban entry immigration is time consuming, and most visitors encounter delays: it may take up to two hours to clear immigration and collect your bags. All tourists visiting Cuba must have travel insurance to cover medical costs. You may be asked to provide proof of your travel insurance policy when you arrive at Havana Airport. Ensure your documents are easily accessible.
Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to organise this element of your trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. You should also check with your airline to see if the e-visa is included, as some include it with the airfare.
Vaccinations and Health
Cuba
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A. We are advised that there is no risk of malaria. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we recommend that you confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.
Dengue fever and/or chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Local Time
Cuba's time zone: America/Havana (UTC -04:00)
Electricity
Cuba's electricity: Plug type A (two flat pins) – mostly 110V or 220V
Money
The national currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP); however, euros and US dollars are the preferred currencies outside Havana. We recommend bringing cash (euros or US dollars) with you and exchanging with your tour leader.
- In Havana: Businesses (restaurants, cafes etc) only accept Cuban pesos
- Outside Havana: Euros or US dollars are the preferred currencies
Please note, credit/debit card acceptance is limited across the country. Additionally, businesses throughout Cuba may not have much change so it’s best to carry and pay in small notes. If change is available, it will likely be given in Cuban pesos.
Currency exchange
Bringing euros or US dollars and exchanging them with your tour leader is the easiest way to exchange money into Cuban pesos. Alternatively, you can change them elsewhere – your tour leader can advise on the best place. It’s best to bring new, unmarked notes and change only a small amount for the first few days. Please note, exchanging US dollars usually incurs a 10% exchange commission. Canadian dollars, British pounds and Australian dollars are exchangeable in the CADECA exchange offices, but euros are preferred.
Please also note that it is prohibited to enter or leave Cuba carrying Cuban pesos. Please make sure you have spent or exchanged any remaining pesos prior to passing through immigration on departure. We recommend you exchange them before reaching the airport as queues can be long. Limits may be applied on the maximum number of pesos to be exchanged into another currency. Any drinks, snacks, duty-free and souvenirs will then need to be paid for using a credit card or cash.
ATM Availability
ATMs are increasingly available in Cuba but are not yet widespread and they are regularly either out of order or empty. When working, there can be long queues. They are presently confined to the larger cities and resorts and should not be relied on; hence, we suggest you take cash with you to cover most of your spending. Credit cards are accepted in some shops, but we don’t recommend relying on using a card.
Prior to travel, it is worth checking with your bank whether your card will work in a Cuban ATM. Using cards from banks that are fully or partially US-owned is not possible in Cuba. Australian and Canadian travellers in particular should check with their banks prior to travel.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Drinks are generally around €2-€5.
Many travellers find Cuba more expensive than they expect (particularly Havana) and we recommend you bring more spending money rather than less! We recommend €800 per person in total (not including tips for the guide and driver). Small denominations are preferred and can easily be spent in restaurants and bars.
For 2025: If you wish to take part in the optional salsa class on Day 6, the cost will be between €10-15, depending on the number of people participating.
Tipping
If you are happy with the services of the guide and driver, we recommend a tip of around €70 euros per passenger for the trip, which you can divide in favour of the guide.
Tipping is at your own discretion but is part of the culture in Cuba and usually expected. Your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty which will be used to tip local guides at individual museums and attractions, musicians and waiting staff for included meals etc. throughout the trip. The guide usually collects €50-€60 euros from each group member at the start of the trip to cover this.
Tipping is also expected in restaurants – add about 10 percent to the bill.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.