Biking Cuba

Day 1 : Havana

Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience.

Arrive in Havana at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into the casa and enjoy the city. Your CEO will organize a short meeting in the evening.

It is important to note that Cuba tends to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and infrastructure are generally old and may not have been maintained to the highest standard. Elevators, internet and A/C often break down, things happen very slowly and water pressure and hot water can be minimal. Cuba is an amazing place to visit but to fully enjoy and relax, western expectations should be left at home and your sense of adventure should be your guide.

Acommodation

Casa Villa Azul

Day 2 : Havana/Viñales

Depart Havana after breakfast and transfer west to Viñales in Pinar del Río, the “Garden Province” of Cuba. Head out on the first ride – a circular route around Viñales, cycling past the famous mogotes (limestone pincushion hills) of the region.

Leave Havana this morning and drive to the small village of Viñales. This region is one of the most stunning in Cuba, know for its mogotes (large limestone pincushion hills) that make for spectacular views. In the afternoon, get fitted on a bike and hop in the saddle for the first ride in the area. Although we're not covering much distance today, it's a great opportunity to get accustomed to the conditions and prepared for the days ahead. Lunch today will be a picnic lunch.

After the ride, visit a tobacco farm. Enjoy some free time in Viñales and opt to go caving, hiking, or relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.

Today's riding distance: approximately 26km, with elevation gains of 276m

This trip is considered a 'Moderate' cycling level and requires good fitness and skill level. Expect daily cycling to be between 25-46kms on a mixture of paved and rustic roads to experience the true Cuban countryside – you never know when you may end up sharing the road with vintage cars or horse-drawn carriages! Heat and humidity can add unique challenges to cycling in Cuba, but a support vehicle will accompany the group for all biking segments in case you get tired and want to hitch a ride. 3 litres of bottled water per person and basic snacks are provided on cycling days.

Optional Activities - Day 2

Acommodation

Homestay Haydee Chiroles

Day 3 : Viñales/Playa Larga

Cycle to the historic Cueva de los Portales, a cave that was used by Che Guevara as the headquarters of the Cuban Army during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Later, transfer to Playa Larga.

Lunch will be a picnic lunch and today's riding distance is: approx 46km, with elevation gains of 540m

Acommodation

Casa Sol y Caribe

Day 4 : Playa Larga/Trinidad

Cycle to Playa Giron to visit the museum here and learn about the area's important history. Hop back on our bikes to cycle to Caleta Buena for lunch. Cool off in the refreshing turquoise waters before transferring to the World Heritage Site of Trinidad.

Today's ride will journey through the idyllic setting of the Zapata Peninsula. Lying within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, the area is home to a multitude of bird species. Make a stop at Playa Giron, one of the sites of the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Visit the museum here to learn about the conflict and see artifacts such as weapons and tanks.

Cycle on to Caleta Buena, a protected cove with clear waters and an abundance of fascinating marine life. After enjoying a picnic lunch overlooking the cove, you can opt to swim in these beautiful waters.



Today's riding distance: approx 45km, with elevation gains of 112m

Optional Activities - Day 4

Acommodation

Homestay Jesus Pineda

Day 5 : Trinidad

Navigate through the bustling streets of central Trinidad and depart for the small fishing village of La Boca. Continue on the route that enjoys the alluring scenery of the Ancon peninsula coastline and indulge in a picnic lunch on the golden sands of Playa Ancón. Spend time relaxing or swimming in this idyllic location.

Cycle back via the small port of Casilda and take advantage of free time in Trinidad. Tonight, join the group for a fun and informal salsa class with Cuban dance partners. Soak up the lively atmosphere of Trinidad and opt for a night out to enjoy all the sights and sounds the town has to offer.

Today's riding distance: approx 25km, with elevation gains of 128m

Day 6 : Trinidad/Santa Clara

Depart Trinidad, cycling to the town of Manaca Iznaga, a Unesco World Heritage Site known as the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Wander the town's plaza and browse the artisanal market for souvenirs. Visit the G Adventures-supported project, Proyecto Manacú before continuing on to Rio Seibabo for lunch. Later, transfer to Santa Clara.

Set off early by bike, making a stop at the small town of Manaca Iznaga which is known as the ‘Valle de los Ingenios’ or Valley of the Sugar Mills. This town once played an integral role in the production of sugar cane in the country and remnants of the old sugar mills and machinery can still be found here. Today, the town enjoys a status as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Continue on to the G Adventures-supported project, Proyecto Manacú. This is a female-led community initiative designed to keep the local textile making traditions alive.

Cycle the scenic route north to Rio Seibabo, stopping to try some local honey along the way. Enjoy a packed lunch by the river and opt for a post-lunch dip. The final leg of today's journey will be made by bus to Santa Clara. Settle into the casas particulares for the night.

Today's riding distance: approx 37km, with elevation gains of 545m

Acommodation

Teresita Homestay

Day 7 : Santa Clara/Havana

Visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara this morning before traveling back to the capital. Enjoy a cycling tour of Havana, reveling in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

One of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It contains a wealth of colonial architecture, and the old city and streets around the malecon (ocean-side walkway) are best discovered on foot. After arriving back to the city, go on a cycling and walking tour of Havana's highlights. Experience the bustle, history, and rhythms of this fascinating Caribbean capital city.

Acommodation

Casa Villa Azul

Day 8 : Havana

Depart at any time.