Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people! Please inquire today to begin the booking process.
Cycle Through the Heart of Cuba
Experience a bike tour through Cuba’s heartland on routes that get you off of the beaten path and into the true nature of the country. We start off in the provincial capital city of Santa Clara, a bustling town best known for its memorial monument to Che Guevara. Traveling south through the Escambray mountains adjacent to Topes Collantes National Park, we visit the UNESCO designated colonial town of Trinidad with cobbled streets and tiled roofs. Then along the coast to Cienfuegos with its glimmering bay and French-influenced architecture. We ride along the Bay of Pigs and snorkel over coral reefs. Then it's northwest to Havana to see Hemingway's House and explore the Spanish colonial heart of the city. This is a bike tour through Cuba’s heritage and homeland from the best seat in the house – a bicycle seat. In addition to cycling we have included an optional leisurely kayak paddle suitable for novice paddlers.
You travel routes rich in scenic views, wildlife, and meaningful interactions that support the Cuban people while also bringing richness and new perspectives to your own life. Each day takes you not only across Cuba, but through it. You see Caribbean waters, waving palms and swathes of sugar cane. Meet with artists and students, local market vendors, National Park guides and managers, and paladar owners. You hear the beats of Son salsa and find yourself wanting to dance along. Grow your own Hemingway beard (literally or figuratively) and get caught up in the bewitching, bewildering, boundless adventure waiting for you in Cuba.
*Compare this tour with our other bike tour that explores the Western part of Cuba: Cuba Cyling Tour ~ Quintessential Cuba.
Tour Highlights:
- Bike through some of Cuba’s most stunning scenery
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site towns of Trinidad and Cienfuegos
- Snorkel in the Bay of Pigs and visit the Parque Nacional Cienaga de Zapata
- Enjoy an optional kayak on a mellow river near Trinidad
- Meet with Cuban artists, teachers, farmers, Park guides and more
- Visit Hemingway’s House and spend two
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 0
Commercial flights from the United States to Havana are the standard mode of travel between the two countries, and we ask that our guests book their own travel between the U.S. and Santa Clara which is served by American Airlines. On arrival transfer on your own to the designated tour hotel.
If you are unable to fly all the way to Santa Clara on Day 1, we recommend that you consider a "Day 0" for your tour and choose either of the following:
Travel to Santa Clara on Day 0. With this option, we recommend that you stay overnight in our tour hotel and we can book that for you and add the extra night to your invoice.
Travel to Miami on Day 0. With this option, we recommend that you stay overnight in Miami and continue to Santa Clara on Day 1.
We are happy to offer guidance with scheduling your travel to and from Cuba, and our office staff is ready to answer any questions you may have.
Day 1
Day 1: SATURDAY - Arrive in Santa Clara
After arrival transfer on your own to the tour hotel. Enjoy exploring Santa Clara on foot as your energy allows, perhaps visiting the museum and mausoleum of Che Guevara to learn some of the history of the Cuban Revolution of 1959. Having a basic understanding of this is key to understanding what Cuba is today.
Meet your guide early evening for an orientation meeting followed by dinner.
Day 2
Santa Clara to Trinidad through the Escambray Mountains
Our day start early in order to beat the heat. First thing we do in the morning is fit our bicycles and transfer a short distance out of the city and then start our ride. Once we start our ride we head southeast towards the Escambray Mountains. These mountains separate the interior of Cuba from the southern coast and rise up as a verdant curtain of biodiversity. This is a beautifully scenic ride and rather challenging, with plenty of ups and downs. As always, our bus is nearby, so if anyone tires out it’s possible to hop on the bus for part of the ride.
Often when we ride we see farmers working in their fields, or other campesinos at work. When appropriate, we stop to visit with them and learn about their lives. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch along our way to take in the scenery and have our first lesson on Cuban history from our guides. The ride ends at Manaca Iznaga, a former sugar cane plantation that still has a few of its original buildings. Then, we transfer by bus to the charming colonial city of Trinidad. One of the five original Spanish pueblos, Trinidad was founded in 1514 and retains many original colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s a town of artists, history and culture not to be missed.
In the late afternoon we check into our Casa Particulares that we’ll home for the next two nights. Casas are essentially Bed & Breakfasts set up in people’s homes, giving you an excellent opportunity to see how average Cubans live and to get acquainted with them. By staying in the homes of Cubans, we are providing support for the Cuban people, one of the objectives of the U.S. government related to reasons to travel to Cuba.
We take a short walking tour of the town to get oriented, then meet for dinner at a local paladar. Paladars are private restaurants often located in historic mansions or colonial buildings.
- Elevation: +3170 / -3488 ft.
- Distance: 42 Miles
- Time: 5-6 hours with stops
- Map and GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46390224
Day 3
Trinidad – Playa Ancon – River Kayaking
We offer an optional morning loop ride to the coast and Playa Ancon, one of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches. We enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant, then ride back towards Trinidad to meet up with our fleet of kayaks for a lovely and leisurely 1 ½ hour paddle on a tranquil river that offers fine birdwatching and fantastic views of Trinidad perched on the hill above. (For those who do not wish to kayak, you can spend this time exploring Trinidad on your own.)
We return to Trinidad’s vehicle-free center and visit a woman’s art cooperative to learn about the importance of art in Cuban society.
Our dinner is another paladar, again providing support for the Cuban people by bringing business to a Cuban entrepreneur. After dinner some may wish to explore the town’s lively music scene, including the outdoors Casa de la Musica located on the town steps in the colonial center.
- Elevation: +200 / -200 ft
- Distance: 22 Miles (optional)
- Time: 1-2 hours with stops
- Map and GPS profile come soon
Day 4
Trinidad to Cienfuegos
After breakfast at our respective Casa Particulars, we begin our ride west along the coast towards Cienfuegos. It’s fairly level and very scenic, with towering green mountains to the north and the azure Caribbean to the south. We stop for lunch at a ocean-front restaurant where you can take a swim if you wish. Then we transfer into the city of Cienfuegos.
Cienfuegos is knows as the “Pearl of the South” and is legendary within Cuba for its long seaside promenade (the malecon) and the mansion-lined Prado. Settled in the 1850’s, the Spanish Crown invited French people from Bordeaux and Louisiana to populate the city. Cienfuegos is filled with fabulous architecture and is another of Cuba’s designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
We take an informative walking tour of the town visiting many of the majestic buildings including the late 19th century Teatro Tomas Terry which seats 900. If timing works out we also hear a performance by the Cienfuegos Choir, an internationally renown choir that travels to competitions throughout the world. (The choir option only applies to trips with 10 or more guests.)
We dine at a local paladar located near the “Prado” or central boulevard, which has a lovely raised central walkway with trees and benches and is one of the city’s central social points. Those with energy may enjoy an evening walk along the malecon which comes alive after 9 pm with the city’s youth.
- Elevation: + 851 / - 987 ft.
- Distance: 24.4 Miles (optional +15.5 miles +565/ -411 ft.)
- Time: 3.5 hours with stops
- Map & GPS Online Profile
Day 5
Cienfuegos to the Bay of Pigs, Playa Giron and Playa Larga
A short distance outside of Cienfuegos we start riding in Yaguaramas on a tranquil two-lane country road passing through agricultural lands. It’s one of our favorite stretches where it’s not uncommon to see oxen pulling plows, rice drying on roads and people working in the fields. By noon we arrive in the town of Playa Giron on the shores of the Bay of Pigs. Named for a French pirate, this is also the site of the famous U.S. orchestrated invasion of the Bay of Pigs in 1961.
After a picnic lunch we visit the Museum of the Bay of Pigs for an informative interchange with a museum guide. Then it’s a short drive or optional ride to our favorite snorkeling place here in the Zapata National Park. Cuba is home to the healthiest reef system in the Caribbean and our snorkel is an opportunity to learn more about the important research being done in the region as well as joint projects being carried out between Cuban and U.S. scientific foundations.
We transfer to the beachside town of Playa Larga and check into our Casa Particular for the evening. Before dinner we meet with a staff member of the National Park Service for an enlightening discussion to learn about the challenges facing the Park, various conservation projects and more.
Dinner is traditional Cuban food, served with care by our local hosts.
- Elevation: + 414 / - 506 ft.
- Distance 35.2 Miles
- Time: 4-5 hours with stops
- Map & GPS Online Profile
Day 6
Playa Larga, Art School, Hemingway’s House and Havana
We ride our bikes in the morning from the small beach town of Playa Larga to Palpite for a very special visit to a local art and music school. Young adults from throughout the island come here to study for a year. We visit classes that may include drumming, pottery, dance, etc. and will enjoy some fun and meaningful interaction with the students.
After this visit we drop in on our good friend Bernabe who has a flowering tree in his yard that attracts the world's smallest hummingbird, the bee hummingbird. We're almost guaranteed to see some there. We load our bikes into our vehicle to begin our drive towards Havana. Just after lunch we arrive at Hemingway's house and museum, located in a suburb of Havana. Finca La Vigia, is where Hemingway lived for some 20 years and wrote some of his most famous works. The small estate, built in 1886 and designed by Catalan architect Miguel Pascual y Baguer is set amid palms and a lush garden and houses his famous boat the Pilar.
From Vinca La Vigia we transfer to our hotel in Havana and check in. After time to freshen up we head out for dinner at a nearby paladar. After dinner, those with energy may enjoy some of Havana’s music scene including the famous Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC).
Day 7
Full day in Havana - Old Havana, the Museum of Fine Arts and Classic Car Ride
We have a full day to explore Havana! In its glory Havana was the largest city in the Caribbean and on par with Paris, London and other European cities in terms of its richness in architecture, museums and beauty. Today it's worn around the edges but still retains much of its former allure.
Our morning is spent in Havana Vieja (old Havana), to walk and explore the famous four plazas, each with a fascinating history. A UNESCO World Heritage site, much of old Havana has been lovingly restored. After lunch we visit the Cuban art section of the Museum of Fine Arts, accompanied by a museum staff member to help us better understand what we’re seeing. Then there's some free time in the late afternoon to walk along the seafront malecon, visit art galleries or whatever you may want.
In the early evening we climb aboard the iconic symbol of Havana, old American classic cars. After the Revolution of 1959, all car purchases and sales were controlled by the government, with the exception of existing cars already in Cuba. For this reason, these romantic machines have been kept alive ever since. We enjoy a nostalgic one hour ride that ends at our dinner restaurant. Our farewell dinner is a time to reflect and share stories of the amazing experiences we’ve had in the past seven days.
Day 8
Adios Cuba!
Transfer on your own to the Havana airport according to your flight schedule. Your guide can help arrange a taxi.
*Taxis to the airport are approximately $25-30 for up to 3 people with luggage.
*Note: Travel in Cuba requires a flexible attitude. Our days are full, and as required by U.S. law, we have a full-time agenda of Support for the Cuban People activities. Cuba has it’s own beat and things don’t always run on time. The activities and visits listed are not guaranteed but we endeavor to do our best to provide the content intent of this Support for the Cuban People program. Visiting developing countries can be eye-opening and life-changing, and hopefully visiting Cuba is both. Accommodations may not be up to the standards you are used to. Sometimes the hot water or air conditioning doesn’t work. We ask all our guests to appreciate the authenticity of your cultural encounters as well as the people, food, culture, and adventures that are exceptional in their difference. Our local staff promise to do their best to make this a fascinating and educational experience.
Dates & Rates
Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
---|---|---|
Jan 01, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024 Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people | $4,190£0€0$0$0 | $4,190£0€0$0$0 |
2025 | ||
Jan 01, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025 Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people | $4,390£0€0$0$0 | $4,390£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Dates: Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people on any Saturday! Please inquire today to begin the booking process.
Rates for 2024 Season:
$4190 per person
Single Supplement: $500
If you are traveling solo and prefer private accommodations (pending availability) you may elect to pay the single supplement fee. If you are traveling solo and wish to be paired up with another solo traveler of the same gender in order to avoid the single supplement fee, please let your Adventure Consultant know at the time of booking. We will do our best to find another traveler to pair you with, however if there is not another solo traveler of the same gender willing to share on your trip, you will be charged the single supplement fee.
Rates for 2025 Season:
$4390 per person
Single Supplement: $700
If you are traveling solo and prefer private accommodations (pending availability) you may elect to pay the single supplement fee. If you are traveling solo and wish to be paired up with another solo traveler of the same gender in order to avoid the single supplement fee, please let your Adventure Consultant know at the time of booking. We will do our best to find another traveler to pair you with, however if there is not another solo traveler of the same gender willing to share on your trip, you will be charged the single supplement fee.
*Our trips can also be booked on-demand for small and large groups. Please inquire with us to start the booking process for your group today!*
Up to 16 spaces available on each tour (depending on the number of solo travelers and available accommodations)
***Note: Christmas departures have a supplemental cost ($150 per person) due to our increased prices for accommodations.
**Note: We can guarantee trips for 2 with a supplement of $300 per person on trips between May 1 and December 15.
Included:
- Experienced English-speaking guide(s)
- Specialized activity guides based on activity of trip (kayaking, biking, hiking, etc.)
- Specialized equipment needed for activities such as kayaks, bikes, helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
- Private pre-tour orientation meeting
- Cuba Unbound hand-crafted itineraries
- Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All meals as noted in itinerary
- Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S. Department of Treasury general license
- Small group size (Custom tours for 2, group tours are 16-18)
- All entrance fees to include events and activities
- All in-country ground transportation
- Clean drinking water available at all times
- Gratuities for presenters, luggage handling, restaurant staff
- Cuba Visa (a $80-120 value)
Not Included:
- Round-trip air to/from Cuba
- Transfers to or from airports in Cuba
- Guide gratuities
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, gifts, alcoholic beverages, additional entertainment outside the standard itinerary, and incidentals
Reviews
FAQ & More
Can US citizens travel to Cuba?
Yes, you can travel to Cuba as a US citizen! Although, the United States is the only country that restricts its citizens from traveling to Cuba for touristic reasons, however, the U.S. does allow travel to Cuba under one of 12 permitted travel categories. Of these categories, most of our travelers are traveling under either "Support for the Cuban People" or "Educational People-to-People" travel.
For more information on Cuba travel entry requirements, please see here.
Do I need extensive cycling experience?
The good news is that you don't need extensive cycling experience to enjoy our tour. However, you’ll want to spend some time training on a bike before your trip. Work your strength up to riding the same daily distances that we will cover in our tour while carrying the same gear you plan to travel with.
What if my bike breaks down?
A trained guide will be able to make repairs to bikes on the tour and will have the necessary tools and equipment.
Which tour is most suitable for me?
Our Quintessential Cycling tour takes place in Western Cuba. The towns and villages that you will visit include Viñales, Pinar del Rio and Havana. This tour is more mountainous and rural in nature. In this tour you will see Cuba’s agricultural sector and tobacco farms.
This Classic Cuba Cycling tour travels through central Cuba to some large cities like Havana, Matanzas, Remedios, Trinidad and Cienfuegos. This tour is considered less challenging than our other tour because of easier elevation. Through this tour you will get a more city-centered travel experience.
How many total miles will we be riding?
197.2 miles over seven days.
How much elevation gain/loss is there?
Currently, there are no accurate numbers. Our Classic Cuba tour is our less challenging bike tour, with the bike ride being of moderate, or intermediate, difficulty. There is less elevation gain on our Classic Cuba tour than our western tour, as this route focuses more on the central cities of Cuba.
What type of bikes will we be riding?
We will be using the FX S 4 Trek Bike designed for both paved and unpaved riding.
Will we be on paved or unpaved roads?
This tour is on 90% paved roads, but these roads do tend to be a bit rough, uneven, and have large pot holes. The unpaved portions are hard-packed, and there is no off-road or trail riding.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes! But we unfortunately cannot offer a discount for guests who choose to bring their own bike. In addition, you will need to bring any spare parts, tubes, etc. as these will not be available in Cuba.
· Boxes and irregularly shaped luggage will be charged at $3 per lb plus $20 per piece,
· No piece of luggage may weigh over 70 lbs.
If you do not take our charter flight to Havana, please be sure to familiarize yourself with the policies for checking a bike for the airline with which you are flying.
Is there a support van?
There is a support tour bus that hauls luggage and is available to aid riders at all times.
Is there time to rest? What happens if I get tired?
There will be options to rest in the van for anyone who wants to take a break and/or hitch a ride to the next location. We will definitely take breaks as needed (how often and duration will depend on the group), but there is always an option of taking a break in the support van.
Can I bring my own pedals and shoes?
You are welcome to bring your own pedals and shoes as we will have a bike technician who can swap out pedals at the beginning of the tour.
Can I drink the Water in Cuba?
Generally it's best to drink filtered tap water or bottled water. In an effort to reduce the use of single-use plastic, we encourage you to pack a wide-mouth water bottle with a filter built in. There are many brands available.
What about drinking water throughout the rides?
We will provide clean drinking water at all times during the tour!
Should I bring my own helmet?
We will provide helmets, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Is ice safe to have in my drinks?
If you are getting a drink at a hotel bar, or other bar establishment, the ice is most likely made with filtered or bottled water, so should not cause any issues.
Can I eat salads in Cuba?
Cubans pride themselves on proper hygiene and food handling. The restaurants we use on our tours are very good and eating any salads or raw vegetables that are served is fine.
Reviews
Fantastic Bicycle Tour
My wife and I did the Classic Cuba Bicycle Tour in 2018. I can't say enough about what an amazing tour this was! I am an experienced cyclist and have gone on many self-catered bicycle tours, including across the U.S. and Europe. My wife is a newbie and this was her first bicycle tour. The tour was great for both of us. Our tour guides, Landon and Alex, were amazing and made the tour both fun and informative. The accomodations -- both the hotels and the casa particulares -- were wonderful. The food was great. The bicycles were like-new Trek hybrids and worked perfectly. The "sag" bus was spacious and comfortable. A highlight was the amazing person-to-person exchanges we had each day. Cuba is a wonderful place with friendly people, intriguing history and fascinating culture. Cuba Unbound made the trip seamless and worry-free. Highly recommended!
Viva Cuba - Forever in our hearts!
Below is the link to the video from our 9-day ROW "Cuba Unbound" people-to-people cycling tour. From the romance of Old Havana, to the ocean wonder of Playa Larga, and the extraordinary history, architecture and art of Sancti Spiritus, Trinidad and Cienfuegos. We did our best to capture the magic of unforgettable moments including classic cars, street theatre and dance, the "invasion of the land crabs", trained hummingbirds, snorkeling in the Bay Of Pigs, fresh water caves, kayaking, unparalleled singers, and much, much. This trip will live forever in our hearts! https://youtu.be/4p_H5I8K7mA
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