Cycle Cuba!

An Unforgettable Cycling Trip through The Backroads of Cuba !

Old Havana & Vinales

Havana boasts some of the most impressive colonial architecture in the “New World”. We discover its secrets on foot and on bike, absorbing the atmosphere of the old quarter and touring the Plaza de la Revolucion. We travel west into the countryside to the community of Soroa and Las Terrazas, located on the edge of the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Taking to the backroads for 2 days and we then spend time amidst the mighty 'Mogotes' in Vinales, a dramatic backdrop of huge limestone outcrops, hemming in the ochre tobacco fields below.

Caribbean Shores & Colonial Trinidad

No visit would be complete without time on the Caribbean. We drive to the infamous Bay of Pigs, site of the ill-fated US-backed invasion and then spend 2 days cycling along the Caribbean coast. Here we have the chance to stop and swim - to dive into caverns and be surrounded by tropical fish. There's time to enjoy the sleepy town of Trinidad where faded, painted houses and quiet streets reflect the laid back atmosphere.

Wild Mountains & Untouched Valleys

After driving up into the densely forested Sierra Escambray to Topes de Collantes NP we get back onto our bikes for the most spectacular descent out of the jungle, hopefully stopping for a snack in a local coffee farmer's family home. Later we travel by bus to Santa Clara, home to Che's mausoleum. Our last stop is the unknown Yumuri Valley near Matanzas - a beautiful landscape ready to be explored. At Bacunayagua we can indulge with views across the Gulf of Mexico and one of the best Pi?a Coladas in the country, before heading back to Havana.

Transport: 21-gear hybrid bikes with front suspension, bag-rack & pannier bag for day things.

What to Expect: Grade B, moderate - 305km/ 8 days (average of 38km/day). 2 days are left free for optional rides. Cycling is mostly on the flat apart from some uphill sections during the first days in the Soroa and Vi?ales area. Cycling is 100% on tarmac. Please note US law prohibits US nationals from travelling to Cuba.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Trip Highlights
Havana - Probably the most stunning, colonial town in the Americas.
Viñales Valley - Picturesque Mogote rock formations in one of the classic tobacco regions of Cuba.
Trinidad - The colonial gemstone amongst all Cuban towns.
Topes De Collantes Ride - Spectacular ride through the central Sierra Escambray Mountains.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Join tour Havana
Arriving in Havana, we transfer to our hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Day 2: Visit Old Havana; drive to Soroa
Havana is unique in the New World and its sheer abundance of great buildings reflects its importance centuries ago when all the Spanish galleons passed through with their freight of gold and silver, brought in from all other colonies in the Americas. During a relaxed walk through old town we will take in the most important sites and buildings. After lunch we head off by bus to Soroa, about an hour from Havana. After checking in there may be time for a walk in the area, perhaps up to the top of a hill with fascinating, open views into the surrounding mountains and towards the sea.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Cycle to Las Terrazas
Today we get warmed up on our bikes with a first excursion into the surrounding hills. The cycling is very rewarding – through almost tropical forests with plenty of flowers and interesting plants along the way – and eventually we get to the enchanting settlement of Las Terrazas, perched around a lake and on the edge of the UNESCO biosphere reserve of Sierra de Rosario. This is an internationally acclaimed reforestation project in the mountains at altitudes of around 500 metres. Pine tree forests alternate with old coffee plantations. There is the chance for a swim in a natural pool in the San Juan river before we have lunch and head back to our hotel in Soroa. (Approx. 24km cycling; 300m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Cycle to San Diego de los Baños
We start cycling downhill out of the Sierra, using smaller roads and a small section of the motorway (but fear not – Cuba must be the last country in the world where cyclists can still enjoy peaceful cycling on a motorway with hardly any cars!) We will cycle past picturesque countryside, with rolling hills, palm trees and farmhouses followed by a stretch on the only motorway in Cuba (!!), eventually arriving in the Cuban spa town of San Diego de los Baños. The surrounding virgin countryside and forests are fabulous. (Approx. 55km cycling; 100m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Cycle to the Viñales Valley
We continue cycling along the dramatic western Cuban mountain range, passing banana and coffee plantations and tobacco fields in one of the remotest countrysides of this trip before we arrive to the Viñales Valley – one of Cuba’s natural gemstones. The area is home to some of the most spectacular and colourful scenery in Cuba. Millions of years ago underground rivers cut tunnels through the limestone hills and when the roofs collapsed strange hills or “Mogotes”, were left sticking up from the otherwise flat valley floor. The iron-rich, red soil creates a patchwork of fields growing some of the best tobacco in the world – the raw material for the famous Havana cigars. (Approx. 45-65km cycling; 100/400m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 6: In the Viñales valley
We spend two entire days in this unique area, Today we will start the day with an orientation tour of the Vinales Valley explorein the valley in depth as well as taking some time to stroll through Vinales itself, a small laid back town with a charming main street built in neo classical style, leaving the afternoon free to explore further the area. Those interested can visit the lime stone cave ‘Cueva del Indio’ (optional).(30km Cycle)

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Free Day in Vinales
Today is left free for taking it easy by the swimming pool or perhaps take an optional cycle in the area or book an excursion to Cayo Levisa, an off shore island with lovely beaches. (Approx. 15km cycling optional; 200m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Drive to Guajimico via Bay of Pigs and Cienfuegos
Today begins with a bus ride (approx. 5hrs) the Bay of Pigs, infamous for being the place of the ill-fated invasion attempt by Cuban exiles who landed here in April 1961 with the help of the US government. The result is well known and successful Cuban resistance, together with the missile crisis a year later, made the Americans conclude that only a total trade embargo against the island could hope to discredit and ultimately oust Castro. Castro’s Cuba keeps on resisting, however. We will visit Playa Larga for a quick swim/relax in the Caribbean before continuing to Cienfuegos. This town is a remarkable one, having been founded in 1819 by French farmers who had abandoned their plantations in Haiti after a slave rebellion led to formal independence there. The French brought their classical construction style of houses and quite an entrepreneurial spirit, thus triggering the sugar boom in the area. After a short visit we continue by bus to Guajimico for the night.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Cycle to Trinidad
We start our day cycling with the backdrop of the Sierra Escambray Mountains getting ever more impressive as we get closer to Trinidad. We will have a chance to stop en route for a swim in the Caribbean at Yaguanabo beach before continuing by bike to Trinidad. The town became incredibly wealthy in the 18th & 19th century and almost all the houses and palaces of the rich families are still here, their grandeur still not diminished by time – the cobbled stone streets add an extra charm to this colonial gemstone. In the evening we should go out in town to sample the great live music to be found everywhere in Trinidad. One of the best spots is the Casa de la Trova where they play ‘Trova’ (Cuban Folk Music) and ‘Son’, the essence of Salsa. Those with some basic knowledge in Latin dancing – or at least the willingness to try it – will be most welcomed. On arrival we will have a short orientation walk in town exploring the central square and surroundings. (Approx. 45km cycling; 150m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: In Trinidad; Cycle to Valle de los Ingenios
We have two full days for exploring this wonderful town and its surroundings. Today we take a ride into the very scenic Valle de Ingenios (sugar cane valley) towards Santi Spiritus where we can see the old sugar mills. This afternoon we will visit the colonial heart of Trinidad on foot and hopefully have the opportunity of some live music. (Approx. 30km cycling 100m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Free day in Trinidad
Today is left free to take a very rewarding Catamaran trip to one of the small off-shore islands Cayo Blanco– offering snorkelling in the reefs and a sea food meal on the island. Alternatively you can relax on the beaches south of Trinidad.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Cycle downhill from Topes de Collantes; bus to Sant Clara
Just a few km from Trinidad rises the Sierra Escambray, one of the three main mountain systems in Cuba. It has peaks up to 1100 metres, an incredible abundance of tropical and semi-tropical vegetation on its slopes, and some of the best Cuban coffee is also produced here. Climbing up into the Sierra on the road from Trinidad is a unique experience, with slopes as steep as 20% (don’t worry, we do this by bus!). Those wishing to do the toughest cycling challenge to be found in Cuba may want to try by leaving at the early hours of the day and being picked up by group later. We start cycling on the highest sections of the road, near Topes de Collantes, a village and mountain retreat built in the early 1950s. From here it is one of the most scenic downhills through the jungle to be found anywhere in Cuba. Before leaving the mountains we can stop at a local coffee farmers family’s home to enjoying a good meal and see the process of coffee tasting, of course we will try it as well! Then heading north, passing through the village Jibacoa we finally reach the provincial town Manicaragua where we finish the cycling for today. We will take a short bus transfer to the hotel in Santa Clara. This town is one of the most important of the Cuban revolution, as it was here that Che Guevara had the decisive battle in December 1958 which led to the fall of Havana a few days later. (Approx. 35km cycling; 100m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Drive to Havana via Yumuri valley
The town is not ‘touristy’ but has the authentic feel of a busy Cuban provincial town. Its most remarkable site is the Che Guevara monument which we will visit together with a nice museum dedicated to the life of this hero of the Cuban revolution. Afterwards we continue by bus to Matanzas. Near here we get back onto the bikes for an afternoon ride into the Yumuri Valley, surprisingly still unknown to most western visitors. Abundant vegetation, palm trees, crops and plenty of birds are to be enjoyed while cycling through this last stretch of rural Cuba. Once getting on the coastal road we continue to the stunning Bacunayagua canyon with a great viewpoint and the allegedly best Pina Colada served anywhere in Cuba. Later its on to Havana by bus. (Approx. 21km cycling; 150m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Free in Havana
Today is left free to explore Havana however you may wish to take an optional cycle to explore the capital. In spite of growing traffic this is still a wonderful way of getting to know different parts of town. (Approx. optional 15km cycling; 100m ascent).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Tour ends Havana
The day is free for more exploration and perhaps shopping in Havana.

Included meals: Breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

14 nights Standard Hotel (H+)

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Sun 16 Oct - Sun 30 Oct 2011 - 1980 GBP Single Room Price: $165
Sun 30 Oct - Sun 13 Nov 2011 - 2070 GBP Single Room Price: $165
Sun 18 Dec - Sun 01 Jan 2012 - 2190 GBP Single Room Price: $165
Wed 21 Dec - Wed 04 Jan 2012 - 2190 GBP
Sun 22 Jan - Sun 05 Feb 2012 - 2120 GBP
Sun 05 Feb - Sun 19 Feb 2012 - 2120 GBP
Sun 19 Feb - Sun 04 Mar 2012 - 2120 GBP
Sun 04 Mar - Sun 18 Mar 2012 - 2120 GBP
Sun 18 Mar - Sun 01 Apr 2012 - 2120 GBP
Sun 01 Apr - Sun 15 Apr 2012 - 2120 GBP
Sun 22 Apr - Sun 06 May 2012 - 2120 GBP

0844 499 0901