Cuban Highlights Ride
Experience Overview
Explore Cuba by bike, the ideal way to immerse yourself in a beautiful island shaped by revolution and resilience. Cycling through lush countryside, vibrant colonial towns and quiet coastal roads, we enjoy countless interactions with the welcoming local people: dancing salsa, riding with cycling club members and cruising through Havana in a classic car. Of course, there’s revolutionary history to discover, the UNESCO-listed towns of Cienfuegos and Trinidad to explore, and the chance to enjoy a fresh mojito at the end of a day’s cycling.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Cuban guesthouses known as Casa Particulares) — Six days of cycling with full vehicle support — 90 percent paved roads, 10 percent unpaved tracks — Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for Cuban People program — Cuban Tourist Cards included for most UK residents
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Cuban guesthouses known as Casa Particulares) — Six days of cycling with full vehicle support — 90 percent paved roads, 10 percent unpaved tracks — Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for Cuban People program — Cuban Tourist Cards included for most UK residents
Trip For You
This trip rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & 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: 25mi (40km)Number of days cycling: SixVehicle support: 100 percentTerrain and route: 90 percent paved, 10 percent dirt roads; some hills
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 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!
The cycling: The trip is not too strenuous, but a reasonable level of fitness is required. Many of the roads are in good condition but expect potholes and poor road conditions in some sections. The roads are almost always free of heavy traffic, except in the towns. Mountain bikes with hybrid tyres are ideal for this trip and flat bars are preferable, but a good strong tourer will suffice (though make sure you have suitably low gearing).
Staying hydrated: When cycling, please drink lots of water as the heat and humidity can be high (especially June to August). Some may prefer to ride a slightly reduced distance each day to avoid cycling in the middle of the day. If this is the case, our back-up vehicle is available. The rest of the group can continue the itinerary as planned.
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 Description
One guide, up to 18 passengers. A bike mechanic also assists the leader and joins groups of eight or more. Our guides are local cycle tour leaders, experienced at working with groups, English speaking, and very knowledgeable about their country.
Eating Drinking
Seven breakfasts, six lunches and three dinners are included, allowing the option to try 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 imposed by the US. Dishes are relatively 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 that 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.
Drinking water is provided on cycling days – we allow for 100floz (3 litres) per person. On non-cycling days, water is not provided. We ask that you bring a filter water bottle to fill with provided water on cycling days and at public fountains and taps on non-cycling days. This helps to cut down on plastic and the need to buy water.
Transportation
The support vehicle carries all your luggage and personal belongings. The vehicle will follow the riders all the time, allowing you to cycle as much or as little as you like.
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 Airport (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, 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.
Weather Information
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 but are extremely 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 percent. Water temperature is normally 24C-28C (75F-82F).
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 €350-400 per person for the week (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 €30-€40 per passenger for the week, which you can divide in favour of the guide.
Tipping is at your own discretion but is very much part of the culture in Cuba and is usually expected. Your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which is used to tip local guides at individual museums and attractions, musicians and waiting staff for included meals etc throughout the trip. The guide will usually collect around €30 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.
Highlights
— Cycle through a Caribbean island like no other — Ride with members of the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club — Enjoy a bici-taxi tour through Cienfuegos — Relax on the white sands of Playa Ancón — Cruise through the streets of Havana in a classic car — Discover the UNESCO-listed towns of Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos
Trip Details
Product Code: 4391
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: you like.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: MAC
Starts: Havana, Cuba
Finishes: Havana, Cuba
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— Seven breakfasts, six lunches, three dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Local bike hire: click here to see more — Cuban tourist card for most UK/Ireland residents — Free arrival and departure transfers on trip start and end dateAccommodation
Casas particulares: a uniquely Cuban experienceWe 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.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,135 ($392 /day)
Itinerary
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. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation. Accommodation: Casas particulares
After a bike fitting, we have a cycling tour of Havana with members of the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club. This club is made of veteran Cuban cyclists who regularly compete in races in their respective age groups. Arriving into the Old Town, we stop for a cafecito (Cuban-style coffee) at a privately owned café, which also offers snacks and drinks. Later, we transfer to Playa Larga and stay overnight at the Bay of Pigs. During dinner at a small beachfront restaurant specialising in freshly-caught fish, we are joined by a local nature expert who introduces us to the natural landscape and characteristics of the area. We round the evening off in a classically Cuban manner, with rum and a few rounds of dominoes. Accommodation: Casas particulares
Our day begins with a coastal cycle ride from Playa Larga to Playa Girón, where we stop for a breather and an explanation of the US' failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. We continue the ride to Caleta Buena on the coast for lunch and a swim, before transferring to Cienfuegos. The city of Cienfuegos is full of architectural delights, with a beautiful main square and restored buildings. One of the best ways to get around is by bici-taxi, a fun tour using the typical city transport. Each bici-taxi can accommodate two people and is pedalled by a local resident (most of whom like to introduce their guests to reggaeton music!). The bici-taxi tour is a great time to talk to Cienfuegos residents and try out your Spanish. After, we check into our casas for the night. They are close to the town centre and some great paladares (traditional restaurants). The malecon coastal road is usually a lively place to soak up the atmosphere with locals. Accommodation: Casas particulares
On today’s ride, we are joined by members of the Cienfuegos cycling team; there is plenty of time to chat before and during the ride at the various pitstops. This morning, we cycle from Cienfuegos to Cumanayagua before transferring to El Nicho Waterfall. We have a short walk to the waterfall, where we can relax and enjoy a swim in the natural pools. Lunch is at a paladar next to El Nicho. In the afternoon, we return to Cienfuegos by bus. For those interested, there is the option to do a more challenging ride and cycle all the way to El Nicho Waterfall (additional distance of 14mi/22km, ascent 2,238ft/682m, descent 1,053ft/321m). Accommodation: Casas particulares
Our friends from the Cienfuegos cycling club join us again today to ride from Cienfuegos to Rancho La Vega, an interesting farm where we have lunch. We transfer by bus to Trinidad, declared a World Heritage site in 1988 and perhaps the best-preserved colonial town on the island. Exploring Trinidad can feel like entering a time warp, the cobbled streets and horse-drawn transportation whisking us back. There are many interesting museums housed in old colonial buildings and music drifts through the streets and plazas, bringing the town to life. In Trinidad, we have a walking orientation of the town and dinner at a paladar. Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning, we cycle to Playa Ancón, a classic white-sand Caribbean beach where we have time to relax, eat lunch in a beach paladar, and enjoy the sea. We have a short cycle back to Trinidad where there is time to rest or explore the cobbled streets and visit local businesses. In the evening, there is the option to take part in a salsa class with Cuban dance partners. Trinidad is known for its nightlife, so after we’ve learnt the salsa basics, we head to Casa de la Trova, a legendary live music venue, to listen to local musicians playing authentic Cuban music. This venue is always lively and sociable, with plenty of Cubans keen to let us practise our dancing with them! Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning, we have short ride from Trinidad to Rio Seibabo in the heart of the Sierra del Escambray mountain range. En route, we stop at Manaca Iznaga market in the Valle de los Ingenios to meet textile makers and sellers, and we also speak with lace makers at Proyecto Manacú, a female-led initiative that aims to keep traditional textile-making methods alive. Our next stop is at a farm where we are introduced to a local farmer and his family who make delicious honey. We then transfer to Santa Clara, the first major city to be liberated by Castro’s army in December 1958. Today, several monuments commemorate this important period, including the mausoleum of Che Guevara, where we stop for a short visit. Afterwards, we transfer back to Havana. This evening, we have dinner at a private paladar in Havana. Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning, we see Havana in style – by classic car. Havana is one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture, and there is an air of faded grandeur about the place. 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 UNESCO-listed Old Havana, the heart of the capital. Old Havana is often described as a living museum, with magnificent monuments, cathedrals and palaces. During our tour, we visit a ration store and food market for a glimpse into daily life in the capital. It’s then time to bid your group and leader a fond farewell as this marks the end of our Cuban two-wheeled adventure.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Lindsey Kemp - Traveled, February 2017
Cycling Cuba - Fantastic! What an amazing way to see Cuba! I loved every second & Freddy, our guide, was so knowledgeable & clearly passionate about Cuba, that it really added to the experience. The group was great fun too. All in all a brilliant holiday. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the lake at the top after a gruelling 7km uphill on the final day 40km cycle - such an achievement Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic - highly knowledgeable & alwys ready to help Advice for Potential Travellers Go! Suggestions I loved the cycling so much i'm already looking into my next trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2017
Karen Gill - Traveled, February 2017
Cuban Highlights Tour Fantastic trip with great cycling, cultural and historical aspects. The entire trip exceeded my expectations for the quality of bikes to accommodation and food. The cycling was relaxed and, although mostly on main roads, traffic was not heavy (unlike the headwinds!) and there was always full back up with the support bus. The food was simple but tasty and the casa’s were comfortable and far more interesting than staying in a hotel. Cuba was fantastic and everything we needed was available, just be prepared for some unreliability such as lack of hot water, toilet paper etc Most Inspirational Moment The entire trip! Thoughts on Group Leader Freddy was excellent. Very knowledgeable about Cuba and it's history and patiently dealing with all our questions and ability to miss the (almost) unmissable cycling stops Advice for Potential Travellers Extend your trip, one week just isn't enough Suggestions The most sought after items by the group were toilet paper, bug spray, wet wipes, sanitiser and 25c for toilet stops.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2017
Hok Shuen Wong - Traveled, January 2017
Cuban Highlights Very enjoyable and well organised. Lovely rides through varied countryside and interesting towns which transported us back in time and gave fascinating insights into the country’s history. Routes were good and the bikes ideal for the various challenges – hills, road surface etc. Pleasant helpful supportive staff always ready with water, snacks and repairs if needed. Most Inspirational Moment Happy Cubans! Despite its troubled history and obvious deprivation it is a land full of fun and welcome. Whether cycling through rural villages or in towns we were always greeted with cheerful "Holas!" and waves from smiling adults and children. Thoughts on Group Leader Lenay was an excellent group leader and tour guide. She speaks very good English, has an extensive knowledge of her country's history and culture and is thoughtful, witty and helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers Just go and embrace their vibrant world of sun and salsa and have plenty of Cuban currency. Although it is not the land of plenty and the food is bland the facilities are very clean!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/16/2017
Moira Hookham - Traveled, December 2016
Cuban Highlights Trip Wonderful holiday! Most Inspirational Moment Completing the cycle without using the bus! Learning about Cuban history and feeling sad that the West has misunderstood Cuba all these years. They have done a great job of surviving and thriving despite all the difficulties. Our guide, Alex, who was full of surprises, knowledge, variety and went out of his way to organise every detail for individuals in the group ensuring we all had the best holiday. Thoughts on Group Leader Alex was great. He easily interacted with all members of the group. He was our interpreter for language and events. He worked hard behind the scenes, cultivating good relationships with Casa owners etc, organising travel details for group members coming and leaving at different times, dealing with all the tipping, giving clear instructions and direction and just generally making sure everything was hassle free for us. He worked patriotically and with sincerity - very catching! There was never any pressure. A great holiday because of him. Advice for Potential Travellers A universal plug ( for sinks, baths etc) would be useful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2017
Tariq Arafa - Traveled, December 2016
Historical, Hot and Colourful Cuba - on Christmas Day! Take what you imagine to find in Cuba – this is most likely what you will get. I did anyway. Marinade yourself in Cuban culture with salsa, cigars and mojitos. Get lost in the myriad of cobbled streets in Trinidad. Combine some great sightseeing with some challenging but not impossible cycling. From Ernest Hemingway’s bar to a tour of the city in a Cadillac, Havana is rich and diverse in both its history and landscapes and even how the country is in a little bit of a technological time warp adds to its charm. Most Inspirational Moment Learning about the history of Castro and Che Guevara before seeing the sights in Revolution Square was fascinating. The most thrilling moments were in the American cars tour of Havana - one hour of exhilaration, a must-do! Thoughts on Group Leader Alex was informative and humorous while always putting our needs first. Advice for Potential Travellers Take toilet paper for the casas. Not always available - the standard of the casas within our group was variable. I was very lucky with Alfonso and his lovely family. Also take plenty of money - its not cheap. Suggestions The hotel in Havana is a little far from the centre but there is a nice breakfast and pool here. Wifi is scarce in Cuba so be prepared to be cut off from the world while you're there - hardly a hardship though is it?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/19/2017
Nancy Reed - Traveled, November 2016
Cuban Highlights Ride What a lovely trip – we had lots of laughs, learned a great deal about Cuban history and enjoyed a wonderful Cuban crew. Most Inspirational Moment Inspiration took many forms - our group discussions about Cuba, world politics and kindness to others inspired me each day. Thoughts on Group Leader Have to say that both our guide and mechanic took significant efforts to ensure we were keen to ride and well supported - from cold drinks and sweet snacks to gentle nudges up big hills to an unwavering love of their country that was shared each day. Our guide (Alex) was incredibly well informed, engaged in all he did and had a great sense of humour - as he might say, quite 'cheeky'! Advice for Potential Travellers Take lots of time to engage with the communities you travel through - the people are very fun, kind and interesting. Tried to leave toiletries behind as tips in each place we stayed - these are crazy expensive in Cuba and so easy for travelers to share. Take the time before or after this trip to spend an additional day or two in Havana - really great city. We also spent time on our own in Mantanzas and found many wonderful surprises including a great art studio, fab little bar and paper making gallery. Suggestions Thanks ... truly a great journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2016
Mary Fenelon Bourke - Traveled, November 2016
Fantastic Cuban Adventure We have just returned from Cuba having done the Cuban highlights cycle & a beach extension in Cayo Levisa. This is a fantastic trip with very pleasant cycling, trips to places of cultural & historical importance & some down time. The bikes were much better than we expected, the cycling was relaxed & not too demanding & the motorists very mannerly. The roads were quiet. Full backup with the bus is there at all times which is great. It was nice to be able to leave all our things on the bus while cycling. Most Inspirational Moment Trinidad is a beautiful city & cycling out of the city towards Playa Ancon was lovely. Staying in Casas Particulares in Trinidad & Cienfuegos was a highlight. Cycling with a great group & an inspiring leader made this an unforgettable holiday. Thoughts on Group Leader Freddy was simply amazing. Kind, courteous, really interesting & generous with his time. Advice for Potential Travellers If you want to really see Havana, spend an extra day or two there as time there on this trip is limited. Internet etc very limited so warn friends & family that you may not be in contact & then relax & enjoy the freedom from technology. If you have time, the beach extension to Cayo Levisa is very relaxing. Gel saddle pads are useful for the bikes & bring a water bottle. Suggestions Hotel in Havana was very disappointing especially breakfast which was cold. Hot water not always available.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2016
Adrian Tyrrell - Traveled, October 2016
Cuban highlights ride Excellent trip, (I was in Jane’s group, see review below) Freddy was indeed excellent, in addition to being a great cycle guide his knowledge and passion for Cuba knew no bounds, I came away refreshed and more knowledgeable after a most enjoyable holiday Most Inspirational Moment The whole trip! Thoughts on Group Leader excellent, difficult to see how he could have been any better Advice for Potential Travellers cash points available in Havana and Trinida
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2016
Jane Simpson - Traveled, October 2016
Cuban Highlights This was a very well organised trip lead by Freddy, who was a brilliant guide. His knowledge of Cuba and its history was exceptional. He made the trip so interesting and his attention to detail was second to none. Most Inspirational Moment Difficult to pick just one as the whole trip was fascinating. Thoughts on Group Leader He was excellent. Advice for Potential Travellers The food is uninspiring, so don't go with high expectations. Wi-Fi is very limited so warn family/friends that communication will not be easy! Suggestions It would be nice if the transfer back to Havana could be split into two days as it is a long day of travelling. The hotel in Havana was poor - our room was dusty and dirty and breakfast was almost inedible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/22/2016
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