Cycle Cuba: East
Experience Overview
Experience Cuba from the perspective of two wheels as you cycle around the eastern coast of this laidback Caribbean island. Wander the colourful streets of Havana, cycling alongside vintage cars on your way to the verdant Bay of Pigs. Discover the UNESCO Word Heritage sites of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, pay homage at Che Guevara’s final resting place in Santa Clara, cycle the largely untouched pastures of Yumuri Valley and indulge in the picture-perfect beaches of resort town Varadero. Experience the Cuba that lies beyond the rum and cigar scene all from the saddle of your bike, with an expert local leader and likeminded riding companions.
Highlights
- Ride through Cuba’s everchanging landscapes and see the country from a unique perspective – from the charm of Old Havana, you’ll ride along small dusty farming roads to dramatic limestone cliffs and lush valleys.
- See Caribbean Cuba on two wheels – a bike gives you unique access to parts of the island that are off the beaten track, like the incredible Caves of Fishes.
- Cycle through the pristine valley of Yumuri – an untouched paradise far off the tourist track. Think rolling pastures, fields of palm trees, small forests and agricultural plots with views of the city and valley ahead.
- Pay homage to the legendary Che Guevara – an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat and military theorist – at his final resting place in the very heart of Santa Clara.
- Indulge in some much needed sun, sand and sea on the buzzing beaches of Varadero. You have a full free day here to partake in optional activities like dolphin watching, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming and chilling out on the warm sands of the resort beaches.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2438
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle (optional e-bike on request),Support Vehicle (Bus)
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: QBXE
Starts: Havana, Cuba
Finishes: Havana, Cuba
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (5), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,912 ($239 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cuba. To make your arrival into Havana a bit easier, a complimentary transfer will take you from the airport to your accommodation (guesthouse). Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As the group is sometimes spread between several (but nearby) guesthouses, your leader will leave a note for you explaining where to meet and what to bring. If you arrive early, consider hiring an open-top vintage American car and check out the sights while cruising the streets. After the meeting, your evening is free to relax or head out for an optional welcome dinner with your riding companions.
Included Activities:
- Havana - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities:
- Classic American Car Tour of Havana - Urban Adventures (guide & transport included (67 USD)
- Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee) (250 CUP)
- Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee (200 CUP)
- Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee & dinner) (35 USD)
- Havana - Half-day Ernest Hemingway Tour (guide and transport included 2 clients min required) (68 USD)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a bike fitting, then transfer to the Bahia de Cochinos (the Bay of Pigs) for your first ride. You’ll begin at Playa Larga – sitting at the head of the bay, this is one of the two beaches that was invaded by US-sponsored exiles in 1961. Cycle along the tree-lined eastern shoreline, past a flooded cave called Cueva de los Peces (the Cave of Fish) to the peaceful sandy arc of Playa Giron – the second beach that was invaded. Here, you’ll get to rest your weary legs in the crystal-clear Caribbean water. The bay boasts a deep underwater well and a huge variety of coral and fish – the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing dip. When you've finished swimming in the salty sea, simply cross the road and jump in the fresh waters of the nearby cenote – a flooded cave that’s full of tropical fish. After, head to Cienfuegos, where you’ll take a leader-led orientation walk to get acquainted with the area.
Included Activities:
- Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
After fuelling up on breakfast this morning, you’ll set out on today’s bike ride to Trinidad. Cycle along the rolling hills and mango trees through the countryside to reach the sea. Sitting on the Caribbean coast, Trinidad boasts well-preserved Spanish architecture, large plazas and a big salsa scene, making it a popular destination. When you arrive, get acquainted with the town’s once-grand mansions, pastel-hued buildings, cobbled streets and gardens on an orientation walk. In the evening, why not practice your dance moves at one of the many live music venues or head to a folklore show at one of the open-air venues. Your local leader can suggest a few of the latest hotspots for a fun night out on the town.
Included Activities:
- Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (from entrance fee) (250 CUP)
- Trinidad - Romantic Museum (entrance fee) (120 CUP)
- Trinidad - Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos (entrance fee) (70 CUP)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
From Cuba’s coast, you’ll discover the country’s lush, tropical side at Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. This heavily protected nature reserve is home to jungle-covered limestone mountains, waterfalls, caves, grottoes and diverse flora and fauna. Drive north of Topes de Collantes, stopping at Mirador del Escambray on the way for the fantastic view of Trinidad and the Caribbean. From here you’ll climb on the bikes and explore the Guanayara section of the reserve. Avoiding the long climb, you’ll start at the Mirador del Hanabanilla for sweeping views of Lake Hanabanilla before a section of mixed tarmac and gravel terrains, both within and outside of the reserve. Sit down for lunch with the locals, then take a swim in a natural pool beside the waterfall. Ride on, then board the support vehicle for the drive to Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial. Check out the bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and learn about his incredible life before arriving in Santa Clara, where you’ll take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings.
Included Activities:
- Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive east towards Matanzas province to the small town of Jovellanos where you’ll begin today’s ride. This province is largely flat, with an enormous marsh to the south, rocky terrain to the northwest and cays and mangroves to the northeast. Uncover part of this vast land on a bike tour, enjoying mostly flat roads as you pass through small towns and citrus and sugar cane plantations before arriving in the maritime port city of Cardenas. This is a historical city where many things happened for the first time in Cuba, including the first ever raising of the modern Cuban flag. It’s also considered to be the Cuban city of bicycles! From here, it’s just a short drive to the resort town of Varadero. Your accommodation for tonight is a bit more authentic than the string of all-inclusive resorts that line the coast – you’ll be staying in a Varadero guesthouse.
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Experience Cuba’s version of beach life with a free day in Varadero. After the past few cycling-heavy days, free time in the sun and sand is bound to be a welcome change of pace. Ask your leader about possible water-based activities and optional excursions on offer. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling are all popular options. You can also head out on a dolphin-watching expedition or take a boat trip to nearby mangroves where flamingos, crocodiles, parrots and other wildlife can be found. Alternatively, simply find a patch of golden sand, grab a pina colada and enjoy the glorious views. Alternatively, if you want to explore further on your bike, just let your leader know the night before so the bike doesn't get packed away.
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is an early start as you drive to Matanzas for today’s bike ride. Explore the historic city then ride on to a seldom-visited paradise not far from Varadero’s popular beaches – the Yumuri Valley. Tucked behind the hills that line the province’s northern edges, your bike tour will reveal a scenic mix of rolling pastures, fields of palm trees, small forests and agricultural plots, with views of a faded city and the valley itself. After, head to Matanzas city – the capital of the Matanzas province – for a guided walking tour with your leader. As part of Matanzas literary and musical heritage, the city is known for its poets, Afro-Cuban folklore and as the birthplace of danzon and rumba (two important Cuban dances). Later this afternoon, you’ll say goodbye to your bikes and return to Havana. When you arrive, take a closer look at Old Havana on a leader-led walking tour, finishing up at a micro-brewery where you can toast to the end of an excellent active adventure.
Included Activities:
- Havana - Leader led City Tour of Old Havana
- Matanzas Bicycle Tour
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after checking out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you have not already organised a transfer to the airport, your guesthouse can usually arrange one for you – please discuss this with them the day before you need to depart.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Michael - Traveled, February 2024
Cuba East. Wow! This trip surpassed our expectations. We are an active couple of 67-year olds, though our group age-ranged 19-75. Our guide Ranier was as knowledgeable and detail-oriented as one could hope, and supported by a well-organized Intrepid team. So happy to get out of the chaos of Havana and bike through other parts of Cuba. Biggest surprise: the food was wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Beverly - Traveled, February 2024
I would highly recommend the Cycle Cuba: East Tour. This trip was well organized. Thank you to all! :-)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2024
Patrick - Traveled, January 2024
My wife and I had never done an organized tour before, always going it on our own. We chose Intrepid for a bicycle tour of Cuba and the experience far surpassed our expectations! We will definitely travel with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Michelle - Traveled, November 2023
Cycle Cuba was a great trip made even better by the group leader Rainer, he really showed us real Cuba best 2 weeks adventure I would highly recommend this trip coming from a not so active cyclist ????
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Grainne - Traveled, October 2023
This was a special trip for myself and my husband. the reality of our cycling trip to Cuba exceeded all our expectations. The care of the Crew for our team, their historical knowledge and great senses of humour truly made it very special. Thanks Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Peter - Traveled, October 2023
Thoroughly worthwhile and enjoyable trip. Never forced to continue if unwilling although everyone on our trip completed each day. Well run by specialists in the field, can't wait to go again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/27/2023
Mary - Traveled, March 2022
Cuba Cycle East is a great way to see a bit of the real country, away from Havana and the resorts. The tour is very varied, every day is different. The cycling is challenging in places but manageable. We fell in love with Cuba as a result of doing this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2022
Des - Traveled, February 2022
Intrepid’s cycling trips in Cuba are well organised and fun. Our tour guide Maurice and his back up team were a pleasure to deal with, couldn’t recommend this trip highly enough…
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2022
Seónaidh - Traveled, July 2023
The team - Rainer, Danny, Ariel and Junior, particularly Rainer; their expertise, humour, friendliness and general warm and welcoming nature made the trip better than I could ever have expected. It was absolutely amazing and in the most part, it was down to Rainer's team. I cannot thank them enough. Cuba did not disappoint. It exceeded all of my expectations. I have been to some amazing places as part of this trip and met brilliant people. My knowledge of Cuban history, culture and society was enhanced greatly from this trip. Rainer, the tour leader, was outstanding in communicating information about Cuba's history, culture and society. Cuba has always been a destination I have wanted to visit, and this tour has exceeded my expectations. I loved every moment of this trip and felt excitement and happiness the whole time. The people and places were out of this world. Rainer and his team made this trip really special and I will never forget them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2023
Claire - Traveled, July 2023
Having never done anything like this before I'd definitely recommend this trip as as a really interesting way to get to know Cuba and have experiences you might otherwise miss. The tour leader Rainer and the whole team really made this an unforgettable experience and I learned so much everyone we met along the way. Really keen to continue learning about Cuba and to get back out on the bike.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Araceli - Traveled, May 2023
This trip is a unique way to explore Cuban culture and history. Rainer (my group leader), Ariel (the mechanic) and Allan (the bus driver) where friendly, welcoming and extremely professional people. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes cycling!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2023
Andy - Traveled, March 2023
If you want to learn about and experience the history and culture or Cuba and understand why the country is how it is , this is the perfect trip to choose. If you are fit and do some pre training you will manage the cycling. We had the most awesome time. Thank you Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2023
Barry - Traveled, March 2023
We loved our cycling trip around Cuba with Intrepid. Cuba is a very interesting, and at times challenging, country to visit so having Intrepid plan it for us was brilliant. To be able to see so many different parts of the country was an amazing experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2023
Sally - Traveled, January 2023
A perfect way to experience the main sights of eastern Cuba, while experiencing the authentic everyday Cuban life. Cycling allows you to breathe in the scenery and take time to observe and absorb your surroundings. Roads sometimes a bit bumpy but bikes managed all terrains well. A couple of hills but generally flattish terrain, gentle cycling speeds and distances, in the cooler parts of the day. Support and tour guide, Rainer, excellent: fun, sunny, approachable, provided historical and local knowledge, always willing to help and advise on good places to eat/drink/enjoy ourselves, catered for individual and group needs effortlessly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2023
Rosalind - Traveled, April 2022
This trip is fantastic. Maurice is a brilliant guide. Hugely well informed, passionate communicator, excellent leader. The cycling itinerary is well designed, varied and showcases a vast array of the country. The walking tours are also packed full of history and culture. The casa staff, Dayron our mechanic, and our driver are all first class. Cuba is fascinating. Complex, of course, but immensely worth a visit. Please go.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2022
Manjit - Traveled, April 2022
Intrepid were excellent. They organised and communicated everything well, the guides and equipment were brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2022
Barry - Traveled, March 2024
This was our third Intepid trip over the last 2 years , and this one more than met our expectations. Be prepared for challenges along the way as Cuba is a country unlike any other . Language, money matters , technology ,, they all make you work a little harder but is totally worth it. Our Intrepid leader Rainer helped us out all along the way. A great cycling adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
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