- Cycle the length of idyllic Cuba through historic colonial and revolutionary areas
- Benefit from 100 percent vehicle support with two vehicles for groups of 10 or more
- High quality, well-maintained bikes and mechanical support throughout
- Cycling leaders trained to UK leadership standards (CTC bike tour leader award)
- Experience vibrant culture with rum mojitos and salsa beats
- Cuban Tourist Cards included for all UK residents
Cycling Cuba
15 Days
from
16 Days
from
Cycling
Itinerary
Havana Havana
Fly to Havana
Fly to Havana, Cuba’s lively capital. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. It is a busy, bustling, energetic place and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of faded grandeur about it with paint peeling off buildings. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Start Havana
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. It is a busy, bustling, energetic place and one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of faded grandeur about it with paint peeling off buildings. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle through Havana; transfer to Remedios via Santa Clara
We have our bike fitting this morning before we set off on a warm-up ride through residential and modern Havana. Today we are joined by members of the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club, veteran Cuban cyclists who regularly compete in races in their respective age groups, for an insight into competitive cycling in Cuba. We cycle through various city districts, stopping in the Old Town for a coffee or fruit juice at a locally run small cafe in a typical urban residential community.
From here, we depart by bus and drive eastwards to begin our tour of the island. On the way towards Santa Clara, we stop to eat our picnic lunch before continuing to see the Che Guevara memorial site. The pretty town of Remedios is our final stop today. Upon arrival, we visit a workshop where they prepare for Las Parrandas de Remedios, a lively Christmas festival in which people from the local community participate. Tonight, we enjoy a group dinner at a paladar (a traditional family-run restaurant).
Today’s driving time is approximately four hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Mayajigua; transfer to Camaguey
After breakfast, we take a short transfer to just outside the town of Caibarien, where we start cycling towards Mayajigua. Along the way, we stop for refreshments at the home of a Cuban family, where we can find out about life in rural Cuba. The cycling route today is mostly flat as we head eastwards along a section of the country’s ‘northern circuit’. Despite the ride not being too challenging today, there is the likelihood of encountering a headwind when cycling in this direction. After lunch, we transfer to Camaguey, where we check into our town centre accommodation. A local historian joins us for dinner this evening to discuss the history of Camaguey, the third-biggest city in Cuba.
Today’s driving is approximately four hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Puerto Padre; partial coastal ride to Gibara
We depart our accommodation this morning by bus, driving to Puerto Padre in Las Tunas province. Starting from the coastal malecon road, we cycle out of town heading eastwards on undulating roads. We are greeted by a Cuban family in the town of Delicias, who welcome us into their home for refreshments. We carry on riding from Uñas to Aguas Claras, experiencing some climbs. Today’s destination is the coastal fishing town of Gibara, where we stay at a centrally located accommodation. In the evening, we take a short walk before dinner to meet local fishermen and learn about their way of life in this remote coastal town. Dining at a private paladar, we have an array of seafood specialities. The town is also the unassuming destination for an annual film festival, so this evening we are joined by a local resident involved in running the event.
Today’s driving time is approximately 2hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Holguin; cycle to Biran; transfer to Santiago
After breakfast, we take a short transfer to the outskirts of Holguin before jumping on our bikes and starting to cycle towards Biran. Today’s route covers well-surfaced roads with some undulations and several fast downhill sections. Fans of Buena Vista Social Club will appreciate riding along the route that rose to fame in their song Chan Chan. In Biran, we explore the village where Raul and Fidel Castro were born. A farm visit gives us an insight about the sugarcane industry in Cuba. Afterwards, we board the bus and transfer to Santiago. This evening, we take part in a salsa class with Cuban dance partners, where each member of the group will have their own dance partner to assist in teaching salsa moves!
Today’s driving is approximately 3hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Explore Santiago: city tour and cookery class
Santiago de Cuba is known as the City of Heroes due to the important role it played in the battles for both the independence and the revolution. The morning is spent sightseeing, including a visit to the Moncada Barracks, where the opening shots of the revolution were fired on 26 July 1953 when Castro and his men attacked the barracks. We also visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where Jose Marti and Fidel Castro are buried.
While in Santiago, we visit Serrano Park and join a game of dominoes – probably the most common pastime in Cuba. We also have the chance to learn how to cook a quintessentially Cuban dish with the kitchen staff of a paladar, where we have lunch. This evening, we visit a paladar for dinner and visit Casa de la Trova, which is considered to be the cradle of traditional Cuban music.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Ride from Santiago de Cuba to Palma Soriano via El Cobre; transfer to Bayamo
Today we ride through the Sierra Maestra. Heading deeper into the mountains, our route is dominated by Pico Bayamesa – the third tallest peak in Cuba at 5,675ft (1,730m) above sea level. This is an area of stunning natural beauty that is rarely visited by tourists. We have a packed lunch during the ride and finish at El Cobre, the most sacred pilgrimage site in Cuba.
After our El Cobre visit, we transfer to our Bayamo accommodation. This city is where the Cuban national anthem was composed in the mid-19th century and is one of the original seven ‘villas’ founded by the Spanish conquerors. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city with stops at several sites to gain insider knowledge from Bayamo residents. We visit a paladar for dinner.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Manzanillo; transfer to Camaguey
With a long day ahead, we start early today, leaving Bayamo by bike. We exit the city passing through agricultural towns and sugarcane plantations on a fast, flat ride cycling westwards towards the coast. En route, we stop in the town of Yara to dive into baseball, the national sport of Cuba. We visit the stadium and our guide explains the importance of the sport here. We carry on cycling to Manzanillo, stopping for a packed lunch by the water in a small park at the end of the coastal road. From here, we transfer to our final location for today, Camaguey – the youngest Unesco-listed site in Cuba. Look out for tinajones – large, earthen jugs found in the squares, churches and gardens that were originally used to store water during drought periods. Upon arrival, we have a tour along the four plazas by bici-taxi, whizzing around in true Cuban style.
Today’s driving is approximately three hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Transfer to Banao; cycle to Trinidad and cocktail-making class
After breakfast, we travel by bus to Banao. Upon arrival, the group starts cycling along a scenic route to the town of Trinidad. On our journey, we stop to visit a group of women from the local community, who are keeping regional traditions alive by teaching textile-making handicrafts to younger generations. When we arrive in Trinidad, we enjoy a welcome drink at Casa de Alberto & Osmary, our hub for the next two days. In the afternoon, we explore the town with a local resident, adding a different perspective to the walking tour. Trinidad has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1988 and is one of the best-preserved colonial towns on the island. Exploring it is like stepping back in time, the cobbled streets and horse-drawn transportation whisking you back to the Colonial era. The tour includes a visit to Casa Templo de Santeria de Yemaya, where we learn about Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion. We also have a cocktail-making class today, creating authentic Cuban mojitos in a paladar.
Today’s driving is approximately 3hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Playa Ancón; afternoon pottery-making class
On today’s ride we are joined by members of the Trinidad Cycling Club with plenty of time to chat and interact as we all cycle to the fishing village of La Boca, a popular spot with local fisherman going about their daily business. Our ride continues to Playa Ancón, a classic white-sand Caribbean beach, where we have a picnic lunch (weather dependent). For those who wish, there are swimming opportunities before we cycle back to Trinidad. On our return, we visit the workshop used by the Trinidad Cycling Club to learn more about the local cycling culture and how they maintain bikes without easy access to spare parts. In the afternoon, we join the Santander family for a pottery-making class. Here we learn skills that have been passed down by several generations of this Cuban family before making our own pottery with the guidance of a family member. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a private paladar with a local collective of musicians performing interpretations of classic Cuban trova songs.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle the coastal road to Cienfuegos
This morning, we are joined by our new friends from the Trinidad Cycling Club for the first part of our ride on the coastal road. Sandwiched by the mountains and sea, the road clings in sections to the shimmering Caribbean. We stop at Rancho La Vega farm to have fruit juice or coffee. Today’s route passes small communities and crosses bridges over picturesque bays with some short, sharp hills. The road then undulates through mango groves until it reaches the Botanical Garden of Cienfuegos, where we stop to relax and take a break in the serene, natural environment. Our ride finishes here, just outside the city of Cienfuegos; from here, we are transferred by bus to our casas. Tonight, we enjoy a Cuban-themed evening of Cuban music, delicious roast pork, rum and dominoes prepared by our fabulous host Lily.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Ride to Playa Larga
This morning, we depart by bus to the village of Navarra, where we start our ride. Today’s route covers a variety of landscapes – this is a day for discovering the rural heart of Cuba as we pass through small communities dedicated to agriculture and charcoal production. We ride through the Zapata Peninsula, the biggest marshland in Cuba, stopping at Playa Girón for a chance to learn about the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961. This region of the Zapata Peninsula is a national park and swamp, providing a habitat for some of the most important bird species in Cuba. Afterwards, we continue by bus to Playa Larga. For our evening meal, we are joined by a local nature expert who talks to us about the natural landscapes and characteristics of the area.
Today’s driving is approximately 1hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to farm for lunch: transfer to Matanzas
This morning, a short transfer to Jaguey Grande takes us to our starting point. Today we ride alongside citrus plantations at the heart of the island, arriving in time for a country lunch at Finca Coincidencia, a farm with organic principles in the centre of the Matanzas province. The property is home to a family venture that combines farming, art and ecofriendly agricultural methods. In the afternoon, we transfer north to the city of Matanzas where we visit a pharmaceutical museum and talk to a local expert to learn how Matanzas was well known for its innovative treatments and the legacy that exists today.
Today’s driving time is approximately two hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Cycle to Playa Jibacoa; transfer to Havana
For the final ride of our tour, we depart directly from our accommodation in Matanzas, climbing out of the city as we leave and head westwards. On the first section of the route, we may encounter some road traffic. After, we turn towards the town of Ceiba Mocha and begin the climb to the Picadura Valley pass. We soon find ourselves in peaceful and beautiful surroundings where we can enjoy valley views and the occasional small village. One of these is an old traditional sugarcane village, where we stop to learn about the historical importance of the industry in Cuba.
We carry on cycling until we reach a lookout point, where we are rewarded with a long stretch of flat and downhill roads that takes us all the way to the Caribbean coastline. Our ride ends at the beach, arriving in time for lunch at our accommodation. Make the most of an all-inclusive pool bar and have a well-earned swim and cool down in the water!
From Playa Jibacoa, we drive back to Havana in time for a city tour in classic cars. Visiting both the old and new areas, we discover the distinct neighbourhoods of the capital, stopping at points of interest. Feel free to ask questions about 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 head back to our accommodation to get ready for our farewell group dinner at a paladar in Havana.
Today’s driving time is approximately 1hr 30min.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Sightseeing in Havana; visit bike workshop; end
This morning, we have a walking tour of Old Havana – the heart of the capital. The area is often described as a living museum with marvellous monuments, cathedrals and palaces. During our tour, we visit a ration store, food market and artisan market for a chance to buy some souvenirs. We finish this tour by visiting the Velo Cuba cycling project, which is run by an inspiring group of Cuban women who rent bikes and promote cycling as a form of transport. During our visit, we find out how they use limited resources to help fix bikes to roadworthy standard and about teaching children of La Habana Vieja how to ride!
Then it’s time to bid your group and leader a fond farewell as this marks the end of our Cuban two-wheeled adventure.
Arrive London.
Arrive London.
Share Your Photos...
#ExodusTravels
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate).
- Average daily distance: 37mi (60km)
- Number of days cycling: 12
- Vehicle support: 100 percent
- Terrain and route: 90percent paved, 10 percent dirt roads, some hills
The trip is not too strenuous but a good level of fitness is required. The route mainly follows quiet backroads and covers some remote parts of the island. Expect potholes and poor road conditions in some sections. The roads are generally free of heavy traffic, except in some of the bigger towns/cities.
Terrain varies from flat around Las Tunas to hilly and mountainous in the Sierra Maestra. In the harder areas, we face some longish climbs, which require good fitness (particularly as Cuba is invariably hot and humid) and some steep descents. Day 7 is particularly strenuous as we are cycling in a mountainous region.
Staying hydrated
When cycling, please drink lots of water as the heat and humidity can be high (especially June to August). Some group members may prefer 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 on 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 in Cuba, 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 on the whole it’s best not to expect a reliable internet connection. Many casas particulares have free wifi, but download speeds are likely to be slow. You can purchase wifi scratch cards at official shops, but often you encounter long queues. Alternatively, buy a Cuban sim card and roaming package valid for 30 days to use in an unlocked phone.
Travelling in Cuba
It is possible you will face minor frustrations in Cuba. We encourage all travellers to go with an open mind, and with realistic expectations at what a visit here entails. If your guide announces a change of plans then please be assured everything possible has been done behind the scenes to make satisfactory alternative arrangements.
Please note: As an American-owned company, Exodus programmes to Cuba are fully compliant with the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) general license for Support for the Cuban People.
Casas particulares
We spend 14 nights in casas particulares, traditional Cuban guesthouses that provide a warm welcome and, best of all, an insight into the local lifestyle and culture. Rooms are on a twin-share basis with air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Every property we use has been inspected and assessed by our local team. Some are large multi-room houses that are home to entire families, others are run by individuals, and in some cases the owners live elsewhere. We typically use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our full group. We always do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other Exodus clients are staying.
The casa owners are usually happy to 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.
Please note, power cuts occur regularly in Cuba and you should expect there to be blackouts for hours at a time. This is a part of daily life in Cuba and torches are readily available for evening/night-time blackouts. Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental. Cuba is not a luxury destination and anyone travelling to the island should be prepared for this.
Reviews
Add your own reviewChildren of the revolution!
Great trip, crew worked tirelessly for us, fascinating place.
Most Inspirational Moment
Scenery in SE hills was especially good.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant, could not be faulted
Advice for Potential Travellers
Change your money on the street!
Suggestions
No it was brilliant
Cycle Cuba
Good trip, superb guide, interesting journey.
Of 8 on the trip, 6 came back with (subsequently medically-diagnosed) Giardia.
Not Exodus’ fault, but people should be made aware of this problem so that they seek medical attention earlier. This is more than holiday tummy.
I have been on many guided holidays, not only with Exodus, and our guide on this trip was probably the best we’ve encountered.
Most Inspirational Moment
bjhghj
Thoughts on Group Leader
jhgjgjhg
Advice for Potential Travellers
kjkjjgh
Suggestions
kbjgj
June Cuba Ride
The most favourite group of the five Exodus trips I have experienced, but the least favourite of the holidays. This trip certainly isn’t moderate in May/June as the weather conditions are challenging. Over 35 degrees every day and high humidity on the bike is no easy feat! Long transfers and head winds add to the interest.
Most Inspirational Moment
Finishing the day cycling the Sierra Maestra. Beautiful scenery and challenging riding, a real achievement for everyone. Closely followed by swimming in the Caribbean surrounded by tropical fish, a real highlight.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Disinterested and disengaged. Very wordy, some of the long bus transfers felt like a long day on the school bus being fed propaganda Not really proactive or showing any anticipation of his guests needs, more about how much he knew and making sure he let us know! I understand he has been guiding this trip for some time, perhaps he is just bored.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Train, train, train! Bring gels and electrolyte tablets with you to keep hydrated, and bring an open mind. Cuba is a third world country, things are not up to a Western standard so take is into account.
Suggestions
Most hotels were fine, the last night prior to returning to Havana is substandard and needs to be removed or upgraded. Train up, bring your own comfortable seat and snacks and enjoy.
Cycling through Cuba and it's history
A fantastic holiday for those keen to experience the delights of this vibrant and happy country. The cycling is tough, lots of hills and a strong headwind much of the time, not to mention the potholes and exhaust fumes! But in the saddle you get to see the real Cuba, off the beaten track, the smiling Cuban faces, the simple Cuban homes and the wonderful Cuban music – all in warm weather and clear skies. We did however not expect the fantastic history lesson that we received from our leader, who left no stone unturned in his explanations of the events prior to, during and post the Revolution of the 1950s. By the end of the holiday we had all gained a much better understanding of the Cuban way of life and we found ourselves being intrigued as to what the future might hold for this amazing country.
Most Inspirational Moment
Understanding the Revolution in great detail was inspirational, but seeing inside the simple homes of a doctor and a university professor and seeing how a 'ration shop' worked, made a big impact on me.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Carlos was excellent and could have done no more to make this holiday truly memorable. So close were we that there were 'wet eyes' as we said our goodbyes to fly back to London
Advice for Potential Travellers
This holiday really suits keen road cyclists. Many sections of the route involved long straight roads against the prevailing wind in very hot sun! There was very little 'off-road', which for me personally (as a mountain biker) was a bit disappointing. Many of the roads were busy and Cuba has plenty of very inefficient diesel lorries and buses belching out black fumes.
Suggestions
Cubans are not wealthy people but you don't see many unhappy Cubans. You do see plenty of beautiful smiling children's faces as they wave at you passing by. You do hear fantastic live music just about everywhere. You will have to queue up and the bureaucracy can seem senseless and frustrating at times, so don't expect much to happen too quickly.
Cycling Cuba
Excellent trip cycling around the Caribbean island of Cuba. It was like going back in time to the 50s with the old American cars and basic lifestyle. Free from phone and Wi-Fi for 2 weeks was a bonus for me!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the "real" Cuba away from the tourist hot spots and living like a local. The snorkelling was brilliant on the Catamaran trip
Thoughts on Group Leader
Laz was a brilliant guide, so knowledge and passionate about his home country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack a scarf or some form of cover for your face as some of the vehicles do chuck out some smoke!! Wear plenty of sunscreen, the heat is deceiving when you are cycle with a head wind. Wear sunscreen on your lips too - a few of our group had blistered lips. Pack some toilet paper. Cycling shorts and a gel saddle are a must. It can get chilly in the evening so pack a cardi/pashmina. Ear plugs are also handy as some hotels are on main roads. Mask and snorkel if you go on the catamaran trip. Ladies a turban towel for your hair as most places only provide one towel each. I wore a pair of closed toe open sandals which were ideal for keeping your feet cool. Also some sort of carrier for your bike to hold camera, money, tissues etc is handy
Suggestions
Don't expect luxury! Food is very basic - rice and beans! Supplies are limited in Cuba so don't expect an a la carte menu. But, don't let this put you off - as long as you are prepared for this you wont be disappointed and our group found it quite amusing. Don't expect Wi-Fi or phone signal
Not the greatest cycling holiday we have had
Cuba is very 3rd world. The standard of the accommodation was very variable and at times frankly unacceptable. Much of the cycling was on very busy roads with ancient lorries putting out thick black exhaust fumes. The island had its prettier parts but on the whole was flat and uninteresting.
Most Inspirational Moment
We enjoyed the very few off main roads rides
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was very good. The driver also very helpful and safe
Advice for Potential Travellers
You may well enjoy the experience but there are lots of downsides to travel in Cuba
Suggestions
Accommodation needs to be upgraded. The bikes we used also had very limited adjustment to personal needs.
Cycling in Cuba
A very interesting and enjoyable trip, the combination of the cycling, scenery, culture, history and music made for a memorable experience.
Most Inspirational Moment
Making it to the hotel in Sierra Maestre.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Liesner was very knowledgeable about Cuba and it's history. He was always helpful and considerate, and a very fit cyclist.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be flexible in your expectations of hotels, plumbing and food. Although not to European standards the rooms were always clean and functional. The food while not varied was interesting and some cases well cooked and presented.
Suggestions
I would have preferred more time at the destinations, more snorkelling and less time on the coach. I think covering the whole island in one trip is over ambitious, but it was still an excellent and absorbing holiday.
Unforgettable
This was our first group cycling holiday and our first trip with Exodus and it did not disappoint. The cycling is really well planned with great backup and the places we visited combined to give us a varied taste of this unique and fascinating country. We found ourselves in great company – the group really gelled and we had a ball.
Most Inspirational Moment
The views in the Sierra Maestre, the most challenging cycling day - reward for our effort; the atmosphere of Trinidad at sundown and the music, the people and sights by the roadside throughout the trip, the walk in the forest on day 10, snatched swims in pools and the sea and the fabulous evening out in Havana that rounded off an unforgettable holiday
Thoughts on Group Leader
Angel was just the best - calm and kind, managing all the unknowns one encounters in Cuba expertly.His insights into life in Cuba were comprehensive, and utterly fascinating - history and facts of course but always delivered with personal anecdotes and in a funny and insightful manner. We all loved him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Talk yourself out of using WiFi any more than is absolutely essential - it's frustrating, expensive and hard to come by. Have a break! Also, as Exodus advise, if you want snacks of any kind or hydration additives do take them as there is very little available, same goes for suncream - basically take all you need with you and don't rely on shopping .
Suggestions
Whilst it was not Angel's fault (everything else he organised hit the button) we all felt very let down by the catamaran trip from Trinidad and cannot recommend it, it did not deliver what was advertised and we felt ripped off.
Cycling Cuba
Having wanted to visit Cuba for many years I’m convinced this was a great way to do it. It is a fascinating country with a turbulent history. The people and their ability to ‘make do’ when they have so little is inspirational.
Never having been on a guided, group cycling tour before I was unsure what to expect and it took a few days to settle into the format. Apart from the opportunity to see and learn about the country the other great aspect of the trip was the other people on it. They were a lovely group of people each with an interesting life story to tell and cycling presents a great way to chat to people during those hours in the saddle.
Most Inspirational Moment
The people. Cuba is a country with many problems including a broken economy and yet its people manage somehow to get by no doubt helped by the music, the dancing and the rum (one of the few "foods" that's neither rationed nor expensive)!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lismar was great. Very knowledgeable about Cuba and its history, careful in the management of expectations (some of its Russian built hotels are not in great shape), and all presented with good humour. I always felt he tried to go the extra mile, arranging extra tours and visits in addition to what was described and finding interesting Restaurants where possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
They say you shouldn't go to Cuba for the food and its true. Its bland, overcooked and with very limited choice - fried chicken, fried pork, fried fish with rice and beans just about sums it up. More to the point though most of our group had stomach upsets, some more than once. Its hard to know what the cause was but hygiene in the government run hotels and restaurants (which is most of them) is probably not great. The privately run restaurants and Casas are probably safer and definitely better quality. Be prepared to spend a long time in the coach. Cuba is a surprisingly large country with generally poor roads so getting about takes time. If you plan to take up the Cayo Levisa extension be aware that its quite a long way from Havana and none of the activities (the main reason we went) run on a Sunday (the only full day we had there). It is a beautiful island though and the food quality is an improvement on any of the other state run places we stayed.
Suggestions
The cycling itself on this tour was a bit of a mixed bag. In the first week we seemed to spend quite a bit of time on flatish, straight roads with quite a bit of traffic. The worst part was the decrepit cars and trucks belching out thick clouds of black smoke - I feel like I had a lifetime's worth of exposure to diesel particulates on this holiday. Some of the days were also not well planned in that we would take the coach somewhere, get out and cycle for a bit and then get back on the coach. One of the off road sections in the first week didn't happen as apparently the track is impassible. It sometimes felt like cycling for the sake of it. In the second week it got more interesting. The best day was one where we actually cycled from one hotel to the next giving a much greater sense of having achieved something.
Exhilarating and fun
This was my first every cycling holiday. I was never a cyclist and although fit cycled moe in this cortnight than i have in my life comvined….but i did it…never once riding in the bus…although there qas no ahame in that! Although one of the weaker cylists i was encouraged by the others and felt a treme dous sense of accomplishment to have completed it.
Most Inspirational Moment
Actually not riding the bus.....altnough i had to walk short stretches on the mountainous day...i did it. The other cyclists were wondèful and our vuide, Lee superb. He woas encouraging, funny and so knowledgeable about the history and the places we visited. We all swear he has a photographic memory.! The sight seeing was perfect and the rides interesting especially when we went tbrough small towns and villages where even the school childen chered us on like celebrities.
Thoughts on Group Leader
FANTASTIC! Incredily knowledgeable and always there to help. On the tough cycling day he stayed behind with me encouraging me all the way. Our drivers too were excellent and always there with help and a joke. They made the whole experience wonderful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring pens and makers and sweets to give to the kids along the way. They flock round you, not begging but a oen or marker is a prize to them. The people are delightfyl and friendly and it is a pleasure to be able to give them something little that they really appreciate. At the end of tbe trip we asked our gyide if we could leave clothes or toiletries behind and he happily took them to give to needy people...so pack some old clothes.
Suggestions
I am already looking at other trips with Exodus. I felt it was extremely well organised and the informafion given accurate.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
24 Feb 2024 24 Feb 2024
Saturday Sunday
09 Mar 2024 10 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From £ 2,895 £ 4,295
Optional Single Supplement +£ 375
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.
Cycling Cuba
15 Days
from
16 Days
from