CubaBiking Cuba
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience. Arrive in Havana at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into the casa and enjoy the city. Your CEO will organize a short meeting in the evening.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the start location to start your adventure. Please note, the included arrival transfer is from Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV). If you are flying into Varadero (VRA) you will need to pre-pay a supplement to receive a transfer. Please reach out to your G Adventures booking agent for pricing and availability.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay
Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Casa Villa Azul
Depart Havana after breakfast and transfer west to Viñales in Pinar del Río, the “Garden Province” of Cuba. Head out on the first ride – a circular route around Viñales, cycling past the famous mogotes (limestone pincushion hills) of the region. Leave Havana this morning and drive to the small village of Viñales. This region is one of the most stunning in Cuba, know for its mogotes (large limestone pincushion hills) that make for spectacular views. In the afternoon, get fitted on a bike and hop in the saddle for the first ride in the area. Although we're not covering much distance today, it's a great opportunity to get accustomed to the conditions and prepared for the days ahead. Lunch today will be a picnic lunch. After the ride, visit a tobacco farm. Enjoy some free time in Viñales and opt to go caving, hiking, or relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley. Today's riding distance: approximately 26km, with elevation gains of 276m
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Informal Spanish Lesson
Sit down with the CEO for a brief lesson on some important words and phrases in español to prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Viñales Cycling – Circular Route
Cycle through the small village of Viñales and out among the limestone mogotes (hills) that make up the landscape. Get ready to get your heart pumping – the cycling here involves some ascents and descents and can be challenging at times. There is a support vehicle if you choose to not ride the entire journey.
Tobacco Farm and Cigar Tour
Pinar del Rio is tobacco country. Fans of the ubiquitous Cuban cigar will be hard-pressed not to be impressed by the fields of green plants punctuated by thatch roof drying hut. Then witness a demonstration of how the cured leaves are hand-rolled, cut and packaged. Prepare for the heady smell of tobacco. Opt to buy a box to bring home to friends or enjoy them all by yourself.
Optional Activities - Day 2Show
Accommodation
Homestay Haydee Chiroles
Cycle to the historic Cueva de los Portales, a cave that was used by Che Guevara as the headquarters of the Cuban Army during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Later, transfer to Playa Larga. Lunch will be a picnic lunch and today's riding distance is: approx 46km, with elevation gains of 540m
Cycling Viñales to Cueva de los Portales
The ride today leads to Cueva de los Portales, the headquarters of the Cuban Army during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Exploring this vast and beautiful cave system is our reward after cycling today. Although there is some traffic on the roads, there is space to ride freely among the jagged peaks of the west of Cuba – known as Mil Cumbres, or "1000 summits."
Cueva de los Portales Visit
Visit the cave where Che Guevara commanded Cuba’s occidental army during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Take time wandering the grounds and check out some of Che's artifacts that were left behind.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Casa Sol y Caribe
Cycle to Playa Giron to visit the museum here and learn about the area's important history. Hop back on our bikes to cycle to Caleta Buena for lunch. Cool off in the refreshing turquoise waters before transferring to the World Heritage Site of Trinidad. Today's ride will journey through the idyllic setting of the Zapata Peninsula. Lying within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, the area is home to a multitude of bird species. Make a stop at Playa Giron, one of the sites of the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Visit the museum here to learn about the conflict and see artifacts such as weapons and tanks. Cycle on to Caleta Buena, a protected cove with clear waters and an abundance of fascinating marine life. After enjoying a picnic lunch overlooking the cove, you can opt to swim in these beautiful waters. Today's riding distance: approx 45km, with elevation gains of 112m
Bay of Pigs Cycling
Cycle through the Zapata Peninsula towards Playa Giron. Take some time to go to the local museum and learn more about the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.
Giron Museum Visit
Learn more about the Bay of Pigs invasion at this small museum that houses photos and artifacts from the conflict.
Cycle to Caleta Buena
Cycle to Caleta Buena, a beautiful beach area known for its incredible snorkelling. Take a break for lunch by a natural sea pool and opt to swim.
Swimming at Caleta Buena
Take a dive into the clear blue waters at Caleta Buena. This incredible swimming and snorkelling area is a perfect way to unwind and cool down.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Homestay Jesus Pineda
Navigate through the bustling streets of central Trinidad and depart for the small fishing village of La Boca. Continue on the route that enjoys the alluring scenery of the Ancon peninsula coastline and indulge in a picnic lunch on the golden sands of Playa Ancón. Spend time relaxing or swimming in this idyllic location. Cycle back via the small port of Casilda and take advantage of free time in Trinidad. Tonight, join the group for a fun and informal salsa class with Cuban dance partners. Soak up the lively atmosphere of Trinidad and opt for a night out to enjoy all the sights and sounds the town has to offer. Today's riding distance: approx 25km, with elevation gains of 128m
Playa Ancón Cycling
Today’s ride is a relatively flat and leisurely circuit ride out of Trinidad. Depart the town to the west, cycling to the small fishing village of La Boca. Then cycle southwards along the Ancón peninsula, stopping at the beach to relax and have lunch. Cycle the short distance back to Trinidad via the port of Casilda.
Swimming at Playa Ancón
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim off the shores of the beautiful white sand beach, Playa Ancón.
Free Time
Explore this beautiful colonial town and its surrounding beach and attractions.
Your Hands-On Moment: Salsa Lesson
Loosen up those hips and get ready to salsa. Led by expert Cuban instructors, rumba, mambo and cha-cha-chá your way across the floor. Never danced salsa? Have no fear, Cubans are happy to share the secrets behind one of their national pastimes.
Depart Trinidad, cycling to the town of Manaca Iznaga, a Unesco World Heritage Site known as the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Wander the town's plaza and browse the artisanal market for souvenirs. Visit the G Adventures-supported project, Proyecto Manacú before continuing on to Rio Seibabo for lunch. Later, transfer to Santa Clara. Set off early by bike, making a stop at the small town of Manaca Iznaga which is known as the ‘Valle de los Ingenios’ or Valley of the Sugar Mills. This town once played an integral role in the production of sugar cane in the country and remnants of the old sugar mills and machinery can still be found here. Today, the town enjoys a status as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Continue on to the G Adventures-supported project, Proyecto Manacú. This is a female-led community initiative designed to keep the local textile making traditions alive. Cycle the scenic route north to Rio Seibabo, stopping to try some local honey along the way. Enjoy a packed lunch by the river and opt for a post-lunch dip. The final leg of today's journey will be made by bus to Santa Clara. Settle into the casas particulares for the night. Today's riding distance: approx 37km, with elevation gains of 545m
Valle de los Ingenios Cycling
Set off early, travelling east from Trinidad along the main route that connects to Sancti Spiritus. Cycle to the town of Manaca Iznaga to visit the artisanal market and G Adventures-supported project, Proyecto Manacu. Continue on to Rio Seibabo, enjoying the scenery and undulating terrain along the route.
Your G for Good Moment: Proyecto Manacú Visit
Visit the Manaca Iznaga community and get further immersed in the local life and meet Cuba’s rural families, where G Adventures and Planeterra helped create a textiles centre in 2019, thereby enabling local women to sell traditional textiles to travellers. See local embroidered techniques used to create garments and souvenirs, and learn how local women organization has impacted the community and those who visit it. Planeterra and G Adventures have supported with providing technical assistance to start up the business, capacity building and guidance to create a local experience.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Teresita Homestay
Visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara this morning before traveling back to the capital. Enjoy a cycling tour of Havana, reveling in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. One of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It contains a wealth of colonial architecture, and the old city and streets around the malecon (ocean-side walkway) are best discovered on foot. After arriving back to the city, go on a cycling and walking tour of Havana's highlights. Experience the bustle, history, and rhythms of this fascinating Caribbean capital city.
Che Guevara's Mausoleum Visit
The Che Guevara Mausoleum houses the remains of this Marxist revolutionary leader killed in Bolivia in 1967, as well as 30 of his men. The room itself is designed to resemble the Bolivian mountains where he died. Set eyes on a 6.7m (22ft) bronze statue of the hero. Nearby, there is a museum dedicated to his life and an eternal flame lit by Fidel Castro.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Havana City Cycling Tour
Set off on a cycling tour of the capital, journeying through vibrant neighbourhoods and along the Malecon for coastal views. Make stops along the way to see some of the city highlights, such as Plaza de la Revolucion, Hotel Nacional, and El Capitolio. Jump off in the old town and continue on foot to explore the main plazas and surrounding streets.
Accommodation
Casa Villa Azul
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
