Two wheels are better than four (or more) when it comes to exploring the Caribbean nation of Cuba. This eight-day active tour leads you along some of the nation's most scenic sights and routes. Cycle through the Garden Province of Pinar del Río, passing famous mogotes (limestone pincushion hills) of the region, see the historic Cueva de los Portales used by Che Guevara, and venture along the Ancón peninsula coastline. Your time relaxing or swimming on the beaches of Playa Ancón will be well-earned by this point.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Proyecto Manacú Visit, Manaca Iznaga
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay, Havana
Your Hands-On Moment: Salsa Lesson, Trinidad. Arrival transfer. Guided cycling with support vehicle. Traditional cigar factory visit in Pinar del Río. Cueva de los Portales visit. Las Terrazas visit. Giron Museum visit. Che Guevara's Mausoleum Visit. Havana city tour. Informal Spanish lesson. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Bike through limestone pincushion hills in Viñales, Visit a tobacco farm, Spot birds while cycling along the idyllic Zapata Peninsula, Enjoy a picnic lunch on the Playa Ancón, Visit a women-operated traditional textiles centre, See the Mausoleum of Che Guevara
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg 10
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Bicycle, private vehicle, walking, cycling support vehicle (optional).
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Casas particulares (homestays) (7 nts).
Itinerary
Havana
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.
Havana/Viñales
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
Viñales/Playa Larga
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
Playa Larga/Trinidad
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
Trinidad
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
Trinidad/Santa Clara
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
Santa Clara/Havana
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.
Havana
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
