Cycling Cuba By Exodus Travels

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 78 reviews.

Jon Green

CYCLING CUBA

Written January 2011
A fantastic holiday in an amazing country, a great group, brilliant guide and drivers. I real cultural and historical experience. Good quality equipment, Good hotels, Plentiful food.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The People, Ride, Route, Food, Rum, Scenery, Music, History, Mountains, Beaches, Countryside, Cars, Wildlife & Weather were all fantastic. Too many moments to decide!
But probably the sense of achievement riding into the Sierra Maestra mountains, descending into Santiago or the final ride into the lakeside hotel at Mayajigua.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide Laz was simply brilliant! Went the extra mile all of the time, very knowledgeable and passionate about his country, but informed and educated us in an interesting way.
Support drivers Tuna and Alberto were great and were always friendly and helpful.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A couple of days extra to see a bit more of Havana at the end would be ideal, but you cant do everything in 2 weeks!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You don't have to be an olympic athlete to do this trip, but if you are a keen cyclist and interested in seeing a very interesting country, experiencing the culture, history, people and scenery in detail, this is the trip for you!
Kirsten Jolly

CYCLING CUBA

Written December 2010
Just spent an amazing two weeks cycling in Cuba. Sunshine, exercise, beautiful cities, countryside and beaches and the local people were really friendly. I feel like I've seen it all, but still dieing to go back again. The cycling was challenging, we had a really sociable group of differing ages, couples and singles and everyone got along really well. Added to that the music, dancing and of course, the rum, it was most definitely one of my best holidays ever.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling into the Sierra Maestra mountain region and arriving in a little paradise with a natural rock pool and waterfall, having a massage and a delicious meal al fresco with a few Mojitos and Cuba Libres. Inspiration to go on another Exodus holiday for sure.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was superb, nothing was too much trouble. His local, political, social and historical knowledge really gave us an insight into how the Cuban people feel and live.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with the flow. The Cuban people don't have the luxury of constant water and electricity like we do, I showered by the light of my headtorch one morning! It all adds to the Cuban experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'd definitely recommend this holiday to anyone who enjoys cycling, meeting new people and really getting out into the heart of a country. The Cuban people have very little, but they are still content and that's something that could teach us all an important lesson in the capitalist world of wealth and possessions.
Allan Jolly

CYCLING CUBA

Written November 2010
This trip offered exactly"what is says on the tin"- plus some!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Witnessing the determination of unseasoned cyclists (and it has to be said some fashionistas) dig deep when the cycling got tough and finish challenging sections.   It is not a difficult cycling trip for seasoned or experienced cyclists but for those who were unacustomed to spending hours in the saddle day on day it took real effort and will power to resist the option to sack the cycling and relax in the ever present, air conditioned bus.
What did you think of your group leader?
Yazel (and Alexis - bus driver and Hose - back up vehicle and all round snack preparer) was excellent, they did everyingthing to anticipate our needs and provided much more of a 'tour guide' service than I was expecting. Everyday presented a new town, with a new square, local hero and local monuments for him to explain to us - funny how everything is based upon the revolution! Call me superficial but some days, after cycling, I longed to just veg by the pool with a beer, rather than hear about the local history.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Book early.   Take spices, curry/chilli sauce - food IS bland universally across Cuba. If you are a vegetarian be prepared for raw cabbage, mango syrup, black beans and rice and eggs/ommlette. Book a single room - because you are worth it!   Dont judge a hotel by its exterior - they all have poor showers - but generally are much better than expected. Don't wait until leaving to buy gifts from the airport ('tax free' goods are often more expensive than outside the airport - same for changing back CUCs to £s.   Dont take too much spending money - nothing really to spend it on (cigars, rum, Che t-shirts and oil paintings excepted).   Be prepared to hold back 25 CUC exit tax and 40 - 50 CUC as 'tips' for support staff.   Dont waste £50 'upgrading' to exit seats, many people got these anyway just by asking.    Take an iPOD for long days in the saddle or bus.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you want to lie on a beach or spend time alone wandering around Cuba this is not for you. Typical day: up at 0630, bags packed for 0730, leave hotel at 0800.   Either cycle through until 1300 - 1400 then 1-3 hour bus transfer or bus transfer then cycle.   Arrive at hotel 1600 - 1630 - gets dark at 1730. 1800 (mid - late November) dinner together - bed then repeat process...   Only spent 2 hours in Havana, on my own, as only day for sightseeing was last day and first 4 hours was group tour on last day of holiday and flight was in evening.
Nicola Wallis

CYCLING CUBA MAH

Written November 2010
A relaxing not strenuous cycle through some of the remotest parts of the enchanting Cuba. This trip covers pretty much most of Cuba so there is no need to look anywhere else if you wish to encompass, culture, sights, smells, salsa, history and the good old Cuban mojito!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Inspirational - the whole of cuba is inspirational. From the old cars, to the colonial buildings of Trinidad. If you had expectations of Cuba to be a laid back, beautiful country with good values then that is enough inspiration for anyone. Cycling through the countryside, along the main streets of the cities, passing the school children on there way to and from school, with always a cheer and a smile to greet you. The Casa de la trovas/musicas give you the good sense of Cuba, but dance if you dare there are some very very talented dancers in Havana/Trinidad and Camaguey.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was very professional, knowledgeable and evidently proud to be Cuban - Many thanks to all his efforts of time keeping in the laid back Cuban style. His sense of humour was very likable and even us Brits got used to it after the first week. A credit to Exodus and the company they employ the tour guides from. thanks Mr Yazel Peterssen. Hats off also to Mr Alexis Altabas, his driving skills were second to none, and he provided much entertainment whilst some of us decided to take the easy option of the bus rather than bike! Thank you both.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't underestimate Cuba for being flat; you will still need your padded cycle shorts! If you are a vegetarian, although, the food provided was suitable you may want to consider that you will be eating eggs or fish quite a lot on the trip. For those clients that are not vegetarian, its is recommended that you take something to spice or flavour you food up a little. The cuisine however simple does lack in taste most of the time, hence the amount of salt the locals put on their own food! Cuba is not cheap, but it’s not overly expensive either. Barter were possible at the markets and galleries you can pick yourself up some good Cuban traditional art at a reasonable price. If travelling in November, it is hot but not excessively, so don’t forget your sun cream.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go with an open mind, little expectation ready for some amazing cultural outlooks - you are guaranteed to enjoy this holiday.
David Princep

CYCLING CUBA

Written April 2010
This was a great holiday with an excellent group, never a dull moment and well supported by Juan Carlos, Alexis and Louegie, whose humour and knowledge helped make it such a memorable time. The music, people, food and atmosphere make Cuba a unique not to be missed experience and there is no way better to experience it at first hand than by bike.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
To pick just one would be a disservice.
The historic colonial town of Trinidad with its great music venues, picturesque street scenes and best cocktail on the island at La Canchanchara bar.
The Sierra Maestra mountains and the beautiful location of the hotel which was very welcome after the hardest day of cycling, plus on the next day the impromptu serenading by the hotel's musician on the coach as we gave him a lift home.
The contrast in Havana between the original and renovated areas, both fascinating in their own ways, and drinking cocktails in the National Hotel's grounds whilst overlooking the El Malecon Habanero.
What did you think of your group leader?
Juan Carlos was very knowledgeable, patient and helpful. Alexis was an excellent driver and very helpful and kept the group on track whilst the jovial personality of Louegie was contagious as he was continually dancing, joking and plying the group with aqua, fruit, peanuts, water and assorted snacks at the stops. (So much for loosing weight on a cycling trip). The 3 tour officials made an excellent team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take a universal travel sink/bath plug - plugs are rarely available; UV protection lip balm - to prevent the dreaded "big lips" (not as sexy as it sounds); medication for upset stomachs; insect repellent - particularly essential at the second night's hotel;
The food was good to excellent, much better than previously mentioned in reviews and warned by Exodus, either the food has improved significantly in recent years or Juan chose the best restaurants. Vegetarians will have difficulty, even the rice may be favoured with meat stock - Vegans will starve (except for the fruit & limited salads.) One vegetarian in our group was somewhat perturbed when a pig's trotter was produced out of the cauldron of "vegetarian" bean soup she was enjoying at the time.
Learn to slip stream (and hope you aren't the fastest in the group).
I took a cycle trip computer, which was useful and could prevent keen cyclists doing more kilometers than necessary.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Except for last days we had strong head winds. Would suggest the route be reversed - this would also get the long drive done early in the holiday.
The FAQs currently state that panniers can be fitted, but they can't.
Wished we'd stayed on a few days more to explore Havana at our leisure - next time!

PS- What time is breakfast? (For our group only)
Catriona Allen

CYCLING CUBA

Written April 2010
The group leader Freddie made this holiday with his knowledge, humour and ability to really show us what Cuba is all about. He took us to some amazing places and we met some wonderful people. The cycling was excellent. We have so many happy memories of the happy, friendly people that called and waved wherever we went even though their material world was so different from ours - who has got it right ? It was an excellent group and we have made many new friends.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Meeting so many Cubans
What did you think of your group leader?
He deserves an award - he could not have been better !
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you cannot ride a bike then this is not the holiday for you
Krishna Mandalia

CYCLING CUBA

Written April 2010
This was the best holiday I have had for a long time, and combined cruicial elements - activity, sightseeing, learning about a different culture and not to forget relaxing in the sun with a mojito coupled with great music and dancing in the evenings. Cuba is an amazing country and is not to be missed!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Havana has now become my favourite city! It has stunning architecture and a great vibe...wish we had more time there. The most fun is to be had in Trinidad, making use of the fact we had a day off meant we could really explore in the evenings and experience what Trinidad has to offer...it was worth making the climb to get into the Caves nightclub!
The hotel in Sierra Meastra region was fabulous - especially taking a swim under a waterfall and going treking the next day in the mountains.
Riding in flipflops and getting rid of the cycling shorts on the second to last day was great, as the ride was easy and I felt more like a local rather than being lycra clad!
What did you think of your group leader?
Jose was great, and was always willing to make sure we had the best time, was very good at answering all our questions regarding Cuban culture and teaching us how to salsa. Alexis and Jose-Luis also did a fantasitic job in looking after us all, so we always felt safe to explore.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you're veggie, you might like to take extra snacks. My cans of beans and pot noodles definately came in handy!! As did snackbars/rice cakes etc. If you're going in a hotter part of the season, take electrolytes. Also recommend taking a really light long sleeved top for some of the hot afternoon rides. If you go into the croc farm - apply mossi spray first to save getting bitten to death!
Although some of the cycling is a challanging, give it a go, but dont worry about it too much - its supposed to be a holiday! The vehicle support is excellent and quite easy to hop on if you want to miss out a section, or an entire day! Would recommend doing some training on hills before you go though - to make things a little easier, and you should be comfortable cycling at least 20k in one go. Recommend taking an Ipod for some of the longer rides or just for inspiration to get up a few hills!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The group was fantastic and had such a great time! I don't think the trip would have been as great as it was without the fantastic team that were guiding and supporting us. The only downside was that we didn't have more time in Havana. I will definately be going on another cycling tour with exodus, and making another trip back to Cuba!

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Cycling Cuba

Our Clients’ Reviews

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