Current as of: April 24, 2024 - 04:49

Cycling through iconic Cuba

Cycling Cuba Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Cuba
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 16 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 15 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: MAH
  • Carbon Footprint: 24kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Cycle the length of Cuba on a road-based cultural adventure

Cuba’s music, beaches, classic cars, striking architecture and revolutionary history combine to make the perfect cultural destination with a lively atmosphere. Our cycle route passes through stunning countryside with a patchwork of plantations, fields and jungle, allowing us to appreciate the traditional way of life that continues today. Out of the saddle, we can experience the vibrant music scene of Trinidad, the crumbling colonial buildings of Havana and learn about the revolutionary history of Santiago. After a day of cycling, you’ll no doubt welcome Cuba’s speciality – a refreshing mojito!

Join this adventure and find out why Wanderlust readers named Cuba the Most Desirable Island in the World 2023.

At a Glance

  • 14 nights in casas particulares
  • 12 days of cycling with full vehicle support
  • 90 percent paved, 10 percent unpaved
  • Good level of fitness required
  • Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for Cuban People programme

Highlights

  • 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

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

  • 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.

Group

Our guides are local cycle tour leaders, experienced at working with groups, English speaking, and very knowledgeable about their country. A mechanic accompanies the group throughout the trip.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

MAH Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Havana
  • End City: Havana

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
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

Day 2
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

Distance covered: 8mi (13km)

Ascent: 535ft (163m); Descent: 561ft (171m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3
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

Distance covered: 33mi (53km)

Ascent: 584ft (178m); Descent: 410ft (125m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4
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

Distance covered: 50mi (81km)

Ascent: 1,713ft (522m); Descent: 1,709ft (521m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5
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

Distance covered: 40mi (64km)

Ascent: 1,562ft (476m); Descent: 1,827ft (557m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7
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

Distance covered: 30mi (49km)

Ascent: 2,215ft (675m); Descent: 1,854ft (565m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8
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. Depending on availability, we may be able to enter the local stadium or speak to locals who often play baseball in the street. 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

Distance covered: 43mi (69km)

Ascent: 705ft (215m); Descent: 889ft (271m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9
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

Distance covered: 32mi (51km)

Ascent: 1,165ft (355m); Descent: 1,434ft (437m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10
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

Distance covered: 16mi (26km)

Ascent: 420ft (128m); Descent: 417ft (127m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11
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

Distance covered: 41mi (66km)

Ascent: 1,493ft (455m); Descent: 1,437ft (438m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12
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

Distance covered: 57mi (92km)

Ascent: 755ft (230m); Descent: 889ft (271m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13
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

Distance covered: 35mi (57km)

Ascent: 604ft (184m); Descent: 400ft (122m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14
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 and get ready for our farewell group dinner at a paladar.

Today’s driving time is approximately 1hr 30min.

Accommodation: Casas particulares

Distance covered: 39mi (62km)

Ascent: 1,762ft (537m); Descent: 1,749ft (533m)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15
Classic car tour and sightseeing in Havana; end

This morning, we see Havana in style – by classic car. 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 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.

Then it’s time to bid your group and leader a fond farewell as this marks the end of our Cuban two-wheeled adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Casas particulares

Cycling Cuba

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. The casas do not have lifts (elevators) so you should be able and prepared to carry your luggage up multiple flights of stairs. 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.

Single supplement from £ 375

Food & Drink

There are 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 10 dinners included, allowing you to try some local restaurants on the other evenings.

Cuba is not renowned for its culinary excellence (although it is improving) and some ingredients are just not possible to acquire. Food tends to be simple and relatively expensive – in no small part due to the long trade embargo implemented by the US. Flavours are relatively simple, with most mealtimes consisting of meat or fish accompanied by rice and salad or vegetables. Seafood is widely available on the coast, including cheap and abundant lobster! Vegetarians will probably find they have the most limited choice. Snacks are not freely available in Cuba so you may wish to bring some with you – particularly energy snacks, as food shops, cafes and restaurants are scarce in many of the rural areas we visit. It can be difficult to find quick lunches on the go as Cubans typically eat two meals a day – we provide packed lunches during the day and there are plenty of water and fruit refreshment stops. While food choice can be basic, on the plus side there is absolutely no shortage of rum! Havana Club, Black Tears, Ron Santiago, Caney… after your visit, you will be an expert.

The paladares are likely to be a highlight of any visit to Cuba – they are one of the few types of private enterprise allowed (although still heavily regulated), where families or entrepreneurs are allowed to set up a restaurant. Think soul food – rice, black beans, slow-roast pork or chicken, fresh fish, lobster and plenty of tropical fruit. The atmosphere in private paladares and the opportunity to integrate with Cubans will absolutely enhance your stay!

Transport

The support vehicle carries all your luggage and personal belongings. It follows the group at all times, allowing you to cycle as much or little as you like. Most of the tour is spent on two wheels but the shape of the island does mean we have a couple of long transfers. See the day-to-day description for more details.

Weather & Seasonality

The dry season runs from November to April (with December to March being the peak months for traditional tourism). It is very humid between May and October, with heavy rains at times and the possibility of hurricanes. July and August are some of the most popular months to visit Cuba by sunseekers from Europe and Canada but are extremely hot (average 28C/82F) and wet. Cuba has an average of six hours of sunshine per day with a more or less constant humidity of 62 precent. Water temperature is normally 24C-28C (75F-82F).

Joining Instructions

­­­Key information

Start accommodation: Casas particulares in Havana
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. The welcome briefing often takes place in the morning of Day 2, due to the evening arrival of many flights
Airport: Havana (HAV)

Getting to the start accommodation

The start accommodation is approximately 35 minutes from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start accommodation from the airport for all customers arriving on the start date of the trip (customers arriving earlier than the start date may take a taxi or book a private transfer). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers departing on the last day of the group trip to Havana Airport (HAV) from the end accommodation. Please note that there is an excursion scheduled on the final day of the trip that ends at approximately 12pm, so if you are booking your own flight, we recommend choosing a flight that departs after 4pm.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start accommodation and from the end accommodation and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts. 

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Havana
Location end: Havana

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Filter water bottle (Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source. Exodus customers can claim 15% off their first order, while 15% of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • High-factor sunscreen
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Torch (flashlight) or head torch
  • Power bank (useful during the frequent electricity blackouts)

Please note, GPS cannot be used in Cuba; therefore, GPS devices should not be taken into the country, including GPS watches.

Optional Equipment

  • Long-sleeve shirts and light trousers (pants) are good for helping to keep mosquitoes off during the evenings
  • Mosquito repellent containing DEET is generally thought to be the most effective deterrent

Cuba has a shortage of many basic items, shopping is very limited (often with long queues), and items are expensive. Cubans endure these shortages with remarkable resilience. We recommend bringing any medication and toiletries that you need for the entire trip, as well as packing a few extra to give out along the way. Cubans struggle to get hold of even the most basic medications so these make incredibly useful gifts if you have extra space in your luggage. Here is a list of items that are incredibly hard to buy in Cuba: painkillers, antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, hydrocortisone cream, soap, sanitary protection, razors, moisturisers, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant. If you want to make friends for life, taking chocolate, tea, coffee, sweets, nuts and other snacks will also be hugely appreciated in Cuba.

If you would like to bring items to Cuba to donate, consider: good condition second-hand clothes and children’s shoes, second-hand mobile phones with chargers, school stationery such as pens/pencils/notebooks, toiletries, and small gifts such as toys or balls. If you bring items with you, the group leader will assist you by offering advice on where to take your donations. Sanitary items, known locally as intimas, are on the ration list for Cubans and are often very hard to come by. If you would like to pack some sanitary towels in your luggage these will be hugely appreciated and can be passed to your guide who will distribute to good homes with the help of our local operational partners in Cuba.

Equipment Hire

Included standard bike
The standard bike for this trip is a Trek Dual Sport 2.

We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.

Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.

Accessories and clothing

Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.

Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.

Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:

  • Padded cycling shorts: For destinations with more modest cultures, we also recommend loose ‘over-shorts’ for riding or rest stops
  • Eyewear: Either sunglasses or eye protection with clear lenses to protect the eyes while riding
  • Cycling gloves: Especially for riding off-road or on rugged surfaces
  • Cycling shoes: Cycling is more efficient with stiff-soled shoes. We don’t recommend open-toed shoes or sandals
  • Small close-fitting backpack or bum bag (fanny pack): To keep spare clothing or essential items to hand during the ride

Practical Information

Passport

Check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return, and to have at least two clear pages for entry stamps.

Visa

Cuba

Customers from the UK or EU:
Travellers from the UK and EU do not need a visa to enter Cuba but do require a tourist card. A Cuban tourist card (valid for 30 days) is included and will be posted to you by Exodus approximately three to four weeks before travel. We will send instructions on how to fill it in but please be careful doing this as any mistakes may result in you having to purchase a new card at a cost of £25 per person. We will send one tourist card free of charge as long as you live at a UK or Ireland address and are a national of an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan. If you are not a national of one of these countries or are not resident in the UK or Eire you must contact your nearest Cuban consulate to check what visa is required – Exodus cannot provide a tourist card for you. Please note, tourist cards supplied by Exodus will not be valid if you are travelling via the US. If you are travelling via the US, you will be subject to compliance under the same regulations as an American citizen. You cannot use a tourist card purchased outside the US but will have to buy a ‘pink’ tourist card sold only in the US (at a US airport or from a US travel agent). For UK or EU customers, we do not recommend travelling to Cuba via the USA.

Customers from the USA:
Any US citizen wishing to travel to Cuba should be fully aware of current legislation before committing to any trip to Cuba. The main requirement is that for legal travel to Cuba, all US citizens must comply with the requirements set out by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). As an American-owned company, Exodus programs to Cuba are fully compliant with the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) general license under the Support for the Cuban People category of travel.

Travellers from the USA are required to buy a ‘pink’ tourist card sold only in the US (at a US airport or from a US travel agent). We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. For travellers from the USA, please check: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html where you can also find more information about the Support for Cuban People and OFAC requirements.

We advise you to keep a copy of your itinerary and any transactions relating to the trip for five years after the trip takes place to comply with OFAC requirements.

Customers from Canada or Australia:
Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate about how to obtain a tourist card prior to travel to Cuba (links below).

IMPORTANT FOR ALL CUSTOMERS:
Cuba now requires all passengers to fill in a locator form prior to travel – this form is mandatory. You can access the form here: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio Make sure to keep a photo of the QR code generated so that you can easily present it on arrival. Please note, you can only fill in the D’Viajeros form 48 hours prior to entry into Cuba.

The Cuban entry immigration is time consuming and most visitors encounter delays: it may take up to two hours to clear immigration and collect your bags, so please be prepared for a long wait on arrival. The Cuban government passed a law stating that all tourists visiting Cuba must have travel insurance to cover medical costs. You may be asked to provide proof of your travel insurance policy when you arrive at Havana Airport, so please ensure your documents are easily accessible. Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return, and to have at least two clear pages for entry stamps.

Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to organise this element of your trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Please note: If you travel to Cuba (or have done since 2021), you will subsequently not be able to apply for an ESTA to visit the USA. You can still apply to travel to the USA on a tourist visa.

Vaccinations and Health

Cuba

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A. We are advised that there is no risk of malaria. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we recommend that you confirm with your doctor or travel clinic. 

We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.

Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.

Local Time

Cuba's time zone: America/Havana (UTC -04:00)

Electricity

Cuba's electricity: Plug type A (two flat pins) – mostly 110V or 220V

Cycling Cuba

Money

The national currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso (CUP); however, euros and US dollars are the preferred currencies outside Havana. We recommend bringing cash (euros or US dollars) with you and exchanging with your tour leader.

  • In Havana: Businesses (restaurants, cafes etc) only accept Cuban pesos
  • Outside Havana: Euros or US dollars are the preferred currencies

Please note, credit/debit card acceptance is limited across the country. Additionally, businesses throughout Cuba may not have much change so it’s best to carry and pay in small notes. If change is available, it will likely be given in Cuban pesos.

Currency exchange

Bringing euros or US dollars and exchanging them with your tour leader is the easiest way to exchange money into Cuban pesos. Alternatively, you can change them elsewhere – your tour leader can advise on the best place. It’s best to bring new, unmarked notes and change only a small amount for the first few days. Please note, exchanging US dollars usually incurs a 10% exchange commission. Canadian dollars, British pounds and Australian dollars are exchangeable in the CADECA exchange offices, but euros are preferred.

Please also note that it is prohibited to enter or leave Cuba carrying Cuban pesos. Please make sure you have spent or exchanged any remaining pesos prior to passing through immigration on departure. We recommend you exchange them before reaching the airport as queues can be long. Limits may be applied on the maximum number of pesos to be exchanged into another currency. Any drinks, snacks, duty-free and souvenirs will then need to be paid for using a credit card or cash.

ATM Availability

ATMs are increasingly available in Cuba but are not yet widespread and they are regularly either out of order or empty. When working, there can be long queues. They are presently confined to the larger cities and resorts and should not be relied on; hence, we suggest you take cash with you to cover the vast majority of your spending. Credit cards are accepted in some shops, but we don’t recommend relying on using a card.

Prior to travel, it is worth checking with your bank whether your card will work in a Cuban ATM. Using cards from banks that are fully or partially US-owned is not possible in Cuba. Australian and Canadian travellers in particular should check with their banks prior to travel.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Drinks are generally around 2-5 euros.

Many travellers find Cuba more expensive than they expect (particularly Havana) and we recommend you bring more spending money rather than less! We recommend 700 euros per person in total (not including tips for the guide and driver). Small denominations are preferred and can easily be spent in restaurants and bars.

Tipping

If you are happy with the services of the guide and driver, we recommend a tip of around 70 euros per passenger for the trip, which you can divide in favour of the guide.

Tipping is at your own discretion but is part of the culture in Cuba and usually expected. Your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty which will be used to tip local guides at individual museums and attractions, musicians and waiting staff for included meals etc. throughout the trip. The guide will usually collect 50-60 euros from each group member at the start of the trip to cover this.

Tipping is also expected in restaurants – add about 10% to the bill.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • Every day of this trip is focused on activities that provide direct income for local people. This is in compliance with the United States’ Support for the Cuban People scheme, which allows legal travel to Cuba for US citizens.
  • Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned casas particulares, paladares (restaurants), and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
  • We are joined on several stages of the trip by cyclists from local clubs including the Cuban Masters Road Cycling Club. These interactions allow the local people to improve their English skills (which can help widen employment opportunities) while giving visitors an insight into competitive cycling in Cuba.
  • We take a cookery class at a paladar in Trinidad, raising the profile of Cuban cuisine and encouraging further cultural exchange between the Cuban people and visitors.
  • This trip goes to many locations off the main tourist trail, such as Remedios, Mayajigua and Biran. This helps to spread the economic benefit to communities that don’t often see an income from tourism.
  • Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles and encouraging visitors to bring filter water bottles, which can be refilled at public fountains and taps along the way.
  • We meet a local nature expert in Playa Larga, who gives precious insight into the natural landscape and wildlife of the Zapata Peninsula.
  • We visit the Botanical Garden of Cienfuegos with our entrance fee going towards the upkeep and development of the project.
  • We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Cycling trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
  • Casas particulares are small guesthouses that have a lower carbon footprint than larger hotels.
  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

 Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.