Cycle Cuba: East

8 Days | Explore eastern Cuba on a cycling adventure from Havana to Varadero and the Yumuri Valley

5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews submitted.
Cycling
From
EUR €1,274
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Experience Cuba from the perspective of two wheels as you cycle around the eastern coast of this laidback Caribbean island. Wander the colourful streets of Havana, cycling alongside vintage cars on your way to the verdant Bay of Pigs. Discover the UNESCO Word Heritage sites of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, pay homage at Che Guevara’s final resting place in Santa Clara, cycle the largely untouched pastures of Yumuri Valley and indulge in the picture-perfect beaches of resort town Varadero. Experience the Cuba that lies beyond the rum and cigar scene all from the saddle of your bike, with an expert local leader and likeminded riding companions.

Trip overview

Map of Cycle Cuba: East including Cuba
Start
Havana, Cuba
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Theme
Cycling
Destinations
Cuba
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QBXE
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Ride through Cuba’s everchanging landscapes and see the country from a unique perspective – from the charm of Old Havana, you’ll ride along small dusty farming roads to dramatic limestone cliffs and lush valleys.
  • See Caribbean Cuba on two wheels – a bike gives you unique access to parts of the island that are off the beaten track, like the incredible Caves of Fishes.
  • Cycle through the pristine valley of Yumuri – an untouched paradise far off the tourist track. Think rolling pastures, fields of palm trees, small forests and agricultural plots with views of the city and valley ahead.
  • Pay homage to the legendary Che Guevara – an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat and military theorist – at his final resting place in the very heart of Santa Clara.
  • Indulge in some much needed sun, sand and sea on the buzzing beaches of Varadero. You have a full free day here to partake in optional activities like dolphin watching, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming and chilling out on the warm sands of the resort beaches.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The guesthouses (casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling, but regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply can sometimes happen. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
  • To complete this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle. This is a cycling trip, so it requires a certain amount of cycling fitness. This being said, there’s always a comfortable, air-conditioned support vehicle following close by.
  • On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed).
  • Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's sometimes unreliable. This is, on the other hand, a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.
  • Cuba's roads aren't always paved, but when they are they can range from smooth to downright terrible. That being said, it’s a fun experience to share the road with tractors, vintage American cars and horse-drawn carriages.
  • While Cuban food can sometimes seem limited due to a ban on imported goods, your guide will steer you towards the best eateries in each destination you visit.
  • Cuba is a developing country, which means sometimes the water in your bathroom might run cold or the electricity might fail. To get the most out of your holiday, a degree of patience and understanding will be an advantage.
  • Import restrictions make the purchase of new bicycles a difficult challenge – our bikes come from a variety of different manufacturers but are all mechanically sound.
  • This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out our Cycle Cuba trip.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Map of Cycle Cuba: East including Cuba

Inclusions

Meals

6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Bicycle, Support Vehicle (Bus)

Accommodation

Standard Guesthouse (7 nights)

Activities
  • Havana - Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
  • Havana - Leader led City Tour of Old Havana
  • Matanzas Bicycle Tour
Add on activities
  • Classic American Car Tour of Havana - Urban Adventures (guide & transport included - USD67
  • Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee) - CUP250
  • Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee - CUP200
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee & dinner) - USD35
  • Havana - Half-day Ernest Hemingway Tour (guide and transport included 2 clients min required) - USD68
  • Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (from entrance fee) - CUP250
  • Trinidad - Romantic Museum (entrance fee) - CUP120
  • Trinidad - Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos (entrance fee) - CUP70

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so we can organise a suitably sized bike.
4. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. You are unable to purchase or hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
5. Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Cuba. You may be asked to show proof of your travel insurance by immigration staff upon arrival at Havana Airport.
6. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel to aid guesthouse and rooming allocations. You may request your confirmed guesthouse name and address inside 7 days of departure from your booking agent. Rest assured, the transfer driver will know the address of your assigned guesthouse.
7. We recommend you bring enough cash to last your whole time in Cuba. This is currently the best option and will provide you with the best value for money. Please see the ‘Money Matters’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
8. For non-US passport holders, we recommend travelling to Cuba via Canada, Europe, South or Central America. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.
9. For US passport holders this trip operates under the “Support for the Cuban People” category (§ 515.574) and requires a signed and countersigned travel affidavit. Our licensing agreement only allows one night of pre-tour accommodation to be booked and no post-tour accommodation. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for further details.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Julia · Traveled June 2024
Cuba East: This trip was amazing. Well organized with unique included activities and delicious food. Experienced Cuba's great beauty, history. Our guide Rainer was the best - knowledgeable, friendly… Appreciated the provided filtered water to pour into our own bottles. Recommending bringing lots of $1 and $5 bills.
Review submitted 29 Jun 2024

Naomi · Traveled June 2024
Cycling Cuba East is a wonderful way to see the country, learn about the local culture and experience all Cuba has to offer. I will remember this trip forever, as it was an incredible experience. The effort to cycle through countryside and villages was well rewarded with amazing food, beautiful scenery, friendly people and relaxing beaches.
Review submitted 30 Jun 2024

Rachel · Traveled April 2024
Enjoyable trip, nice scenery and towns visited. Interesting history and guided walks of local towns. Bikes were of good quality and plenty of support with the leaders. Guesthouses are basic, but comfortable and clean.
Review submitted 25 Apr 2024

Suzy · Traveled April 2024
This tour is absolutely wonderful. The mountains will be on your left and the Caribbean will be on your right, and beautiful horses, cows, goats, pigs will watch you as you ride. Cl
Review submitted 26 Apr 2024

Barry · Traveled March 2024
This was our third Intepid trip over the last 2 years , and this one more than met our expectations. Be prepared for challenges along the way as Cuba is a country unlike any other . Language, money matters , technology ,, they all make you work a little harder but is totally worth it. Our Intrepid leader Rainer helped us out all along the way. A great cycling adventure!
Review submitted 10 Apr 2024
Cycle Cuba: East
From
EUR €1,274