Cuba By Bike
Catch the magic and rhythms of Cuba before it all changes
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR INDEPENDENT BEACH ESCAPE - VARADERO EXTENSION*** |
Day 1 - Havana - Arrival day This evening we will have a group meeting and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant Day 2 - Havana to Cienfuegos (via Bay of Pigs) After breakfast we head south east to Cienfuegos known as the “Pearl of the South”. Once we arrive at the Jaguey Grande turnoff we drop our bikes down and pedal along the coast of the infamous Bay of Pigs. This is the scene of the failed US lead invasion in April 1961. We stop for a cooling swim in the turquoise waters before calling in at the historic museum. We stay in Cienfuegos which is a charming town with interesting art and colonial architecture on show (Total ride of 150 kms) Day 3 - Cienfuegos to Trinidad (via Santa Clara) We ride today to nearby Santa Clara (82 kms) which is the main city of Villa Clara province. We are here to visit the monuments to “Mi Amigo”, Che Guevara. We tour the sites which include the museum, mausoleum and memorial. In the afternoon we head south to our stunning city of Trinidad (107 kms) which was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988. There is a definite feeling of cycling through an outdoor museum Day 4 - Trinidad Today we enjoy a short ride to the Sugar Mill Valley with time to climb the quirky and interesting Manaca Iznaga Tower. In town we experience the colonial style housing at the ‘Museo de Historia Municipal’. We hope to sample the local cocktail, a ‘Canchanchara’ to break up the day. A free afternoon in Trinidad is an explorer's dream, strolling through the back streets and the local markets. This evening we can delight in a dish of fresh lobster before heading to the steps of Casa de la Musica for an outdoor musical feast of ‘salsa and dance’ Day 5 - Trinidad to Bayamo (via Camagüey) Our journey today begins early as we start the day with a ride from Trinidad to Sancti Spiritus (68 kms). We continue on by bus to the provincial capital of Camagüey and o arrival jump on our bicycle taxis for a tour of the narrow and winding streets. The are many picturesque churches and squares to explore including the Plaza San Juan de Dios and the Plaza del Carmen with its Rubenesque statues of local residents strategically placed around the square. Continuing on in the afternoon we journey to Bayamo City, the capital of Granma province in time for dinner Day 6 - Bayamo (optional Sierra Maestra visit) Bayamo was the second Spanish settlement in Cuba, which Diego Velázquez founded in 1513. It is one of the most relaxing and peaceful towns in Cuba. We stay near the leafy Parque Céspedes and learn the significance of the “Father of Cuba” of whom the square is named. Welcoming smiles greet you along the broad General Garcia Boulevard as foreign travellers are still few and far between. For those keen on an early start and a very unique experience today we head to the Sierra Maestra Mountains for a full day excursion. Long a location for guerrilla warfare these mountains were the base for the remnants of Castro’s 26th July movement which failed in its attack on Santiago’s Moncada Barracks. We drive along remote roads and tackle a short moderate trek into the rebel headquarters at Comandancia la Plata. Here Castro hid out, regrouped and was able to reignite the revolution which eventually overthrew Batista’s regime. A fascinating and unforgettable visit. Depending on time we may be ale to enjoy some of the journey on our bikes. We return to Bayamo late in the afternoon to savour the relaxing atmosphere of this gorgeous town. You may choose to stay and cycle the lovely town of Bayamo if not keen for the walk Day 7 - Bayamo to Santiago de Cuba We cycle on to Santiago de Cuba the second most important city in Cuba. There is a clear road ahead for a pedal (125 kms). Exuding both music and history, it is considered the capital of the eastern part of the island and birthplace of ‘son’ music and of the Cuban Revolution Day 8 - Santiago de Cuba Our cycle tour of Santiago includes a visit to Cespedes Park and the Moncadas Garrison. There is so much to see in this vibrant city. In the evening we will seek out some local clubs to enjoy the musical flavours of the traditional Cuban sound. Bring your dancing shoes or just sit back and enjoy a 'Cuba Libre' Day 9 - Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa We journey east to the remote coastal town of Baracoa. Often mentioned and seldom visited. The road is known as “La Farola” and we can try a ‘cucurucho’ which is a delicious mixture of coconut, honey, mango and banana wrapped in a palm frond. Local vendors along the way will present you with this opportunity. We make a stop for lunch in the regional town of Guantánamo en route. There are 2 possible sections to ride today (Santiago to Guantanamo 170km and Guantanamo to Baracoa is 110kms). The choice is ours Day 10 - Baracoa Surrounded by the Atlantic, rivers, mountains and forests, Baracoa is largely isolated which is one of its main attractions. It has a diversity of interest such as the distinctive flat-topped mountain El Yunque, a vibrant cultural scene and plenty for music lovers. Baracoa’s unique changüí music can be heard echoing through the streets. It is also the home of the Tumba Francesa, a popular Creole dance. We also can visit the local rainforests with species of flora and fauna, many of which are rare or endangered Day 11 - Baracoa to Havana (fly) We enjoy a pleasant return to Santiago with enjoyable stops along the way. Our flight takes us back on the short journey to Havana. If our flight is on time we may have time to enjoy the atmosphere of the cobbled streets and avenues of Old Havana for dinner Day 12 - Havana (Viñales Option) There is an option today (not included) for a full day trip to the rural Viñales Valley west of Havana. It is a one way pedal of 190 kms. Heading out to Pinar del Río in the westernmost province of Cuba this is where the best tobacco trees are to be found. You stop for the grand vista at the lookout point of “Los Jazmines”. Then you will view a prehistoric mural and enjoy a Creole lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit the ‘Indian’s Cave’ taking a boat journey through the underground cavern. Our recommendation if selecting this option is that you cycle out and catch the bus back at the end of the day. For those choosing to stay in Havana you will have a totally free day to explore this vibrant city Day 13 - Havana This morning we tour a different side to the city cycling ‘under’ the harbour to resurface at the Fortress La Cabaña. You will enjoy sweeping harbour views from this structure which was built by the Spaniards between the 16th and 19th centuries. Your last afternoon in Havana is free to enjoy the sights. There is time for a final pedal along ‘El Malecón’, the broad boulevard running along the city coast. Dinner in Old Habana tonight is a fitting finale to your journey through Cuba Day 14 - Havana - Departure day You are free to depart today or why not enjoy our three day add on respite stopover in the beach resort of Varadero |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | 350 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single AUD$155 | Details |
| Double AUD$155 | ||
| Arrival Airport Transfer: | 35 | Details |
Airport transfer cost is for one car (2 pax)
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR INDEPENDENT BEACH ESCAPE - VARADERO EXTENSION***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.