Latin America
Recreational
Santa Clara, Cuba | Havana, Cuba
Arrival
Welcome to undiscovered Cuba! This country is a clash of cultures, time periods, passions and sights. We've taken the liberty of booking your hotel room for one night before the trip, and strongly recommend you arrive as early as possible today to get your luggage, exchange currencies, transfer to the hotel and discover a bit of the city of Santa Clara yourself. Your guides will welcome you to the hotel this evening and provide assistance as needed. Your job is to get a good night's rest and be ready to start tomorrow.
Hotels Vary
Santa Clara to Remedios
Approximately 30 miles with 800 feet of climbing
We'll meet today in the hotel lobby at 9:00 AM. Come dressed ready to ride, with pedals and any other necessities for the day. After brief introductions and a bike fitting session, we'll set out on our first ride. As we depart Santa Clara, notice the homages to Che Guevara, the famed revolutionary, in artwork, installations and more. This is the town where he is buried, which is fitting because it is the site of the final battle of the Cuban revolution. From here, we pedal to Remedios, often referred to as the quieter, less touristy version of Trinidad. After a hearty lunch, we'll hire the local bicycle taxis to take us on a tour of their favorite parts of town, then we'll share stories with the drivers over a drink at a local cafe and learn more about their lives and livelihood. This evening, we'll celebrate with a welcome toast, dine at one of our favorite local paladars, and your guides will fill you in on what to expect during the rest of this action-packed trip.
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Yaguajay to Cabaiguan
Approximately 30 miles with 1,600 feet of climbing
Yaguajay to Sancti Spiritus
Approximately 43 miles with 1,900 feet of climbing
This morning begins with a shuttle to Yaguajay, about 45 minutes away, where we will get back in the saddle. We'll pedal our way south past verdant farmland and stop to visit with some of the locals -- and refuel with some tropical fruit and cold guarapo -- along the way. We'll break for a picnic lunch just before reaching Cabaiguan, and afterwards, you can choose to keep riding to the hotel or hop on the bus for the rest of the journey to Sancti Spiritus. If you love Caribbean history, you might think you've died and gone to heaven, as the town of Sancti Spiritus is over 500 years old, with beautiful villas, spirited softball games in the streets, and literal boatloads of culture. As we explore town, we will visit with local shop owners and learn about “La Libreta” or the ration card every Cuban family uses for weekly food supplies. On our way to dinner, we'll stop at the Taverna Yayabo for a drink while admiring Peunta Yayabo, a quadruple-arched bridge that was built by the Spanish in 1815 and is a National Monument. Enjoy dinner in a local paladar, then those with energy can head out for some evening music.
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Banao to Playa Ancon
Approximately 40 miles with 1,200 feet of climbing
Today we begin with a short shuttle before we take to our bikes once again to pedal our way through the Valle de los Ingenios, the lush green valley that was the center of Cuba’s sugar industry. Tour the ruins of an old sugar plantation and climb the 7-story Iznaga Tower for a stunning view of the valley. End your ride on Cuba’s southern coast and the white sand of Playa Ancon. After a bit of relaxation, we'll shuttle to tonight’s home in Trindad, a vibrant city-museum which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. We will walk along Trinidad's cobbled streets before meeting local author, Julio Munoz, and learning about his beloved city firsthand. You'll have a chance to ask him about the Cuban economy, private enterprise and the political scene. Enjoy dinner at another local paladar. Trinidad is a power house for music, so those seeking more Cuban beat will find several options here.
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Hike in Topes de Collantes National Park
Today starts with a 45 minute drive up into the Sierra del Escambray range for a little adventure amidst the tropical flora and fauna. We will hike to Caburni Falls, which drop some 200 feet to the Caburni River below. Revel in sweeping views of traditional farms and coffee plantations against a backdrop of cliffs and, of course, these almost undiscovered waterfalls. You'll have a chance for a refreshing soak in the medicinal waters mid-hike. Then after hiking up and out of the canyon, we'll visit a coffee farm and talk with the farmer about their trade. Afterwards, we'll board the bus for a 90 minute transfer -- a good opportunity for a nap -- to the seaside city of Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. It's been called the Paris of Cuba, with a strong backbone of art, culture, and a spirit that's vibrant enough to be French, yet passionate enough to be decidedly Cuban. Every neighborhood has a certain panache that's both timeworn and feisty. On arrival, if time permits and they are in town, we will hear a performance by the Cantores de Cienfuegos, a choral group that performs around the world. After a lovely dinner by the sea, if you are up for more, take a stroll along the Malecón.
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Yaguaramas to Playa Girón
Up to 30 miles with approximately 350 feet of climbing
Snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs
Today begins with a short shuttle and then we take a downhill cruise to the sea and Playa Giron, which sits at the mouth of the Bay of Pigs. This historic landmark is a significant symbol in the story of the Cold War as the site of a failed military invasion of Cuba by a CIA-sponsored paramilitary group in 1961. We'll have an opportunity for to visit the Bay of Pigs Museum and then enjoy a picnic lunch. The Bay is a prime spot for snorkeling, so we'll take an hour or two to explore the coral and mystical sea caves teeming with tropical fish. We'll learn about the Caribbean ecosystem and why Cuba has the healthiest reefs in all the region. Afterwards, we'll depart for a three hour transfer to Cuba's cultural crown jewel, Havana. It's both the capital and commercial center of the country, but it's also a window into world history. Spanish colonial architecture is part of the city's DNA. The National Capitol Building is an iconic 1920s landmark, and La Habana Vieja, or "Old Havana" is home to the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza Vieja, both of which are a shining example of the architectural passion that the city is known for. We'll reconvene for dinner at La Calesa Real in Old Havana where Paella is the specialty. After dinner, stroll Obispo Street where several bars and restaurants have live music.
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Tour Havana
Today is 100% dedicated to discovering Havana. We'll start with a cigar factory, and learn why Cuban cigars are such a rare and decadent treat for the true collector. Then, we're onto a walking tour of Old Havana. We learn about the sites as we visit all four plazas, ending with lunch in Plaza Catedral. Afterwards, it is on to Fusterlandia, the home of Cuban artist Jose Fuster ("the Picasso of the Caribbean"), whose artistic mission is to transform his community through a kingdom of mosaic creations. And finally, we'll be sure to take a ride in those classic cars before we gather for our farewell dinner.
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour | Dinner
Departure
What a rare opportunity this has been! Today is the day to say our final goodbyes over Cuban coffee and a last Caribbean breakfast. If you have time before your flight, you can choose to explore the enclaves of Havana that you might have missed. Otherwise, it's onto the airport and your next port-of-call.
Breakfast
We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.
What is Single Occupancy?
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself.
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories.
We have listed a representative sample of hotels we use on our website for your reference. We will notify you of the specific hotels you will be staying in the week before your trip.
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping your guides 7.5-10% of your trip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
We have an internal mantra of being “fun and flexible” at all times. It boils down to our guides being absolute rock stars when it counts, and being able handle any curveball thrown their way. On this trip, you may forgo some of the comforts you are used to on our luxury vacations. We invite you to adopt our mantra, keep an open mind, and enjoy what authentic Cuba has to offer before it is gone.
Travel to Cuba solely for purposes of tourism is still illegal for Americans. In order to visit legally, you must meet one of 12 categories spelled out by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), one of which is educational people-to-people exchanges. These are activities which facilitate meaningful interactions with local Cubans, giving you a better understanding of their lives and culture. You can rest assured that Trek Travel has incorporated people-to-people activities in each day of this trip, therefore traveling with us means your visit to Cuba meets with the requirements of U.S. law.
Americans need a Passport and a Tourist Card to enter Cuba. The Tourist Card is typically included in your airfare and distributed at the gate prior to boarding your flight to Cuba. There are exceptions, so please confirm with your airline or travel agent prior to booking your flight. If, however, you were born in Cuba, different rules apply. Please contact a Trip Consultant for details.
Cuba requires you to purchase health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. This should also be included in the price of your airfare, but please confirm this with your airline. We recommend booking flights with our travel agency. Please contact a Trip Consultant for details.
Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on recommended vaccinations for Cuba. As with many countries, the CDC recommends that pregnant women not travel to Cuba because of the presence of the Zika virus. We will provide and recommend only drinking bottled water.
Credit cards are not accepted in Cuba, so please bring sufficient cash to Cuba to cover all expenses from incidentals, to guide gratuities to rum cocktails and cigars. There is a more favorable local exchange rate for Euros than USD but USD is accepted as well.
Wifi is not dependable in Cuba and should not be expected to be readily available during this trip. Cell service is also limited. We recommend that you check with your provider to see if they offer roaming service in Cuba.
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience. Moreover, this is Cuba! Our days are packed full of great activities, but sometimes schedules change or things don’t run on time. Note that the exact activities and visits listed are not guaranteed on every trip, and we may substitute as necessary to guaranty a full slate of people–to-people activities.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Please note that the number of paved roads to choose from in Cuba are limited and this trip contains more shuttling than our normal trips in order to get from destination to destination in a timely manner. The terrain is generally flat with a few mellow hills sprinkled in for good measure. The roads we ride are paved, and pavement is generally smooth but there will be some patches that are less well maintained. Cuba is best suited for our Type 2 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate Type 1 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van.
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
On our Cuba trip. you can expect lots of sunshine. Temperatures are generally range from 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a tropical environment, so expect some humidity and mosquitoes. We recommend bringing a sun hat, bathing suit, sunscreen and bug spray.
Due to the nature of this trip, we do not include any upgrade bike options.
Our Cuba trips are not guaranteed until minimums are met. We will contact you when the departure becomes guaranteed so you may book your airfare and travel arrangements.
In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a different date with more guests booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel trip. Contact your Trip Consultant for more details.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.
We want you to be prepared and as comfortable as possible throughout each day of your vacation. A trip consultant will provide a packing list specific to this trip in an email when you book.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
We suggest that you arrive on the first day of this Cuba trip, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the meeting time with your guides due to flight-related delays. We offer Day 1 of this trip as a day for you to arrive and check into your hotel. The guides will meet you on Day 2 of this trip. We recommend that you fly into Santa Clara Airport (SNU).
We recommend taking a taxi from the airport to your first hotel in Santa Clara. We will email the hotel details one week prior to the trip. Don't forget to bring cash and exchange it for local currency (CUC Cuban Convertible Peso) at the airport. American credit cards will not work in Cuba.
Your First Hotel | Santa Clara, Cuba
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Santa Clara at 9:00 AM on the morning after you arrive (Day 2 of this trip). We will begin with a bike fitting session before setting off for our first ride.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with contact details for your guides and hotels.
Your Final Hotel | Havana, Cuba
We will offer a shuttle to the Havana airport at 10:00 am on the final day of the trip. The shuttle takes approximately 30 minutes, so we recommend you don't book a flight before 12:30 pm. If you need to leave earlier or later, you will need to take a taxi to the airport.
Due to the legal restrictions on Americans traveling in Cuba, we do not recommend that you extend your trip. If you choose to do so, you are responsible for booking your own accommodations and transportation as well as complying with one of OFAC's 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba.
