A world fueled by melodies, melting-pot cuisine, and passion-infused dances—this is the setting of an 8-day cycling tour in Cuba. It’s also just the tip of an iceberg of what you’ll see, hear, and feel in this lively Caribbean country. Daily outings lead you through the five provinces of Central Cuba, with each of them bringing something different, and with charming casas particulares awaiting you and your tired legs at the end of every day. Brace yourself for the ride ahead because covering up to 40 miles a day only means one thing: an ever-changing kaleidoscope of scenery and colors: one day you’re pedaling your way along cobblestone streets of the colonial Trinidad, the other you’re cruising through coffee plantations of Guamuaya. When taking a break, don’t miss out on the Cuban deep-flavored coffee or quick dips in the sea—and feel the island’s laid-back way of life.
Exploring Cuba on two wheels comes with the ever-present Caribbean breeze and lifelong memories. Over the course of 8 days, you’ll get to discover the culture and scenery of five different provinces. Every day brings something new, ranging from narrow alleys of colonial cities to vast valleys in the mountains. Since you’ll be racking up up to 40 miles a day, your guide will organize and make sure you have hearty breakfasts and lunches, sometimes followed by dips in the turquoise waters and basking in the sun at the beach. And as the sun slowly sets, you’ll stay in an eclectic mix of charming guesthouses—casas particulares—every night.
Arrive in Havana and settle into your accommodation. If you arrive by 6pm, you’ll meet your guide and your group in the main guesthouses and then go for an optional dinner. Your optional $20 for the snack kit will be collected.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
In the morning, we’ll gather for bike fitting and a quick mechanical check before setting off on our first ride, exploring modern Havana on two wheels. We’ll cycle through the neighborhoods of Vedado, Nuevo Vedado, Havana Forest, and Miramar, stopping for a photo op at Revolution Square, where state buildings feature iconic metal sculptures of Cuba’s most important historical figures. Lunch is at a paladar (privately-owned restaurant) in Old Havana, followed by a two-hour walking tour of its four main plazas. Afterward, we’ll hop in our support vehicle and head to one of the world’s top beach destinations—Varadero!
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 20 km (12.4 mi)
Elevation gain: 132 m (433 ft)
Rise and shine for an early 30-minute drive to Camarioca, just outside of Matanzas, where we begin our first cycling route. We’ll ride to Matanzas along a gently rolling road in good condition. Often called the “Athens of Cuba,” the “Venice of Cuba,” or the “City of Bridges,” Matanzas is rich in art, music, and Afro-Cuban culture. It’s the birthplace of many of Cuba’s most important cultural figures, yet often overlooked by tourists heading straight to Varadero. We’ll explore its vibrant streets and hidden corners on a guided bike tour. The afternoon is yours to enjoy — relax on the beach, explore on your own, or catch the sunset over the ocean.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 40 km (25 mi)
Elevation gain: 138 m (453 ft)
We hit the pedals early, cycling toward our next destination — Santa Clara. The route is mostly flat, taking us through agricultural fields, small villages, and lively towns like Cárdenas and Colón. Santa Clara is known as the city of Che, home to his final resting place beneath a towering bronze statue. Often overlooked by tourists, Santa Clara has a raw, rebellious spirit. Its large student population fuels a vibrant, creative energy and thriving subculture scene. Dinner is included tonight.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cycling: 50 km (31 mi)
Elevation gain: 156 m / 512 ft
Fuel up with a good breakfast this morning—much of today’s ride heads uphill! We’ll start early, cycling into the Guamuaya mountains, climbing a steady 10 km with an average 4% incline. In Jibacoa, we’ll meet a local farming family who’ll treat us to a delicious farm-to-fork meal—the perfect reward for our effort. After lunch, we’ll hop in the support vehicle and continue to Trinidad, Cuba’s best-preserved colonial gem. We’ll explore the historic center on an orientation walking tour. For many visitors, Trinidad is a highlight—a lively, colorful city steeped in Afro-Cuban culture, music, and Santería traditions. The evening is yours to enjoy. If you’re feeling energized, we highly recommend a salsa lesson followed by a night out—Trinidad is known for some of the best nightlife in Cuba!
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 30 km (19 mi)
Elevation gain: 390 m (1,280 ft)
With the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea at our side, we ride along the coast from Trinidad to Cienfuegos—known as The Pearl of the South. The terrain is gently rolling for the first 5 km, then flattens out with the sea to the left and mountains to the right for about 40 km. The final 20 km will be hilly before we hop in the support vehicle for the rest of the journey. French-inspired boulevards and architecture welcome us to the elegant, laid-back city of Cienfuegos. After an orientation tour around Parque José Martí, you’ll have free time to explore. Don’t miss Punta Gorda, home to some of Cuba’s most beautiful buildings. There’s nothing like an ice-cold beer at the Yacht Club—or the stunning Palacio del Valle—while watching the sun set.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 60 km (37 mi)
Elevation gain: 356 m (1,168 ft)
We start our final day with a drive in the support vehicle to the Bay of Pigs—site of the infamous U.S. invasion during JFK’s presidency. We’ll hear the Cuban perspective as we cycle on flat terrain to the Museum of the Invasion. Afterwards, there’s time to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters before lunch on the road. Back in Havana, we’ll gather for a bittersweet farewell dinner (not included). And of course, no goodbye to Cuba is complete without a final night of music and mojitos—perhaps at the legendary Buena Vista Social Club or the Time Magazine–honored Fabrica de Arte Cubano, a vibrant art and nightlife megaplex (optional).
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Cycling: 30 km (19 mi)
Elevation gain: 64 m (210 ft)
Today is your last day of the tour. Take a shuttle to the airport—it’s not included in the price of the trip, but it shouldn’t cost more than $20 per taxi—and catch your flight. Alternatively, stay a bit longer in Cuba, just ask your guides for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
In order to join this cycling tour in Cuba, great fitness is required. You’ll be cycling every day between 12 and 25 miles (20-40 km) in a humid climate. The most elevation you’ll gain in a day is 390 m (1,280 ft).
Bus support will be provided. Keep in mind that it can get very hot and humid in Cuba in the summer months of June through August. And though the temperatures in winter generally don’t get very low, the cold can be hard to escape from due to the humidity levels and the fact that Cuba houses aren’t set up for cold weather.
As of January 2025, e-bike rentals are not an option until the electricity situation stabilizes.
It can get very hot and humid in Cuba in the summer months of June through August, when lightweight clothing is recommended. In the winter months, it can get colder, particularly in the evenings. Although the temperatures generally don’t get very low in Cuba, the cold can be hard to escape from due to the humidity levels and the fact that Cuba houses aren’t set up for cold weather. During the day, the climate in Cuba is hot and tropical.
Here’s a list of clothing and equipment we recommend bringing:
Here’s a list of personal items you need to bring:
It’s best to bring a backpack, a duffel bag, or a small travel case with wheels. Our advice is to pack as lightly as possible since you’ll normally have to carry your own luggage from the minibus to the accommodation. It’s possible to leave some luggage in Havana, just ask your guide to help you arrange it—it only costs around 5 euros per week.
Do not bring stand-alone GPS units (e.g. Garmin)—these are restricted in Cuba. You can, however, bring your GPS watch.
Hybrid bikes are included in the price of this trip. If you’d prefer to bring your own saddle or pedals*, feel free to do that, the bike mechanic will have no issues installing them. All you have to do is bring your own helmet.
The bikes will most likely be the Giant Roam 3 Disc — a versatile, do-it-all adventure bike. With a lightweight aluminum frame, flat handlebars, front suspension, powerful disc brakes, durable components, and fast-rolling 700c wheels, it’s built to handle everything from city streets to gravel trails with confidence and comfort.
*Although you are able to bring your own pedals, the guides and past travellers do not recommend clip pedals. The terrain is mostly flat, and regular shoes are more comfortable for exploring during the stops.
Group sizes and pricing
Cycling tours in Cuba can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
E-visa
Cuba has replaced its old pink and green paper visas with a new e-visa system.
If you already have a paper visa (tourist card), it’s valid until June 30, 2025. Starting in 2025, all visitors—including those from visa-exempt countries like China and Russia—need an e-visa to enter Cuba. The e-visa is valid for 90 days (renewable once for another 90), allows a single entry, and expires one year after issue. It can be extended once in Cuba for a small fee (your guides can assist), allowing you to stay up to 180 days on a single visit.
Apply online through the Cuban government website or via resellers like EASY TOURIST CARD. And for U.S. citizens or travelers coming from the U.S., check out CUBA VISA SERVICES. Your e-visa will be emailed to you. All this applies to most foreigners, but always check with your local consulate for specific entry requirements.
The D’Viajeros Customs & Immigration Form
This is required for all travelers to Cuba. When you receive your e-visa email, you’ll also get a link to the mandatory D’Viajeros online customs and immigration form. It must be completed no more than 7 days before your arrival date to validate your e-visa.
This tour and its itinerary comply with US travel regulations and are legal for both US and non-US citizens. No special OFAC permission is needed. Your guides will provide you with an affidavit to sign as proof of legal travel.
When booking flights, you’ll need to select a permitted travel category—choose “Support for the Cuban People”. Once you get to Cuba and join this tour, all you’ll have to do is use private businesses and interact with locals. Here’s a summary of the 5 requirements:
To get to your cycling tour in Cuba, fly into Havana Airport (HAV). Airport shuttle to Havana is included, even if you arrive in Cuba prior to Day 1 of the tour, as long as you arrange your pre-tour accommodation through your guides. At 6pm, the guide will meet with those who have already arrived and go for an optional dinner.
Be sure to review all visa and entry requirements carefully. A detailed breakdown can be found above.
The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), but exchanging money isn’t necessary—USD and EUR cash are widely accepted (bring small bills, no coins).
Avoid official exchange offices due to poor rates—ask your guide or guesthouse for help if needed. Bring enough USD or EUR cash for your entire stay. Credit cards are unreliable in Cuba, and US-issued cards won’t work at all. Most local businesses only accept cash.
An estimated amount of €320 to €460 EUR ($350 to $500 USD) is recommended for local expenses during this active Cuba tour, including food, drinks, and optional activities, but excluding souvenirs. Meal costs can vary significantly, particularly in Havana, depending on the restaurant chosen.
Medical and travel protection is mandatory. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 80 days prior to departure.
Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
Guide reserves the right to cancel the tour due to insufficient sign-up (not meeting the 2-person minimum). In that case, a full tour refund will be issued or 100% of the credit can go towards another tour.
Within 60 days of departure, any amendments to a file depend on availability and will be on a request basis. No changes can be made within 15 days of departure. This includes booking additional accommodations, transfers, or excursions.
If you are prevented from traveling on the tour you booked by circumstances such as those which would permit you to make a claim on a standard cancellation insurance policy, you may transfer your booking to another person, provided they meet all the requirements relating to that tour. More than 60 days before departure, an administrative fee of 10% of the total value of the tour will apply. Within 60 days, name transfers are not permitted.
