"The Enchanted Forest" Bike Tour

"The Enchanted Forest" Bike Tour

Discover Havana’s hidden castle, splendid gardens, monstrous trees and Santeria rituals along the city’s river.

Let’s go by bike to explore a forest enchanted by tropical jungle landscapes, which has fallen into oblivion. In the heart of Havana, we’ll find an urban park along the Almendares river, which was once the city’s economical backbone and essential to the city’s initial growth after its foundation in 1519. However, since 20th Century urbanization towards the west put an end to the river’s industries, its fabulous remains are today abandoned over there.

Whether you are Cuban or a foreigner, Havana hides secrets from everyone. A Cuban love story is going to open the doors to the past teaching us about the extravagant lifestyle of Vedado and Miramar neighborhoods, which gave to the city a beautiful forest. As if we were in a distant tropical jungle we will uncover a Moorish castle, beer gardens, surreal Gaudi-style landscapes, natural amphitheaters and huge walking trees. Biking through the urban jungle, we may see devotee people whom practice Santeria rituals in this natural sanctuary. Moreover, we will have time for tropical juices and see food tapas along of the river.

Itinerary

We'll start biking in Vedado, the hip "barrio". Later, in the Metropolitan Park, a hidden path will take us to La Tropical’s Gardens, a Cuban architectural wonder. We'll cross El Bosque, another often-forgotten green space. Our excursion continues to visit the Almendares Park under the homonymic bridge, we'll stop for some tapas with a great view of the river in Miramar neighbourhood.

Included

• A local tour guide (Spanish, English).
• Bike and Helmet.
• Water and juice.
• Sea food tapas.
• Ponchos for the rain

Difficulty degree: Low.

Distance to cover in the tour (Roundtrip): 15 km approximately. (9.3 miles).

Approximate tour duration (total): 3 – 4 hours approximately.

Group size: 13 pax.

Meeting point: We'll meet at Wilfredo Lam Park in Vedado. It's also called "Park of 16 and 15". Find your guide in a neon yellow vest in front of the church. Arrive 15-20 min before departure time. Address: 16th Street between 13th and 15th Street, Vedado.

Important Notes

• You must have a good experience in cycling in the city. The terrain is a little hilly.
• Children under 18 years of age can attend if accompanied by a legal guardian. The minimum age to participate is 10 years old.
• The guest must have good experience in city cycling. There are no bicycle lanes in Cuba.
• We will have to load our bikes to go up or down a path.
• Guests must be able to ride a bicycle comfortably up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).
• Light colored clothing is recommended.
• You should bring lights for riding at night.
• At the meeting point, we will provide safety equipment and give some instructions for safe cycling.
• The leader will then ask for suggestions to create the route at this point. Your mission is to design an attractive 4-hour route through the city of Havana.