BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA.

BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA

If you're bold, this is the perfect trip for you. A tour with many challenges in the most eastern part of the island, for active and adventurous travelers who want to discover Cuba in a different way, by bike

10
Days
1
1 Country
4
4 Cities
1
1 National Park
3
3 Attractions
overview

(HOLGUIN - BAYAMO - MANZANILLO - NIQUERO - MAREA DEL PORTILLO - SANTIAGO DE CUBA)

This challenging bike tour, from intermediate to advanced level, leads through the eastern part of Cuba, which is one of the most varied regions of the country in terms of landscape and climate. At the same time, eastern Cuba remains comparatively undeveloped for tourism. Here you will find the Sierra Maestra, the Humboldt National Park and, in contrast, the nickel mines of Moa. Far to the east is Baracoa, the oldest city and first capital of the country, with its own style and idyllic surroundings.

The bicycle route is mainly along the sea and through rural areas not very developed for tourism. Some stages lead through hills to mountainous terrain. A good physical condition is an advantage. About 85% of the route is paved. However, the quality of the road surface varies greatly, as does the quality of the accommodation, which ranges from solid middle-class hotels to private houses and simple cabins (campers).

  • HOLGUIN, owns the popular title of City of the Park and the native province of Fidel and Raúl Castro.
  • A pleasant city in eastern Cuba that preserves intact the traditions of the people, BAYAMO is the cradle of Cuban nationality.
  • MANZANILLO, second city in importance and main port of the province, is recognized by its beautiful oriental air gazebo in its central park and by varied sites of historical and cultural interest, like the Parish Church La Purísima Concepción of Manzanillo and the ruins of the sugar mill La Demajagua, today historical museum.
  • NIQUERO, It’s a perfect place for nature-lovers, for it offers plenty of outdoor activities. Explore the surrounding trails, go spelunking, explore the seabed.
  • The second most important city of Cuba, SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Steeped in history and music, capital of the East and birthplace of Son and of the Cuban Revolution.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Departure from HOLGUÍN CITY
  • Active tours
  • Cycling tour
  • Offered in Spanish and English
  • 5 Stars Rating
Check availability
BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA map.

included

Prices include for all customers:

  • 9 Overnight stays in medium class hotels and/or casas particulares and camping
  • Basis Board: Breakfast
  • Rental bike incl. 1 pair of panniers (2x 20l)
  • Luggage storage for duration of the tour
  • Maps of all stages
  • Transfer out of Havana and transfer back from Vinales to Havana
  • Program according to itinerary, if not defined as 'optional'

not included

  • Arrival/departure transfers
  • Visa
  • Travel guide/Support vehicle/Luggage transport (bookable depending on availability)
  • Please note that bicycle transport on Viazul buses must be registered and paid for separately on site (approx. 5,- CUC per bike and route)
  • International flights.
  • Entry card (visa) (25.00 EUR).
  • Additional drinks and meals.
  • Gratuities or tips.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Travel / Medical insurance. According to Cuban legislation, the passenger must arrive in the country with his travel insurance.
  • Protective helmets. It is recommended that each passenger bring his own helmet for safety and hygiene.
  • Cycling equipment (trousers, jacket, gloves) We recommended you bring your own gear.
notes

Overview of your trip:

Exploring Cuba by Bike.

This 10-day Bike tour is not only something special for active travellers, but also for those who would like to discover eco-friendly Cuba in a different way: by an awesome bike. You will be able to guide yourself through the eastern regions of Cuba, while the daily routes vary from 70 to 78 kms. This trip will add excitement and emotion to your adventure vacations in Cuba.

  • Travel guide, support vehicle or luggage transport can be booked with extra fee and it is always subject to availability.

  • This bicycle tour can be booked starting from one person at any desired date.

  • The price includes the rental of a regular mountain bike, but you may rent an e-bike as well.

  • The itinerary might be modified according your travel wishes best.

  • Shared room: If you are agreed, We'll try to find another participant with the same preference and gender. Meanwhile we'll charge you for a single room. In case we find a room partner we'll reduce the amount.

  • We usually book the hotels mentioned in our travel information. Unfortunately, it is possible that we have to alter the reservation at short notice because of the current capacity situation. This could occasionally lead to changes in the itinerary.

  • Bike stages / Days off: 6 / 2.

  • Length of stage (km): 70 kms.

  • Total length (km), approx: 408 kms.

  • Riding time per stage: 5 hours.

  • If hotels mentioned in the itinerary are already fully booked, we reserve the right to book another accommodation of equivalent standard.

  • Cuba is well-known as an attractive country for cycling tours. We offer bikes which are fully suitable for long distance touring. Our rental bikes are expertly maintained by on a regular basis and wearing parts are renewed.

  • Our bikes are mountain bikes with touring equipment, all equipped with luggage carrier, a stable chain stay, 2 bottle cages and fender. The bikes do not contain suspension. You may bring your own saddle and pedals. Since the seat tubes have different diameters, we recommend to bring the saddle only (without seat tube), as every bike is equipped with patent seat posts.

  • Any additional equipment, such as cycling helmet and clothing, bicycle lock, tools, tire pump or the like is not included in the rental costs and can neither be rented from us (except panniers).

  • Services like support, repair or emergency assistance in case of breakdowns or accidents are not included.

  • Once the service has begun there is no refunding of the price in case the bikes are returned early.

  • The use of helmet is obligatory. You can use an open helmet or a closed helmet.

  • We recommend the use of light but strong clothing. They must have a raincoat for any eventuality.

  • All participants must travel with their own personal insurance.

IMPORTAN NOTES:

  • Net package prices are expressed in USD per pax.
  • It is NOT included in our prices, drinks with the meals, airport tax, tips and porters service.
  • Our prices do NOT include supplements for special dinners in Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Booking including any of the mentioned dates are subject to hotels’ availability until the provider confirmation.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • We recommend your clients to take a fully comprehensive insurance for the activities included in the itinerary.
  • Bring comfortable and appropriate shoes and clothes to walk in the outdoors, swimming trunks to refresh in the streams and/or beaches, Repellent. There may be some mosquitoes in the parks will visit.
  • Beware with sun burning. Bring your own protector lotions.
  • We might need in the outdoors small rucksack for the personal belongings.
  • In Cuba we have a widely spread medical assistance, with clinics in the most remote areas in the country. Anyway, if you are suffering a chronic disease or allergy, etc., it will not be worthless if you bring your personal first aids kit or medicines, especially when you are far from the main cities.

Equipment you might want to bring (when touring):

  • Tools (we recommend multifunctional tools such as Topeak Alien)
  • Bicycle lock and helmet
  • Tire pump (for Schrader valves)
  • Repair Kit
  • Spare tube (MTB) with Schrader valve, 26'' x 1.75''
Itinerary

  1. DIA 1HOLGUIN

    HOLGUÍN CITY Without transportation

    You will spend the first night of your self-guided bike tour through Eastern Cuba in a lovely casa particular in Holguin.

    Calixto Garcia iñiguez central park panoramic view, Holguín, Cuba.San Isidoro Cathedral panoramic view, Holguin, Cuba.La Loma de la Cruz panoramic view, Holguín, Cuba.

  2. DIA 2HOLGUIN - BAYAMO - MANZANILLO

    MANZANILLO Air conditioned bus and Bicycle

    Early in the morning you will be picked up at your accommodation in Holguin. Afterwards you will be transferred together with your bike to Bayamo. From here you can start your bicycle tour, about 70 km to Manzanillo, birthplace of Tomás Estrada Palma, first president of the independent Republic of Cuba. Barely developed by tourism, the city's inhabitants live mainly from fishing. In Manzanillo you will stay in a simple hotel or in a private house.

    BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA.Del Santísimo Salvador De Bayamo Cathedral panoramic view, Bayamo, Granma, Cuba.Carlos Manuel de Céspedes central park panoramic view, Manzanillo, Granma, Cuba.

  3. DIA 3MANZANILLO - NIQUERO

    NIQUERO Bicycle

    After a good breakfast in Manzanillo, you start the next stage of your bike tour in eastern Cuba. With the sea on your right and the Sierra Maestra on your left, today's stage takes you along the coast to the tourist town of Niquero, where you will stay in a small hotel or Casa Particular.

    BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA.Niquero town panoramic view, Granma, Cuba.Niquero town panoramic view, Granma, Cuba.

  4. DIA 4NIQUERO - PILON / MAREA DEL PORTILLO

    MAREA DEL PORTILLO and PILÓN Bicycle

    After filling your water bottles at Niquero, the trip to Pilon awaits you today. Today's stage takes you to the western foothills of the Sierra Maestra and includes some climbs, but the postcard scenery during the descents makes you quickly forget the difference in altitude you have made. During your stopover, you will spend the night in a small resort in Pilón or Marea del Portillo.

    BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBABIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA.BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA.

  5. DIA 5PILON / MAREA DEL PORTILLO

    MAREA DEL PORTILLO and PILÓN Bicycle

    Pilón, is a coastal municipality located in the south of the province of Granma. Its main economic activities are fishing, growing food and vegetables and tourism, among others. It was the scene of significant events in the history of Cuba, becoming the first trench of the Rebel Army.

    Marea del Portillo is located south of the Sierra Maestra. The coastal vegetation that borders the Caribbean Sea, makes a pleasant landscape by the contrast of the greenness of the mountains.

    Marea del Portillo panoramic view, Pilón, Granma, Cuba.Marea del Portillo panoramic view, Pilón, Granma, Cuba.Marea del Portillo panoramic view, Pilón, Granma, Cuba.

  6. DIA 6PILON / MAREA DEL PORTILLO - LA MULA (SANTIAGO DE CUBA)

    SANTIAGO DE CUBA Bicycle

    After your stay in Pilón, get on your bike and follow the coast road further east to La Mula. The scenic route invites you to stop occasionally to enjoy the great views or take souvenir photos for your personal travel photo album. At the end of the day's stage you will arrive at the simple holiday cabins in the small holiday village of La Mula at the mouth of the Rio Turquino, where you will spend the next night of your journey.

    Cuba south coast road, the Caribbean sea and Sierra Maestra range panoramic view, Turquino National Park, Granma, Cuba.Cuba south coast road bridge from river bed and Sierra Maestra range panoramic view, Turquino National Park, Granma, Cuba.Cuba south coast road and Sierra Maestra range panoramic view, Turquino National Park, Granma, Cuba.

  7. DIA 7LA MULA - CHIVIRICO (SANTIAGO DE CUBA)

    SANTIAGO DE CUBA Bicycle

    You left The Mula behind and headed to the next stop on your bike tour. In Chivirico we have reserved a room for you in a well maintained hotel with all inclusive and a great view of the rocky coast.

    The picturesque village of Chivirico is located only 75 km from the city of Santiago de Cuba, in the foothills of the Sierra Maestra. The rustic atmosphere that reflects its unique spirit and the lively pace of its friendly people make a visit to Chivirico appreciated for its authentic character.

    BIKE TOUR SELF-GUIDED EASTERN CUBA.La Mula river panoramic view, Granma, Cuba.La Mula river panoramic view, Granma, Cuba.

  8. DIA 8CHIVIRICO - CIUDAD SANTIAGO DE CUBA

    SANTIAGO DE CUBA CITY Bicycle

    After your stay in Chivirico, you get back on the bike and follow the coast to Cuba's second largest city, Santiago de Cuba. After spending the last days of your bike tour in hotels and campsites, you will spend your stay in Santiago de Cuba again in comfortable private accommodation. On the last day of your journey by car through eastern Cuba, you will take the Viazul bus back to Holguin, where you will finish your bike trip through eastern Cuba.

    Cuba south coast road and the Caribbean sea panoramic view, Turquino National Park, Granma, Cuba.Cuba south coast road, the Caribbean sea and Sierra Maestra range panoramic view, Turquino National Park, Granma, Cuba.Antonio Maceo Revolution Square panoramic view, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

  9. DIA 9SANTIAGO DE CUBA

    SANTIAGO DE CUBA CITY Bicycle

    Enjoy your day off to tour Cuba's second most important city and see all the attractions it has to offer. Santiago de Cuba, has been recognized as the cradle of son. The French Tomb of Santiago de Cuba, was declared by the UNESCO like intangible Patrimony of the humanity. It is undoubtedly an exceptional city, which combines multiple values that allow the visitor to get in touch with the idiosyncrasy of its people, the culture and history of the place, while enjoying the exotic nature.

    Cespedes central park panoramic view, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.The Traditional Cuban music, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.The Moncada Garrison panoramic view, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

  10. DIA 10SANTIAGO DE CUBA - HOLGUIN

    HOLGUÍN CITY and SANTIAGO DE CUBA CITY Air conditioned bus

    After breakfast, the Viazul bus takes you and the bike back to Holguin, where we await you at the bus terminal.

    Possible additional program:

    • Continuing the bike tour to Baracoa, after your stay in Santiago de Cuba, ambitious cyclists have the possibility to continue the self-drive tour via Guantanamo and Ymias to Baracoa, where, among other things, numerous excursions to the Humboldt National Park await you.

    • You can also complete the circle and drive to Guardalavaca or Holguin.

    • Transfer from Holguin to Guardalavaca with beach stay.

    Plaza de Marte square panoramic view, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.San Pedro de la Roca del Morro castle panoramic view, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.Sanctuary of La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre panoramic view, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
Available Options
Adults
13+ years
1
Children
13+ years
0