CUBA BY BIKE Cycling Tour

Arrival in Havana – Start of Your Journey. Today marks the beginning of your adventure in Cuba. Once you land at José Martí International Airport in Havana, you have two options for getting to your hotel: Transfer Options: Optional airport transfer available – convenient and pre-arranged (ask us if you’d like to book it). Independent transfer: Taxis are readily available at the airport. Expect a ride of around 30–40 minutes to central Havana. Official taxis are yellow and metered (confirm price before departure – typical fare is $25–30 USD/CUC equivalent).

Hotel Check-In. Once you arrive at your hotel, take time to settle in and freshen up. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Suggestions for your first evening in Havana:

• Take a stroll along the Malecón, Havana’s famous sea wall, at sunset.
• Sip a Mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio or a Daiquiri at El Floridita – Hemingway’s favorite haunts.
• Enjoy dinner at a paladar (private local restaurant) like La Guarida or Doña Eutimia.

What a dynamic and fascinating start to your Cuban cycling adventure! Here's a clear outline of today's itinerary to help you prepare: Day Plan: Havana ➝ Pinar del Río ➝ Viñales Valley. Morning – Breakfast at your hotel Fuel up for an active day ahead!. 8:30 AM – Welcome Meeting with Your Tour Guide. Location: Hotel lobby or designated meeting area. Meet your guide and fellow travelers, review the tour itinerary, safety procedures, and bike setup and receive any final information or updates. Bicycle Pickup, Head to the local bicycle workshop, get fitted with your bike and helmet and adjust seat height and gears as needed. Transfer by Bus to Pinar del Río, Journey west into the lush province of Pinar del Río, Approx. travel time: ~2.5 hours, Enjoy the views of rural Cuba along the way. Visit to Tobacco Factory in Pinar del Río, explore the traditional methods of tobacco production, learn about cigar rolling and leaf fermentation, and walk through the town to get a taste of local life.

First Cycling Stage Begins: Start cycling from the outskirts of Pinar del Río toward Viñales. Ride through rural roads, passing fields, palms, and dramatic limestone formations. Arrival in Viñales Valley, surrounded by stunning Mogotes (karst hills), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtaking. Visit Cueva del Indio: A vast cave with a navigable underground river. Optional short boat ride inside the cave. Lunch at a Typical Restaurant, enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine in a rural setting. Rest and refresh before continuing your ride. Afternoon ride continues, explore more of the Viñales Valley on your bike, pass local farms, tobacco drying houses (casas de tabaco), and panoramic viewpoints

Evening: Check in to your hotel or guesthouse in Viñales, dinner on your own or with the group (your guide will recommend great spots). Optional: walk through the town square or relax with a drink under the stars.

Te espera un paseo escénico y gratificante hoy, con la mezcla perfecta de aventura y relajación. Así es como se desarrolla tu día: Plan del día: Viñales ➝ Cayo Jutías ➝ Viñales. Mañana: Desayuno en tu alojamiento en Viñales, recarga energías con frutas tropicales, café cubano y una comida abundante. ¡Necesitarás la energía! Paseo matutino: Viñales a Cayo Jutías, Distancia: Aprox. 55–60 km de ida (la ruta puede variar ligeramente). Terreno: Colinas onduladas y secciones a través de la Sierra de los Órganos. Aspectos destacados: Exuberantes campos de tabaco, paisajes kársticos y tranquilos caminos rurales, Paseo por la calzada a Cayo Jutías: ciclismo sobre aguas turquesas con vistas increíbles, poco tráfico, pero algunas superficies irregulares: espera una mezcla de caminos pavimentados y sin pavimentar. Consejo: Trae protector solar, traje de baño debajo de la ropa y mucha agua. Llegada a Cayo Jutías, una playa tranquila y apartada con fina arena blanca y aguas turquesas poco profundas. Almuerzo en la playa: Mariscos frescos o platos típicos cubanos como arroz con frijoles, carne a la parrilla o verduras. Tiempo libre: Nade, tome el sol, alquile un kayak o un bote, o camine por la costa bajo los manglares.

Regreso a Viñales (Flexible). Después de su tiempo en la playa, puede elegir su modo de regreso: Opción 1: Regreso en bicicleta para un desafiante pero pintoresco viaje de regreso a casa, u Opción 2: Tome el vehículo/autobús de apoyo si está cansado o desea descansar. De cualquier manera, llegará a Viñales al final de la tarde o al anochecer.

Noche en Viñales: Tiempo para relajarse después de un día completo en la carretera y el mar. Disfrute de una merecida cena cubana; su guía puede sugerir paladares u organizar una comida en grupo. Opcional: Asista a una clase de baile local o visite un local de música en vivo en la plaza del pueblo.

Today’s ride offers a peaceful and scenic escape through the heart of rural Cuba—perfect for slowing down and soaking in the natural beauty of the island. Day Plan: Viñales ➝ La Palma ➝ Pinar del Río. Morning – Breakfast at your accommodation, A light but energizing breakfast before hitting the road—think tropical fruits, toast, and strong Cuban coffee. Cycling Route: Viñales to La Palma via Jagua Vieja Road, Distance: Approx. 30 km, Route: The Jagua Vieja Road offers a more remote, less-traveled experience. Scenery: Lush farmland, rolling hills, and traditional Cuban villages, Quiet backroads with little traffic, Valleys with dense vegetation and occasional glimpses of farm animals and tobacco fields. Tip: This route is slightly hilly, so be ready for some short climbs and descents.

Midday – Picnic Lunch in a Lush Valley, Stop in a shaded, scenic spot for a picnic-style lunch, A chance to rest, stretch, and take photos. Continue to Pinar del Río (Post-Lunch Transfer or Ride) Depending on group energy levels and time: Option 1: Continue cycling to the city of Pinar del Río, Adds additional kilometers (~20–25 km), Mostly flat, more populated roads or Option 2: Load bikes onto the support vehicle and transfer by bus. Arrival in Pinar del Río, Settle in at your accommodation. Free time to relax or explore the city a bit more: Grab a coffee at a local café or visit a local art gallery or street market.

Evening: Optional group dinner or independent exploration of local restaurants. Suggested dish: Ropa vieja or grilled fish with yucca and plantains

You're heading into one of the most scenic and tranquil rides in western Cuba today, ending in the lush hills of Soroa, often called the "Rainbow of Cuba" for its rich biodiversity and misty mountain views. Day Plan: Pinar del Río ➝ Soroa via Carretera Central. Morning – Breakfast in Pinar del Río, a solid breakfast to get you ready for the ride—expect fruit, eggs, bread, and Cuban coffee. Cycling Route: Pinar del Río to Soroa, Distance: ~65–70 km. Route: Along the Carretera Central, Cuba’s main east-west highway (mostly low traffic in rural areas). Terrain: Gently rolling hills with some moderate climbs. Scenery: Quiet countryside with small guajiro (farmer) villages, lush green hills, rivers, palm groves, and rustic tobacco farms and occasional horse carts and vintage American cars. Tips: Keep hydrated—temps can climb mid-morning, stop in small villages for fruit or fresh coconut water from roadside vendors and watch for scenic photo spots along the way.

Arrival in Soroa, A peaceful, forested area nestled in the Sierra del Rosario biosphere reserve, known for its natural springs, waterfalls, and flora. Optional Visit: Orchid Garden (Orquideario de Soroa) Founded in 1943, it features over 700 species of orchids from around the world, also home to ferns, bamboo groves, and medicinal plants and great place to unwind after your ride and enjoy nature. Opening hours: Usually 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Entry fee: Modest, payable in local currency.

Evening in Soroa:

• Check-in at your accommodation (often eco-lodges or casas rurales)
• Optional short hikes or a dip in the nearby Soroa waterfall (Salto de Soroa) if you still have energy
• Dinner in a local paladar or lodge restaurant—try grilled river fish or creole-style chicken

You're in for a short but rich ride today through the heart of Cuba’s greenest and most sustainable region—perfect for combining cycling, history, and nature. You're in for a beautiful loop ride today through some of Cuba's most verdant landscapes, including the eco-community of Las Terrazas—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that blends sustainability, art, and nature in a truly unique way. Day Plan: Soroa ➝ Las Terrazas ➝ Soroa (Loop Ride). Morning – Breakfast in Soroa, enjoy breakfast surrounded by the mountain air—fruit, eggs, fresh juice, and Cuban coffee to get you started. Cycling Route: Soroa to Las Terrazas, Distance: Approx. 20 km. Terrain: Rolling hills, mostly paved rural roads, some moderate inclines. Scenery: Lush forests of the Sierra del Rosario, San Juan River, small lakes, natural pools, and cascading streams, Overgrown terraced fields—from which Las Terrazas gets its name and Ruins of 19th-century French coffee plantations. Tip: Keep an eye out for colorful birds (like the tocororo) and giant tree ferns along the route. Midday – Arrival at Las Terrazas Eco-Community, A model sustainable village with ~900 residents living in harmony with nature, Eco-tourism and forestry are the main livelihoods, walk through the community, learn about its history and purpose and Visit spots like: Café de María (famous for strong, local coffee), Art studiosand Hotel Moka, a unique eco-lodge built into the trees. Lunch at a Farmhouse, enjoy a traditional, farm-fresh Cuban lunch with typical dishes.

Afternoon – Return to Soroa by Bus. After a relaxing time in Las Terrazas, board the support vehicle for your return to Soroa. Use the afternoon to rest or explore nearby:

• Orchid Garden (if not yet visited)
• Salto de Soroa waterfall
• Short hike to the mirador for panoramic mountain views

Evening in Soroa: Reflect on your cycling adventure through western Cuba, Enjoy your final group dinner or relax on your own with a view of the lush Cuban landscape: Rest and recover from the day’s ride or optional: short walk to the Mirador de Soroa, a lookout point

Today marks the final chapter of your Cuban cycling journey—and what better way to close it than with a return to Old Havana, rich in history, architecture, and the unmistakable rhythm of Cuban life. Morning: Soroa ➝ Havana (by bus). After breakfast, board the bus for the journey back to Havana. Approx. travel time: 1.5–2 hours. A comfortable ride with scenic views as you descend from the Sierra del Rosario into the urban heart of Cuba. Guided Walking Tour – Old Havana (Habana Vieja). Your guide will take you on a leisurely walking tour through the cobbled streets and colonial plazas of Havana's historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include: Plaza de la Catedral: With its baroque cathedral and surrounding paladares, Plaza Vieja: Restored colonial facades, cafes, and street musicians, Plaza de Armas: Surrounded by museums, antique book stalls, and the oldest square in Havana and Calle Obispo: Lively pedestrian street full of shops, bars, and music. Architecture note: Look for Spanish-Andalusian influences—arched doorways, inner courtyards (patios), and intricate ironwork balconies. Visit to the Havana Club Rum Museum, Dive into Cuba’s rich rum-making tradition, see the distillation and aging process, with exhibits and vintage equipment, tasting included at the end of the tour, Great place to buy authentic Cuban rum, cigars, or other souvenirs. Included Lunch, Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant in Old Havana

Afternoon/Evening Suggestions (Optional):

• Sip a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio or a daiquiri at El Floridita
• Explore the Malecón or take a short ride in a classic convertible car
• Visit Buena Vista Social Club or La Zorra y el Cuervo for live music

Farewell Cuba – Departure Day. Your unforgettable journey through Cuba comes to a close today. After exploring colorful cities, cycling through stunning valleys, relaxing on remote beaches, and soaking up the island's rhythm and charm, it’s time to say hasta luego. Departure Options: Optional Airport Transfer, A convenient, pre-arranged ride to José Martí International Airport. If you'd like this service, just confirm your flight time and preferred pickup. Independent Transportation. You can also arrange your own transfer via taxi or rideshare. From central Havana to the airport: approx. 30–40 minutes. Recommended to leave at least 3 hours before your international flight. Tip: Official airport taxis are reliable—confirm the fare in advance (usually $25–30 USD/CUC equivalent)

Before You Go:

• Double-check passport, tickets, and departure form if applicable
• Pack Cuban rum, coffee, or cigars in checked luggage if purchased
• Say goodbye to your guide, group, or hosts if you haven’t already

Thank you for traveling through Cuba! If you’re heading to another destination next or need help with travel tips, packing advice, or onward plans, I’m happy to assist.