Cycle Through Western Cuba

Bienvenidos – welcome to Cuba! Your adventure begins in vibrant Havana with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive earlier in the day, take the opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through the colourful streets of Old Havana, where vintage American cars, colonial architecture and modern Cuban life blend together. Visit fascinating museums like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, sample the famous ice cream at Coppelia or take a relaxing walk along the iconic Malecón waterfront promenade overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

• It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, head to Vedado to meet your support crew and get fitted for your bike before setting off on your first ride through Havana. Cycle past landmarks including John Lennon Park, the Grand Theatre and the Capitol building on your way to Old Havana. After lunch at a local cafe, enjoy a guided walking tour through the city’s historic plazas before travelling to Soroa — the lush ‘Rainbow of Cuba’. End the day with sunset views, cocktails and perhaps a lively game of dominoes with locals and your support team.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Your cycling time will be approximately 2 hours or 12 km (7 mi) on mostly flat roads with an elevation gain of about 80 m (260 ft).

Start the day with a guided visit to the beautiful Soroa Orchid Garden, home to hundreds of tropical plant species and native Cuban birdlife. Afterwards, cycle along scenic paved roads through the Cuban countryside, sharing the route with tractors, vintage American cars, old Ladas and horse-drawn carriages. Stop by a peaceful hillside lake before enjoying lunch and a refreshing swim in the San Juan River.

Later, travel to Las Terrazas — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its eco-village atmosphere and thriving artistic community. Enjoy a coffee in the village square and visit the former home of celebrated Cuban musician Polo Montañez before returning to Soroa for a relaxing evening.

• Your cycling distance today will be approximately 24 km (15 mi) on undulating roads with a couple of steep hills, with an elevation gain of about 450 m (1500 ft). The road conditions are 100% tarmac – mostly in good repair but some are broken and in a poorer condition.

Today, travel to Cueva de los Portales, where Che Guevara once trained the Western Army during the Cuban Revolution. From here, cycle through stunning countryside towards Viñales — a UNESCO-listed valley surrounded by dramatic limestone hills and peaceful rural landscapes. With little traffic and breathtaking scenery, it’s one of Cuba’s best cycling regions.

Along the way, enjoy spectacular hilltop views and stop to share a homemade meal with local farmer Mama Luisa. Visit a traditional tobacco farm to learn how Cuba’s famous cigars are dried and hand-rolled, with the chance to buy directly from the producer. Later, return to Viñales for a memorable organic farm-to-table dinner overlooking the valley, complete with complimentary local rum.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 46 km (28 mi) on undulating roads with a few steep hills, with an elevation gain of about 575 m (1890 ft). The road conditions are 90% tarmac and 10% gravel – mostly in good repair but some are broken and in a poorer condition.

After breakfast, visit the impressive Mural de la Prehistoria — a huge cliffside artwork inspired by Diego Rivera and painted across the base of the Sierra de Viñales mountains. Then, cycle through quiet rural roads and peaceful farmland towards the white-sand beaches of Cayo Jutías. With little traffic and stunning coastal scenery, today’s ride is one of the most relaxing of the trip.

On arrival, enjoy a packed lunch by the sea before spending free time swimming in the warm turquoise waters, relaxing on the beach or exploring nearby shores where locals park their vintage cars directly on the sand. Later, return to Viñales by support vehicle and enjoy a free evening filled with live music, salsa dancing and Cuban nightlife.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 63 km (39 mi) on mostly flat and undulating roads with an elevation gain of about 342 m (1120 ft). The road conditions are 70% tarmac and 30% gravel – the majority of which are in a poorer condition.

With its colourful colonial streets, relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals, Trinidad is a favourite destination for many travellers to Cuba. The town is also deeply connected to Santería — an Afro-Cuban spiritual tradition that adds even more character and mystery to this fascinating place.

Today is free for you to explore Trinidad at your own pace. Visit beautiful Spanish-style churches, wander through lively plazas or head to the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, where vast sugar plantations tell the story of Cuba’s colonial past. You may prefer to relax on the white sands of Playa Ancón, cycle through the cobblestone streets on a vintage bike or hike through the scenic Sierra del Escambray mountains for incredible views and fresh mountain air.

This evening, consider attending a traditional folklore music and dance performance in one of Trinidad’s open-air venues. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant mix of African, French and Spanish cultural influences through live music, dance and celebration.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your cycling distance will be approximately 42 km (26 mi) on lightly undulating roads with an elevation gain of about 320 m (1050 ft). The road conditions are 100% tarmac – mostly in good repair.

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you have not already organised a transfer to the airport, your guesthouse can usually arrange one for you – please discuss this with them the day before you need to depart.