Cycle Cuba - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Havana to Havana (IMT-LACU)
Intro
The ideal way to enjoy Cuba - head into the heart of the country by bicycle. Cycle through picturesque landscapes and colonial towns, relax at the Caribbean coast and really get into the Cuban swing of life in lively Havana. Pedal to the pace of one of the world’s most pulsating islands.Group size:
Max 18Staffing:
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader and/or local Cuban guideTransport:
Bike, private busAccommodation:
12 nights tourist class hotelsActivities:
CyclingEntrance Fees:
Included for all sites listed as part of the itineraryNOTE:
A support vehicle accompanies the group at all times. This means that it is always available for those who might require a rest from cycling.Itineraries
Day 1,HAVANAArrival day.
Day 2,HAVANAAfter a morning orientation tour of the old city of Havana, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon to further explore this vibrant city with its creaking old cars, beautiful colonial buildings and lively street life. (BL)
Day 3,VIÑALESToday we begin our cycling with a short ride to prepare ourselves for the rest of the tour. An early morning start on the ‘Tobacco Road’ for a brief 25km ride to the Mariel Bridge - to check the bikes (and the bodyies!) are working OK. We continue by bus to the province of Pinar del Rio in the western part of Cuba, where we visit a cigar factory. Continue to the picturesque village of Viñales. (BD)
Day 4,PUERTO ESPERANZAToday we cycle to nearby Puerto Esperanza, a charming village by the coast which is almost completely untouched by tourism. Cycling distance 50km. (BLD)
Day 5,VIÑALES VALLEYCycle through the lush Viñales Valley, visiting several local farms and tobacco leaf drying sheds. Cycling distance approx 30km+ depending on sites visited. (BLD)
Day 6,CIENFUEGOSDrive to central Cuba and the UNESCO-listed city Cienfuegos. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this port is known as ‘the pearl of the south’ and has many beautiful buildings. We have time to explore the city by bicycle, and sample the local specialty, fresh seafood. (BLD)
Day 7,TRINIDADWe transfer to Guajimico, from where we begin cycling to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique colonial architecture. Trinidad is one of Cuba’s most enchanting towns, full of cobblestone streets, beautifully restored colonial mansions and stately churches, all set against the backdrop of the Escambray Mountains. Cycling distance 40km. (BLD)
Day 8,TRINIDADA full free day to explore this enchanting town. Alternatively there is the option to cycle to the Valle de los Ingenios (Sugarmill Valley) in the Sierra del Escambray, one of the most beautiful areas of Cuba. In the evening we might visit the local Casa de La Musica (House of Music), to enjoy some of the best Cuban music. (BD)
Day 9,ANCON BEACHToday we ride our bicycles to the nearby Ancon beach, a few kilometres from Trinidad. Ancon Beach is considered the best beach on the south coast of Cuba. It is 4km long with enticing white sand and clear blue waters. We spend the day relaxing and swimming in the Caribbean Sea. Cycling distance 30km (round trip). (BD)
Day 10,SANTA CLARATransfer to Topes de Collantes, from where we continue by bike to Santa Clara, a buzzing provincial town that was the first major city to be liberated by the communists. We visit the Che Guevara monument and have time to explore the old city. Cycling distance 70km in batches of 20-25km. (BD)
Day 11,HAVANAReturn to Havana. (B)
Day 12,HAVANAA last free day to explore this amazing city. This evening, end your trip drinking a Mojito in ‘La Bodeguita del Medio’, Hemingway’s favourite bar in Havana. (B)
Day 13,HAVANATour ends. (B)
Last updated: 22nd October 2009
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