Cycling Cuba's Heritage
Tour Leader
USD $2895. Should you register looking to share with another and we are not able to find an acceptable companion, you will need to pay the Single Supplement charge.
USD $2695.
Cost
Tour Details
- Destination: Central Cuba.
- Duration: 12 days.
- Arrives: 01/12/2026
- Departs: 01/23/2026
- Days of cycling: 10
- Usual daily distances: 31 mile average with days ranging from 10-52 miles.
- Terrain: Mostly quiet back roads with a little city cycling. This route includes some hills through a rolling countryside. The road surfaces can be rough and so we recommend using wider tires (over 28 mm) to navigate comfortably. Opting for a hybrid bike or a gravel bike would be your best bet for this tour.
- Support vehicle: 100% (option to ride the bus anytime).ba, roads can be rough in places so wider tires (28-35 mm) are recommended. The use of a hybrid, gravel or touring bike is your best choice on this tour.
- Tour staff: 1 tour leader, 1 cultural guide, 1 driver, 1 bike mechanic.
Cuba Bike Tour: Trinidad and Cienfuegos Exploration
This tour is influenced by a hub and spoke model, with daily rides originating and concluding in two remarkable Cuban cities: Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site and living museum of Cuba’s colonial history, and Cienfuegos, the French-inspired “Pearl of the South”.
Trinidad: A Colonial Gem
Founded in 1514, Trinidad is a compact city nestled between mountains and sea. Its historic core is a breathtaking tableau of colonial architecture, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, elegant stately homes, charming courtyards, and historic churches. The city’s intimate size and preserved atmosphere transport visitors back in time, offering an authentic glimpse into Cuba’s rich cultural heritage.
Filled with quality accommodations, including comfortable hotels and welcoming “casas particulares” (bed and breakfasts), as well as excellent restaurants, Trinidad serves as an ideal focal point for cycling adventures. Nearby attractions include the stunning Topes de Collantes, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a spectacular natural playground for cyclists and nature enthusiasts. Topes de Collantes is a nature reserve remarkable for its diverse landscape of caves, canyons, rivers, and waterfalls with crystal-clear waters. Cyclists can enjoy scenic walks, potentially spot the tocororo (Cuba’s national bird), and savor lunch in a lush forest setting. Pro tip: Pack rain gear, as the north side of Topes frequently receives moisture from ocean winds!
The drier southern side of the region presents its own unique ecosystem and provides access to the Valle de los Ingenios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site documenting Trinidad’s significant sugar mill history. Here, the extraordinary Torre de Manaca-Iznaga stands out—a nearly 150-foot tower built in the 1830s that dramatically rises above the picturesque countryside.
Cienfuegos: The Pearl of the South
Two days of the tour will be spent in Cienfuegos, a city founded in 1819 and originally settled by French and Louisianan colonists. Its distinct French heritage makes it widely regarded as Cuba’s most beautiful city, offering a unique architectural and cultural experience.
Tour Support and Community Engagement
This fully supported tour includes a support bus, professional cultural guide, and dedicated mechanic. In keeping with Bicycle Breeze’s commitment to supporting youth cycling, we encourage participants to bring donations of bike parts, inner tubes, cables, and other cycling accessories that are easily obtainable at home but challenging to acquire in Cuba.
TOUR GALLERY
DAY BY DAY SCHEDULE
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Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Upon arrival in Havana, transfer to your B&B in the Vedado neighborhood. Spend time setting up your bikes and preparing for the upcoming adventure. If time permits, we will take a walk to the vibrant Callejon de Hamel, a colorful alleyway known for its Afro-Cuban art and culture. Conclude the day with an evening meal in Vedado, beginning your Cuban cycling journey with a taste of local hospitality.
Walking: 4.4 km/3 miles
Accommodation: B&B in Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast/Dinner
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Day 2: Havana Exploration
Begin the day with a walking tour through Parque Central and down Obispo Street, visiting the historic Ambos Mundos Hotel. Explore Plaza Vieja, enjoy a coffee at the Escorial Coffee Shop, and browse the San Jose Art Market. In the afternoon, visit the Hemingway Mansion Museum before cycling the Hemingway route to Cojimar. Additional stops include the Havana Christ statue, Morro Castle, and the Havana Velodrome, offering a comprehensive exploration of Havana’s cultural and historical landmarks.
Cycling: 32.3 km/20.1 miles
Accommodation: B&B in Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast/Box lunch/Dinner
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Day 3: Journey to Playa Girón
After breakfast, travel by bus to Jagüey Grande, a sprawling agricultural town. Enjoy lunch at Finca Fiesta Campesina, a traditional restaurant serving authentic Cuban cuisine. From here, begin a scenic bicycle ride south along the Bay of Pigs, following a flat coastal road. En route, stop at a local dive center for a refreshing swim before continuing to Playa Girón, completing a day that blends cultural exploration with scenic cycling.
Cycling: 65.4 km/40.6 miles
Accommodation: B&B in Playa Girón
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
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Day 4: From Playa Girón to Cienfuegos
Begin the morning with a visit to the Museum in Playa Girón, which details the historic 1961 invasion attempt by Cuban exiles against the Castro regime. After this historical exploration, embark on a bicycle ride eastward to Cienfuegos, cycling along flat roads through picturesque farmlands north of the city. Upon arrival in Cienfuegos, take a leisurely walk along the Boulevard, enjoying the city’s distinctive French-inspired atmosphere and architectural charm.
Cycling: 78 km/48.5 miles
Accommodation: Hotel La Union
Meals Included: Breakfast/Box lunch/Dinner
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Day 5: Botanical Exploration and Coastal Cycling
Today we start our cycling journey riding to the renowned Cienfuegos Botanical Garden, a world-class site meticulously maintained by Harvard University for decades. Home to 285 palm tree varieties and 2,400 plant species, this garden is considered one of the ten most comprehensive botanical collections in the Americas. After exploring the garden, continue cycling to Rancho Luna beach, a unique black sand coastal destination. Complete the day with a return ride back to the hotel, experiencing the diverse landscapes of Cienfuegos.
Cycling: 56.5 km/35 miles
Accommodation: Hotel La Union
Meals Included: Breakfast/Box lunch/Dinner
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Day 6: Cienfuegos Exploration and Trinidad Arrival
Begin the morning with a walking tour of José Martí Park, exploring its surrounding architectural gems including the Palacio Ferrer, Tomas Terry Theater, and the Cathedral. Continue with a bus tour along the Malecón to Punta Gorda, visiting the stunning Palacio del Valle. We will then mount up and ride to Trinidad and settle into locally run B&Bs. In the evening, immerse yourself in local culture with Cuban music, dancing, and mojitos at Café de la Música, experiencing the vibrant spirit of Trinidad after a day of historic and cultural discoveries.
Cycling: 84.3 km/52.4 miles
Accommodation: B&B in Trinidad
Meals Included: Breakfast/Box lunch/Dinner
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Day 7: Playa Ancon and Trinidad Discoveries
Enjoy a leisurely cycling trip to Playa Ancon, a stunning peninsula south of Trinidad featuring one of Cuba’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Relax under palm huts, swim in warm, crystal-clear waters, and enjoy an optional lunch at a beachside restaurant. Return to Trinidad by bus and continue exploring the city’s charming streets, with a special recommendation to visit the local art shops and the notable pottery shop. This day combines coastal relaxation with cultural exploration of Trinidad’s artistic heritage.
Cycling: 16.3 km/10 miles
Accommodation: B&B in Trinidad
Meals Included: Breakfast/Box lunch/Dinner
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Day 8: Topes de Collantes National Park and Coffee Farm Adventure
Begin with a short hike in Parque El Cubano, followed by a bus ride to the top of Topes de Collantes national park. Cycle to Jibacoa and visit Dany’s coffee farm, exploring the intricate process of coffee cultivation. Continue riding to Manicaragua, then return to Trinidad by bus, experiencing the diverse natural landscapes and agricultural traditions of the region.
Cycling: 38 km/23.6 (the first ~12 miles are very hilly)
Accommodation: B&B in Trinidad
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
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Day 9: Leisurely Coastal Cycling to Villa Yaguanabo
Enjoy an easy and relaxing bike ride to the Villa Yaguanabo motel, with the opportunity to swim at the nearby beach. This day offers a gentle cycling experience and a chance to unwind in a picturesque coastal setting.
Cycling: 54 km/33.5 (round trip)
Accommodation: B&B in Trinidad
Meals Included: Breakfast/Box/ lunch/Dinner
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Day 10: Valle de los Ingenios and Escambray Foothills
Travel by bus to the Valle de los Ingenios, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the iconic Torre Manaca Iznaga, then embark on a scenic bicycle ride to Hanabanilla through the rolling hills of the lower Escambray mountain slopes, experiencing the region’s historic sugar mill landscape and beautiful rural terrain. Relish your last day on the bike!
Cycling: 70 km/43.5
Accommodation: Hotel Hanabanilla.
Meals Included: Breakfast/Box lunch/Dinner.
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Day 11: Lake Exploration and Revolutionary Landmarks
Begin with a relaxing morning at Hanabanilla Lake, starting with a guided hike and followed by a scenic boat trip to enjoy lunch. En route to Havana, stop in Santa Clara, a pivotal city in the Cuban Revolution. Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and the historic Armored Train site, commemorating the decisive battle that sealed the revolutionary victory. Complete the day with a four-hour bus journey back to Havana, reflecting on the day’s natural beauty and historical significance.
Accommodation: B&B in Havana.
Meals Included: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
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Day 12: Departure Day
As our cycling journey comes to an end, the bus will transport the group to the airport for the return flight home. We hope this tour has provided an unforgettable exploration of Cuba’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. The Bicycle Breeze team wishes you safe travels and looks forward to welcoming you back for another cycling adventure.
Cycle Rental
Bicycle Breeze has bike rentals at great prices. For this tour you will need either hybrid or gravel bike. Should you prefer to bring your own that is fine with us, you will get the same mechanical assistance as the renters.
Check your travel company for costs of shipping your bike. Depending on your country of embarkation you may be better to rent. Renting has other positive aspects. Your bike will not get lost in transit. It is far easier to travel without a bike box and spare bikes are on the bus for renters. The negative side is that this is not your favourite ride.
Customize This Tour
With a group of 10 or more riders, Bicycle Breeze can offer the ability to customize a tour to suit your needs. Contact us to start planning your next great adventure.