Guantanamo Mango. 12 day version.
Tour Leader
Cost
N/A. Should you register looking to share with an another and we are not able to find an acceptable companion, you will need to pay the Single Supplement charge.
N/A.
Tour Details
- Destination: Eastern Cuba.
- Duration: 12 days.
- Arrives: 01/08/2024
- Departs: 01/19/2024
- Days of cycling: 9.
- Usual daily distances: 41k.
- Terrain: Mostly rolling hills on rough roads.
- Support vehicle: 100%.
- Tour staff: 1 tour leader, 1 driver, 1 mechanic, 1 guide.
This is a revised version of our bicycle tour Guantanamo Mango.
Ride through the coastal lowlands and scenic mountains of eastern Cuba in the historic old province of Oriente, the birthplace of Cuba’s revolution and earlier wars of independence and where Fidel Castro was born and raised. Beginning in Holguin, a city of leafy parks and plazas, the ride will head east by bus to Cayo Saetia before heading onto the city of Baracoa and into the world-renowned biosphere around Baracoa, Cuba’s oldest city, famous for its chocolate, unique cuisine and large, beautiful bay. The tour will linger at a wonderful beach, take in the city and enjoy a short boat ride up the unspoiled Toa river to a riverside restaurant for lunch.
Following a climb into the majestic mountains, the tour will follow up the coastal road to the Eastern most part of Cuba and a small settlement called Punta Maisí. The Faro (lamp) Maisí consists of the lighthouse and the small hotel beside it. The scenic coast highway to the city of Guantánamo and will include a stay in the city of Guantanamo; before going on to Santiago, Cuba’s liveliest and most Caribbean city, the tour will linger for three days to explore the sights and absorb the rhythms of the city known as the Cradle of the Cuban Revolution.
From Santiago the tour will head past El Cobre, the home of Cuba’s patron saint, la Virgen de la Caridad, before heading into the picturesque hill country making up Cuba’s back of beyond. After visiting Birán, the homestead of the Castro family and Fidel’s birthplace, two days will be spent even farther from civilization at a charming rustic hotel in a cool pine forest in the Cristal Mountains, with the second day dedicated to riding to Cuba’s highest waterfall. From this high mountain retreat the tour will descend to the beautiful rolling green hills that lead to Guardalavaca and its white sand beaches for relaxation before heading home.
TOUR GALLERY
DAY BY DAY SCHEDULE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
January 8th.
Arrive in Holguin. Pick up at the airport by tour bus and drive to Villa Cayo Saetia. Spend the afternoon relaxing and building bikes for the start of your trip.
Accommodation: Villa Cayo Saetia.
Meals Included: Dinner.
2
January 9th
After breakfast ride to Moa and then take the bus to Villa Maguana.
Cycling: 60 km.
Accommodation: Villa Maguana.
Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner.
3
January 10th.
After breakfast, ride to Baracoa. Meet Hidalgo the coach from Baracoa. Have lunch with him.
Cycling: 25 km.
Accommodation: La Habanera.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
4
January 11th.
Ride to Maisí.
Cycling: 63 km.
Accommodation: Faro de Maisí.
Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner.
5
January 12th.
The total distances between the two hotels is 161k. If you want an easier ride take the bus and ride the last 50 K.
Cycling: 50 km.
Accommodation: Hotel Guantanamo.
Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner.
6
January 13th.
Ride to Santiago de Cuba with your personal choice of 95k. This is a very easy ride. If a little too far for you just ride 50 K.
Cycling: 50 km.
Accommodation: Hotel Rex.
Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner.
7
January 14th.
Enjoy a relaxing day by touring Santiago de Cuba by bus. We will visit Santa Ifigenia cemetery, the resting place of many notable Cubans, including Jose Marti and Fidel Castro. We will enjoy lunch in a restaurant in the city.
Cycling: 0 km.
Accommodation: Hotel Rex.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
8
January 15th.
After breakfast, take the bus to el Cobre. Visit the church. Hilly ride to Palma Soriano. Then bus to the hotel.
Cycling: 19 km.
Accommodation: Villa Pinares de Mayari.
Meals Included: Breakfast, box lunch, dinner.
9
January 16th.
Enjoy lunch at the highest waterfall in Cuba, Salto Del Guayabo. The total journey is 30k on a dirt road.
Cycling: 30 km.
Accommodation: Villa Pinares de Mayari.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
10
January 17th.
Drive to Biran, the birth place from Fidel and Raul Castro. Visit the museum. Bus to Banes and ride to the hotel, very hilly ride.
Cycling: 35 km.
Accommodation: Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
11
January 18th.
Ride to Cayo Bariay. Bus or ride back to the hotel.
Cycling: 33 km
Accommodation: Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca.
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
12
January 19th.
Drive to Holguin airport to fly home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Cycle Rental
Bicycle Breeze has bike rentals at great prices. For this cycling tour you will need either a hybrid or a gravel bike. All will work. 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 cycling tour to suit your needs. Contact us to start planning your next great adventure.