Top reasons to do a cycling tour in Cuba
Reason #1: Its the best way to see a country
When considering the top reasons to do a cycling tour in Cuba lets face it: there is no better way to really see a country than doing it riding a bicycle. Our tours are road trips that involve riding, camping and hiking. You will have a unique perspective, far from simply being a passing tourist crammed on a bus or stocked away in a resort. Usual tours will guide you to a few well known places and though this can be fine for most people, if you really want a chance to connect, experience, learn the local culture, meet real people, then a bike is the best choice for you.
Reason #2: It is a very good family time
It may seem counter intuitive. But cycling really is for everyone. There are a bunch of tours for diferent types of people. From beginner tours with shorter routes and flat terrains to the more agressive and advanced ones made for people who really want to push themselves on a bike. There are all kinds of terrains to choose from in Cuba. You can pick a tour suited to your needs and taste in biking. And there is always support, so you can hop in the bus if its to much for you, or have a mechanic assist you with your bike. Not to mention the popular e-bikes. With all these choices planning a holiday bonding trip has never been easier.
There is internet in cuba yes, but most of you would be hesitant to call what exists here INTERNET. And this situation will be even more painful as you leave the big cities. But what many consider a huge problem can be a delicious escape for others, especially for a short time. Without the distraction of Facebook, emails and text messages your attention will stay focused on the moment. There is much to see, hear and feel on the roads of Cuba. For your family, a couple days without the temptation of their tablets and cell phones can create a great bonding time, allowing everyone to fully enjoy this shared activity, and take in everything the tour has to offer.
Cuba is fascinating. Our tours will take you and your family to many of the key places in Cuba´s history. You’ll get the chance to learn a lot. From the Taino indians to the place of birth of the Cuban Revolution, which is regarded as one of the influential events of the twentieth century. There is no shortage of major events, museums, important landmarks and pivotal people to know about.
Reason #3: You get to ride your bike to beatiful places
If you are reading this there is a pretty good chance you love riding your bike. The benefits are many. In Cuba most roads are quiet. Most Cubans don’t own cars as they are extremely expensive for them. This means that aside from the capital or major cities, traffic is barely noticeable. Most roads will give you a sense of peacefulness. You will feel more like an explorer than a visitor and have the opportunity to discover new places, see beautiful landscapes hidden to most tourists, find the road less traveled as they say.
Cuba if full of hidden gems to enjoy. Its a long narrow island, so there is always an incredible beach nearby. The mountains are also important habitats for wildlife. They provide the panoramic view of the countryside and nearby islets. There is a good amount of caves and viewpoints. Cuba´s rich history also mean there are a lot of historic places, monuments and museums. You get to visit them all while riding. And lets not mention staying fit and in good health. Riding’s helps keep the doctor at bay.
You can see a list of our most popular destinations here, each with info on what to do or expect. And of course a map.
Reason #4: Cuba is one of the safest destinations for travelers
True some Cubans seek to gain something by approaching foreigners. But its mostly small scams you can see a mile away. Other than petty theft, violent crimes are not common. As a rule of thumb be alert when people come to you, as they are usually trying to sell you something or directing you to a place where they get a commission. Or even strike a friendship with you in hope of being your guide or something similar. Just use your common sense and you will be fine.
But it is very different if it is you who approach them. Cubans are generally friendly, kind, generous, and welcoming people, and will go out of their way to help you if you need it, so don’t be afraid to chat openly with them. They are out and about, engaging with one another and everyone else. It’s the opposite of a cold social climate. Relationships with family and friends are numerous and prized above pretty much everything else. As a traveler, this social dynamic offers you a unique opportunity to engage with the local people and learn everything about how they live, what they think and their culture. Just ask and they will we happy to answer you.
Use this fact to your advantage. Rather than using a hotel employed guide, ask the locals for directions or their input on a certain place. We recommend staying at a private home, or casa particular. This will generally be easier on your pocket and you can use your host as a virtual fountain of information.
Reason #5: See it before it changes
Negotiations between Cuba and the United States are sort of a roller-coaster ride that goes mainly down but in recent times relations are advancing. If Trump is the exception and not the rule, the future of the island can be very different to what it is now. Big corporations will eventually expand to the island, ending its singularity as a place untainted by big chain stores. It seems far from happening for now, but the longer you wait, the more different it’ll be from the way it was before. Though at a slow pace, the country is changing, opening. Cuba always had the appeal of a place frozen in time, with everything repaired over and over to make them last for as long as possible.
Cuba feels like a museum of itself. You wont find another country with so many old American cars operational, roaming the streets as if it was the 50s. You can talk to the drivers to hear about all the tricks they’ve used throughout the years to keep the cars rolling, without access to the original spare parts. Cuba preserves a great deal of practices and imagery from the past decades and giant ads are nowhere to be seen. Cuban cigars and cigar rollers are considered among the best in the world and you can buy them direct from the factories that have produced them. Most hotels and restaurants offer live performances by talented musicians that play famous old songs. Get out of the capital and the feeling of being in the past will only increase.
Tourism is a large industry in Cuba, one of the main sources of income for the country. But there is still an abundance of places far from the common roads. And bikes are a perfect way to get you to them. There you can still see the beating heart of Cuba, full of rum, rhythm and dance, with a landscape to match.