CUBA
EXPLORER | 8 DAYS, 7 NIGHTS
TREKTRAVEL.COM | 866-464-8735
Step into the heart of Cuba and immerse yourself in
an authentic and vintage Cuban experience.
From
$7199pp
Rider Type
Trek Travel's Cuban adventure is the kind you've been waiting for all your life. This People-toPeople tour is one of few options Americans have to lawfully experience Cuba from the
saddle of a bicycle. We have planned each day to offer meaningful interactions with Cuban
people and opportunities to learn about local life and customs. Join us as we uncover this
magical destination, covered in pastel-colored cabanas and white, sandy beaches. We'll
head straight into the heart of the island, with visits to Trinidad, Cienfuegos, the Bay of Pigs,
Havana and more. In between, you’ll dance in the streets, learn to craft an authentic mojito,
snorkel in the Caribbean, hike to a waterfall, savor fresh food from the farms and the sea,
visit with authors and artists, and learn why Cuban cigars are so famous.
Recreational
Hotel Style
Explorer
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
Start | End
Santa Clara, Cuba | Havana, Cuba
Please fully read through the FAQs on the More Information tab for important details on
traveling to Cuba.
Dates
2017/Nov/Dec
TRIP WOWS
Tour the historic plaza of Old Havana and waive to the locals
as you cruise along the Malecón in a famed classic car.
Experience authentic Cuba before it changes. Bring home
some Cuban cigars and the memories of a lifetime.
Hike to waterfalls and snorkel above the coral in the glittering
waters of the Bay of Pigs.
Pedal through the farmland and lush green terrain of Central
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Cuba and the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills).
DAILY ITINERARY
2017
DAY 1
Today's Actvity:
Arrival
Description:
Welcome to undiscovered Cuba! This country is a clash of cultures, time periods, passions and sights. We've
taken the liberty of booking your hotel room for one night before the trip, and strongly recommend you arrive as
early as possible today to get your luggage, exchange currencies, transfer to the hotel and discover a bit of the
city of Santa Clara yourself. Your guides will welcome you to the hotel this evening and provide assistance as
needed. Your job is to get a good night's rest and be ready to start tomorrow.
City: Santa Clara
Hotels Vary
VIEW MEETING AND DEPARTING INFORMATION»
DAY 2
Today's Ride:
Santa Clara to Remedios
Approximately 30 miles with 800
feet of climbing
Description:
We'll meet today in the hotel lobby at 9:00 AM. Come dressed ready to ride, with pedals and any other
necessities for the day. After brief introductions and a bike fitting session, we'll set out on our first ride. As we
depart Santa Clara, notice the homages to Che Guevara, the famed revolutionary, in artwork, installations and
more. This is the town where he is buried, which is fitting because it is the site of the final battle of the Cuban
revolution. From here, we pedal to Remedios, often referred to as the quieter, less touristy version of Trinidad.
After a hearty lunch, we'll hire the local bicycle taxis to take us on a tour of their favorite parts of town, then we'll
share stories with the drivers over a drink at a local cafe and learn more about their lives and livelihood. This
evening, we'll celebrate with a welcome toast, dine at one of our favorite local paladars, and your guides will fill
you in on what to expect during the rest of this action-packed trip.
DAY 3
City: Remedios
Included Meals:
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour |
Dinner
Today's Ride:
Avid Option:
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Yaguajay to Cabaiguan
Approximately 30 miles with 1,600
feet of climbing
Yaguajay to Sancti Spiritus
Approximately 43 miles with 1,900
feet of climbing
Description:
This morning begins with a shuttle to Yaguajay, about 45 minutes away, where we will get back in the saddle.
We'll pedal our way south past verdant farmland and stop to visit with some of the locals -- and refuel with some
tropical fruit and cold guarapo -- along the way. We'll break for a picnic lunch just before reaching Cabaiguan,
and afterwards, you can choose to keep riding to the hotel or hop on the bus for the rest of the journey to Sancti
Spiritus. If you love Caribbean history, you might think you've died and gone to heaven, as the town of Sancti
Spiritus is over 500 years old, with beautiful villas, spirited softball games in the streets, and literal boatloads of
culture. As we explore town, we will visit with local shop owners and learn about “La Libreta” or the ration card
every Cuban family uses for weekly food supplies. On our way to dinner, we'll stop at the Taverna Yayabo for a
drink while admiring Peunta Yayabo, a quadruple-arched bridge that was built by the Spanish in 1815 and is a
National Monument. Enjoy dinner in a local paladar, then those with energy can head out for some evening
music.
DAY 4
City: Sancti Spiritus
Included Meals:
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Today's Ride:
Banao to Playa Ancon
Approximately 40 miles with 1,200
feet of climbing
Description:
Today we begin with a short shuttle before we take to our bikes once again to pedal our way through the Valle
de los Ingenios, the lush green valley that was the center of Cuba’s sugar industry. Tour the ruins of an old
sugar plantation and climb the 7-story Iznaga Tower for a stunning view of the valley. End your ride on Cuba’s
southern coast and the white sand of Playa Ancon. After a bit of relaxation, we'll shuttle to tonight’s home in
Trindad, a vibrant city-museum which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. We will walk
along Trinidad's cobbled streets before meeting local author, Julio Munoz, and learning about his beloved city
firsthand. You'll have a chance to ask him about the Cuban economy, private enterprise and the political scene.
Enjoy dinner at another local paladar. Trinidad is a power house for music, so those seeking more Cuban beat
will find several options here.
DAY 5
City: Trinidad
Included Meals:
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Today's Activity:
Hike in Topes de Collantes
National Park
Description:
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Today starts with a 45 minute drive up into the Sierra del Escambray range for a little adventure amidst the
tropical flora and fauna. We will hike to Caburni Falls, which drop some 200 feet to the Caburni River below.
Revel in sweeping views of traditional farms and coffee plantations against a backdrop of cliffs and, of course,
these almost undiscovered waterfalls. You'll have a chance for a refreshing soak in the medicinal waters midhike. Then after hiking up and out of the canyon, we'll visit a coffee farm and talk with the farmer about their
trade. Afterwards, we'll board the bus for a 90 minute transfer -- a good opportunity for a nap -- to the seaside
city of Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. It's been called the Paris of Cuba, with a strong backbone
of art, culture, and a spirit that's vibrant enough to be French, yet passionate enough to be decidedly Cuban.
Every neighborhood has a certain panache that's both timeworn and feisty. On arrival, if time permits and they
are in town, we will hear a performance by the Cantores de Cienfuegos, a choral group that performs around the
world. After a lovely dinner by the sea, if you are up for more, take a stroll along the Malecón.
DAY 6
City: Cienfuegos
Included Meals:
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Today's Ride:
Today's Activity:
Yaguaramas to Playa Girón
Up to 30 miles with approximately
350 feet of climbing
Snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs
Description:
Today begins with a short shuttle and then we take a downhill cruise to the sea and Playa Giron, which sits at
the mouth of the Bay of Pigs. This historic landmark is a significant symbol in the story of the Cold War as the
site of a failed military invasion of Cuba by a CIA-sponsored paramilitary group in 1961. We'll have an
opportunity for to visit the Bay of Pigs Museum and then enjoy a picnic lunch. The Bay is a prime spot for
snorkeling, so we'll take an hour or two to explore the coral and mystical sea caves teeming with tropical fish.
We'll learn about the Caribbean ecosystem and why Cuba has the healthiest reefs in all the region. Afterwards,
we'll depart for a three hour transfer to Cuba's cultural crown jewel, Havana. It's both the capital and commercial
center of the country, but it's also a window into world history. Spanish colonial architecture is part of the city's
DNA. The National Capitol Building is an iconic 1920s landmark, and La Habana Vieja, or "Old Havana" is home
to the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza Vieja, both of which are a shining example of the
architectural passion that the city is known for. We'll reconvene for dinner at La Calesa Real in Old Havana
where Paella is the specialty. After dinner, stroll Obispo Street where several bars and restaurants have live
music.
DAY 7
City: Havana
Included Meals:
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Today's Activity:
Tour Havana
Description:
Today is 100% dedicated to discovering Havana. We'll start with a cigar factory, and learn why Cuban cigars are
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such a rare and decadent treat for the true collector. Then, we're onto a walking tour of Old Havana. We learn
about the sites as we visit all four plazas, ending with lunch in Plaza Catedral. Afterwards, it is on to
Fusterlandia, the home of Cuban artist Jose Fuster ("the Picasso of the Caribbean"), whose artistic mission is to
transform his community through a kingdom of mosaic creations. And finally, we'll be sure to take a ride in those
classic cars before we gather for our farewell dinner.
DAY 8
City: Havana
Included Meals:
Hotels Vary
Breakfast | Lunch | Social Hour |
Dinner
Today's Actvity:
Departure
Description:
What a rare opportunity this has been! Today is the day to say our final goodbyes over Cuban coffee and a last
Caribbean breakfast. If you have time before your flight, you can choose to explore the enclaves of Havana that
you might have missed. Otherwise, it's onto the airport and your next port-of-call.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
VIEW MEETING AND DEPARTING INFORMATION»
WHAT'S INCLUDED
We Include More
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's
the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories.
Activities
Gratuities for all scheduled special events, restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation during your trip.
Private tours
Entrance fees to all group events/activities
All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
Cycling
People-to-People Exchanges
Hike in Topes de Collates National Park
Snorkeling at Punta Perdiz
Swim in the Caribbean and natural pools
Bay of Pigs Museum
Walking Tour of Old Havana
Tour of Cigar Factory
Visit to Coffee Farm
Visit Manaca Iznaga Sugar Plantation
Classic Car Ride in Havana
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Visit Fusterlandia
Musical Performance in Cienfuegos
Meet with Author Julio Munoz
Lodging
7 nights of accommodation
In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Cuba bike tour, we are
staying in a mix of hotels which are authentic to Cuba. You'll be welcomed into colorful lobbies and rooms are generally
uniquely decorated. These hotels have a lot of character, but some can be a bit more dated than you are used to and not up to
the quality ratings of our other trips. Please expect limited amenities and some quirks like the potential for a lukewarm shower.
Further, in Cuba, wifi is hard to come by, so we recommend that you leave that laptop at home!
We have listed a representative sample of hotels we use on our website for your reference. We will notify you of the specific hotels you
will be staying in the week before your trip.
Dining
Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, 2 social hours, 6 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
On our Cuba bike tour, meals will be simple and locally sourced. You can expect staples of rice, beans, greens, eggs, chicken,
pork, seafood and tropical fruit. Lunches will range from box lunches to simple picnics to restaurants. Dinners will generally be
at a paladar (a private, usually family-owned, restaurant) which offer authentic homemade Cuban food and a great opportunity
for a glimpse into the local culture. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but please bear in mind that variety
is limited in Cuba and shortages may occur.
Support
The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
Daily route support
All luggage transfers
Comprehensive trip literature
On our Cuba trip, in addition to 2 certified Trek Travel guides, we will have 2 local guides and a driver
Gear
The use of a Trek FX hybrid bikes with flat pedals.
GPS cycling computer and route guides will not be provided. Routes will be led by your guides at all times. Turns will be marked
by a guide or the bus, so don't worry, you won't get lost!
The use of bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
Trek Travel water bottles will be sent to you prior to your trip
Coupon valued up to $500 off a new Trek Bicycle. Contact us for details.
Trek Travel Bontrager RL jersey
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Thank your Guides, by tipping
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping your guides 7.5-10% of your trip price
for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves.
Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
What’s Not Included
Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations
Tourist cards and health insurance required for entry to Cuba
Lodging before and after the trip
Personal items purchased during the trip
Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel
On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure.
Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership.
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Industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 7.5-10% of the trip price.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel América, La Granjita, or Hotel
Los Caneyes
Hotel Mascotte, Hotel Barcelona or
similar
Santa Clara, Cuba
Remedios, Cuba
Hotel América, La Granjita, or Hotel
Los Caneyes Santa Clara, Cuba
Hotel Mascotte, Hotel Barcelona or
similar Remedios, Cuba
Hotel Plaza
Las Cuevas or Ibe
Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
Trinidad, Cuba
Hotel Plaza Sancti Spiritus, Cuba
Las Cuevas or Ib
Hotel Trinidad, Cu
TRAVEL SERVICES
How to get there
We suggest that you arrive on the first day of this Cuba trip, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of
missing the meeting time with your guides due to flight-related delays. We offer Day 1 of this trip as a day for you to arrive and check
into your hotel. The guides will meet you on Day 2 of this trip. We recommend that you fly into Santa Clara Airport (SNU).
We recommend taking a taxi from the airport to your first hotel in Santa Clara. We will email the hotel details one week prior to the trip.
Don't forget to bring cash and exchange it for local currency (CUC Cuban Convertible Peso) at the airport. American credit cards will
not work in Cuba.
Meeting Time And Location
Your First Hotel | Santa Clara, Cuba
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Santa Clara at 9:00 AM on the morning after you arrive (Day 2 of this
trip). We will begin with a bike fitting session before setting off for our first ride.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call our
first hotel and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. You will receive an email a week before the trip start
with contact details for your guides and hotels.
Departing Time and Location
Your Final Hotel | Havana, Cuba
We will offer a shuttle to the Havana airport at 10:00 am on the final day of the trip. The shuttle takes approximately 30 minutes, so we
recommend you don't book a flight before 12:30 pm. If you need to leave earlier or later, you will need to take a taxi to the airport.
Extending Your Trip
Due to the legal restrictions on Americans traveling in Cuba, we do not recommend that you extend your trip. If you choose to do so,
you are responsible for booking your own accommodations and transportation as well as complying with one of OFAC's 12 categories
of authorized travel to Cuba.
FAQS
Traveling to Cuba
We have an internal mantra of being “fun and flexible” at all times. It boils down to our guides being absolute rock stars when it counts,
and being able handle any curveball thrown their way. On this trip, you may forgo some of the comforts you are used to on our luxury
vacations. We invite you to adopt our mantra, keep an open mind, and enjoy what authentic Cuba has to offer before it is gone.
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People-to-People Exchanges
Travel to Cuba solely for purposes of tourism is still illegal for Americans. In order to visit legally, you must meet one of 12 categories
spelled out by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), one of which is educational people-to-people
exchanges. These are activities which facilitate meaningful interactions with local Cubans, giving you a better understanding of their
lives and culture. You can rest assured that Trek Travel has incorporated people-to-people activities in each day of this trip, therefore
traveling with us means your visit to Cuba meets with the requirements of U.S. law.
Entry Into Cuba
Americans need a Passport and a Tourist Card to enter Cuba. The Tourist Card is typically included in your airfare and distributed at
the gate prior to boarding your flight to Cuba. There are exceptions, so please confirm with your airline or travel agent prior to booking
your flight. If, however, you were born in Cuba, different rules apply. Please contact a Trip Consultant for details.
Medical Information
Cuba requires you to purchase health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay. This should also be included in the price of your
airfare, but please confirm this with your airline. We recommend booking flights with our travel agency. Please contact a Trip Consultant
for details.
Please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on recommended vaccinations for Cuba. As with
many countries, the CDC recommends that pregnant women not travel to Cuba because of the presence of the Zika virus. We will
provide and recommend only drinking bottled water.
Currency
Credit cards are not accepted in Cuba, so please bring sufficient cash to Cuba to cover all expenses from incidentals, to guide gratuities
to rum cocktails and cigars. There is a more favorable local exchange rate for Euros than USD but USD is accepted as well.
Internet and Cell Coverage
Wifi is not dependable in Cuba and should not be expected to be readily available during this trip. Cell service is also limited. We
recommend that you check with your provider to see if they offer roaming service in Cuba.
Trip Changes
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip.
At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip
experience. Moreover, this is Cuba! Our days are packed full of great activities, but sometimes schedules change or things don’t run
on time. Note that the exact activities and visits listed are not guaranteed on every trip, and we may substitute as necessary to guaranty
a full slate of people–to-people activities.
What are the daily rides like?
Rider Type | 2
Average Daily Mileage | 35
Terrain | Flat
Average Daily Elevation | 875 ft.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are
avoided as much as possible. Please note that the number of paved roads to choose from in Cuba are limited and this trip contains
more shuttling than our normal trips in order to get from destination to destination in a timely manner. The terrain is generally flat with a
few mellow hills sprinkled in for good measure. The roads we ride are paved, and pavement is generally smooth but there will be some
patches that are less well maintained. Cuba is best suited for our Type 2 Riders. Our Trek Travel guides can also easily accommodate
Type 1 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to
spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip
Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See
Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
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People-to-People Exchanges
Hike in Topes de Collantes National Park Falls
Snorkeling at Punta Perdiz
Swim in the Caribbean and natural pools
Bay of Pigs Museum
Walking Tour of Old Havana
Tour of Cigar Factory
Visit to Coffee Farm
Visit Manaca Iznaga Sugar Plantation
Classic Car Ride in Havana
Visit Fusterlandia
Musical Performance in Cienfuegos
Meet with Author Julio Munoz
What is the weather going to be like?
On our Cuba trip. you can expect lots of sunshine. Temperatures are generally range from 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a tropical
environment, so expect some humidity and mosquitoes. We recommend bringing a sun hat, bathing suit, sunscreen and bug spray.
Do you have upgrade options available?
Due to the nature of this trip, we do not include any upgrade bike options.
If I book a tour, can it be guaranteed that it will run?
Our Cuba trips are not guaranteed until minimums are met. We will contact you when the departure becomes guaranteed so you may
book your airfare and travel arrangements.
In the event that a departure has low enrollment, we will notify guests at 60-90 days before departure to give the option to select a
different date with more guests booked. Please do not reserve airfare before confirming your Trek Travel trip. Contact your Trip
Consultant for more details.
What kind of information is provided?
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email
containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you
arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip.
What if I have to change or cancel my trip?
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as
possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our
cancellation policy.
What should I pack?
We want you to be prepared and as comfortable as possible throughout each day of your vacation. A trip consultant will provide a
packing list specific to this trip in an email when you book.
General FAQs
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions
that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
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