Cycle Cuba: East

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
Cycle Cuba: East
8 Days
From AUD $2230
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(17 reviews)

Cycle Cuba: East

Cycle Cuba: East

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience Cuba from the perspective of two wheels as you cycle around the eastern coast of this laidback Caribbean island.

Highlights

  • Ride through Cuba’s everchanging landscapes and see the country from a unique perspective – from the charm of Old Havana, you’ll ride along small dusty farming roads to dramatic limestone cliffs and lush valleys.
  • See Caribbean Cuba on two wheels – a bike gives you unique access to parts of the island that are off the beaten track, like the incredible Caves of Fishes.
  • Pay homage to the legendary Che Guevara – an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, guerrilla leader, diplomat and military theorist – at his final resting place in the very heart of Santa Clara.
  • Indulge in some much needed sun, sand and sea on the buzzing beaches of Varadero. You have a full free day here to partake in optional activities like dolphin watching, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming and chilling out on the warm sands of the resort beaches.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Support Vehicle (Bus)

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Havana, Cuba

Finishes

Havana, Cuba

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Cycling

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Havana
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cuba. To make your arrival into Havana a bit easier, a complimentary transfer will take you from the airport to your accommodation (guesthouse). Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As the group is sometimes spread between several (but nearby) guesthouses, your leader will leave a note for you explaining where to meet and what to bring. If you arrive early, consider hiring an open-top vintage American car and check out the sights while cruising the streets. After the meeting, your evening is free to relax or head out for an optional welcome dinner with your riding companions.

Included Activities:

  • Havana - Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

  • Classic American Car Tour of Havana - Urban Adventures (guide & transport included (67 USD)
  • Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee) (250 CUP)
  • Havana - Jose Marti Memorial tower entrance fee (200 CUP)
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee & dinner) (35 USD)
  • Havana - Half-day Ernest Hemingway Tour (guide and transport included 2 clients min required) (68 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Bay of Pigs & Cienfuegos
Start the day with a bike fitting, then transfer to the Bahia de Cochinos (the Bay of Pigs) for your first ride. You’ll begin at Playa Larga – sitting at the head of the bay, this is one of the two beaches that was invaded by US-sponsored exiles in 1961. Cycle along the tree-lined eastern shoreline, past a flooded cave called Cueva de los Peces (the Cave of Fish) to the peaceful sandy arc of Playa Giron – the second beach that was invaded. Here, you’ll get to rest your weary legs in the crystal-clear Caribbean water. The bay boasts a deep underwater well and a huge variety of coral and fish – the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing dip. When you've finished swimming in the salty sea, simply cross the road and jump in the fresh waters of the nearby cenote – a flooded cave that’s full of tropical fish. After, head to Cienfuegos, where you’ll take a leader-led orientation walk to get acquainted with the area.

Included Activities:

  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Trinidad
After fuelling up on breakfast this morning, you’ll set out on today’s bike ride to Trinidad. Cycle along the rolling hills and mango trees through the countryside to reach the sea. Sitting on the Caribbean coast, Trinidad boasts well-preserved Spanish architecture, large plazas and a big salsa scene, making it a popular destination. When you arrive, get acquainted with the town’s once-grand mansions, pastel-hued buildings, cobbled streets and gardens on an orientation walk. In the evening, why not practice your dance moves at one of the many live music venues or head to a folklore show at one of the open-air venues. Your local leader can suggest a few of the latest hotspots for a fun night out on the town.

Included Activities:

  • Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (from entrance fee) (250 CUP)
  • Trinidad - Romantic Museum (entrance fee) (120 CUP)
  • Trinidad - Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos (entrance fee) (70 CUP)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Santa Clara
From Cuba’s coast, you’ll discover the country’s lush, tropical side at Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. This heavily protected nature reserve is home to jungle-covered limestone mountains, waterfalls, caves, grottoes and diverse flora and fauna. Drive north of Topes de Collantes, stopping at Mirador del Escambray on the way for the fantastic view of Trinidad and the Caribbean. From here you’ll climb on the bikes and explore the Guanayara section of the reserve. Avoiding the long climb, you’ll start at the Mirador del Hanabanilla for sweeping views of Lake Hanabanilla before a section of mixed tarmac and gravel terrains, both within and outside of the reserve. Sit down for lunch with the locals, then take a swim in a natural pool beside the waterfall. Ride on, then board the support vehicle for the drive to Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial. Check out the bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and learn about his incredible life before arriving in Santa Clara, where you’ll take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings.

Included Activities:

  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Varadero
After breakfast, drive east towards Matanzas province to the small town of Jovellanos where you’ll begin today’s ride. This province is largely flat, with an enormous marsh to the south, rocky terrain to the northwest and cays and mangroves to the northeast. Uncover part of this vast land on a bike tour, enjoying mostly flat roads as you pass through small towns and citrus and sugar cane plantations before arriving in the maritime port city of Cardenas. This is a historical city where many things happened for the first time in Cuba, including the first ever raising of the modern Cuban flag. It’s also considered to be the Cuban city of bicycles! From here, it’s just a short drive to the resort town of Varadero. Your accommodation for tonight is a bit more authentic than the string of all-inclusive resorts that line the coast – you’ll be staying in a Varadero guesthouse.

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Varadero
Experience Cuba’s version of beach life with a free day in Varadero. After the past few cycling-heavy days, free time in the sun and sand is bound to be a welcome change of pace. Ask your leader about possible water-based activities and optional excursions on offer. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling are all popular options. You can also head out on a dolphin-watching expedition or take a boat trip to nearby mangroves where flamingos, crocodiles, parrots and other wildlife can be found. Alternatively, simply find a patch of golden sand, grab a pina colada and enjoy the glorious views. Alternatively, if you want to explore further on your bike, just let your leader know the night before so the bike doesn't get packed away.

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Matanzas & Havana
Today is an early start as you start cycling directly from your guesthouse in Varadero. Hug the coast as you enjoy a ride alongside the white sand beaches that line the blue waters of the Straits of Florida all the way to Matanzas city – the capital of the Matanzas province. As part of Matanzas literary and musical heritage, the city is known for its poets, Afro-Cuban folklore and as the birthplace of danzon and rumba (two important Cuban dances). On arrival, park the bikes and take a guided walking tour with your leader. Later this afternoon, you’ll say goodbye to your bikes and return to Havana. When you arrive, take a closer look at Old Havana on a leader-led walking tour, finishing up at a micro-brewery where you can toast to the end of an excellent active adventure.

Included Activities:

  • Havana - Leader led City Tour of Old Havana
  • Matanzas Bicycle Tour

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Havana
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after checking out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. If you have not already organised a transfer to the airport, your guesthouse can usually arrange one for you – please discuss this with them the day before you need to depart.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,230
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Experience Cuba from the perspective of two wheels as you cycle around the eastern coast of this laidback Caribbean island.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Mar 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Michael
Traveled, February 2024

02/29/2024

Cuba East. Wow! This trip surpassed our expectations. We are an active couple of 67-year olds, though our group age-ranged 19-75. Our guide Ranier was as knowledgeable and detail-oriented as one could hope, and supported by a well-organized Intrepid team. So happy to get out of the chaos of Havana and bike through other parts of Cuba. Biggest surprise: the food was wonderful.

5.0
Beverly
Traveled, February 2024

03/05/2024

I would highly recommend the Cycle Cuba: East Tour. This trip was well organized. Thank you to all! :-)

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989