Cuban Highlights Ride

What an amazing way to see Cuba! I loved every second & Freddy, our guide, was so knowledgeable & clearly passionate about Cuba, that it really added to the experience. The group was great fun too. All in all a brilliant holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment
Reaching the lake at the top after a gruelling 7km uphill on the final day 40km cycle - such an achievement

Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic - highly knowledgeable & always ready to help

Advice for Potential Travelers
Go!

Suggestions
I loved the cycling so much i'm already looking into my next trip

Fantastic trip with great cycling, cultural and historical aspects. The entire trip exceeded my expectations for the quality of bikes to accommodation and food. The cycling was relaxed and, although mostly on main roads, traffic was not heavy (unlike the headwinds!) and there was always full back up with the support bus. The food was simple but tasty and the casa’s were comfortable and far more interesting than staying in a hotel. Cuba was fantastic and everything we needed was available, just be prepared for some unreliability such as lack of hot water, toilet paper etc

Most Inspirational Moment
The entire trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader
Freddy was excellent. Very knowledgeable about Cuba and it's history and patiently dealing with all our questions and ability to miss the (almost) unmissable cycling stops

Advice for Potential Travelers
Extend your trip, one week just isn't enough

Suggestions
The most sought after items by the group were toilet paper, bug spray, wet wipes, sanitiser and 25c for toilet stops.

Very enjoyable and well organized. Lovely rides through varied countryside and interesting towns which transported us back in time and gave fascinating insights into the country’s history. Routes were good and the bikes ideal for the various challenges – hills, road surface etc. Pleasant helpful supportive staff always ready with water, snacks and repairs if needed.

Most Inspirational Moment
Happy Cubans! Despite its troubled history and obvious deprivation it is a land full of fun and welcome. Whether cycling through rural villages or in towns we were always greeted with cheerful "Holas!" and waves from smiling adults and children.

Thoughts on Group Leader
Lenay was an excellent group leader and tour guide. She speaks very good English, has an extensive knowledge of her country's history and culture and is thoughtful, witty and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travelers
Just go and embrace their vibrant world of sun and salsa and have plenty of Cuban currency. Although it is not the land of plenty and the food is bland the facilities are very clean!

Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the cycle without using the bus! Learning about Cuban history and feeling sad that the West has misunderstood Cuba all these years. They have done a great job of surviving and thriving despite all the difficulties. Our guide, Alex, who was full of surprises, knowledge, variety and went out of his way to organize every detail for individuals in the group ensuring we all had the best holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader
Alex was great. He easily interacted with all members of the group. He was our interpreter for language and events. He worked hard behind the scenes, cultivating good relationships with Casa owners etc, organizing travel details for group members coming and leaving at different times, dealing with all the tipping, giving clear instructions and direction and just generally making sure everything was hassle free for us. He worked patriotically and with sincerity - very catching! There was never any pressure. A great holiday because of him.

Advice for Potential Travelers
A universal plug ( for sinks, baths etc) would be useful.

What a lovely trip – we had lots of laughs, learned a great deal about Cuban history and enjoyed a wonderful Cuban crew.

Most Inspirational Moment
Inspiration took many forms - our group discussions about Cuba, world politics and kindness to others inspired me each day.

Thoughts on Group Leader
Have to say that both our guide and mechanic took significant efforts to ensure we were keen to ride and well supported - from cold drinks and sweet snacks to gentle nudges up big hills to an unwavering love of their country that was shared each day. Our guide (Alex) was incredibly well informed, engaged in all he did and had a great sense of humor - as he might say, quite 'cheeky'!

Advice for Potential Travelers
Take lots of time to engage with the communities you travel through - the people are very fun, kind and interesting. Tried to leave toiletries behind as tips in each place we stayed - these are crazy expensive in Cuba and so easy for travelers to share. Take the time before or after this trip to spend an additional day or two in Havana - really great city. We also spent time on our own in Mantanzas and found many wonderful surprises including a great art studio, fab little bar and paper making gallery.

Suggestions
Thanks ... truly a great journey.

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, a true holiday of a lifetime! I LOVED Cuba, it was so colourful, sunny and full of music and dance. A great tour group, everyone was lovely and happy to join in!
Cycling was fine, I am active person but not a cyclist except for cycling tours in the Netherlands, but the cycling was steady and I was tired at the end of the day, but manageable.
Cycling was on tarmac roads, and mostly fairly straight, but there was little traffic, just a 1950s car passing regularly to add to the atmosphere. There were regular breaks, and water was provided by the guides, and the bus was behind us all of the way.
Was glad to have cycling shorts with padding and also a gel saddle cover. Ended up leaving my bag on the bus which was always with us, and just cycling. It was hot and found a bag too annoying to be carting around.
Accommodation was clean and comfortable, though lacked soft furnishings, but personally for me clean is the important bit! Staying in the Casa’s were my favorite, gave a more authentic feel, and while simple still had air con, and I think more comfortable beds than the hotels in my case (we broke into smaller groups for the nights in the Casa’s).

Food was simple, a yummy meat (grilled chicken, pork that fell apart), with rice and plantain chips. I thought it was tasty, even if less varied! Fizzy drinks and fruit juice with meals that you bought separately.

Group tour leader, Alex was excellent. He organized on the tour excellently, looked after us, and also taught us so much about Cuba’s history and way of life. He was full of tips and ideas.

Non cycling time was just as fascinating, we learnt to salsa, drank mojitos, had walking tours around and went swimming in the sea. Really liked Trinidad and staying there two nights, and Havana town was charming.

Think that doing a tour was a really good way to see Cuba, afterwards stayed on 4 days at the memories hotel in Jibacoa, but after the fun of the group and wandering around and being able to mingle it felt a bit fake at the resort – wish I had done it before the tour rather than after. Other people in the hotel who did organized trips out weren’t that enamoured and felt alone it was a bit complicated doing a trip to a neighboring town or Habana.

Most Inspirational Moment
Loved the whole Cuban experience and the friendliness of the country. The tour itself was really well structured, and the cycling was very well organized - good bikes, safe cycling, and good resources with snacks and water. Cuba is a wonderful mix of carribean, spanish language, sun, fun and music.

Thoughts on Group Leader
Group tour leader, Alex was excellent. He organized on the tour excellently, looked after us, and also taught us so much about Cuba's history and way of life. He was full of tips and ideas. Was clear with instructions and to also give some free time, but also ideas with what to do in that free time. Perfect balance of information and helpfulness without being intrusive.

Advice for Potential Travelers
Take a saddle cover - bikes are excellent quality but the saddles are narrow. I wish id taken a actual sports bottle rather than using a normal water bottle which i couldn't undo the screw top while cycling. Take little and cycle light! Stop and take photos etc if you want, its not a race and everyone has to wait at the end, however fast you cycle. Don't need to be a cyclist, but you do need a certain amount of fitness, and the sun can be intense, but be reassured that the bus is behind you if you need it.

What a great trip! A fabulous way to get a taste of the real Cuba. Our guide was so helpful and friendly. Our group was great fun. The bikes were fantastic and well maintained. The mojitos were good too!

Most Inspirational Moment
The camaraderie amongst the group, especially when the cycling got tough right at the very end (there was the option to get on the bus) but making it to the top with everyone's support felt great!

Thoughts on Group Leader
Couldn't have asked for more! He was helpful, friendly, supportive and so very knowledgeable. He organized us very efficiently but in a way that did not harass - he recognized we were on holiday!

Advice for Potential Travelers
Go with an open mind and be pleasantly surprised. It is a great country with lots to offer in terms of culture and vitality. Cycling is a great way to enjoy this and the free time experiences really fill in the gaps.

Suggestions
You don't have to be an avid cyclist for this trip but it is hot and sometimes hard work so you need to be reasonably fit. However, the effort is worth it and you are never pressured to do more than you are able to. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

This trip gave us a brilliant insight into all Cuba has to offer as well as the delights of cycling along the coast and through the countryside

Most Inspirational Moment
We loved the challenge of cycling up the hill on our last cycling day-great to finish with a sense of achievement. And the opportunity to see Che Guevara's Mausoleum was a very moving experience. It's well worth climbing the tower in the museum in Trinidad -the steep stairs lead to a stunning view. Trinidad really took our breath away-friendly people, cobbled streets, craft stalls and music on the steps in an afternoon with a mojhito-perfect!

Thoughts on Group Leader
Laz was very engaging -the group enjoyed his company, appreciated his extensive knowledge and valued his consideration

Advice for Potential Travelers
It was very hot-take plenty of sunscreen and plenty of snacks to eat whilst cycling. And don't leave Cuba without taking a ride in one of those stunning cars along the sea front

This is perfect way to explore Cuba.
I experienced everything what I wanted to do in Cuba through this trip.
Cycling under the bright sky, swimming in the Caribbean sea, taking a nap on the beach, tasting Cuban cigar, dancing with local gentlemen, lots of mojito, walking around the colonial town, staying at a friendly Casa, driving by a classic car, and of course, meeting new friends from around the world.
Is this excellent experience for summer holidays, isn’t it?

Most Inspirational Moment
Every moment was brilliant. Cycling, swimming, dancing and drinking with lovely new friends were fantastic moments. Woke up in the early morning before the sunrise and went to the sea where's no one else but me. Floating on the sea and seeing the beautiful sunrise was one of the inspirational moment.

Thoughts on Group Leader
The leader Freddy is perfect leader we can count on in this trip. His accurate knowledge of history, technical advice for riding, smart joking boosted our travel. Also his prompt action with warm consideration was really helpful when I had a trouble.

Advice for Potential Travelers
No worries about cycling. The support vehicle follows us every time, you don't have to have any equipments during cycling. A bandanna is useful to clean your face, to cover your mouth with it. You sometimes get a terrible vehicle emission when riding behind the cars.

Suggestions
To learn some steps of salsa before visiting Cuba makes your trip much fun.

A most enjoyable 8 days with a perfect combination of cycling and cultural activities. The guide (Laz) was excellent, as a cycling leader, with knowledge of Cuba, and with melding and helping out the group. The cycles were in very good condition (nearly new) and ideal for the task and the mechanic/safety cyclist (Guillaume) was ever cheerful – and had the biggest thighs we’ve ever seen. The bus was very comfortable and the driver (Ivan) very safe. The weather, the music, the accommodation, and the cocktails were always excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment
Wandering around Trinidad and the excellent home stay (Hostal Slovenia ~ Margarita). Music everywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader
Laz was a perfect tour guide; relaxed, patient, knowledgeable and with excellent English. We were never hassled to move on, never chased to keep up, yet there seemed to be time to do everything. He tolerated our inability to remember timing, restaurant and food options with a smile. Many on the tour were going on to other locations in Cuba or elsewhere and he sorted out all accommodation, directions and transport issues.

Advice for Potential Travelers
If you are thinking about it - go for it! We were concerned that we would not cope with the cycling - we are very irregular cyclists. The cycling was occasionally hard (temperature and hills) but we managed very well. The roads are very quiet, we were always on tarmac (if occasionally potholed) and it was possible to opt out and get on the bus at any time - though we hardly ever did. Seriously, you will cope

Suggestions
The food was always good and plentiful in quantity and choice. Sandwich lunches on the move were always fine and water was always available from the bus. But is almost impossible to get 'snacks' - it is worth taking a few cereal bars and/or dried fruit to nibble on the road.

I’m not really much of a cyclist but I’d decided that seeing Cuba from the seat of my saddle was the only way to experience this fascinating destination. In the end, I fell in love with Cuba and fell in love with cycling too! The holiday was just the right mix of culture, history and beach and it was all done at our own pace. Each day we saw or did different things and I’d wake up each morning, looking forward to whatever the next day would bring! Also, I felt very safe on my bike. The traffic was very light and always gave us a wide berth.

Most Inspirational Moment
Meeting the Cuban people. They seem to have very little but they give you so much. Some of us brought small gifts (toys, toiletries, pens, books) which we gave to our hosts in the 'Casas Particulares'. Seeing their smiles was very uplifting.

Thoughts on Group Leader
Jose was excellent. He was very helpful (cycling off at one point to get more currency for the group). He was a proud Cuban with a good sense of humor and was always on hand to sort any issues which arose.

Advice for Potential Travelers
About half way through the holiday, quite a few members of the group ran out of Cuban money or needed to top up their currency. Changing money wasn't quite as easy as in other parts of the world, so I would advise changing more than the £150 which we were advised to change on arrival at the airport. Oh...and some of my twenty pound notes were refused by the cashiers because they weren't 'perfect'. Make sure the cash you bring into Cuba has no small tears. They will be refused.

Suggestions
I'm not a cyclist but I completed the course! At times, the hills presented a real challenge but that just added to the sense of achievement at the end of the day. The food was quite ordinary really but nobody in our group was ill. However, my advice would be - just go!...before Cuba changes!

I really enjoyed this trip. I was really taken by the friendliness and beauty of Cuba, and the bravery and resilience of the people there. The itinerary was good, allowing us to see different aspects of Cuba, and the accommodation was comfortable and well-located. The cycling was not particularly easy, as it was seriously hot (between 35 and 40 degrees some days), and there was often a really annoying headwind, but, despite that, it was enjoyable as we passed through some great scenery. The group was great too.

Most Inspirational Moment
There wasn't one particular moment. The whole place is inspirational, although it's hard to see how the changes currently taking place are going to have a positive impact on all Cubans. It's hot. It's humid. There's music everywhere. The rum based drinks are fab. The men are a bit too forward. The sea is so blue and the sand so white. The renovations of the old colonial buildings are starting to make things look a bit Disney-like. It all makes for a really great, interesting trip, and I'd go again in a heart beat.

Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was Laz, and we had Guille as mechanic and Eduardo as driver. They were a great team, and I think we all really enjoyed being in their company.

Advice for Potential Travelers
Try and keep loads of ten and 25 centavo coins to give to the toilet attendants. Take some long sleeve tops for cycling - even wearing high protection suncream some of us got burnt. You might need ear plugs as Cuban cockerels, pineapple sellers, etc. etc. start early! Immodium might be a good idea too, as there were a few dodgy tummies among the group!

I’ve wanted to cycle Cuba since I first visited in 1998 and saw cyclists arrive at my hotel. Yes, it’s taken me a long while to finally get there and I was afraid I may be disappointed but this is a brilliant trip that will leave you wanting to do it all over again.

We were lucky to have Freddy as our guide and he was an absolute professional. Every step of the tour was designed for us to get the most out of each day and evening.

Most Inspirational Moment
There were plenty. Diving in the cave of fishes, swimming in the Caribbean, dancing in Trinidad, sharing my 50th birthday with the group, reaching Hanabanilla and seeing the view, cycling through stunning countryside.

Thoughts on Group Leader
A consummate professional. We were lucky to have Freddy as our leader.

Advice for Potential Travelers
Read the travel notes and the reviews. The travel notes are very accurate and give you a good idea of what to pack. The traveler reviews are full of good ideas of what to take like a gel saddle, loo roll, torch, F50 sunscreen. Expect to find some of the accommodation a little basic but all was habitable. Relax and enjoy the experience as it passes in a flash. Say yes to every suggestion to go to a local bar, family home or club and you'll see the real Cuba.

Suggestions
We went for my 50th birthday - I loved every minute of the holiday.