Cycle Cuba: East

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Snorkelling is a popular option. 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.

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.