Cuba Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
Cuba Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual Hotels
2025: Nov-Dec2026: Jan-May, Nov-Dec2027: Jan-Apr
Trinidad's Timeless Landscapes to Havana's Rhythms
Two wheels are your ticket way off the beaten path in this fascinating time warp of a country. Pedal through mangroves and sugarcane fields, beside dazzling beaches and down the thoroughfares of Old Havana.
Highlights
- Join Cuban pro cyclists from the Cuban Masters Cycling Club for six full days of riding with locals
- Tour the historical points of the island, including the site of the Bay of Pigs landing and no fewer than four World Heritage Sites
- Chat with journalists and artists, move to the sound of live Cuban rhythms and maybe even indulge in a cigar tasting
- Pedal through the sleepy green landscape of central Cuba, where lush fields and tropical groves are broken up by dome-shaped mountains
- Sit back and take advantage of our years of experience offering US-approved itineraries in Cuba under the “Support for the Cuban People” visiting license
Start/End Havana
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
From our meeting in Havana, head straight for the center of the island, where our first ride explores the Valley of the Sugar Mills • Marvel at the abandoned seven-story bell tower in the town of Manaca Iznaga, which once called workers in to lunch from the sugarcane fields • Enjoy some live music in this region considered the cradle of Cuban sounds • Dine alfresco on the sands of Playa Ancón and take to the crystal clear water with snorkels and masks • Tour the cobblestoned center of Trinidad de Cuba, a World Heritage Site.
Nights 1-2
Airy spaces full of boho-chic touches are your private oasis in the World Heritage Old Town of Trinidad.
Day 3
Spin across tropical wetlands and through flooded mangrove forests • Enjoy lunch beneath the trees of a botanical garden • In Cienfuegos, another colorful World Heritage town, the local fortress has stood for centuries as a defense against pirates • Join a tobacco farmer for a presentation on the art of Cuban cigars • Marvel at Cienfuegos’ eye-popping architecture, which mixes French colonial and neo-baroque styles.
Night 3
The Spanish-owned Meliá hotel family brings a sleek oasis of modern international hospitality to Cuba; delicious spaces like the rooftop terrace and the leafy courtyard make it an oasis worth relaxing in. (pool)
Days 4-6
Cycle along the coast through sleepy Caribbean fishing villages • Reflect on history when you visit Playa Girón, the site of the 1961 Bay of Pigs landing • Explore the outskirts of Havana, where fruit plantations and sugarcane fields still flourish • Try some of Cuba’s best seafood at a casual but locally beloved beachside eatery • Wander a wonderland of surrealist art at Fusterlandia and share a coffee and a chat with the artist’s family • A meet-and-greet with a local journalist and an urban dance performance bring us below the surface of dynamic Havana • Toast to our week together at an elegant rooftop restaurant overlooking Old Havana • Take a last spin around the city’s iconic landmarks, including the waterfront and the imposing Plaza de la Revolución.
Nights 4-5
An elegantly restored boutique oasis in Havana's modern and well-to-do Vedado neighborhood.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to travel to Cuba without supporting the Cuban government in a way that would violate the American embargo, we follow an itinerary licensed by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under a category called “Support for the Cuban People.” The Support for the Cuban People license allows us to travel in Cuba with a planned schedule of meaningful interactions with Cubans. Qualifying for the license allows little room for deviation–especially compared to the flexibility we build into other Backroads itineraries.
When purchasing your flights to Cuba, select that you will be traveling under the OFAC category of “Support for the Cuban People.” You may be able to extend your stay in Cuba beyond the days of our trip depending on your legal status in the US. If you are not extending your stay before or after our Backroads trip, your flight to Cuba must arrive no earlier than the evening before the Backroads trip start and must depart no later than the morning after the trip end.
Cuban roads, especially in the countryside, are very poorly maintained. Come prepared for adventurous riding on gravel, potholes and rough road, which add an extra dimension of challenge to Cuba’s climbs and descents. This is a region for riders of all levels to take advantage of shuttles, to slow down, and to pace yourself and find your line. When in doubt, watch the Cuban Masters Cycling Club members who are riding with us—and bike like a Cuban!
When traveling abroad, things don’t always go according to plan and, particularly in Cuba, itinerary changes or shifts mid-trip are quite common. In the event of a last-minute change to scheduled activities, your leaders will find alternative activities. Expect the unexpected in this region—it’s all part of the adventure!
In Cuba we're prohibited by the US State Department to support government-affiliated businesses, which include nearly all hotels in the country. To respect this requirement, we stay at several hotels which are legally registered as casas particulares.
In their purest form, casas particulares are essentially homestays. Our lodgings are casas particulares in name only, operating as de facto hotels. However, keep in mind that these properties are simple and informal and demand a certain degree of flexibility. Most notably, Cuba's periodic power cuts and fuel shortages can always affect them, causing possible loss of air-conditioning and/or hot water.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Casual Hotel
Airy spaces full of boho-chic touches are your private oasis in the World Heritage Old Town of Trinidad.
Night 3
Casual Hotel
The Spanish-owned Meliá hotel family brings a sleek oasis of modern international hospitality to Cuba; delicious spaces like the rooftop terrace and the leafy courtyard make it an oasis worth relaxing in. (pool)
Nights 4-5
*Deluxe Hotel
An elegantly restored boutique oasis in Havana's modern and well-to-do Vedado neighborhood.
Gallery
Bikes
Ready to Ride
On this trip where Backroads custom titanium bikes are not available, we offer local bikes that are well suited for the terrain on our routes.
Included in your trip price
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 10 customers
Trip of a lifetime, but very challenging
This trip was phenomenal. The Backroads leaders took care of everything and were so accommodating. The Cuban guides and support staff were so friendly and interesting. All the various stops and educational experiences were eye-opening--from the school house, to the many artists, to tobacco farmer, and the guides tours in Havana--I felt I really got to know Cuba. This trip was physically challenging, but with the support of the vans and the Cuban cycling team members, this middle-aged out-of-shape woman was able to do most rides and I had a blast. The roads were in bad shape, which prevented me from gaining speed for the many uphill climbs. The Cuban people are so lovely. And Backroads was fantastic every step of the way. I cannot recommend this trip enough.
Fabulous trip, but you need to be training!
The country, the landscape, the Cuban people and the guides made this a wonderful trip. Cuba is beautiful, accessible and welcoming. It is also shockingly hilly at times, riddled with potholes and paved with gravel. You need to train for this trip. I enjoyed every single day, every hour and certainly every meal & mojito. I highly recommend this adventure if biking is your thing.
Our trip exceeded all expectations; truly the trip of a life
Biking in Cuba with Backroads was truly the trip of a lifetime. With limited knowledge of what is currently taking place there, we were overwhelmed by the islands friendliness and beauty of its people and culture. And, of course the Backroads staff was beyond any expectation in terms of professionalism, knowledge, and caring for every detail of our journey. For me it is the only way to travel and experience the world with people who love to do what you do. My only regret is that I didn't start earlier with Backroads.
Don't miss this one!
I encourage you to travel to a country that is only a stone's throw away from the US yet is other-worldly. Cuba is a fascinating, colorful, challenging, and inspiring place to visit. Seeing it on a bike provides you with such a unique perspective. The routes are not without its hills and rough spots, but the opportunity to see this beautiful place on two wheels makes the journey so worthwhile. Backroads introduces you to the beautiful Cuban people: artists, dancers, farmers and so many others who help give you so much insight into the opportunities and the challenges that this population faces at this pivotal time.
Really fun and interesting trip!!!
Tough riding on some treacherous roads, but Backroads Cuba biking trip offers a wonderful experience with the Cuban people and country.
This was a once in a lifetime experience!
My adult son and I took this trip. It was both active and culturally enriching. The perfect blend for both of us. We really got to know Cuba : the people, geography, food and so much you would never see on a cruise excursion or bus trip. Our Backroads leaders, James and Quinnen know the country so well. Their enthusiasm was contagious. We also got to know the Cuban support team despite any language barriers. They were open to sharing their stories and wanted to learn ours. It was an amazing week and one I will not forget.
Eye-opening, remarkable and memorable trip
This was an amazing trip that offered a true insight to the Cuban culture. Backroads knocked it out of the park with every detail and piece of information. My husband and I are avid cyclists and traveled extensively for cycling trips. This was the perfect blend of both. Though some of the roads weren't perfect, it offered the experience of what it's like to live in that country. You accept what you have and navigate it. We are already thinking about our next trip!
Bike Cuba Wow!
Total Cultural Immersion. So lucky to have participated in this well thought out trip through western Cuba. Bicycles are a common means of transportation for the Cuban people and biking through Cuba seemed so natural. Trip leaders and Cuban support team were excellent.
an amazing trip in every way!
Beyond the biking, I learned so much more about the culture, struggles and economics of Cuba than I ever expected. Also, I felt that Backroads didn't cut any corners. They provided us with the best accommodations and food available. They set up remarkable extra activities throughout the entire week. Future participants should be aware that the roads are mostly rough and cuba is HOT! but, that is Cuba, so if either of those two considerations are important, then they should choose another Backroads Trip.
Amazing in every way!!!!
What a fantastic and well run trip. The biking was challenging for sure but the trip leaders accommodated every whim. All nine of us were about the same in terms of speed and ability so we had a great group. Local guides were excellent and really everything about this trip was exceptional from the routes to the Cuban people. What a treat to bike with masters from the Cuban bike team. Thanks to back roads for an incredible and memorable experience. It literally could not have been better
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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