Cuba
We will take you ‘back in time’. Oldtimers, cigars, colourful colonial houses, cowboys, salsa music vibes, communism, Fidel Castro and Hemingway. Cuba is a country where time has stood still. History, culture, nature and beaches, Cuba has it all. During your trip we will take you to bustling Havana, past tobacco plantations, through green hills, to colonial towns and pearly white beaches. Get carried away in the world of music and dance.
Distance:
1200 km
Level:
3
Stages:
18 – 19
Travel time:
4 weeks
Best travel period
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
9 / 10
Highlights:
2 The tobacco plantations in Viñales, surrounded by karst mountains;
3 Back in time: cowboys and oldtimers;
4 Tropical beaches.
Explore the freedom!
Your trip will start in bustling Havana, a place to immerse yourself in the Cuban lifestyle. Wander through the streets of Havana Vieja, enjoy colonial architecture, visit the book market on Plaza de Armas, visit Plaza de Revalución and immerse yourself into the world of music and dance.
From Havana you depart on your bicycle through the inlands over paved and unpaved roads through the hilly green inlands to the Viñales valley. Labelled as one of the most gorgeous areas of Cuba with its tobacco plantations surrounded by stunning karst mountains. Viñales is the autenthic village, located within the valley. The village isn’t that particular, however the atmosphere is fantastic. Cycle through the picturesque village past classic cars and horse carts. You sometimes think you are in the Wild West. Locals relax in their hanging chairs in front of their houses, of course with a cigar in their hands. Everywhere Cuban music sounds from the houses. This is most definitely the spot to learn more about the history of the famous Cuban cigars.
Via the historical Varkensbaai, where the failed American invasion of Cuban happened, you follow your way to the student town of Cienfuegos. This city is also called ‘La Perla del Sur’, the pearl of the south, because of its gorgeous inner city that is completely listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Cienfuegos used to be the trading port for sugar cane, tobacco and coffee.
Then, you cycle, party past the coast, party through the inner lands towards the colourful Trinidad. The old inner city is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: it looks like one big open-air museum.
A wonderful place to stay a little longer and enjoy the local life which mostly is taking place at the streets. In the area you can take a hike towards a few beautiful waterfalls.
From Trinidad you cycle North through the in lands, via a few traditional towns. You stumble upon Santa Clara, the most revolutionary town of Cuba. In particular, because of its link with the world famous guerrillero Che Guevara. The mausoleum of Che Guevara is the most important sight in Santa Clara. Afterwards, you continue your journey towards Varadero, the well-known seaside resort on the North of the island with its gorgeous beaches.
You end your cycling trip where you have started: the ever so swinging Havana. A unique and unforgettable experience richer…