Cuba Cycle Tour

Looking to go cycling in Cuba?

Well, I was, and this is some of what I experienced during my visit. One of the favorite destinations for cyclists who live in Canada and Europe is the Cuba Cycle Tour, as it is the largest island in the Caribbean.

There are numerous scheduled commercial flights and charter flights to Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguin, and other Cuban cities from Canada, Europe, and Mexico. Although limited, there are available tours for cyclists from the United States as well. Your cycling holiday can be a guided tour with a travel company or a self-guided one.

A group of cyclists, dressed in colorful attire, gather on a grassy area in front of the Varadero Hotel in Cuba, preparing for a ride. The hotel, featuring a distinctive orange façade and arched entryways, is framed by tall palm trees under a clear, sunny sky. — Group of cyclists getting ready to ride in front of a Varadero Hotel

Cuba Cycle Tour Advantages

A very inexpensive destination
The warm climate is pleasant in the winter season; some find it very hot for bicycle touring at times. The best time to visit is from November to April
Friendly people, very safe as crime is almost non-existent
The largest island in the Caribbean, with lots of cycling routes for 7, 14 nights, or longer
Very little traffic on the roads
Plenty of guided bicycle tours are available, particularly to the western provinces and the central part of the country
Taking a ride in a taxi is only for the joy of riding in classic cars
Fascinating country with many authentic experiences

A group of cyclists in various shades of sportswear ride along First Avenue in Varadero, Cuba. They share the road with a classic green car and pedestrians on the sidewalk, set against a backdrop of residential buildings and lush greenery. The scene captures a typical sunny day in Varadero with light traffic and clear skies. — Cyclists on First Avenue in Varadero

Where to cycle in Cuba?

Western Cuba

What you will see on a cycling tour of Western Cuba is a truly spectacular, diverse landscape with crystal clear Caribbean waters, towering mountains, and lush green valleys. A bit of a rural experience, with tobacco fields and sugar cane. Pinar del Rio province is known for its red soil.

Picturesque view of a cascading waterfall at Soroa, Cuba. The waterfall spills over lush, moss-covered rocks into a serene pool below, surrounded by dense tropical foliage. Sunlight filters through the canopy, highlighting the vivid greenery and the shimmering water. — Waterfall at Soroa

Your cycling trip is likely to include coastal roads that wind along the beautiful beaches of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula and then continue on the scenic roads that lead through the Sierra del Rosario mountain range, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

A cycling trip in this region is also sure to include the gorgeous natural area of Vinales National Park, known for its stunning limestone hills and located 190 km (118 miles from Havana). Vinales has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the way its natural features have been integrated with the activities that the valley’s farmers have engaged in over the centuries.

With a rich cultural heritage, this is one of the most popular regions offering guided tours. You can also take advantage of the region’s mild climate, which is perfect for year-round cycling.

Havana

You will want to take a tour of Havana with its narrow streets, colonial architecture, bustling neighborhoods, and a unique opportunity to see vintage cars while enjoying an ice cream. You may see posters of Che Guevara during your visit.

Havana offers an immersive experience for cyclists. A city tour might take riders through the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Malecón seafront promenade, the Plaza de la Revolución, and the famous Revolution Square. Cyclists can also explore the city’s less well-known neighborhoods, such as the colorful Vedado district, where they can get a taste of local life and culture.

Cycling in Varadero

A vibrant live performance at Tropicana Varadero in Cuba, featuring dancers in colorful costumes with feathered headpieces. The stage is festively decorated with drapes and tropical accents, under atmospheric blue stage lighting. Audience members seated at tables enjoy the show, engaging with the dynamic cultural display. — Tropicana Varadero

Even in the resort of Varadero, I saw plenty of cyclists who rode along First Street and along the peninsula, a distance of 30 km one way, with many scenic views, and you are sure to have a headwind in one direction. Others are a little more ambitious and cycle the main road from Varadero to Havana overnight, and return.

On the other side of Cuba and directly south of Varadero is the famous Bay of Pigs, often included on guided tours.

Varadero is well known for its superb white-sand beaches, which you will want to check out in your free time. Another possible activity to see Cuba’s heritage is the Tropicana Varadero (or Havana as well).

One popular route is the Parque Natural Punta Hicacos, a protected nature reserve that offers an abundance of wildlife and stunning natural scenery. Cyclists can also explore the nearby city of Matanzas, located a short distance of 65 km (40 miles) west of Varadero, which is home to several historic sites, and the natural beauty of the famous Bellamar Caves, open to visitors since the 1860s.

My Cuba Cycle Tour on a sunny day on a coastal road near Varadero, showing a cyclist and a tour bus traveling in opposite directions. The road is lined with lush tropical vegetation and palm trees, reflecting a serene, vacation-friendly atmosphere. The clear blue sky and the distant horizon enhance the tranquil setting. — Cycling along the coastal road near Varadero

Cycling in Central Cuba

A vintage yellow car parked on a coastal road near Havana, Cuba, with a rustic beach bar and palm trees in the background. The ocean is visible in the distance, and a few people can be seen enjoying the sunny beach day. The scene captures a relaxed, tropical atmosphere typical of Cuban coastal locales. — Vintage car on the road to Havana

There are direct flights into Holguin from many cities in Canada, a good starting point for self-guided tours visiting some small villages and riding on quiet roads. Again, take your own bike.

Cycling in central Cuba offers a unique and authentic way to explore the heart of the country, characterized by rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque rural landscapes. A great tour is to explore the historic Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its colorful colonial architecture and vibrant culture.

Another popular route is the Valle de los Ingenios, an agricultural valley dotted with historic sugar plantations and quaint villages. A little more challenging is the Escambray Mountains, which offer stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Cycling in Eastern Cuba

The area is characterized by rugged mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and dense tropical forests with many bird species, and is more suitable for a short hike than biking.

Cyclists can also explore the city of Santiago de Cuba, known for its lively music scene, colonial architecture, and revolutionary history. Another popular route is along the coast, which offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and access to secluded beaches.

Planning your Cuban Cycle Tour

A bright green vintage convertible taxi with a senior driver, cruising along First Street in Varadero, Cuba. The scene captures a vibrant street atmosphere with outdoor cafés and pedestrians in the background, reflecting the lively and colorful urban life of Varadero. — Taxi in Varadero

Do take this guide for detailed information on your cycling route – Bicycling Cuba: Fifty Days of Detailed Rides from Havana to Pinar Del Río and the Oriente. Although printed in 2002, there will be few changes even today.

Guided cycling tours of Cuba are offered by several tour operators: Exodus and Explore from the UK, McQueens Travel and G Adventures from Canada, and others.

If planning your own tour, stay in a Casa (a B and B) which is run by Cuban families and is very inexpensive. The food is cheap and plentiful, and many consider it better than what is found in some of the 3-star resort hotels. Or, of course, you can stay in a deluxe hotel in a Varadero resort for day rides, which many groups also do.

Another option that members of our cycling club do is to book a stay at one of the resort hotels, particularly in the Santiago or Holguin areas, and go on day trips on their bikes. A third option is to explore on your own, staying at inexpensive pension-type accommodation.

If not on a guided Cuba bicycle tour, which includes your bicycle, then bring your own on the plane. Bicycle rentals (unless on a guided tour) are generally unreliable. A common practice when bicycle touring is to take an old bike, use it during your stay, and leave it behind when you leave. Cuba is a poor country, and the local people appreciate your old bike.

Visit Cuba – official tourist office site with further information on the country.

Cuba Cycling Tour Companies

Some of the companies offering Cuba Cycle Tours with a local guide and support vehicle:
G Adventures – this Toronto-based company has been offering Cuba tours for years, and is one of my favorite tour operators
Tour Hub – offers several cycling tours in Cuba
Also, Backroads, Exodus, Explore, Intrepid Travel, and Wilderness Voyageurs from Pennsylvania offer Cuba tours.

FAQs: Cuba Cycling

Is Cuba good for cycling?

Yes, while there are no bicycle trails, the roads are safe, and the various regions offer a variety of beautiful scenery. Numerous tour operators offer guided cycling tours.

Is it safe to cycle in Cuba?

Yes, it is whether in resort areas such as Holguin or Varadero, Havana, or even in the countryside.

When is the best time to go cycling in Cuba?

The mild climate means you can go cycling year-round. However, late March or April, when it is not too hot and humid, yet sunny, and is a bit cheaper than February and early March.

Can I rent bicycles in Cuba?

It is recommended that you bring your own bicycles if not on an organized tour. Resort bicycles are normally poor quality, and any rentals available (if you can find them) are unreliable.

Can American citizens cycle in Cuba?

Backroads offers a tour of the eastern part of the country for U.S. citizens.

Final Thoughts: Cuba Bicycle Tour

Along the way, you will see historic colonial cities, lush jungle forests, and Cuba has a reputation for some of the greatest beaches in the world. Cuban drivers are accustomed to cyclists, as many of the local people use bicycles, although you do need to watch out for potholes. Routes are generally not demanding, but there will be some hilly sections, particularly in eastern Cuba.

If you are looking for an inexpensive and warm destination this winter, the Cuba cycle tour is one of the most popular.