Cuba Cycling Tour Guamuaya

Our accommodation for the next two days will be Casas Particulares, Cuban version of Airbnb. This will be a great opportunity to start having contact with the locals and enrich our perception of the real Cuba.Assemble bikes if needed. A well-trained staff will assist, tour leader, local tour guide, a mechanic, and a bus driver. The local staff has lots of experience in handling cycling tours and taking care of every little detail.
Tonight, we will enjoy a lovely Welcome meal at a restaurant in La Habana.
Today we celebrate you joining us in this cycling adventure, and do the proper introductions, bus driver, bike mechanic, cultural guide, and tour leader.

Let’s ride, shall we? Today we ride around La Habana. Like any Capital City, some level of traffic is to be expected. However, it doesn’t compare to anything we may be used to. Just a detail, there are only some 800 000 private vehicles registered, out of a city population of some 2.5 million. Starting at Vedado, we will have a nice City Tour by bike. Along Centro Habana, La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), and towards Vía Blanca, we will appreciate how the city grew, and how different it is.
Some members of the La Guayaba Cycling Club, master’s category, also known as Guayaberos, will meet us to share with us “tempo” (or else) ride at “their” circuit. This will be a great opportunity for donations since these bike lovers struggle to get the simplest of spares. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING will be most welcome.
Right after the riding climax, we head out to San Francisco de Paula to visit La Finca Vigia, primary home of Ernst Hemingway during a third of his prolific life.
By now, we are done cycling and we are taking the shuttle back to La Habana Vieja for lunch. A proper Walking Tour through History, and right after, we will drive to Santa Clara.
Santa Clara is a city located in the central region of Cuba, some 3 hours away. It is the capital of the Villa Clara Province and has a rich history and cultural significance in the country. One of the most notable city landmarks is the Ernesto “Ché” Guevara Mausoleum and Memorial, which houses the remains of “Ché” Guevara and the rest of his guerrillas.

This morning we start the day at a historical landmark. We visit “Ché” Guevara Mausoleum and Memorial. Here, we will get an approach on this polemic, world-known and utopic revolutionary character.
Right after, we get on our bikes and head out to Hanabanilla, via Manicaragua. Our ride today will be rural, mostly. Some traffic is expected, mostly in the first half.
Hanabanilla is a small village located in the heart of the Guamuaya Mountains, in the province of Villa Clara, in central Cuba. This spot allows us to immerse yourself in Cuba’s natural beauty and experience a serene and idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and a picturesque lake. It’s a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Tonight, we rest after a not so difficult day; we enjoy the relaxing, breath-taking scenery, and tomorrow we face our week’s challenge!

Today is a great day. We will be riding around the Guamuaya Mountain Range area. There are multiple options to this ride, but what matters the most is that all of them are awesome rides, and certainly challenging in their own ways. The option described here is a very interesting one, comprising a little bit of everything, a good riding distance, green mountain surrounding scenery, and some challenging ups-and-downs.
Our destination today is Trinidad. Located on the southern coast of Cuba, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, since 1988, and one of the country’s most enchanting and historically significant cities. It is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved colonial architecture. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll be transported back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries. Its location, by the Caribbean Sea, and to the North enclosed by the Guamuaya Mountains, makes this city one of the best touristic destinations in the country.

After yesterday’s ride, it is up to us to take a break from the saddle, or simply taking a short recovery ride to Ancon, a Caribbean beach, only some miles from Trinidad.
Also, today we will do a walking tour of the city. Recognizing its outstanding universal value, the city’s historic center is a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Cuba’s colonial past. Exploring the well-preserved streets, squares, and buildings of Trinidad is like stepping into a bygone era. Trinidad is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines colonial charm, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Its well-preserved architecture, UNESCO recognition, vibrant music scene, and proximity to stunning natural attractions make it an unforgettable place to visit in Cuba. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a music lover, or an adventurer seeking unique experiences, Trinidad is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
It is also a golden opportunity to exchange with the local entrepreneurs. The city in general, but the historical center is a very vibrant entrepreneurial stronghold. Mostly tourism oriented, the local economy rests on visitors and the services offered to these visitors. Even the little local production is conceived for the tourism industry.

Today we ride along the southern coast of the island. Throughout the bike route, we’ll pass through charming rural areas, small towns, and coastal vistas. We’ll have the opportunity to observe Cuba’s natural beauty, including lush greenery, sugarcane fields, and scenic ocean views. Along the way, we might encounter local communities, where you can interact with friendly locals and experience the unique Cuban culture.
Lunch at Jardin Botánico or (Boxed lunch)
Our destination today is Cienfuegos. It is known as the “Pearl of the South” due to its stunning architecture, rich history, and scenic surroundings. Cienfuegos offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and Cuban charm. Whether we explore its architectural treasures, stroll along the Malecon, or venture into the nearby natural wonders, we’re bound to have a memorable experience in this captivating city.

We have another astonishing Coastal ride, between Cienfuegos and Caleta Buena. Caleta Buena is a small beach and diving spot located on the southern coast of the province of Matanzas, right by the entrance of the notoriously known, but super beautiful Bay of Pigs. It displays all shades of blue-crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Today, we visit Playa Giron Museum. This museum is dedicated to the history and significance of the Bay of Pigs invasion, which took place in April 1961. The Bay of Pigs invasion was a pivotal event in Cuban history. It was an unsuccessful attempt by a paramilitary group of Cuban exiles, trained and supported by the United States, to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro. The museum aims to provide insight into the events leading up to the invasion, the battle itself, and its aftermath.

Lunch and swim at Caleta Buena

This afternoon, we head back to La Habana.

This morning we wake up with home in mind, packing and making sure we take back all what we brought, as well as a new approach and perspective on reality. It will be very different, but hopefully this past week will have a lasting impact on us and how we approach life. Thanks for riding with us. Let’s do it again!