Cuba, described as the pearl of the Caribbean,
really is a gem of an island. Your challenge
takes you from Havana, the cultural and historical
heart of the island, west through the heart
of the Pinar del Rio province. Home of the
renowned tobacco plantations and stunning
areas of natural beauty, your ride steers
you past the picturesque limstone mogotes,
wooded pine forests and rice paddies to the
beautiful white sands of the coast.
This is an challenging yet beautiful ride,
indulging you with a true taste of Cuba,
from vibrant Havana to the relaxed rural
western province, and finally to the dazzling
beaches and clear blue seas of the Gulf
of Mexico. You won't forget Cuba in a hurry.
For a tour brochure and reservation form
please contact
us.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK
You fly from London to Havana. Transfer
to your hotel.
Day 2: Havana
After a good sleep, a strong Cuban coffee
and a detailed briefing, you set off to
explore the beautiful historical city of
Havana, one of Hemmingway's favourite cities.
In the afternoon you are united with your
bikes for an exploratory spin around the
city, soaking up the atmosphere of this
vibrant capital.
Day 3: Havana - Las Terrazas (85 km)
You leave the bustling capital along the
main 5th Avenue, heading west along the
coast for your first taste of this beautiful
countryside. En route you pass through the
small towns of Mariel and Quiebra Hacha
before heading inland towards the Biosphere
Reserve of Sierra del Rosario. Predominantly
flat along the coast, your route becomes
more undulating as you near the densely
wooded reserve and your evening's campsite.
You should see snail kites and turkey vultures
as you pass sugarcane plantations along
the quiet back roads. Camp is at Los Baños
de San Juan, an oasis of natural pools within
the reserve.
Day 4: Las Terrazas - San Diego de Los
Baños (90 km)
Leaving camp, you rejoin the main route
out of the reserve towards Soroa. After
a steep climb, it's downhill towards the
natural waterfall in Soroa, a convenient
waterstop. Continuing out of the mountains
you wind your way down to the flat central
plain and head southwest along the old central
highway. You pass through San Cristobal
and Santa Cruz de los Pinos as you head
towards San Diego de los Baños, a
natural spa town. After a few kilometres
you come to the ruined gardens of Hacienda
Cortina. Abandoned in the revolution, it
makes a wonderful setting for your evening's
camp.
Day 5: San Diego de Los Baños
- Viñales (60 km)
A hearty breakfast stands you in good stead
to face the early morning climb from camp
through the jungly forest on a rough pot-holed
road. You are however rewarded by spectacular
views of the renowned limestone crags, or
mogotes, before a hurtling, bumpy
descent takes you to Che Guevara's cave.
A strategic hide-out and military headquarters
during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962,
it makes a fascinating visit. From here
you ride through the countryside this region
is famous for. The afternoon takes you past
the spectacular escarpment and onto Viñales,
a haven of tranquillity amongst the coffee
plantations and paddy-fields. You camp on
the outskirts of Viñales.
Day 6: Viñales - Cayo Jutias
(66 km)
You head south down the Valle de Viñales,
once again surrounded by fabulous scenery
as your route takes you through the heart
of the tobacco-growing area for which Cuba
is so famous. You have the opportunity to
visit the Santo Thomas caves for a cool
mid-morning break before continuing to the
small village of Pons. You then head west
through the spectacular pine forest-clad
hills, and descend towards the sparkling
blue waters of the coast. Your evening's
camp is on the small island of Cayo Jutias,
connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Your reward is 4 km of unspoilt white sandy
beaches and crystal clear seas. Beach volleyball
is an option for anyone with any energy
left!
Day 7: Cayo Jutias - Cayo Levisa (90
km)
A hearty breakfast sets you up for your
final day's ride to your island paradise.
Returning to the mainland, you wind your
way north towards the limestone hills, undulating
through pine forests and banana and papaya
plantations. You pass through the town of
La Palma before joining your transport to
Cayo Levisa and a night of celebration.
A 25-minute boat ride delivers you to your
island; your beach huts are separate from
the main hotel and face the crystal clear
waters - a beautiful and fitting end to
your cycle challenge. (Celebration meal
not included).
Day 8: Cayo Levisa beach
A day to relax, soak up beach life and celebrate
your achievement. (Lunch and dinner not
included).
Day 9: Cayo Levisa - Havana
Return to Havana for some last-minute shopping,
sight-seeing and an opportunity to soak
up the capital's nightlife. (Lunch and dinner
not included).
Day 10: Havana - London
A relaxed morning before you transfer to
the airport in time to catch your international
flight home. (Lunch not included).
Day 11: Arrive London
General information
Accommodation
A mixture of camping and 2/3* hotels.
Temperature
Usually 23-26°C and can be hot and humid
at this time of year.
What's included
All food (except 6 meals), internal travel,
accommodation, water and refreshments on
cycling days, mechanics, guides, a doctor
and medical support.
What's it really like?
You cycle mainly on quiet back roads with
good road surfaces. In the hillier regions
the roads are pot-holed and rough. You cycle
between 60 and 90 km each day, and there
are some tough climbs, though most of the
cycling is on undulating roads. The climate
is tropical; it can be hot and humid, and
some rain is likely. You camp in beautiful
areas; facilities vary but are reasonably
good.
Tour costs
A non-refundable registration fee of £399
is required to secure a place on this challenge.
We then ask that you raise your minimum
sponsorship target of £3,125 to be
received by Epilepsy Research UK at the
latest 8 weeks before departure. Epilepsy
Research UK then pays the full cost of your
tour.
Alternatively you can pay the full tour
costs of £1,250 (plus the registration
fee) and fundraise as you choose with 100%
of your donation remaining with Epilepsy
Research UK.
Please note that prices may be subject
to change.
For a tour brochure and reservation form
please contact
us.This trip is organised by Discover
Adventure (ATOL Protected 5636).
