BootsnAll Travel Community

I want to do a trip to Cuba and was thinking of biking. I think it would be a good way to see the country and I enjoy it. My half assed plan was to take a cheap mountain bike from the US through Cancun and fly to Cuba on Air Mexicana. I've heard you pay $50 for bike transport. When I got tired of biking, I would give the bike away. I realize I will need to take tools and I guess some spare parts since they are hard to come by. But is this doable as a solo female. I know it's better to bike with a companion, but I want to go before Castro dies and I don't mind traveling by myself. I also speak okay Spanish. Any input would be appreciated. Also, must sees in Cuba?
Thanks.

Are you under the impression you can just arrive in Cuba and bike wherever you want? Cuba remains a Communist dictatorship with severe restrictions on internal foreign (and citizen) travel.

People at this site may be able to offer some advice.

Although some countries are pretty tight about travel into Cuba, as of 9 months ago, I have not read or heard too much about Cuba restricting movements diligently while in their country.

Of course things change everyday. It may behoove you to contact the Cuban consulate or people who have done a similar trip for constructive comments on how to proceed.

It certainly sounds like an interesting endeavor....good luck.

Yes, actually salmo99, I did get the impression I could arrive in Cuba and bike to most places. Probably because there is a "Lonely Planet Biking Cuba" book and another book complete with biking maps from a couple from the US who biked Cuba for several months. And many of the guide books mention that it is a great country to bike in because it is safe and there is a lack of traffic. I don't believe there are severe restrictions on foreign travel, but rather citizen travel. The communist dictatorship wants tourist money. That's probably why they allow US citizens in the country and don't stamp their passports. My question was about biking solo and the logistics involved. I know it's allowed.

*snicker* @ when knowing-it-all backfires

sounds like fun, daudette! I mos def saw ppl doing biking in Cuba, but cant say I have much to offer in the way of logistics and all, not being a hard core biker type.

My advice for the country in general, is brush up on your Spanish and bring snacks -- slim pickings on the dining options IMHO. If you can speak Spanish and are okay handling yourself in a macho culture, I think you'll be fine. We travelled across the country with no major issues, but any Cubans who tried to escort us were often hassled or simply not permitted to go in certain areas. Once we had to fake that our unofficial guide was the fiance of my travelling partner, so he'd have a legit reason to be w/us.

Cubanos get in big trouble if they commit crimes against tourists and for the most part act accordingly. I felt quite safe there, tho of course you want to take the usual precautions.

If you're looking for gifts to bring, some of the Cubans I met were very interested in asprin, vitamins, suppliments, that kind of thing. While they do have a high standard of medical care, drugs or perhaps more especially vitamins are apparently not that easily available or are expensive (thanks Uncle Sam!). This was in 2000, but that's what I'd take if going back.

Hey Daudette!

Have you had any success finding more information about biking in Cuba? I want to go biking in Cuba too, so... I was hoping you have had some experience with that by now.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Groetjes,
Rein