JOIN FELLOW ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS ON A 9-DAY CUBAN MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE IN “SUPPORT OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE” WITH EXIT TOURS MC
"Simply stated, Cuba is one of the most fascinating, complex, misunderstood, culturally vibrant, and exciting countries on Earth. Almost every U.S. citizen who visits falls in love with the place, regardless of politics."
CHRISTOPHER P. BAKER
Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba
No other U.S. tour company is currently offering group motorcycle tours of Cuba, and shipping a bike there is illegal under U.S. embargo regulations. Now, Exit Tours MC offers riders a unique opportunity to join a U.S.-legal (and thrilling) 9-day 'Cuban Adventure Ride' by BMW F700GSs. Your days will be full of fun meetings with Cubans from all walks of life… such as artists, tobacco farmers, owners of Eisenhower-era classic car taxis, and above all Cuba’s resourceful and indefatigable harlistas (owners of pre-revolutionary Harley-Davidsons) and other motorcycle enthusiasts. Open to experienced riders only!
ITINERARY (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Day 1: Meet in Havana
The U.S. “support for the Cuban people” license allows individuals to travel freely to Cuba as they wish (so you can arrive a day or two early if you desire). Meet this evening at your B&B in Habana Vieja (Old Havana) for a welcome reception. At the discretion of the Cuba tour leader, you might pick up your bikes this afternoon for a get-familiar ride around Havana and its outskirts (see Day 2). After cleaning up, ride in convertible classic cars to our farewell dinner at La Guarida, Cuba’s most sensational restaurant.
Meals: D
Overnight: Posada de Chacón or similar (B&B), Havana
Day 2: Habana Vieja / Greater Havana / Bay of Pigs (150 miles)
After breakfast, pick up your motorbikes. In order to get familiar with your bike, you'll make a circuit of greater Havana, including such iconic sites as the Malecón, Plaza de la Revolución, Museo Ernest Hemingway at Finca Vigía (the author’s former home). Then head east via the Escaleras de Jaruco hills and Madrugada, and along the Autopista—the freeway—which delivers you via the Zapata Peninsula to Playa Larga (“Bay of Pigs”). Overnight by the beach where the CIA-trained Cuban-American exile army came ashore in April 1961.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Hostal Enrique (B&B), Playa Larga
Day 3: Bay of Pigs / Cienfuegos / Trinidad (120 miles)
This morning you’ll be glad for the F700 GSs as you follow a dirt track along the Caribbean shore to reach the lovely bay city of Cienfuegos. After lunch and a brief stop to explore the city, we’ll follow a superbly scenic route along the Caribbean shore to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Trinidad—Cuba’s most authentic and perfectly preserved colonial city. This evening enjoy strolling the cobbled colonial streets, plus music and dance at one of Trinidad’s many clubs.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Casas particulares (B&Bs), Trinidad
Day 4 : Sierra Escambray Mountains / Santa Clara / Remedios (100 miles)
This morning, climb into the Sierra Escambray mountains via a steep switchback Topes de Collantes, then descend for lunch at El Nicho waterfall before heading via Manicaragua to Santa Clara. Here, visit the Conjunto Escultórico Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara–the vast monument, mausoleum, and museum dominating Plaza de la Revolución–and other key sites associated with the final battle, in December 1958, that eventually toppled the brutal Batista regime. Then continue the short distance to Remedios, a beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site colonial city. Dinner will be a roast suckling pig feast at one of our two casas particulares.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Hostal La Estancia & Casona Cueto, or similar (B&B), Remedios
Day 5 : Sagua la Grande / Varadero or Matanzas (184 or 220 miles)
Today, follow the Circuito Norte (North Coast Road) through the Vuelto Arriba tobacco country and beautiful coastal mountain landscapes of Villa Clara. Lunch beside the sea in the fishing village and former rum-and-sugar port of Isabela de Sagua. Then continue via Cárdenas to Varadero, Cuba’s premier beach resort, where a sugar-white beach, and scores of hotels, spill along the full 8-mile length of the Hicacos Peninsula. Alternately, you may continue along the Atlantic shoreline to the bay city of Matanzas for overnight.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Casas particulares (B&Bs), Varadero OR Matanzas
Day 6: Matanzas / Havana / Viñales (200 miles)
Continue west along the Atlantic shoreline and then skirt Havana to visit the Museo Ernest Hemingway (in his former home). Then take the Autopista Nacional for about one hour to reach Las Terrazas, an idyllic agricultural community and eco-resort in the Sierra de Órganos mountains. Lunch here before continuing west to Viñales, a charming village in the heart of tobacco country and Cuba's most scenic valley.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Casas particulares, Viñales
Day 7: San Luis y Martínez / Viñales (120 miles)
Your day excursion offers a sinuous and fun ride through the mountains, then via the provincial capital of Pinar del Río and into the tobacco growing region of Vuelto Abajo. You'll lunch at the most famous private tobacco farm in Cuba before a short curving ride back to Viñales. Then continue via Isabel Rubio and take a superbly scenic route to Pons and back to Viñales.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Casas particulares, Viñales
Day 8: Viñales / Havana (100 miles)
Follow the Circuito Norte coast road (or head through the mountains) back to Havana. After return of the motorbikes, the transfer bus takes you back to your B&B in Habana Vieja. Dinner will be at 5 Sentidos, a superb paladar close to your posada.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Posada de Chacón or similar, Habana Vieja
Day 9: End of trip
Today transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Or, if you wish, you can stay some more days in Cuba.
THE BIKES
We'll ride BMW F700 GSs exclusively. Each will be fitted with twin side panniers. However, we will also be accompanied by a support van and driver.
FAQS…
1. Do we reserve our own flights to Havana?
YES. IT’S AS EASY AS BOOKING TO ANYWHERE ELSE ONLINE. FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU BOOK ONLINE WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES AT AA.COM, AS SOON AS YOU TAG IN HAVANA AS A DESTINATION, YOU’LL BE PROMPTED TO AFFIRM THAT YOU’RE TRAVELING UNDER ONE OF THE 12 PERMISSIBLE LICENSES. YOU CHECK “YES” AND THAT’S IT. END OF STORY! NO OTHER PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED. THEN, WHEN YOU CHECK IN AT THE AIRPORT FOR YOUR FLIGHT TO HAVANA, YOU’LL BE ASKED WHICH OF THE 12 LICENSES YOU’RE USING: ANSWER = “SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE”
2. Do we apply for our own visas?
THE AIRLINES HAVE THEIR OWN RELATIONSHIPS TO CUBA TOUR SPECIALISTS WHO CAN PROVIDE THE VISA. AFTER RESERVING YOUR FLIGHTS, YOU SHOULD RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM THE AIRLINE WITH A LINK TO THEIR VISA PROVIDER (SOME AIRLINES MAY INCLUDE THE VISA IN YOUR RESERVATION). FOR EXAMPLE, AMERICAN AIRLINES USES CUBA TRAVEL SERVICES. AT ANY TIME YOU CAN REQUEST AND PAY FOR THE VISA ONLINE. THEY CAN ALSO BE PURCHASED UPON CHECK IN ($100) AT MIAMI AIRPORT.
3. Are we required to get vaccinations?
NO. HOWEVER, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
4. Is it advisable to get any vaccinations?
HEPATITIS AND TETANUS AT A MINIMUM, BUT CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
5. Do we need an international drivers’ license? With a motorcycle endorsement?
YOU DO NOT NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE. YOUR U.S. DRIVERS LICENSE SHOULD SUFFICE, BUT IT SHOULD INCLUDE A MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT.
6. Can U.S. travelers go to Havana for a few days BEFORE the ride starts, or stay a few days AFTER it concludes?
YES, U.S. LAW PROVIDES FOR ANYONE UNDER U.S. JURISDICTION TO VISIT CUBA ANY TIME THEY WISH, PRE-APPROVED AS LONG AS THEY SINCERELY BELIEVE THEY FULFILL ONE OF THE 12 LICENSE CATEGORIES AND ABIDE BY THE REGULATIONS WHILE IN CUBA. THEY MAY DO SO FOR AS MANY DAYS AS THEY WISH. EVERYONE IS PRE-APPROVED (AND NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED) UNDER THE “SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE” LICENSE, WHICH REQUIRES THAT YOU STAY AT PRIVATE B&Bs AND DINE AT PRIVATE RESTAURANTS WHILE IN CUBA. THEREFORE, YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BOOK YOUR OWN FLIGHTS TO ARRIVE/DEPART ON ANY DAY BEFORE OR AFTER THE TRIP. (NOTE: PRESIDENT TRUMP BANNED USE OF HOTELS IN CUBA, AND AS OF 7/22/2022, THE BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT. HENCE YOU MUST USE PRIVATE B&Bs ONLY.)
7. What about medical insurance and emergencies?
YOUR AIRLINE TICKET INCLUDES MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR MEDICAL SERVICES PROVIDED WHILE IN CUBA. OF COURSE, IT’S ALWAYS WISE TO OBTAIN MEDICAL EVACUATION INSURANCE, SUCH AS MEDJET ASSIST. PROOF OF INSURANCE IS PROVIDED BY A RED STAMP ON YOUR BOARDING PASS TO HAVANA. THIS SHOULD BE RETAINED AND CARRIED ON YOUR PERSON AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN CUBA.
8. Do we need to show proof of motorcycle insurance?
THE CONTRACT ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN EXIT TOURS MC AND PROFIL CUBA-REISEN INCLUDES INSURANCE FOR DAMAGE TO THE BIKE
9. Can I used credit cards in Cuba?
NO, U.S. LAW PROHIBITS USE OF CREDIT CARDS IN CUBA. YOU’LL BE OPERATING ON A CASH ONLY BASIS
Trip Details
February 8-16, 2024
March 7-15, 2024
Trip cost:
(priced based on 10 riders)
SEE BELOW TO RESERVE...
What's included
- Rental motorcycle BMW F700GS for 7 days
- English-speaking Cuban road guide
- Support van and driver for luggage transfer, with limited space for passengers
- Airport transfers
- Fuel throughout the ride
- Insurance for damage to the bike
- 8 overnight stays in casas particulares (B&Bs)
- Two meals per riding day, as indicated
- All entrance fees and tolls per itinerary
- Luggage storage for duration of tour
Program according to the itinerary if not defined as ‘optional’ - A detailed tour information package including maps, guide books, and a T-shirt
Not included
- International flight between USA and Cuba
- Cuban tourist visa
- Lunches
- Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry, tips, etc.)
- Tips to guides, etc.
Highlights
- Ride along time-worn Havana's famous Malecón seafront boulevard and along the Costera Norte (Atlantic) and Circuito Sur (Caribbean) coast roads
- Lunch by the beach at the Bay of Pigs, setting for the failed CIA-sponsored invasion of Cuba by Cuban-American exiles in April 1961
- Ride circuitous mountain roads of the Sierra Escambray
- Savor the colonial street life of Trinidad and Remedios, UNESCO World Heritage Cities where the clip clop of hooves still resounds through cobbled streets.
- Visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial in Santa Clara.
- Two nights in tobacco country, including lunch at Cuba's premier private tobacco farm.
Road guide
LUIS ENRIQUE GONZÁLEZ
Luis Enrique González has more experience guiding group motorcycle tours in Cuba than any other Cuban motorcycle enthusiast and road guide. Between 2013-16 he worked alongside Chris to lead the very first motorcycle tours in Cuba for U.S. citizens using BMW 1200GSs, F700GSs, and a medley of Harley-Davidsons. Since 2017, he has acted as lead guide for Profil Cuba-Reisen and has led scores of tours throughout Cuba end-to-end. An English-speaker, he’s a natural raconteur and all-around “colorful character” with a Rolodex of contacts throughout Cuba (his personal history includes as a mariner and, in the 1980s, as a Lieutenant in Cuba’s Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias in charge of an anti-aircraft battery in Angola). Louis is also responsible for maintaining Profil’s fleet of F700GSs in Cuba. A superb mechanic, Luis exemplifies Cubans’ resourcefulness, ingenuity and indefatigable good humor. When not leading tours, Luis loves tinkering with his collection of pre-revolutionary Harley-Davidsons, a miscellany of other antique motos, plus his 1948 Buick.
U.S. Legal
Despite President Biden's reversal on May 16, 2022, of several Trump restrictions on travel to Cuba imposed in September, 2020, many of the latter are still in effect.
However, the good news is that every U.S. citizen is legally travel to Cuba, pre-approved and at any time, under the §515.574 Support for the Cuban People (SFCP) license. This is authorized by "general license," which means you do not need to request permission from the U.S. government or obtain any physical document at any time. A general license is based on the honor system in which you (a) buy services from Cuban entrepreneurs, such as home rentals, meals at private restaurants (paladares), transportation services (taxis), etc.; and (b) participate in "enriching cultural activities with Cubans" of your choosing from 9am – 5pm daily. (Note: the U.S. government reserves the right to audit your travel, meaning they can request that you provide proof of your legal itinerary and receipts for expenses for up to five years.)
This program is designed in accordance with U.S. regulations intended to maximize “support for the Cuban people” through stays at private B&Bs, meals at private restaurants, and interactions with independent artists, private tobacco farmers, owners of classic convertible taxis, etc.
DISCLAIMER
This tour is operated by Profil-Cuba Reisen (Germany) and is offered by Exit Tours MC. Christopher P. Baker acts solely as itinerary planner and consultant on behalf of Exit Tours MC. Your contract will be exclusively with Exit Tours MC and/or the operator, who assume all responsibility. Christopher P. Baker, dba Christopher P. Baker LLC, assumes no responsibility or liability for your reservation and tour participation, nor for the acts or omissions of the operators or third parties.
By requesting a reservation with Exit Tours MC, you hereby acknowledge this disclaimer and agree to hold Christopher P. Baker, dba Christopher P. Baker LLC, harmless from all liabilities, including but not limited to, damage, bodily injury or financial loss.
U.S. law with regard to Cuba changes frequently. It is the responsibility of individual U.S. citizens to review existing OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) regulations regarding travel to Cuba and ensure each traveler’s compliance. Christopher P. Baker assumes no responsibility or liability with regard to U.S. law and individual travel.
Christopher P. Baker makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the validity of the information provided here, which is accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of writing.