A 10-DAY CUBAN MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE IN “SUPPORT OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE” ARRANGED (AND LED IF DESIRED) BY MOTO-JOURNALIST & CUBA EXPERT CHRISTOPHER P. BAKER
THIS ITINERARY CAN BE CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR ASSOCIATION, CLUB, OR OTHER MOTORCYCLE GROUP
"What an amazing experience! Can't thank you enough for all your efforts. Epic!"
JUAN BOTERO, FORMER PRESIDENT, BMW MOTORRAD CLUB WASHINGTON DC
“Christopher… I gave the tour a 99 on a 100 scale as I can’t imagine it gets much better than we experienced in Cuba. You did everything well and made sure that everyone in the group had a very memorable trip.”
BOB HENIG, BOB’S BMW of MARYLAND
“With you, it became an unforgettable trip, Christopher. We hope to repeat it as soon as possible with new lucky travelers.”
TAYLAN DEMIRTAS, BMW RIDER ACADEMY of TURKEY
"One of the world's leading authorities on Cuba travel and culture."
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Travel to Cuba is legal for all U.S. citizens & residents, pre-approved, under the "Support for the Cuban People" license. This 10-day 'Cuban Adventure Ride' by BMW F700GSs will be arranged in accordance with the regulations pertaining to the "Support for the Cuban People" license.
As required by the regulations, you will stay in private B&Bs, eat in private restaurants, and interact with Cubans with a full time schedule of activities that helps promote civil society and independence from Cuban authorities.
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.
Your itinerary takes in Havana, the Bay of Pigs, the Sierra Escambray mountains, the UNESCO World Heritage colonial cities of Trinidad and Remedios, Santa Clara, plus the exquisite landscapes of Viñales, in the heart of tobacco country.
You will be accompanied by an experienced Cuban road guide throughout. 
Plus, your tour leader--if desired (extra fee)--is National Geographic author, photographer, and Cuba expert Christopher P. Baker, an adventure motorcyclist known as "the man who put motorcycling in Cuba on the map." His nine books about Cuba include the National Geographic Traveler Cuba guidebook and his award-winning literary travelog Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba. His latest book, due for publication in 2027, is Fearless: Motorcyclists Who Conquered the Globe.
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 / Matanzas / Bay of Pigs (200 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 Carretera Central to the city of Matanzas. Following lunch, we continue a zigzag route through the countryside to arrive the Zapata Peninsula and 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 / El Nicho / 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. Then, climb into the Sierra Escambray mountains for lunch at El Nicho waterfall (time permitting). After lunch, follow a superbly scenic route through the mountains, ending with a steep switchback descent via Topes de Collantes 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: Trinidad (0 or 100 miles)
This morning we'll take a walking tour of this remarkably well preserved colonial city, with its many art galleries, artesans. and photographic possibilities. In the afternoon, we'll offer an optional ride to include Playa Ancón beach, and/or more riding in the Sierra Escambray. Or you can choose to spend the afternoon enjoying Trinidad and its environs on your own.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Casas particulares (B&Bs), Trinidad
Day 5: Sierra Escambray Mountains / Jaguajay / Santa Clara / Remedios (100 miles)
This morning we'll head east into the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugarmills), stopping to visit a humble farming community and a restored 18th-century plantation mansion. Then on to Sancti Spíritus for lunch in the heart of this picturesque colonial city. We'll then head north through the countryside to Jaguajay before turning west along the Costera Norte to reach Caibarién. Here we'll visit an old sugar-processing mill-turned-museum, including its steam train graveyard! 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 6: Santa Clara / Carretera Central/ Varadero or Matanzas (184 or 220 miles)
Today we first ride into the university city of Santa Clara. Here, visit the Conjunto Escultórico Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara–the vast monument, mausoleum, and museum dominating Plaza de la Revolución–and recalling the final battle, in December 1958, that eventually toppled the brutal Batista regime. We then turn west and follow the Carretera Central through the heart of Cuba 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. We may overnight here, or continue along the Atlantic shoreline to the bay city of Matanzas for overnight.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Casas particulares (B&Bs), Varadero OR Matanzas
Day 7: 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 a short distance to reach an organic farm whose owners display their many hives of stingless bees, and serve a gourmet lunch alfresco. We then continue along the Autopista (freeway) to Viñales, a charming village in the heart of tobacco country and Cuba's most scenic valley.
Meals: BD
Overnight: Casas particulares, Viñales
Day 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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. (We have an option to use BMW R1250GSs, KTMs, and Harley-Davidsons as a considerably more expensive alternative.)
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, DEPENDING ON AIRLINE, YOU MAY RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM THE AIRLINE WITH A LINK TO THEIR VISA PROVIDER. FOR EXAMPLE, AMERICAN AIRLINES USES CUBA TRAVEL SERVICES. ONCE YOU HAVE MADE YOUR AIRLINE RESERVATION, AT ANY TIME YOU CAN REQUEST AND PAY FOR THE VISA ONLINE (RECOMMENDED). 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, AT A MINIMUM, 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 THE CLIENT AND THE CUBAN TOUR OPERATOR 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
Date: TBD
What's included
- Rental motorcycle BMW F700GS for 8 days (or 9 days at discretion of Cuban-based tour operator)
- 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
- 9 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’
Not included
- International flight between USA and Cuba
- Cuban tourist visa
- Some lunches and/or dinners per itinerary
- 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
- Dinner and breakfast on 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
You'll be accompanied throughout by an experienced Cuban road guide employed by the the Cuban tour operator and who will act as lead guide. The Cuban road guide is also an accomplished mechanic, and is responsible for maintaining the fleet of F700GSs in Cuba.
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 as part of the six-decade-old U.S. embargo on Cuba.
However, every U.S. citizen is legally permitted to 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 a Cuban-based tour operator and is offered solely on behalf of the association, club, or other motorcycle group named above, (hereafter, 'The Client'). Christopher P. Baker LLC acts solely as itinerary planner and consultant, plus tour leader (if desired by The Client), on behalf of The Client. Your contract will be exclusively with The Client. and/or the Cuban tour 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 Tour Operator or third parties.
By requesting a reservation with The Client, you hereby acknowledge this disclaimer and agree to hold 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 LLC assumes no responsibility or liability with regard to U.S. law and individual travel.
Christopher P. Baker LLC 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.