Are you an Individual, Corporate or Charity interested in having your own private group departure?
If yes, please email info@charitychallenge.com and one of our team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.

2024
2025

No departures found for 2021

Fri 05 Nov - Sun 14 Nov 2021

OVERVIEW

What to expect

ITINERARY

What you will do

COSTS

Ways to pay

ESSENTIAL INFO

All you need to know

Everything you need to know

This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.

Level of Difficulty

Typical Day

Safety

Responsible Tourism

Extension

Flights

Visa

Insurance

Vaccinations & Medication

Climate & Terrain

Training

Challenge Training

Luggage Allowance & Valuables

Leadership

Group Size

Clothing & Equipment

Accommodation & Toilets

Food & Drink

Money

Phone & WiFi

Emergencies

Level of Difficulty

The Cuban Revolution cycle is graded as Challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, but perhaps haven’t taken on a strenuous challenge event before and are hoping to push themselves out of their comfort zone. You can tell your supporters that on your Cuban Revolution Cycle, you will be:

  • Cycling under very hot and humid conditions with temperatures of up to 30 degrees
  • Covering distances of up to 100 km per day
  • Cycling for over 8 hours on the longest days
  • Taking on some steep climbs on a mixture of rocky and main roads

Level of Difficulty

The Cuban Revolution cycle is graded as Challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, but perhaps haven’t taken on a strenuous challenge event before and are hoping to push themselves out of their comfort zone. You can tell your supporters that on your Cuban Revolution Cycle, you will be:

  • Cycling under very hot and humid conditions with temperatures of up to 30 degrees
  • Covering distances of up to 100 km per day
  • Cycling for over 8 hours on the longest days
  • Taking on some steep climbs on a mixture of rocky and main roads

Typical Day

You will rise early each day and pack your bags after breakfast, loading the support vehicle each day. You will ride each day for approximately 6-8 hours, with water stops and a long lunch stop to avoid the heat of the midday. On arrival in the afternoon into your accommodation, you will have time to relax and enjoy the (hopefully) sunny evening. Dinner and the day’s debriefing are generally after sundown. Specific hours of activity for each day are given in the itinerary.

Typical Day

You will rise early each day and pack your bags after breakfast, loading the support vehicle each day. You will ride each day for approximately 6-8 hours, with water stops and a long lunch stop to avoid the heat of the midday. On arrival in the afternoon into your accommodation, you will have time to relax and enjoy the (hopefully) sunny evening. Dinner and the day’s debriefing are generally after sundown. Specific hours of activity for each day are given in the itinerary.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!

In terms of your Cuban Revolution Cycle, there are some important things you should be aware of:

  • Smoke alarms are not compulsory in Cuba, and as such very few accommodation will include them. Your tour leader will explain the emergency procedures.
  • You will be riding on the right-hand side of the road, through occasionally busy areas. Make sure that you are paying attention at all times.
  • The brakes on the bikes may be on the opposite side to what you are used to in the UK. Take the first morning slow and steady until you get used to this.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!

In terms of your Cuban Revolution Cycle, there are some important things you should be aware of:

  • Smoke alarms are not compulsory in Cuba, and as such very few accommodation will include them. Your tour leader will explain the emergency procedures.
  • You will be riding on the right-hand side of the road, through occasionally busy areas. Make sure that you are paying attention at all times.
  • The brakes on the bikes may be on the opposite side to what you are used to in the UK. Take the first morning slow and steady until you get used to this.

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism section.

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Care to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £200,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism section.

Extension

If an extension is available for your itinerary, this info will be included on the respective expedition website. If you wish to book an extension, you will need to do so no later than 4 months prior to departure.

Extension

If an extension is available for your itinerary, this info will be included on the respective expedition website. If you wish to book an extension, you will need to do so no later than 4 months prior to departure.

Flights

You will be flying from London to Havana (possibly via Madrid) and returning via the same route. You will either fly from Gatwick or Heathrow, and this will be confirmed in your members’ area as soon as the flight details are confirmed. The flight will take approx. 10hrs without any connection times. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure.  If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm this via email with the Charity Challenge office at the time of your initial challenge booking, otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance). Please be aware if your flight is routed via Madrid you will not be able to bring back any duty free alcohol or liquids from Cuba, due to restrictions in place in Madrid. For more general flights questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.

Flights

You will be flying from London to Havana (possibly via Madrid) and returning via the same route. You will either fly from Gatwick or Heathrow, and this will be confirmed in your members’ area as soon as the flight details are confirmed. The flight will take approx. 10hrs without any connection times. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure.  If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm this via email with the Charity Challenge office at the time of your initial challenge booking, otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance). Please be aware if your flight is routed via Madrid you will not be able to bring back any duty free alcohol or liquids from Cuba, due to restrictions in place in Madrid. For more general flights questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.

Visa

A full passport valid for a further 6 months is required and also a tourist card. This allows a stay of up to 30 days and one entry only. Charity Challenge will supply your tourist card with your flight tickets.

Visa

A full passport valid for a further 6 months is required and also a tourist card. This allows a stay of up to 30 days and one entry only. Charity Challenge will supply your tourist card with your flight tickets.

Insurance

Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.

For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.

Insurance

Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here.

For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.

Vaccinations & Medication

Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication

  • Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist, in hand luggage
  • Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
  • A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
  • Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
  • Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses

N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check you can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Vaccinations & Medication

Vaccinations
For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
Charity Challenge team are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your GP or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your GP may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication

  • Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist, in hand luggage
  • Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
  • A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
  • Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
  • Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses

N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check you can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Climate & Terrain

Climate
Cuba is generally hot and sunny. But it is a tropical climate and you may therefore experience tropical rain and very occasionally storms. During the wet season it may be very humid. The hurricane season generally runs from May through to October.
Obviously, like the UK, the weather is changeable, and these are rough guidelines.

Terrain
The terrain is undulating, with some short uphill sections. Some roads are in poor conditions with potholes and gravel. On some days you will be cycling on main roads.

Climate & Terrain

Climate
Cuba is generally hot and sunny. But it is a tropical climate and you may therefore experience tropical rain and very occasionally storms. During the wet season it may be very humid. The hurricane season generally runs from May through to October.
Obviously, like the UK, the weather is changeable, and these are rough guidelines.

Terrain
The terrain is undulating, with some short uphill sections. Some roads are in poor conditions with potholes and gravel. On some days you will be cycling on main roads.

Training

Training and fitness are definitely required. Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be OK ‘as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months’ leading up to the expedition. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are different from the UK. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Cycling up hills is a good way to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long cycle (6-8 hours) several times with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress).

Training

Training and fitness are definitely required. Anyone who leads a fairly active and moderately healthy lifestyle should be OK ‘as long as they train regularly over a period of at least three months’ leading up to the expedition. Don’t forget that the temperature and the altitudes are different from the UK. While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Cycling up hills is a good way to condition your lower body. Begin slowly, without the weight of a pack, eventually adding weight as you increase your training pace. Take a long cycle (6-8 hours) several times with a weighted pack, up and down hills or on small mountains (weigh your pack with water containers and pour out the water before your descent to minimise knee stress).

Challenge Training

If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?

We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!

We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here

Challenge Training

If you would like to get a feel for our challenges ahead of your departure, why not consider booking on a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?

We have a variety of challenges, covering all levels of difficulty, taking place in stunning National Parks across the UK that are led by highly qualified and experienced expedition and mountain leaders. These challenges will give you the perfect opportunity to monitor fitness levels, test out your kit, meet people in the great outdoors, share fundraising stories and gain valuable advice and support for the challenge ahead. We encourage participants to make use of our highly knowledgeable leaders and ask them any questions you may have about clothing and equipment, expedition health and wellbeing, trekking skills, walking techniques and teamwork!

We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed via the link below. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. T&C’s – you must have an active booking on a challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Find out more here

Luggage Allowance & Valuables

The luggage allowance will depend on the airline we are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at around 23kg. However, we suggest that for our Cuban Trek you should only need around 15kg-17kg. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it, is a good rule. Carry any valuable with you at all times. There is a safe deposit box at the hotel in Trinidad, where you can place your valuables. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

Luggage Allowance & Valuables

The luggage allowance will depend on the airline we are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at around 23kg. However, we suggest that for our Cuban Trek you should only need around 15kg-17kg. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it, is a good rule. Carry any valuable with you at all times. There is a safe deposit box at the hotel in Trinidad, where you can place your valuables. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

Leadership

There will be an English-speaking challenge leader who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your challenge, this could be a local leader or a leader from the UK depending on group size. There will also be numerous local support staff to assist them. The challenge leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Leadership

There will be an English-speaking challenge leader who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your challenge, this could be a local leader or a leader from the UK depending on group size. There will also be numerous local support staff to assist them. The challenge leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Group Size

Each group is intended to be a minimum of 9 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 30 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place. We will be able to run this challenge for 6 to 8 people by charging a small group supplement of £75, which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).

Group Size

Each group is intended to be a minimum of 9 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 30 people due to the wilderness environment in which the challenge takes place. We will be able to run this challenge for 6 to 8 people by charging a small group supplement of £75, which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).

Clothing & Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.

Clothing & Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.

Accommodation & Toilets

Accommodation
You will be staying in hotels throughout the challenge. The hotels, apart from in Havana and Trinidad, will be quite basic. You will be sharing in rooms of two with en-suite bathrooms. Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or relative who you wish to share with. Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or relative who you wish to share with. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with please ensure that you note this where appropriate when booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com

Toilets
During your Challenge, you will be staying at hotels throughout with private toilet facilities. During the ride days these facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!

Accommodation & Toilets

Accommodation
You will be staying in hotels throughout the challenge. The hotels, apart from in Havana and Trinidad, will be quite basic. You will be sharing in rooms of two with en-suite bathrooms. Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or relative who you wish to share with. Please let Charity Challenge know if you are travelling with a friend or relative who you wish to share with. If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with please ensure that you note this where appropriate when booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com

Toilets
During your Challenge, you will be staying at hotels throughout with private toilet facilities. During the ride days these facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!

Food & Drink

Cuba has suffered from the American embargo, and there are shortages in most sectors of the economy. Often food is repetitive, with a heavy reliance on eggs and chicken. Rice or beans usually accompany the main meat dish, along with a green salad and fried banana chips. Please let Charity Challenge know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.

Food & Drink

Cuba has suffered from the American embargo, and there are shortages in most sectors of the economy. Often food is repetitive, with a heavy reliance on eggs and chicken. Rice or beans usually accompany the main meat dish, along with a green salad and fried banana chips. Please let Charity Challenge know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.

Money

Currency: The currency in Cuba is Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).  1 Cuban Convertible Peso = 100 centavos. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. The Convertible Peso is a closed currency, which means it cannot be purchased outside of Cuba. You can change GBP or Euros at the Cadeca (Money Exchange Bureau) at the Airport on landing in Cuba or at your hotel.

Credit Cards: MasterCard and Visa Credit Cards are accepted locally. Credit card transactions are subject to local commission charges of between 11% -13%.

ATMs: ATMs are not accessible outside of Havana, so ensure that you take enough cash for the trek and your stay in Trinidad – although the beach hotel in Trinidad is all inclusive, you may choose to go into the city by taxi and spend money there on food etc. There are no ATMs in Trinidad.

How much to bring: All accommodation, activities and meals are included in the cost of your challenge. We recommend that you take a sufficient amount of cash (around GBP£250), and try to request small denominations. This amount should allow enough money to get you by with the purchase of additional soft drinks and snacks, however if you wish to purchase additional items or souvenirs or any additional beverages then we would recommend organising more currency accordingly.

Tipping: Tipping is at your sole discretion and all staff is paid a fair wage. However, tourism is a tipping culture, and Cuban guides will generally receive a tip at the end of a job well done. If you choose to tip, we would suggest an amount of USD$10-$15 per participant per challenge day. You leader will divide this amongst the local staff.

Money

Currency: The currency in Cuba is Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).  1 Cuban Convertible Peso = 100 centavos. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. The Convertible Peso is a closed currency, which means it cannot be purchased outside of Cuba. You can change GBP or Euros at the Cadeca (Money Exchange Bureau) at the Airport on landing in Cuba or at your hotel.

Credit Cards: MasterCard and Visa Credit Cards are accepted locally. Credit card transactions are subject to local commission charges of between 11% -13%.

ATMs: ATMs are not accessible outside of Havana, so ensure that you take enough cash for the trek and your stay in Trinidad – although the beach hotel in Trinidad is all inclusive, you may choose to go into the city by taxi and spend money there on food etc. There are no ATMs in Trinidad.

How much to bring: All accommodation, activities and meals are included in the cost of your challenge. We recommend that you take a sufficient amount of cash (around GBP£250), and try to request small denominations. This amount should allow enough money to get you by with the purchase of additional soft drinks and snacks, however if you wish to purchase additional items or souvenirs or any additional beverages then we would recommend organising more currency accordingly.

Tipping: Tipping is at your sole discretion and all staff is paid a fair wage. However, tourism is a tipping culture, and Cuban guides will generally receive a tip at the end of a job well done. If you choose to tip, we would suggest an amount of USD$10-$15 per participant per challenge day. You leader will divide this amongst the local staff.

Phone & WiFi

Throughout the challenge, at the hotels you will be able to find a good telephone and internet reception. WIFI and internet is notoriously slow in Cuba so do not rely on this as a good form of communication.

Phone & WiFi

Throughout the challenge, at the hotels you will be able to find a good telephone and internet reception. WIFI and internet is notoriously slow in Cuba so do not rely on this as a good form of communication.

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace.

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace.

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ATOL protected

We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

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