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Meet at the airport for our flight to Havana, Cuba’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Charity Challenge representative will be there to assist with check-in. On arrival in Havana, we will be met at the airport by our Charity Challenge expedition leader who will transfer us to a three-star hotel, where we will spend the night and be briefed about the adventure ahead.
Today we have the chance to explore beautiful Old Havana before heading into the Cuban countryside. A city tour will give us an opportunity to learn about Havana’s expansive and varied history from war to revolution, including an introduction to its many beautiful buildings and monuments. We then transfer to Playa Jibacoa, where we are introduced to our bikes ahead of the adventure that awaits us.
It’s an early start for our long-awaited cycle ride towards Trinidad. Today’s route is hilly with steep climbs up to 200m and poor road conditions, particularly as we head to Arcos de Canasi. As the route meanders through country villages and pretty scenery, the toughest part of the day awaits at the entrance of Matanzas. The reward is a swim and a comfy hotel bed!
Prepare for a long ride as we bid farewell to Matanzas, home to the infamous Bay of Pigs on the south coast. Overall, today’s ride is flat as it passes through villages and orchards. The only steep hill is a 330m climb at Triunvirato, before we stop for lunch. The ride continues through Saca Piedras, La Luisa, Zapote and Torriente, before reaching our hotel in Cienfuegos.
Cienfuegos was founded on the fortunes of the sugar industry in the 1700s. The roads are generally good and our first climb upwards is just 300m. As we ride the scenic roads that border the city, it’s important to stay together as the traffic becomes heavier. Tonight there will be time to explore this picturesque bay city, which has repeatedly been looted by pirates in the past.
Today is the penultimate day of our ride and the route becomes hilly, curvy and visibility is limited. In addition, there’s the welcome distraction of the lush botanical gardens on the approach to the Escambray Mountains. Lunch is followed by the toughest part of the day – an 8km hilly ride. Dig deep on this tough terrain, while the glorious views of the Hanabilla Reservoir push you onwards.
We will be covering a pedal-pumping 110kms on this grand finale of the ride. We begin with a fun descent before attacking curved roads with potholes, steady hills and limited visibility. After lunch there are tricky hills and a bumpy road. Yet you finish with a thrilling descent down to Trinidad. Spend the evening celebrating at our beach hotel which looks out onto the Caribbean.
Chill out at the beach or in the hotel pool. Alternatively, you can explore the charming town of Trinidad. With its cobbled streets and colonial housing, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has hardly changed in more than 150 years. In the early afternoon we transfer back to Havana for a celebratory dinner and the chance to sample some of Cuba’s finest exports – rum and cigars! Overnight in centrally located hotel.
Spend more time sight-seeing or perhaps take part in a salsa or rumba lesson. And if you’re feeling hungry you could grab a bite at one of Havanas many paladares (local Cuban houses that cater for paying guests). Supper is provided in a restaurant close to the airport, before your evening flight back to the UK via Madrid. (Please note lunch is not included today).
Arrive back in the UK in a whirlwind of emotions as you return to your nearest and dearest, but part ways with new-found friends and trekking partners.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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