Highlights of Cuba cycling vacation

Planet

Cycling vacations are a relatively sustainable way to travel as they have less negative impact on the local infrastructure, environment and people while encouraging positive interaction with local people. We cycle on routes that are removed from mass tourism, creating less pollution, noise and traffic. When using motorised transport we work with small, locally owned transport companies.

We explore Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve by bike. This is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna and good management is essential in order to minimise the impact on this fragile environment that we visit. We ensure that our cycle routes only follow marked official trails and actively encourage clients to carry all waste out of parks and not to pick flowers or disturb the natural resources.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

Throughout the trip we stay in a number of casas particulares, which are locally-owned homestays. Staying in a casa offers the visitor a unique opportunity to experience Cuban hospitality in local accommodation adapted for tourism. The money from our visits goes directly to the owner of the house and family that live there, they also cook up some hearty typical meals for their guests!

Food supplies to Cuba are sometimes in short supply as a result of their economic situation as well as the restrictions due to the US embargo. For this reason it is not uncommon for some restaurants and hotels to run short of ingredients, we encourage our groups to eat in small Paladars run by the locals where the food is more limited but fresh and often organic. By eating here it not only supports the local economy but also gives our customers a real insight into the realities of Cuban life.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.