Cycling vacation in Cuba

Planet

Transport

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.

Conservation

On this trip we visit Las Terrazas biosphere reserve, a unique self-sustaining community to the west of Havana that is dedicated to the research and protection of the local ecosystem. The entrance fee, which is included within the trip price, goes directly to the community’s environmental initiatives which includes some of the oldest coffee plantations in Cuba.

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

Meals

Having meals in locally-owned and run restaurants not only provides you with a chance to enjoy true traditional cuisine and hospitality, but it also means your money supports the local community and ensures they have a continued livelihood. This is especially important in the more rural areas we visit.

Employment

One of the reasons we prefer to use local tour leaders is so they can give a real insight into the culture and history of their home country by sharing their own stories and experiences. In addition we are supporting them financially through employment, as well as the other members of staff of our in-country partners.

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.