In order to travel to Cuba without supporting the Cuban government in a way that would violate the American embargo, we follow an itinerary licensed by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under a category called “Support for the Cuban People.” The Support for the Cuban People license allows us to travel in Cuba with a planned schedule of meaningful interactions with Cubans. Qualifying for the license allows little room for deviation–especially compared to the flexibility we build into other Backroads itineraries.

When purchasing your flights to Cuba, select that you will be traveling under the OFAC category of “Support for the Cuban People.” You may be able to extend your stay in Cuba beyond the days of our trip depending on your legal status in the US. If you are not extending your stay before or after our Backroads trip, your flight to Cuba must arrive no earlier than the evening before the Backroads trip start and must depart no later than the morning after the trip end. 

Cuban roads, especially in the countryside, are very poorly maintained. Come prepared for adventurous riding on gravel, potholes and rough road, which add an extra dimension of challenge to Cuba’s climbs and descents. This is a region for riders of all levels to take advantage of shuttles, to slow down, and to pace yourself and find your line. When in doubt, watch the Cuban Masters Cycling Club members who are riding with us—and bike like a Cuban!

When traveling abroad, things don’t always go according to plan and, particularly in Cuba, itinerary changes or shifts mid-trip are quite common. In the event of a last-minute change to scheduled activities, your leaders will find alternative activities. Expect the unexpected in this region—it’s all part of the adventure!

One of the most notable restrictions for American travelers in Cuba is the State Department’s prohibition on staying in state-associated businesses, which encompass nearly all hotels in Cuba. To respect this requirement, on this trip we stay in privately owned and operated casas particulares, a uniquely Cuban form of accommodation in which locals open up rooms to welcome visitors into their homes. While some casas particulares in Havana are practically indistinguishable from boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts, those in the Cuban countryside are much more basic–a uniquely rustic and local experience as compared to even the most Casual accommodations used by Backroads.