How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Jaime was very friendly, professional and competent. He was proud to share his passion and knowledge of any aspect of Cuba with us, using very good English. He adapted the Tour as necessary to the needs of the group, and any particular conditions encountered....The bus driver, Pupo, spoke very little English but we all managed to communicate with him in various ways, generally with smiles and (polite) gesticulations! Nothing was too much trouble for either of them.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Book it now!!
The heat and humidity made the cycling tougher than would be in cooler climates. Take snacks to keep your energy up. There was plenty of communal water on board which was great.
Don't walk up the hills of Trinidad in flip flops....gave me sore calves!!"

Do you have anything else to add?

I extended my stay by 6 days and got a bus west to Vinales, an area where tobacco grows, and within a beautiful National Park. It was safe and easy to get about. A bit of Spanish is of course helpful. There are 2 layers of travel in Cuba, local and tourist. It is very difficult to do anything but the latter. Cuba is a very interesting country clearly in a state of flux..... it will be a sad day if a McDonalds ever appears.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

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What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Jaime our tour leader was a delight. Our trip got off to a rocky start - no fault of Jaime's or our driver's - with a three hour bus delay, followed by a flat tyre, followed by a restaurant cancelling our booking. All this was seriously mucking up our schedule, but Jaime was cool, professional and quick thinking, revising plans with good humour and efficiency. His knowledge of Cuban history and culture is vast and his passion for his country shines through. 

Do you have anything else to add?

I'm not a very regular cyclist and I'm not particularly fit. I did put in some training for this trip, but I'd say if you're not a fitness bunny, this trip will be more 'moderate' than 'easy'. That said, we had all levels of fitness and experience on the trip - the bus is there if you need it!