When you arrive in Cuba, your MacQueen's bicycle tour typically begins with a collective transfer to your first hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, we usually begin with bicycle outfitting the following day and make any adjustments or special installations of saddles/clipless pedals prior to the first day's ride. A briefing on cycling etiquette, currency, local customs and more will be provided by our representative at the beginning of your holiday. Your MacQueen's Island Tours rep is usually available 24-7, so if you have any questions or concerns, please let him or her know.

With your cooperation, we try to get an early start each day to avoid the afternoon heat. On transfer days, please bring your bags to the van BEFORE breakfast, which is usually at 8:00. We urge you to travel lightly, one medium/large bag plus a carry on works best for most people. Each evening at dinner, our guides will discuss what you can expect the following day.


What to Bring

  • Paperwork: Passport valid for 6 months from departure date, Cuban tourist visa and MacQueen's invoice with confirmation numbers (if applicable)
  • Photocopies: Copy of Passport information pages (we also require your passport number/nationality/birthdate for pre-registration at hotels – you should provide that info in advance to our Candian office.
  • Luggage: Pack all allowable necessities in your carry-on luggage. Baggage restrictions by air carriers: 2 suitcases with a combined weight not exceeding 20 kilos per passenger is typical. Allow room for purchases but remember, most people over pack.
  • General Clothing: Informal, breathable, drip dry cotton is recommended. Weather varies, so bring a sweatshirt, wind breaker or sweater for cool mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes, sneakers and/or sandals and swimwear. Evening entertainment and activities is casual, but one pair of pants or long skirt (gender specific) is advised.
  • Bicycle Clothing: You can get by with general clothing, but there is a reason for the cycle clothing industry. We recommend 2 cycle jerseys and 2 pairs of padded shorts. If you have cycling shoes, bring your shoes and pedals and we will install them for you.
  • Rain Gear: Showers may occur anytime, but rain gear is only recommended in the rainy season, May - October.
  • Cycle Gear: No special gear is required, but feel free to bring your favorite saddle, clipless pedals and helmet.
  • Photography & Electronics: Hand check cameras, film, laptops and disks. Officially 2 cameras and 6 rolls of film are allowed although we’ve never heard of this being enforced. Bring spare batteries. Electronic, GPS or radio communications equipment is forbidden. See the official Cuban customs Web site for further details
  • Medications: Sunscreen and insect repellent. Prescriptions should be clearly labeled. Also see "Emergencies" below.
  • Emergencies: Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, extra tampons, travel packages of Kleenex (never get caught without a packet of Kleenex, it's much better than carrying a roll of toilet paper around), antibacterial hand cleaning gel, a small Spanish-English dictionary
  • Money: This varies greatly depending on your spending habits, souvenir purchases, etc. If you have a non-US (or affiliate) bank issued credit card you may be able to use it for purchases or cash advances in Cuba. We offer an emergency cash advance service to participants if required. Please visit our Currency page for more details. Do not bring US currency to Cuba as it's subject to a 10% levy.
  • Gifts: We strongly recommended that donations of school or medical supplies be left with a responsible organization or person which we will be able to arrange. While it’s rewarding to give trinkets, it does send the wrong message and often encourages children to beg. We recommend only giving gifts after a rapport has been attained and only when appropriate. If you do give gifts, ensure the recipient is deserving.
  • Face Towels: Towels are provided at hotels but face cloths are often not.
  • Ear Plugs: Cuban music may lose it's appeal at 1 AM, so if you're a light sleeper, ear plugs may be desired.
  • 110v Adapter: Some hotels are 220v so a 110v adapter may come in handy.
  • Last But Not Least: Your sense of adventure

Currency

Tourism is based on the Convertible Peso (or Tourist Dollar). While $1.00 CUC = $1.08 USD (about $1.12 with bank fees), it's advisable to bring Euros, Canadian dollars, British Pounds or Swiss Francs, as there is a 10% additional fee for converting US dollars. Credit cards from Canadian and non-US banks are accepted while US credit cards are not. Travelers Checks are not widely accepted. Cash advances for US citizens can be made locally on Visa and MasterCharge by a MacQueen’s representative at a 10% surcharge. Please visit our Currency page for more details.

Food

While the food in Cuba is healthy and tasty, there is very little variety. Eggs (fried, boiled or in omelets) plus fresh fruit, fruit juice, coffee and tea make up a typical breakfast. Lunch and dinner usually provides a choice of fish, chicken or pork, accompanied by black beans and rice. Food is generally not "spicy hot" but rather seasoned with garlic. There are a few pleasant surprises in store for you, however, such as private restaurants (paladares) and roadside fresh fruit stands. The water in most hotel kitchens is filtered but we provide bottled water for all rides and recommend bottled water on any short holiday.

Gratuities

MacQueen's includes gratuities for hotels, servers, domestics, musicians and porters on all Cycle Tours. We also now guarantee a minimum tour bonus for each of our guide, driver and company representative. Additional gratuities for tour staff, with whom you'll build a personal relationship and who are the key to the enjoyment of your holiday, are encouraged and welcomed. More Info

U.S. Citizens, U.S. Issued Credit Cards, Medical Coverage etc.

The United States is the only country to impose restrictions on its citizens visiting Cuba. For more information on U.S. citizens visiting Cuba, U.S. issued credit cards and travelers checks, medical coverage while in Cuba and more, please visit our U.S. Participants page.

Journalists, Business Travelers or Visiting Institutions

For clients intending to work in the field of journalism, travel for business purposes or visit any institution, hospital, clinic etc, we recommend that you contact the Cuban consulate, embassy or interest section in your country of residence at least 2 weeks in advance of your travel date to solicit the proper visa (a tourist visa may not be adequate anymore). Journalists, upon arrival in Cuba, must register with the National Press Center in Vedado, Havana.

Your Safety

Cuba is generally very safe but petty crime does exist. Because most Cubans are so friendly, it's easy to be lulled into a false sense of security. You should use common sense and take the same precautions as you would in any country. Your physical well being should be very secure, but your camera or hand bag may not.

  • Use the safety deposit box in your room
  • Carry only small amounts of cash in your purse/wallet - use a money belt for extra cash & larger bills
  • A passport is the best form of ID for most credit card transactions
  • Keep passport/travel documents in a designated side pocket of your luggage while traveling so that they don't get misplaced during packing and unpacking
  • Don't wear flashy jewelry
  • If renting a car, before or after your cycle tour, keep your valuables under the seat and if you pick up hitchhikers, don't ever leave them alone with your possessions
  • When parking your vehicle, always leave it under the surveillance of an official (with badge) parking attendant
  • Always be aware of your surroundings
  • Use simple common Sense!
Unwanted Guests

Lizards and frogs occasionally visit some rooms in Cuba, a fact of life when visiting any southern ecological area. If they bother you, the Cubans are usually more than happy to assist in their removal (with a chuckle, of course) but they may return!

Our Guides & Company Representatives

Our Cuban guides and family representatives are highly experienced and provide exceptional support while sharing their intimate knowledge of the country. Our team offers mechanical and language assistance as well as a great sense of fun and adventure. While not being intrusive, they are always happy to answer any question you may have. Our resident representatives are in Cuba to ensure your holiday is hassle free. Meet our Guides & Representatives.
Happy Trails!!

WoWCuba is operated by - MacQueen's Island Tours - Contact Us / Our Locations