All within a huge area – over 1,200 km from point to point – that offers a great adventure to trail riders. With this in mind, one very interesting option is to explore one of Cuba’s most fascinating areas: the southeast region of the island, cycling through about 300 km, none of them easy.

Tourists who visit Cuba tend to explore the opposite end of the island, where the capital city of Havana is located, as well as other interesting spots in western Cuba. But cycling through the lesser-known and poorer eastern part of the island offers its own rewards, especially the incredible natural surroundings: forests, of which there are precious few left on the island, and impressive coastal reefs. And then there is the route itself, which goes through La Farola, Cuba’s highest mountain pass. The best time for this trip, by the way, is between November and April, otherwise the heat is unbearable.

The first thing is to get to Santiago, the most important city in southern Cuba, at the foot of the historic Sierra Maestra where the revolution began. There won’t be any problem to travel with your bike by train from Havana to Santiago. Once you are down south, don’t miss visiting Cuba’s largest cathedral, the streets of Santiago and the castle of San Pedro el Morro, a World Heritage monument. Then hop on your bike and start pedaling east, about 100km towards Guantanamo, through humble rural areas and coconut and coffee plantations.

About 15 km outside of the city, but in two different directions, there are two famous landmarks: one is Guantanamo, the infamous U.S. military base, which for obvious reasons cannot be visited. The other, going inland, is the La Felicidad natural rock park, which is worth the visit. The second stage of the trip will take you along the island coast to Cajobabo (106km), looking over cliffs and black sand beaches. This is the driest part of the island, but even here, there is an abundance of green.

The route isn’t easy, and there are lots of climbs and descents, but they only warm you up for the main climb to La Farola on the last day: of the stage’s 60km, 20 will be spent cycling this demanding mountain pass between Cajobabo and Baracoa that runs through lush forests. The final descent will help you recover your breath, and drop you in the lovely town of Baracoa, a National Monument and the location of the first Spanish settlement from the time of Cuba’s discovery. Take a dive and explore the remains of shipwrecked galleons in the bay of Baracoa. Close by are incredible beaches and reefs. After the climb to La Farola, there is no better place to relax.