Rent a bike forbidden
Until recently, renting a bike was impossible in Cuba because Cubans were not allowed to rent their bikes. (Something with dirty profit and thus capitalism.) So now, with some pride and we like the guy so to promote him, we announce:
Rent a Bike in Havana
Ovidio (an old-timer of 73) has found a way around this problem. He took out a license of ‘operador de equipo recreativo’ and on that license, he is allowed to rent bikes to foreigners.
He flew in about 20 bikes from Panama and is renting them out for 14 CUC’s per day.
That means 7*14=98 per week and 30 or 31*14=420 a month…
The per year price: Special offer! 365*14=5110 CUC. No, there is no advantage in renting long-term… it’s 14 per day! That’s Cuban buisiness for you.
Friendly Italian
The company is financed by a nice Italian (never thought I would say this, I don’t care much for the Italians that frequent Cuba). The two of them are chatting on the curb all day. Their bikes are terrible, so their place is worth a visit but don’t rent a bike if you want to live.
Good Bikes
And zen came the Germans.
Olvidio’s bikes are made in China, bought in Panama and not very good to say it friendly. But until February 2017 they were the only bikes for rent in Havana.
Profile (a German travel agency) changed that. They designed bikes, especially for the Cuban roads and climate. Made in Germany. These bikes are just perfect to make a tour, even for the whole of Cuba if you want! They deliver the bikes at your doorstep and pick them up again. It’s German organisation: quality, and efficiency.
You can book your bike online. They deliver the bikes at your home!
Or you can pick them up at their central location in Vedado… You should book beforehand though… Parque Mariana de las Grajales, Calle D and 23, in front of restaurant Irani Topoli, VEDADO. Save 10 per bike!
Profile also has bikes for rent in Holguin and Santiago.
Do rent a bike
Enjoy your bike ride in Havana! Go out to Miramar and take the ferry across the bay to Casa Blanca. If you want, this guy can give you some bike itineraries via TripUnique.
Biking is the perfect way to discover the non-touristy parts of Havana. If you spent more that three days in Havana (and I would recommend that) rent a bike!
For the lazy people… electric bikes: Cubyke
When in Havana, look around… Find the things I did not see in Cuba (yet).
Before you go to Cuba however, you should read our book!