Who isCubania
We are Cubania Travel and we love what we do. We are the cycling and active travel experts in Cuba. We have an international standard bike workshop and an incredible team of trained cycling guides.
For the last 20 years, we have been providing exceptional and meaningful holidays, enriching the lives of active travellers and our community, and exposing them to a unique way of living by sharing the real Cuban experience.
We aim for excellence in everything we do – from the quality of our tours to the service we give and the experiences we offer. This is our purpose. It’s why we exist.
Responsible
Travel
Responsible travel is part of everything we do at Cubania; from the local ground staff we employ, to the family-run restaurants and B&Bs that we use, we aim to ensure that your money stays in Cuba and supports local businesses.
CUBA IS
OUR PASSION
We are committed to showing Cuba to the world in an honest way, to reveal the uniqueness of the Cuban culture, by changing the existing perception of Cuba; not just playa, ron, mulatas. This is why we encourage our travellers to Do it the Cuban way!
LOCAL EXPERTISE
& NETWORK
We have been working in Cuba for a long time; long enough to make long lasting friendships with our local partners. We are still the only travel company in Cuba to offer internationally recognised bike leader training (British Cycling) in addition to first aid training , guide training and health and safety training. In a country that’s constantly transforming, we dedicate a lot of time to nourishing our standing relationships and forging new ones.
WE ARE THE
CYCLING EXPERTS
Over the years we have ridden 1000s of kilometres and explored the highroads and backroads of Cuba. We’ve cycled with Cuban Masters and figured out what the best bike is for Cuban roads. We have a team dedicated to caring for them and making sure they are in perfect working condition year-round.
OurTeam
LUCY DAVIES
Brought up in Latin America, Lucy started tour guiding whilst studying for her degree at Bristol University. After working in educational tourism in Europe, Lucy became a bike guide and led the first charity fundraising bike ride to Cuba in 1997. Instantly charmed by Cuba’s infectious atmosphere, she cycled the length and breadth of Cuba over the next few years and set up Cubania in 2003, understanding the need for an interface between Cuba and people wanting to discover the island. She currently lives in London and works from Cubania’s London Sales office, making frequent trips to Cuba.
ANIBAL PAEZ CRUZ
An industrial engineer, Anibal started working in tourism over 20 years ago. He was the director of Specialised Tourism at Cuban Travel Agency, Cubanacan, before moving to Cubania in 2015. Anibal´s creativity and experience enable him to create and market new and original programmes for clients, ensuring they get the best out of their Cuban holiday.
JOSE FUENTES
Born and bred in Havana, Jose has always lived within 100 metres from the sea and is a keen swimmer, kayaker and squash player who can usually be found going for a dip every evening after work. Jose is an Industrial Engineer by training and joined Cubania in 2011. His meticulous eye for detail and order has been crucial in building and organising and caring for our impressive fleet of bikes. In the office, Jose works on finding new itineraries and biking routes.
CARLA BRITO PASEIRO
Carla studied French and English at the University of Havana before starting her career in tourism. Carla joined Cubania in 2013, where she joined the Operations Team. Naturally gifted in IT, she took charge of the in house training and setting up of Cubania´s new software platform and she is now the Lynch pin between sales and operations, ensuring that clients receive their trip information quickly and accurately. Carla has travelled all over Cuba with Cubania, but her favourite place is still her hometown, Havana.
BETTY MADRIGAL
Originally from Santa Clara in central Cuba, Betty moved to Havana in 1975. Like Anibal, she worked at Cubanacan for many years before moving to Cubania in 2016. Betty helps Liudmila in Operations, processing hotel and supplier confirmations and briefing guides. She has a large family, including a granddaughter she adores!
LISET CORDERO CENDOYA
Liset studied Economics and Russian before moving into Tourism in 1994. With 17 years of experience in Tourism Accountancy, Liset was more than qualified when she joined Cubania as our in-house accountant in March 2017. Liset loves music and dance, but above all she`s crazy about her two beautiful daughters.
OurGuides
JACKSON HERRERA
My name is Jocsan, but most people call me Jackson ever since I was a teenager, let’s blame it on the weird spelling. I was born and raised in Marianao, one of many Havana’s boroughs. As a child there were three things I always felt attracted to, music, languages and time travel. Unfortunately, the Marty McFly lifestyle didn’t pan out, so I replaced it with my love for both ancient and modern history. As a teenager my father pushed me to learn English which eventually became my obsession. By the time I turned 18 I was already teaching other people, and a year later I was running my own ESL private school even before I graduated. More than 10 years went by before I became a tour guide, and teaching gave me the chance to develop the right skills to deal with all kinds of people, be patient and try to give my best. This job is right up my alley, I get to mix my love for both languages and history in one gig and working with Cubania has given me the chance to do so. If you want to discover the ins and outs of this island, ride with me.
RAYSELIS RODRIGUEZ PUPO
My name is Raiselis (Ray, is easier!) and I come from the outskirts of Havana province. I studied languages and literature at the University of Havana. History and Stylistics are my favourite subjects, but I also enjoy reading, dancing. I have been working as a guide for 15 years now, and this has opened up new horizons allowing me to discover other cultures. With my job comes interaction, challenges and spontaneity – that’s what I enjoy the most. With Cubania I have found the way to share the authentic Cuba with my clients. So, join me on a trip and my island will be yours forever!
LAZARO DE LA MAZA
I’m from Arroyo Naranjo, a suburb of Havana. My inspiration to learn English was a pretty 6th form teacher; I then went on to university to study English and French, graduating with joint honours, and in my third year I decided to add on German as well. I had many different jobs before becoming a tour guide including working in a bakery, working as a welder, renting out VHS movies, painting tourist handicrafts and of course, working as an English teacher. Anyone who wants to discover something different (and be technology free for a week or two) should visit Cuba. I assure you you’ll go back home with a new understanding of the country and its people who are proud of their culture and heritage. We may be a small island in the Caribbean, but the world certainly knows we exist!
JORGE SANCHEZ FERNANDEZ
I am what you call a Villa Clareño, someone who was born in the province of Villa Clara, in a small town called Miller. From a young age I enjoyed going to school and practising sports, in particular Karate. Thanks to my enthusiasm for the sport I was spotted by a sports specialist and continued my education within the educational sporting programme that Cuba offers to those who show a talent in a particular area. I was recruited to the national team but sadly had to cut short my sporting career due to an injury. I decided to go to university in Havana to study languages and graduated with a degree in French, Italian and English. It made sense to use this to my advantage and pursue a career in tourism.
Although I enjoy meeting and working with tourists of all nationalities, I particularly like the British for their great sense of humour. I like walking and spending time outdoors, dancing and generally enjoying the positive and vibrant opportunities that my country offers. I try to put this positive attitude across to all the people I meet during my work.
