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Biking from Santiago to Tierra del Fuego: Is it possible to find bikes in Chile for the trip?
Hi there,
My friend and I are planning to bike down to Tierra del Fuego starting from Santiago, Chile, in early February. The big question is: "Is it possible to find decent and reasonably priced bikes in Santiago?" Are there local resale sites like Leboncoin, or any second-hand spots worth knowing about there? If anyone’s done this before, I’d love to hear your tips! ;)
Thanks! !
One month in southern Chile: possible by car or do we need internal flights?
Hi! We’re planning to spend a month (February or March 2026) in southern Chile, starting from Santiago (Lake District, Torres del Paine Park, Punta Arenas).
Can we do this itinerary by car, or do we need to take internal flights?
Has anyone done this trip and can give us some tips?
Thanks!
Fabienne and Jérôme
Public transport from Puerto Natales to Santiago
Hi there,
We’re two friends and want to explore Patagonia in 3 weeks, traveling from Puerto Natales to Santiago. We’d like to use public transport. Has anyone tried this before? If so, could you share your itinerary, booking tips, etc.? We’ll be traveling in December–January.
Thanks!
My Cuba trip experience
Hi everyone.
Here’s my personal account (just my own opinion, of course):
My trip lasted 2 months (January to March 2025). Backpacking, solo, and on a very tight budget (15 € per day on average). I traveled from Havana to: Viñales, Santa Marta/Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Baracoa, Moa, Holguín, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, and back to Havana.
In Cuba, if you stay in *casas particulares*, you’ll have plenty of options. They’re everywhere. When I did door-to-door, I negotiated prices based on my small budget. Not always accepted, but I still managed to find families willing to host me. The island has fewer and fewer tourists each year, so many now prefer to rent a room at a low price rather than leave it empty. Inflation is insane, and Cubans struggle to get by day to day.
Door-to-door works really well (look for the blue logo of a roof on the house, which means it’s licensed to rent to foreigners)—you’ll see them everywhere. If it makes you feel more secure, you can also book through Airb’n’b, but you won’t be able to negotiate there. Important: make sure to get a VPN subscription on your phone, otherwise you won’t be able to book anything (since Airbnb is a U.S. site).
Now, for the West:
- Viñales: very pretty but *super* touristy! So, food prices are a bit high… but it’s the cheapest place to stay I found in the whole country (3 €-4 per night!!!), because there’s so much competition with *casas* (you’ll find them on every street!).
- Cienfuegos: a human-scale city, I really liked it because it’s so peaceful. Waterfront, pretty square, good prices, wide and well-lit streets—very pleasant…
- Trinidad: very expensive and very touristy. Pretty (cobblestone streets, historic center, natural surroundings), but packed with people…
- Havana: easy to find cheap accommodation if you look in Chinatown. However, you shouldn’t mind the noise and street prostitution (getting approached every 10 meters)… Central Havana is the only well-maintained and upscale part of the city (so very expensive, for tourists with money). Outside of that, everything is run-down, in ruins, or very poor (and cheap as a result).
- Varadero: no interest at all. Very expensive, superficial, and ultra-touristy. Absolutely nothing Cuban about the place. If you still want to go, stay 3 km before in Santa Marta—it’s cheaper, and you can easily walk there.
- Santa Clara: a very pretty small city with its central square. Hard to find a good place to eat with electricity—if you can afford it, go to *El Sol* restaurant, no hesitation! Great welcome and a charming spot to enjoy a meal. For accommodation, I recommend a wonderful person, Juan Carlos. *Casa San Lorenzo* on Calle Martí! Always attentive, a great spirit, and good advice…
For the Center:
- Sancti Spíritus: nothing special… just a stopover city.
- Camagüey: a nice city with welcoming people (like everywhere else), but nothing particularly noteworthy.
For the Southeast:
- Bayamo: very small, nothing special.
- Santiago de Cuba: I loved it! It felt like San Francisco with its hilly layout! Lots of street life, musicians, affordable *casas*, easy to make friendly connections, quiet spots by the water, and lively areas downtown (despite the downside of being approached every 2 minutes). And always, a warm welcome from locals (shoutout to the adorable Erika, Souleydis, and her partner—I’m giving a shoutout to *Casa San Pedro* on Calle Princesa!).
- Guantánamo: no interest. Hard to find accommodation or even food. Nothing special and not very pretty either…
- Baracoa: very pretty, though! Kept in its own juice, very typical, authentic, a peaceful waterfront, and stunning natural surroundings… Easy to find cheap accommodation.
- Moa: the only small town where I stayed 3 days and couldn’t find bottled water… Not much interest, except to rest before hitting the road again.
- Holguín: one of the cities I loved! I stayed over 10 days. Human-scale, lots of places to stay and sleep. No one bothers you in the street (except money changers). It’s a great place to live, and the people are very friendly.
Overall positives: no need to worry—Cuba is ultra-safe, no aggression, no risks. Cubans are very welcoming, smiling, and always ready to help. Public transport everywhere—buses, trucks, *collectivos*, *taxi wha-wha*… The ice cream is to die for (just watch out for power outages and freezers). Great breakfasts in *casas*—hearty and delicious… Movie theaters are practically free (in Cuban pesos), so cheap it’d be a shame to skip them (they’re often empty, by the way). Chess clubs in every city, open to everyone and free (they’re really good!). The general vibe is warm and joyful despite the hardships…
Overall negatives: lots of scams, theft, and prostitution. Except in Havana, the rest of the island has no electricity for most of the day. Hard to find good cheap food (without going to big restaurants or hotels). Often mediocre: pasta or pizza usually have no taste. Paranoia among many people who fear crime, even though the country is very safe… Inflation is so bad that many Cubans struggle to eat or get healthcare (medicine is rare and expensive).
That’s a lot to say, but that’s the gist of it… 😊
Here’s my personal account (just my own opinion, of course):
My trip lasted 2 months (January to March 2025). Backpacking, solo, and on a very tight budget (15 € per day on average). I traveled from Havana to: Viñales, Santa Marta/Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Baracoa, Moa, Holguín, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, and back to Havana.
In Cuba, if you stay in *casas particulares*, you’ll have plenty of options. They’re everywhere. When I did door-to-door, I negotiated prices based on my small budget. Not always accepted, but I still managed to find families willing to host me. The island has fewer and fewer tourists each year, so many now prefer to rent a room at a low price rather than leave it empty. Inflation is insane, and Cubans struggle to get by day to day.
Door-to-door works really well (look for the blue logo of a roof on the house, which means it’s licensed to rent to foreigners)—you’ll see them everywhere. If it makes you feel more secure, you can also book through Airb’n’b, but you won’t be able to negotiate there. Important: make sure to get a VPN subscription on your phone, otherwise you won’t be able to book anything (since Airbnb is a U.S. site).
Now, for the West:
- Viñales: very pretty but *super* touristy! So, food prices are a bit high… but it’s the cheapest place to stay I found in the whole country (3 €-4 per night!!!), because there’s so much competition with *casas* (you’ll find them on every street!).
- Cienfuegos: a human-scale city, I really liked it because it’s so peaceful. Waterfront, pretty square, good prices, wide and well-lit streets—very pleasant…
- Trinidad: very expensive and very touristy. Pretty (cobblestone streets, historic center, natural surroundings), but packed with people…
- Havana: easy to find cheap accommodation if you look in Chinatown. However, you shouldn’t mind the noise and street prostitution (getting approached every 10 meters)… Central Havana is the only well-maintained and upscale part of the city (so very expensive, for tourists with money). Outside of that, everything is run-down, in ruins, or very poor (and cheap as a result).
- Varadero: no interest at all. Very expensive, superficial, and ultra-touristy. Absolutely nothing Cuban about the place. If you still want to go, stay 3 km before in Santa Marta—it’s cheaper, and you can easily walk there.
- Santa Clara: a very pretty small city with its central square. Hard to find a good place to eat with electricity—if you can afford it, go to *El Sol* restaurant, no hesitation! Great welcome and a charming spot to enjoy a meal. For accommodation, I recommend a wonderful person, Juan Carlos. *Casa San Lorenzo* on Calle Martí! Always attentive, a great spirit, and good advice…
For the Center:
- Sancti Spíritus: nothing special… just a stopover city.
- Camagüey: a nice city with welcoming people (like everywhere else), but nothing particularly noteworthy.
For the Southeast:
- Bayamo: very small, nothing special.
- Santiago de Cuba: I loved it! It felt like San Francisco with its hilly layout! Lots of street life, musicians, affordable *casas*, easy to make friendly connections, quiet spots by the water, and lively areas downtown (despite the downside of being approached every 2 minutes). And always, a warm welcome from locals (shoutout to the adorable Erika, Souleydis, and her partner—I’m giving a shoutout to *Casa San Pedro* on Calle Princesa!).
- Guantánamo: no interest. Hard to find accommodation or even food. Nothing special and not very pretty either…
- Baracoa: very pretty, though! Kept in its own juice, very typical, authentic, a peaceful waterfront, and stunning natural surroundings… Easy to find cheap accommodation.
- Moa: the only small town where I stayed 3 days and couldn’t find bottled water… Not much interest, except to rest before hitting the road again.
- Holguín: one of the cities I loved! I stayed over 10 days. Human-scale, lots of places to stay and sleep. No one bothers you in the street (except money changers). It’s a great place to live, and the people are very friendly.
Overall positives: no need to worry—Cuba is ultra-safe, no aggression, no risks. Cubans are very welcoming, smiling, and always ready to help. Public transport everywhere—buses, trucks, *collectivos*, *taxi wha-wha*… The ice cream is to die for (just watch out for power outages and freezers). Great breakfasts in *casas*—hearty and delicious… Movie theaters are practically free (in Cuban pesos), so cheap it’d be a shame to skip them (they’re often empty, by the way). Chess clubs in every city, open to everyone and free (they’re really good!). The general vibe is warm and joyful despite the hardships…
Overall negatives: lots of scams, theft, and prostitution. Except in Havana, the rest of the island has no electricity for most of the day. Hard to find good cheap food (without going to big restaurants or hotels). Often mediocre: pasta or pizza usually have no taste. Paranoia among many people who fear crime, even though the country is very safe… Inflation is so bad that many Cubans struggle to eat or get healthcare (medicine is rare and expensive).
That’s a lot to say, but that’s the gist of it… 😊
Cycling tour of Guadeloupe
Hi there,
I’d like to cycle around Guadeloupe during the Christmas holidays. I was wondering if it’s dangerous, if it’s easy to rent a bike, and to find accommodation along the way? Thanks!
Motorcycle trip from Santiago de Chile to Ushuaia
Hello,
I’ve got a plan with a friend to go on a motorcycle road trip in 2028 or 2029, starting in Santiago de Chile and ending in Ushuaia, for about a month.
Has anyone done a trip like this before, and what’s the best time of year?
I’ve heard there can be quite a bit of wind depending on the season.
Thanks for any tips!
Cheers,
PA
Road conditions: Holguín - Moa - Baracoa
Hi there,
Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…
Best,
renaldito
Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…
Best,
renaldito
Which countries are best for cycling with daily hotel stops?
Hello, I spent a month cycling in Thailand earlier this year with a touring bike equipped with two rear panniers. I loved being able to ride and stop at a hotel every night, and eat just about anywhere. I tried India two months ago but gave up because of the road conditions and chaotic traffic.
I’m looking for countries where I can cycle "without autonomy"—so no tent, no stove, just the bare minimum. Ideally, I’d like to stop at hotels or similar accommodations regularly, without having to cover 200 km a day!
I’d love to hear from your experiences—what countries make it easy to travel this way? Thanks!
I’m looking for countries where I can cycle "without autonomy"—so no tent, no stove, just the bare minimum. Ideally, I’d like to stop at hotels or similar accommodations regularly, without having to cover 200 km a day!
I’d love to hear from your experiences—what countries make it easy to travel this way? Thanks!
Programme pour visiter la Guadeloupe
Bonjour,
Je part en décembre au Club Med de la Caravelle en Guadeloupe et après je voudrais faire un tour pour visiter la Guadeloupe.
Je voudrais visiter la basse terre et la grande terre.
Pour infos j ne conduit pas, je n'ai pas le permis.
Quelqu'un peut me conseiller quoi faire car je connais car j'y suis jamais aller.
Existe t'il une agence de voyage qui peut me faire un programme.
Merci d'avance.
Je voudrais visiter la basse terre et la grande terre.
Pour infos j ne conduit pas, je n'ai pas le permis.
Quelqu'un peut me conseiller quoi faire car je connais car j'y suis jamais aller.
Existe t'il une agence de voyage qui peut me faire un programme.
Merci d'avance.
Transports à Cuba en mode sac à dos
Bonjour , est il possible et facile de parcourir Cuba en mode sac à dos ?
Roadworks on the Baracoa to Moa route (Cuba)
Good news for tourists traveling this route.
The 59 km section in poor condition is currently being repaired. Everything should be finished in August.
This will make the connection between Guantánamo, Baracoa, Moa, and Holguín much easier.
This will make the connection between Guantánamo, Baracoa, Moa, and Holguín much easier.
Voyage une semaine à Cuba en famille
Bonjour à tous,
Je suis à la recherche de conseils pour Cuba, je n' arrive pas à me décider. Nous recherchons avec mon mari à partir pour la semaine qui suit Noël au soleil avec nos 3 jeunes garçons! Nous vivons à Toronto.
La Havane nous a toujours attiré et nous pensions que 2 jours autour du nouvel an pourraient être festif et les enfants adoraient l ambiance cubaine! Mais bcp de personnes ayant fait un voyage à Cuba nous déconseillent cette destination. Les critères sont que les plages ne sont pas spécialement belles mise a part Varadero, et que Varadero se trouve dénaturée par les complexes hoteliers..
Pour être honnête nous n aimons pas vraiment les stations balnéaires et sommes a la recherche d endroits sauvages et authentiques avec de belles plages pour ensuite se diriger vers la Havane.
On m a conseillé Jibacoa qui avait une belle plage mais je n' ai pas vu de casa. Auriez vous des recommandations ou des expériences à partager de votre expérience cubaine? Un petit paradis caché dans cette région pt être!
Merci d avance pour vos conseils!
Auriez vous un quartier à me conseiller pour la Havane?
Auriez vous un quartier à me conseiller pour la Havane?
Voyage de 4 semaines à Cuba et casas particulares
bonjour à tous,
mon mari et moi profitons de ce confinement pour préparer notre voyage de 4 semaines à Cuba; on ne sait pas bien sûr s'il aura lieu, mais nos billets d'avion sont déjà achetés! Nous avons fait le choix d'arriver à la Havane, et 2 jours aprés prendre un avion pour Baracoa; ainsi, nous comptons remonter Cuba :Santiago, Camaguey avec peut-être une halte à Bayamo ou Las Tunas, puis Trinidad pour rayonner (Sancti Spiritus, Santa Clara, Valle de Los Ingenios), Cienfuegos, Vinales et enfin la Havane.
Cet itinéraire, vous parait-il faisable? Avez vous de bonnes adresses de casa particular sans passer par Airb&b ou autres sites? Preneurs d'idées hors des sentiers battus, nous comptons sur vous pour nous donner des astuces, ou des coups de cœur que vous avez eu.
en attendant, prenez soin de vous et restez confinés.
Agnès
Road conditions for cycling to Cayo Jutias (Cuba)
This message is for folks who’ve been to Cayo Jutias in the past year, especially this past winter. I’d love to hear about the road conditions on the way there. Are the last few kilometers to the beach still in terrible shape, full of potholes?
Same question about the road through La Sabana toward Santa Lucia—was it still in rough condition?
How’s the road to Minas de Matahambre and Pons?
And what about the route from Santa Lucia to Mantua and then Sandino?
Thanks in advance.
Same question about the road through La Sabana toward Santa Lucia—was it still in rough condition?
How’s the road to Minas de Matahambre and Pons?
And what about the route from Santa Lucia to Mantua and then Sandino?
Thanks in advance.
Randonnées avec guide au départ de Saint-François (Guadeloupe)
Bonjour,
je logerais sur Saint François du 18 mars au 6 avril et je souhaite faire des randonnées.
J'aimerais pouvoir randonner avec un guide et / ou un groupe au départ de St François. Est ce que quelqu'un aurait un contact ou des tuyaux ?
Merci d'avance.
Incontournables pour six jours avec voiture en Guadeloupe (Baie-Mahault)
Bonjour,
Je pars seulement 8 j en Guadeloupe et j'aimerai connaitre vos incontournables en 6 j ( arrivee et depart exclus) . Beaucoup lu sur le sujet mais souvent en 10 ou 15 j. Je sejourne a Baie-Mahault et loue une voiture. D'avance merci pour vos conseils
Je pars seulement 8 j en Guadeloupe et j'aimerai connaitre vos incontournables en 6 j ( arrivee et depart exclus) . Beaucoup lu sur le sujet mais souvent en 10 ou 15 j. Je sejourne a Baie-Mahault et loue une voiture. D'avance merci pour vos conseils
Avion et transport de vélo et logements à Cuba
Bonjour,
J'ai le projet d'effectuer un séjour itinérant à Cuba en 2021( janvier, février ) Je pense emmener mon vélo, mais que faire de la housse de transport une fois arrivée à destination ? Existe t-il des compagnies aériennes qui se charge de " l'emballage du vélo " ? Je sais que de nombreux logements chez l'habitants sont proposés, suis - obligée de les retenir avant ? car si un endroit me plait ou me plait moins j'aimerais avoir le choix du temps consacré à sa visite .
Je vous remercie .
J'ai le projet d'effectuer un séjour itinérant à Cuba en 2021( janvier, février ) Je pense emmener mon vélo, mais que faire de la housse de transport une fois arrivée à destination ? Existe t-il des compagnies aériennes qui se charge de " l'emballage du vélo " ? Je sais que de nombreux logements chez l'habitants sont proposés, suis - obligée de les retenir avant ? car si un endroit me plait ou me plait moins j'aimerais avoir le choix du temps consacré à sa visite .
Je vous remercie .
Les Saintes, Marie-Galante et la Dominique sans obigation de transit par Pointe-à-Pitre
Bonjour
Nous sommes à basse tere en guadeloupe et voudrions aller au saintes, marie galante et la Dominique sans faire de retour à pint à pitre à chaque fois..
Je ne trouve pas si cela est possible...
Merci
Erika
Suggestion de petits restos sympas, genre lolo ou autres, en Guadeloupe
Bonjour a vous tous,
Nous quittons le Québec fin février pour passer un magnifique 2 semaines en Guadeloupe. Premiere fois sur cette ile, nous allons être dans le région du Gosier. Avez vous des suggestions de petits restos bord de mer genre lolo ou autres dans le meme genre ou incontournable a aller au moins une fois, genre vos coup de cœur !!!
Merci pour votre aide
Pierre
Nous quittons le Québec fin février pour passer un magnifique 2 semaines en Guadeloupe. Premiere fois sur cette ile, nous allons être dans le région du Gosier. Avez vous des suggestions de petits restos bord de mer genre lolo ou autres dans le meme genre ou incontournable a aller au moins une fois, genre vos coup de cœur !!!
Merci pour votre aide
Pierre
Carte touristique pour Cuba avec Air China (départ de Montréal)
Salut,
j'ai acheté mon billet il y a plus d'un an pas trop cher avec Air China pour la Havane.
Je ne me souvient don plus si c'était avec un site de réservation ou directement sur le site de Air China.
Quand je regarde mes facture je ne vois pas un frais spcéifique pour ma carte touristique, mais il y a tout de même un 33.31$ avec "CUAB" (et non CUBA) comme description.
Est-ce que je prend pour acquis que c'est la carte touristique? Air China me fait poireauter au téléphone depuis 45 minutes... Pourront-il vraiment me vendre la carte au comptoir au départ de Montréal?
Quand je regarde mes facture je ne vois pas un frais spcéifique pour ma carte touristique, mais il y a tout de même un 33.31$ avec "CUAB" (et non CUBA) comme description.
Est-ce que je prend pour acquis que c'est la carte touristique? Air China me fait poireauter au téléphone depuis 45 minutes... Pourront-il vraiment me vendre la carte au comptoir au départ de Montréal?
