Herschel fell in love with Cuba. Then he moved there.
Founder and lead guide of Cuba Bicycle Tours. Born and raised in New York City, in Boulder, Colorado since 1968, and now at home with his Cuban wife in a village in el Oriente.
“Several years ago I fell in love with the culture and kind people of Cuba. As a bike tour operator and guide I knew I had to provide an experience for people to connect in the way I did: on two wheels and in a very personal way. I wanted travelers, particularly Americans, to form their own stories about Cuba, to set free their curiosity, dispel myths and make connections with the real people of this unique place.”
The resilience of the Cuban people has transformed colonization, revolution and isolation into the rich culture and heritage that permeates the island today. Herschel grew up in a poor multi-ethnic community, the child of immigrants who fled genocide, and he’s come to appreciate how history, race and class shape the lives we live every day. That’s the lens these tours are built through.
He understands the many challenges Cuba faces right now, and created these culture cycling tours so that the money our guests spend goes directly to Cuban families: the hosts who cook your breakfast, the drivers, the guides, the farmers and the musicians.
Our social mission
Cuba Cultural Bicycle Tours provides economic and humanitarian support to people facing tremendous hardship.
- We employ and pay Cubans directly, not the Cuban government.
- We bring essential goods that are in short supply on every trip.
- We helped create the Cuba Bamboo Bike Project at an organic farm you’ll visit on tour.
- For every participant who signs up, we donate a bicycle. Cubans often have no access to private or public transportation, so a bike changes a life.
It feels less like a tour and more like visiting friends
These are the drivers, hosts, musicians and neighbors Herschel has worked with for years. You'll know most of them by name before the week is out.
Come meet the people Herschel calls family
Fill out the short inquiry form. Herschel reads every one and calls you back at the time you choose.