Spanish YouTuber Topeados de Viaje has once again shed light on the harsh realities of life in Cuba through a video that chronicles his challenging journey from Havana to Viñales. With the public transport system in disarray, he described his ordeal in trying to make the trip. "Traveling across Cuba isn't easy, and this experience confirmed it. I attempted to travel from Havana to Viñales, but there were no buses, no schedules, and no information available. The only option was taking a collective taxi, which is something very few Cubans can afford," the creator shared on his TikTok profile @topeadosdeviaje.
Throughout his journey, he witnessed scenes that are all too familiar to Cubans: "I saw dozens of people hitchhiking, holding cash in hand, waiting for hours under the scorching sun." Upon reaching his destination, the situation remained grim: "There was no electricity, no cold water, and the heat was unbearable. One family offered me water and shared their story, and it made me realize that despite having so little, people are willing to share everything they have."
Reflecting on his experience, he concluded, "Travel is about seeing landscapes, yes, but more importantly, it's about opening your eyes and heart to other realities."
The Transportation Crisis in Cuba
Topeados de Viaje's experience mirrors the dire state of Cuba's transportation system. According to official reports, only 35% of scheduled bus services are operational, while hundreds of buses rust away in vehicle "graveyards" due to a lack of spare parts and fuel. In an attempt to alleviate the crisis, the regime recently announced a donation of parts from China to repair Havana's bus fleet and unveiled projects like introducing biogas-powered buses in Matanzas. However, these initiatives are progressing slowly and fail to address the current shortages effectively.
Rail transportation is also struggling; this summer, national trains experienced delays due to a shortage of locomotives and cars, highlighting that official solutions have not reversed the years of decline.
Unseen Realities of Cuban Life
The creator had previously exposed the inequality in Cuba through another video where he visited a popular cinema, a local market, and a shopping mall in Havana. "I entered a shopping center filled with products that the average Cuban could never afford. Prices are in dollars, while the average salary is only $12 a month," he remarked. In his series, he also shared that in Cuba, "even if you have money, it doesn’t guarantee you can find food," after accompanying a man searching for food who ended up scavenging a dumpster.
Understanding Cuba's Travel and Transportation Challenges
Why is traveling in Cuba difficult?
Traveling in Cuba is challenging due to a collapsing public transport system, lack of buses, unclear schedules, and limited information. Economic hardships also mean that options like collective taxis are unaffordable for many locals.
What measures are being taken to address Cuba's transport crisis?
The regime has announced measures such as receiving spare parts from China to repair buses and introducing biogas-powered buses in Matanzas. However, these initiatives are slow-moving and insufficient to meet current demands.