A Cuban content creator recently wandered through the deserted streets of Tarará, a once-exclusive coastal community east of Havana, summarizing her experience in one chilling phrase: "It's a ghost town."
The video, shared by Facebook user "La negri cubana," has garnered over 31,000 views. It reveals empty streets, completely ruined houses, and almost non-existent services in what used to be one of Havana's most sought-after summer destinations.
"Many years ago, this was a beautiful place where people had a great time, but in 2026, it's a city of terror, empty, full of abandoned houses, completely destroyed," the creator narrates during her exploration.
Tarará is situated 27 kilometers from the heart of the Cuban capital, within the municipality of Habana del Este. It boasts 520 Art Deco-style homes constructed in the 1940s and 50s.
Originally, the development was designed by The Tarará Land Company with American investment. It was considered Latin America's first gated community, featuring a yacht club, church, restaurants, drive-in theater, and market.
The Impact of 1959 and Beyond
Following 1959, the Cuban government seized all luxury homes, prompting most owners to emigrate to the United States. Since then, the area has been repurposed by the regime for various uses: the City of Students, City of Pioneers José Martí, the humanitarian program for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster—providing care for 26,114 patients between 1990 and 2011—and the Miracle Operation base for Latin American ophthalmologic patients funded by Venezuela.
Most of these 520 houses remain abandoned. Schools, a daycare center, a theater, and a polyclinic have been closed for years, documenting deterioration since at least 2019.
A Stark Contrast in Preservation
Not all areas are uniformly neglected; a few well-maintained private homes are available for rent at $120 a night. Chalets near the coastline are owned by the military group GAESA and marketed by their company Gaviota.
State-owned homes available to Cuban tourists are priced at 3,000 pesos for a three-day, two-night stay, though the experience is far from what is promised.
"There was no gas; the stove was just for show. There was no drinking water, and the electricity was constantly out," the content creator shares in a video recounting her stay at one of these homes.
This stark contrast between widespread neglect and pockets of opulence highlights the Cuban government's uneven management, particularly striking against the backdrop of the severe housing crisis on the island, where thousands of families live in precarious conditions while 520 historically and architecturally valuable homes decay by the sea.
FAQs about Tarará's Current State
What was Tarará originally designed for?
Tarará was designed as a luxury gated community by The Tarará Land Company with American investment in the 1940s and 50s, featuring amenities like a yacht club and drive-in theater.
How has the Cuban government utilized Tarará since 1959?
Since 1959, Tarará has been repurposed for various state-run initiatives, including educational centers, a humanitarian program for Chernobyl victims, and a base for the Miracle Operation for ophthalmologic patients.
What is the current condition of Tarará?
Today, Tarará is largely abandoned with most houses and facilities in disrepair, although some private homes are maintained and available for rent.