A Bolivian woman who went on vacation to Cuba expressed alarm at the lack of lighting on the roads and fields in Cuba, highlighting the dangers of the situation.
Nicole Pinto, who publishes travel vlogs on her Instagram account, visited Viñales, one of the most touristy and frequented areas in the country, which nonetheless is not free from power outages.
"It's almost seven in the evening, and I've been driving towards Viñales for several hours. (...) One thing that really stands out to me is that in this entire rural area of Cuba, there is no street lighting; well, there is, but it is always turned off," he described.
"The houses also have no electricity; I've seen many people with their flashlights, and the entire road is also dark. If you don't use your car lights, you can't see anything; it's quite dangerous," he emphasized.
The young woman interacted with the local farmers and was surprised because—unlike the people in Havana—they expressed gratitude for the revolution for having given them back their land. They often repeat this "narrative" to tourists, especially to those who share videos on social media, allowing them to avoid any problems.
When Nicole arrived at the cabin she had rented after a day of sightseeing, there was no electricity. However, since it was something new for her, she didn't take it badly. "These things happen in Cuba," she said.
The visitor drove to Varadero at night, and just as she experienced on the roads of Pinar del Río, she also complained about the lack of lighting along the way.
From his stay at the Meliá Varadero, he reported that out of an average of 10 dishes he tried, he liked three.
"The food isn't very good, but well, that's a problem all the hotels in the area face, and even though they are five-star, the supply shortages affect everyone," he lamented.
La grave crisis económica y energética que atraviesa el país ha incidido en la disminución del turismo internacional en Cuba.
The Island received a total of 2.2 million international visitors in 2024, which represents a decline of 9.6% compared to the previous year and the lowest figure in two decades.
The National Office of Information and Statistics (ONEI) reported that this result is well below the initial goal set by the Cuban government, which had projected to receive 3.2 million international visitors, later adjusting it to 2.7 million.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Tourism in Cuba
Why do tourists consider traveling on Cuba's roads dangerous?
The lack of street lighting on the highways and rural areas of Cuba creates extremely low visibility conditions at night, which increases the risk of accidents. The absence of light on Cuban roads is considered a significant danger by tourists.
How does the energy crisis affect tourism in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba, characterized by frequent and prolonged blackouts, negatively impacts the tourist experience. Tourists face challenges such as the lack of air conditioning and interruptions of basic services in hotels and restaurants. This has resulted in a decrease in the number of international visitors.
What problems do hotels in Cuba face due to power outages?
Hotels in Cuba, even those with five stars, experience power outages that impact the quality of service provided to guests. Blackouts can disrupt the availability of food and beverages, limit the use of facilities, and reduce the overall comfort of tourists.
What are the recommendations for those planning to travel to Cuba?
Due to the energy crisis and resource shortages in Cuba, travelers are advised to be prepared by bringing items such as flashlights, rechargeable fans, and basic medicines. It is crucial to stay informed about the current situation before traveling and to consider the possibility of postponing the trip if conditions are not favorable.
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