A young Cuban woman identified as Yaima Alemán shared her migratory journey to Mexico on social media, detailing the challenges and difficulties she faced during her trip from the island. In a video posted on her TikTok profile (@lamuneka_97yai), she explained that leaving Cuba is "very difficult and very expensive," which is why she had to take advantage of the visa exemption that Nicaragua offers to Cubans.
Alemán explained that his journey began with a flight from Cuba to Nicaragua, but due to the lack of direct connections, he had to make several stops, traveling through Colombia, Peru, and El Salvador before reaching his destination. He recounted that at the last airport, he coincided with other Cuban migrants who were also planning to cross the border into Mexico, and he managed to change his flight to travel with the same group.
Since their arrival in Nicaragua, the journey continued overland to Honduras, where after crossing a cornfield, they were transported by tricycles to a shelter. Then, they requested documents to be legally in Honduras and began the journey to Guatemala. The trip included long stretches by bus and crossing a river on a raft until finally reaching Mexico.
The young woman shared that the most challenging stretch was from Tapachula to the center of the country, where she was detained by the police and later transported in extreme conditions inside a hermetically sealed truck along with more than 100 people of various nationalities. "We couldn’t feel our feet; many were crying," she recounted, also mentioning the lack of food and the physical exhaustion she faced.
The video by Alemán generated divided reactions on the platform. While many users congratulated him and welcomed him to Mexico, others criticized him for what they consider an irregular entry into the country.
"How difficult it must be to leave everything behind and, on top of that, endure so much suffering during the journey. Thank God you are in Mexico," commented a user. Alemán responded by thanking for the support and noted that "until we adapt, we continue to experience a migratory grief."
However, there were also critical comments. "She managed to arrive by invading borders, breaking rules, and polluting other people's lands," wrote a user. To this, the Cuban responded: "I neither cry nor beg, because I have no need. Furthermore, I don't pollute any land; where I go, it shines."
Other internet users showed interest in finding out the travel costs. "How much does a trip from Havana to Nicaragua and from Nicaragua to Chiapas cost?" someone asked. Alemán revealed that his ticket cost $3,500 and that he had previously lost another flight worth $2,500 without receiving a refund.
The testimony of Yaima Alemán adds to the stories of thousands of Cubans who have embarked on the dangerous migratory route to Mexico in recent years. Recently, the Cuban Lietty Piña also recounted her journey through Central America and the risk of being kidnapped in Guatemala.
Mexico has ceased to be merely a transit country for many Cuban migrants and has become their ultimate destination, especially in light of the immigration restrictions imposed by the United States. According to data from the National Institute of Migration (INM), between 2019 and 2025, over six million migrants have chosen to remain in Mexican territory, including a significant number of Cubans.
The Mexican government has announced agreements with the U.S. to accept deported migrants, including Cubans, in an effort to manage migratory flows. However, the situation has sparked a debate between those who support welcoming migrants and those who fear that the country may not have the sufficient resources to accommodate a growing population.
Meanwhile, Yaima Alemán expresses that she is "grateful for this great country" and that her goal is to work and adapt to her new life in Mexico, where she has received support from several people during her settlement process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Migratory Journey of Cubans to Mexico
How do Cubans manage to get to Mexico from Cuba?
Cubans often begin their journey to Mexico by flying to Nicaragua, taking advantage of the visa exemption that this country offers. From there, they continue their journey overland through several Central American countries, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way.
What are the main challenges faced by Cuban migrants on their journey?
During their journey, Cuban migrants face challenges such as long distances on foot, dangerous river crossings, and police detentions. Additionally, they are often transported under extreme conditions in overcrowded vehicles and, in some cases, risk being kidnapped.
Why do many Cubans choose Mexico as their final destination instead of the United States?
The increasing immigration restrictions in the United States have led many Cubans to consider Mexico as their final destination. Mexico offers job opportunities and a relative stability compared to Cuba, which makes many migrants choose to settle there instead of continuing northward.
How much does it cost for a Cuban to travel from Havana to Mexico?
The cost of the trip from Havana to Mexico can be very high. According to stories from migrants, the ticket can cost up to 3,500 dollars, not including additional expenses that may arise during the land journey through Central America.
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