The migratory journey of Cubans to Central America and Mexico continues to leave testimonies filled with pain, hope, and bravery. This time, the protagonists are YouTubers Mario and Aliesky, who, along with a friend, decided to leave the island to embark on the perilous path that begins in Nicaragua and has become the primary escape route for thousands of fellow citizens.
In a video published on their channel Mario Aliesky TV, they detailed the four journeys that took them from Havana to Tapachula, Mexico. “I never wanted to undertake the journey because I was scared, but there was no other option,” Mario confessed, emphasizing that they do not aim to promote irregular migration, but rather to share an experience that changed their lives.
Fear in Guatemala and Faith as Refuge
The group traveled on a Conviasa flight to Managua, from where they began a journey that included stops in Honduras and Guatemala. While in Honduras they received a "safe conduct" to transit legally, in Guatemala they faced the most dangerous stretch with mountain roads, police checkpoints, and the constant threat of cartels.
“It was the hardest moment, when we were separated into different trucks. I prayed and trembled with fear”, Mario recalls. The third companion, the youngest of the group, surprised everyone with her strength: “She lifted our spirits, telling us to let go of the stress and move forward.”
Cubans recounted that they shared the journey with women up to 70 years old, asthma sufferers, and entire families with small children. “Seeing a lady with weak knees or a mother with her children crossing mountains is proof that desperation drives anyone to risk everything,” said the YouTuber.
Already at the border, they crossed the famous Suchiate River in rafts made from tractor tires. "The raft operator told us: when you reach the other shore, run," they recounted, remembering the fear that the makeshift transport might overturn with all their belongings.
Mexico, destination and refuge
The arrival in Tapachula did not mark the end of danger. Crammed into cars with up to 14 people inside, evading police checkpoints and walking entire kilometers, they finally managed to settle in the southern Mexican city. Today, they plan to move to Mérida, convinced that Mexico can be more than just a transit place.
“Mexico has surprised us. It’s culture, education, traditions. Here we want to start anew”, they expressed, thanking compatriots who helped them along the way, like Susana, a Cuban who also arrived through the journey months ago.
An unprecedented exodus
The experience of these content creators adds to that of thousands of Cubans who have taken the route through Central America in recent years.
Stories like that of the young Yudiel Chirino, who documented his journey across a suspension bridge to the United States on TikTok, or that of Yaima Alemán and Lietty Piña, who shared the dangers of kidnapping, hunger, and being locked in trucks, confirm that the journey has become a massive and painful phenomenon.
According to data from the National Migration Institute (INM), more than six million migrants have settled in Mexico between 2019 and 2025, including thousands of Cubans who, due to the restrictions in the United States, choose to start a new life there.
It was hard, it was dangerous, but here we are. We have faith that everything we've experienced will be worth it," concluded the YouTubers, convinced that their story reflects the struggle of a generation that refuses to resign itself on the island and aims to carve a path beyond its borders.
Frequently asked questions about Cuban migration to Mexico and Central America
Why did the Cuban YouTubers Mario and Aliesky decide to emigrate to Mexico?
Mario and Aliesky decided to emigrate to Mexico in search of a new life and better opportunities, despite the risks associated with the journey. They recount that desperation and the lack of alternatives in Cuba drove them to make this decision. Their experience adds to that of many Cubans fleeing the difficult conditions on the island.
What are the main dangers faced by Cuban migrants on their journey to Mexico?
Cuban migrants face multiple dangers, such as the threat of cartels, police checkpoints, and extreme conditions on mountain roads, especially in Guatemala. The journey also includes the risk of being separated and traveling in inhumane conditions, such as crossing rivers on makeshift rafts.
What motivates Cubans to consider Mexico as a final destination instead of the United States?
The stricter immigration policies in the United States have led many Cubans to see Mexico as a viable destination, where they can find safety and job opportunities. Furthermore, the tightening of restrictions under the administration of Donald Trump has caused more Cubans to choose to stay in Mexico.
What impact does the crisis in Cuba have on the migration of its citizens?
The economic crisis, the scarcity of food and medicine, and the lack of opportunities in Cuba drive many to emigrate, often under dangerous conditions. The testimonies of migrants reflect the sacrifice and desperation felt by Cuban families as they seek a better life outside the island.
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