Uruguayan user @maga_silveira03, residing in the United States, shared a video on TikTok about her first trip to Cuba, where she elaborated on her experiences during her stay in the city of Camagüey and other tourist spots on the island.
"Well, here we were landing in the city of Camagüey, Cuba," she begins to say in the video, which has already garnered dozens of comments. Through images and first-person narration, she describes her impressions upon arrival: "I was really surprised because it's super small and I don’t know, like an old structure," she said in reference to the airport.
During his tour, he showcased a street market where, as he recounted, he found products such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and onions, and noted the frequent occurrence of nighttime power outages. “Everything was without electricity, except for some hotels,” he stated.
The testimony also included scenes of alternative transportation with horses, bicycles, and people walking with umbrellas under the intense sun, as well as deteriorating schools and workers being transported in the back of trucks. “This is how many people go to work in places where they are paid very little, barely enough to live well,” he asserted.
He also mentioned having tried a local fruit, the anoncillo, and shared images from his visit to Cuban beaches, which he accessed via a road surrounded by the sea. "The beaches are beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, with white sand and incredibly clear water (...) an inexplicable peace," he expressed.
In his account, he said: "I had an amazing time because I went to meet my partner's family and friends, and we really had a lot of fun."
However, he contrasted that beauty with the harsh reality he observed: “Believe it or not, it looks that deteriorated in many parts of the country (...) Cuba seems to me a very beautiful country, even though it is very run-down; the people are incredibly warm, and yes, it's very sad to see how they actually live.”
In the comments of the video, several users expressed nostalgia for Camagüey, while others were confused about how she had arrived in that city. In response to questions about the airline used, she clarified, “I didn’t travel from Uruguay; I traveled from the United States.”
The content creator had already shown affinity for Cuban culture in previous posts, where she said, “So I came to the USA with the idea of learning English, and what I learned was Cuban slang,” also using hashtags like #repartocubano, #reparterauruguaya, and #cubanos.
His testimony adds to those of other creators who have documented similar experiences in Cuba. Recently, Italian influencer Dario Fattore shared “10 key warnings for tourists in Cuba”, in which he advises against drinking tap water, bringing medications from one's home country, and staying in private homes due to the poor conditions of many hotels. He also reported having slept in a hotel room that was “infested with cockroaches.”
For her part, Spanish influencer Laura Méndez claimed in a viral video that any tourist traveling to Cuba “no matter how little you spend, it will go towards financing that disgusting dictatorship”, and described her experience on the island as a reflection of scarcity, state control, and widespread deterioration.
The testimony of @maga_silveira03 appears in the context of a significant decline in tourism in Cuba. According to official figures, the country received just over 1.79 million travelers by August of this year, representing 332,910 fewer than in the same period of 2024. This situation was documented in an analysis that shows how tourism to Cuba continues to decline without brakes, with a notable decrease also among Cubans living abroad and visitors from the United States.
Frequently asked questions about the experience of traveling to Cuba
What is the current situation in Cuba according to tourists?
The current situation in Cuba is concerning, with issues such as frequent blackouts, deteriorating infrastructure, and economic inequalities. Although the island's natural beauty is undeniable, tourists have pointed out difficulties such as shortages of food and medicine, as well as the living conditions of many Cubans.
What impact do power outages have on daily life in Cuba?
Blackouts are a constant problem in Cuba and seriously affect daily life. According to testimonies, power outages are used as a mechanism of social control, limiting daily activities and creating an environment of instability that impacts the quality of life for Cubans.
What is the tourists' opinion on the natural beauty of Cuba?
Despite the economic and social challenges, the natural beauty of Cuba continues to be highlighted by tourists. The white sandy beaches and clear waters, along with the warmth of its people, are aspects that visitors often praise. However, these elements stand in stark contrast to the deterioration and neglect found in other parts of the country.
How do Cubans abroad perceive the reality of Cuba?
Many Cubans abroad express a critical view of the situation on the island. They describe a reality characterized by scarcity, state control, and widespread deterioration. Testimonies from Cubans in exile highlight the contrast between the tourist image and the daily lives of Cuban citizens.
What advice do influencers offer to tourists planning to visit Cuba?
Influencers who have visited Cuba recommend taking precautions such as bringing medications from your home country, avoiding tap water, and considering staying in private homes due to the poor conditions of many hotels. It is also suggested not to be misled by the tourist image, as it does not reflect the reality that Cubans experience daily.
Filed under:
