Guaguas and Máquinas: Your Guide to Cars in Cuba

By Sam Casteris on May 15, 2018

As part of a study abroad pgroam with the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Department at VCU, I was able to travel to Cuba. (You can too! Student visas still work.) For six weeks, I learned to navigate a country the polar opposite of the United States. I abandoned my Toyota Corolla at my Grandmother’s house and flew to a place I knew very little about. A major aspect of the trip was riding to and from the university site, into the city to walk around, and out to the clubs at night. Cars in Cuba were unlike anything that exists here in the United States.

The United States’ blockade against Cuba has existed since the 60’s and has meant that most of Cuba’s vehicles are salvaged. Here in the United States, a car older than fifteen years is considered ancient, and more classic cars aren’t used as commuters but are instead maintained specifically for show. We would never expect a beautifully restored Ford Thunderbird to make the trek to and from work each day.

So, in Cuba, how do locals and visitors alike manage to get around in 1960s VWs, Chevys, and Buicks?

Visitors may have a more difficult time finding their way around and becoming accustomed to the differences in automobiles, safety, and reliability. If you ever plan to visit Cuba, you’ll also need to know a bit about the currency there so that you don’t end up paying 24x your cab fare each trip.

It’s also worth it to find a tour if you know you’d like to see classic cars and understand their significance. Cuba4Travel offers great Cuba travel excursions to check out if you’re interested in classic cars.

via Pixabay.com

The Embargo

In 1960, the United States imposed an embargo on Cuba after Fidel Castro overthrew the Batista dictatorship. Tensions rose when Cuba nationalized many of its industries, implemented financial redistribution, and began giving the mansions of the wealthy Cubans to their housekeepers when those Cubans fled to Florida after the overthrow. The U.S. didn’t like that so much and implemented a blockade that meant that no commercial, economic or financial trade was allowed between the two countries.

As a result, for over 50 years Cubans have been unable to purchase goods from America, including automobiles and automobile parts.  Before the embargo was implemented, Cuba was a hub for American tourists and business people, especially during the 20’s when prohibition existed in the U.S (tiki drinks, anyone?).  When the embargo set in, Castro nationalized American interests and anything American-owned became the property of the Cuban people.

What You’ll See on Cuban Road

You won’t see your typical rental cars or used car dealerships lining the streets the way you see that in the U.S. Fords, Chevrolets and Buick, some dating back as late as 1940, are abundant on the roads in Cuba.  Cuban citizens have become accustomed to making frequent repairs and improvising when the parts they need are not available. There’s an old joke in Cuba that the mechanics are so skilled, they are able to take car parts that wash up on the white sand beaches and make them run again inside the bodies of these old classic cars.

A Quick Note on Currency in Cuba

Cuba operates using two separate currencies as of 1994. The Cuban Peso (CUP), which is predominately used by Cuban nationals to buy food and living materials. It’s also what Cubans receive when they are paid by the government for their profession.

Then, there’s the CUC, or Convertible Peso, pronounced “kook.” The CUC is the tourist currency, which is used by foreigners in hotels, in fancier taxis, at restaurants and bars, and anywhere you might find tourism. The approximate conversion from Dollar to CUC is 1:1. The CUC is worth approximately 24x the amount that a CUP is worth. Therein lies a problem: now, bartenders and taxi drivers make way, way more money than the brain surgeons whose salary is paid in CUP. It also creates an incentive for taxi drivers to charge tourists in CUC, when really, you need to pay for transportation in CUP, or you’re paying 24x your cab fare! So instead of paying the equivalent of 50 cents to get from Marianau to Havana city, you’re paying $12!

via Pixabay.com

Transportation while you Visit

Guaguas

Most Cubans don’t own their own cars. The maintenance is too expensive unless you have specialized mechanical skills, so they ride the Guaguas.  These are the buses that you’ll typically see running to and from schools, on larger streets, and in communities. Cuba has a very cheap national transportation system, and bus fare is extremely affordable. In Cuba, you’ll see people from all walks of life on the Guaguas, going to the grocery store, to and from work, and out to see friends and family.

Máquinas

If you’re a visitor in Cuba, chances are you’ll want to take a taxi. There are a variety of taxis: the more recognizable yellow cabs, the beautifully restored Chevys that shine baby blue and fire engine red, and the beat-up old Buicks and Chevys that have paint chipping off their exteriors, no air conditioning, and sometimes no seatbelts. These are Máquinas, or communal taxis. They typically travel up and down the same street in a set route, and you’ll have to know when to yell stop. You’ll be seated next to other Cuban nationals, and it’s a great time to strike up a conversation if you know Spanish. It’s the most legitimate way to travel like a local, and it’s quite exciting if you’re not used to living so on the edge.

Yellow Cabs

If you’re looking for a more recognizable way to get to your destination, there are always yellow cabs around for tourists. Just keep in mind, they will definitely be charging in CUC!

Have you had the chance to study abroad? Did anything surprise you while you about transportation while you were there?

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format