A young Cuban, who recently embarked on the migratory route from Uruguay to the United States, shared the details of his journey on social media this Wednesday, aiming to help his compatriots escape the island.
The young man, known on Facebook as El Aldeanito Cubano, posted a video explaining the costs of airline tickets, payments to coyotes (human smugglers), and other details.
In his case, he mentioned that a round-trip ticket from Uruguay to Nicaragua cost him $1,450 USD, as a round-trip ticket is mandatory. However, he warned that the ticket price varies depending on the country of departure, the month of purchase, and the advance booking time.
"The coyote from Nicaragua to Tapachula cost me $650 USD," the young man stated, but he also noted that prices can vary. "I recommend Juanita; she facilitates a quick journey, provides food, support, and internet, and is very reliable," he added, addressing one of the major concerns of those risking the dangerous migratory route: choosing the right guide or coyote. He also mentioned that anyone interested in contacting her could send him a private message.
"From Tapachula to Mexico City (DF), she charges $1,700 USD. In total, it’s $2,350 USD for the coyote from Nicaragua to DF," he explained, adding that between the ticket price and the guide's fee, it would finally be $3,800 USD. "Including $200 USD that I spent on food during the journey, it comes to $4,000 USD," he indicated.
The young man also explained that once in Mexico City, when you get an appointment with the CBP One, you need to reach the corresponding border crossing point. "To get to the appointment location, you only need a one-way flight," he highlighted, unlike the flight to Nicaragua, which has to be round-trip. "It costs between $200 and $300 USD," he noted. He also mentioned that if approved in the interview, you must travel from there to your destination in the U.S. "It should cost between $300 and $400 USD," he indicated.
Lastly, the young man added the cost of food and car rental to the total expenses. "It totals to $5,000 USD per person," he stated but advised carrying extra money to avoid being "tight on cash."
This young man has documented his entire journey through videos posted on Facebook, in which he exposes the dangers of the trip. Last May, he shared a clip showing the living conditions in Mexico City. In the short video, the house is shown to have a multi-purpose space serving as a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and dining area. Next to it is a spacious and private bathroom, though it lacks tile coverings.
"What do you think?" he asked at the end of the video, without detailing the rental price, although he pointed out that he chose that place because "the rent is very cheap."
Costs and Advice for Migratory Journey from Uruguay to the U.S.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the costs and logistics of traveling from Uruguay to the United States, as shared by El Aldeanito Cubano.
How much does a round-trip ticket from Uruguay to Nicaragua cost?
A round-trip ticket from Uruguay to Nicaragua costs approximately $1,450 USD.
What is the total cost for a coyote from Nicaragua to Mexico City?
The total cost for a coyote from Nicaragua to Mexico City is $2,350 USD.
What additional costs should be considered during the journey?
Additional costs include food during the journey, which is around $200 USD, and other expenses like a one-way flight to the U.S. border and car rental, bringing the total to approximately $5,000 USD per person.