Cuba has World Class Climbing, But Climbers There Are Struggling

This article originally appeared on Climbing

For decades climbers have ventured to the paradisiacal limestone walls of Cuba, where in the Vinales region alone you can sample from several hundred bolted sport climbs. Just over 100 miles off the coast of Florida, Cuba offers European-style tufa tugging without the time and expense commitment of Continental travel. Like many countries, especially smaller somewhat isolated ones such as Cuba, the island nation was hard hit by Covid, troubles compounded by the war in Ukraine, sanctions, and lower subsidies from Venezuela. Tourism from visiting climbers, whom the locals depend on for gear and dollars, virtually ceased. Add to that a destabilized economy, one with triple-digit inflation, and Cubans now face long food lines. Much of the time, says a Cuban climber who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of governmental retribution, “The stores are empty for weeks and when they supply any food, people behave like cannibals trying to reach what little there is.”

The government, which supplied rudimentary provisions, has collapsed. “Even the commitment of milk for every child is consigned to oblivion,” says Cuban-American climber Armando Menocal, founder of the Access Fund and Acceso PanAm and an early developer of Cuban rock. It is the worst economic crisis since the fall of the Soviet Union some 30 years ago.

Other basics such as electricity are in short supply. The situation “is horrible,” says one Cuban climber. Outside the capitol city of Havana people live without electricity for four to 16 hours, and “you never know when they remove it or when they are going to put it on.” Menocal says that many Cubans “cook without electricity and shower in the dark from a bucket of water.”

Cuba’s climbers, ever resilient, have pressed on despite the hardships and the lack of recognition or support from the government, one that can make even climbing illegal for Cubans. For more than 20 years, Cuban climbers have developed and maintained their abundant and world-class crags thanks to gear donated by visiting climbers, who often leave their equipment after seeing local climbers climbing barefoot or on frayed ropes. Today, the situation goes beyond the need for climbing gear--being able to purchase food is a more primary concern.

What follows is a photo gallery by Cuba’s leading climbing photographer, Tito Jorge. Climbing is pleased and honored to present these images and hope they will motivate you to help our fellow climbers. How? Plan a trip. For details on how to visit Cuba legally (the rules seem ever-changing), visit the U.S. Embassy In Cuba website. For more information on climbing in Cuba, check out cubaclimbing.com --Duane Raleigh

For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.