Striking Images Show The Face Of Cuba As Obama Begins His Visit

President Barack Obama began a three-day trip to Cuba on Sunday, marking the first time in nearly 90 years that a sitting U.S. president has visited the Caribbean nation. It is a historic moment for U.S.-Cuba relations, which the Obama administration has made efforts to normalize in recent years through partially opening up trade and travel between the two countries.

Many Cubans hope Obama's visit and the potential for improved ties with the U.S. will bring them a better economic future . Cuba has been under U.S. trade sanctions since 1960, but as these measures loosen and Americans are increasingly able to visit the island, Cuban industries -- such as the well-established tourism sector -- are set to grow. 

Cuba has been anticipating Obama's visit, and posters of the U.S. president's face alongside his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, are currently plastered around areas of old Havana. American flags, too, have been popping up in recent weeks as the trip neared. However, Cuban authorities also briefly detained some 200 activists in the lead-up to Obama's arrival, Reuters reports -- a sign of the gulf that remains between the two nations over issues like human rights.

The Huffington Post sent a team of journalists to Cuba to cover Obama's trip and the many issues facing Cubans today. They have also been capturing photos of daily life on the island and some of its unique sights. Here's a selection of some of the best shots taken so far by HuffPost's Liz Martinez and Alyona Minkovski.

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