Politics

Striking photos of Obama's trip to the revolutionary heart of Cuba

Amanda Macias and Maxwell Tani

2016-03-21T23:24:00Z

On Sunday, President Barack Obama became the first sitting US president since 1928 to travel to Cuba.

After a decades-long freeze between the two nations following the rise of the Castro regime in the early 1960s, Obama announced the normalization of relations between the US and Cuba in late 2014.

And after 14 months since, the president, accompanied by a delegation of dignitaries and business representatives, set foot on the island, meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro for bilateral talks.

obama cuba — US President Barack Obama waves to people as he enters a restaurant in Havana, Cuba, on March 20. White House Photo

Obama's trip has already sparked a bit of controversy. While paying tribute to Jose Marti, a respected Cuban writer, Obama was photographed in front of the large mural of revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara.

Here are some of the best photos from Obama's historic visit to Cuba:

Air Force One, carrying US President Barack Obama and his family, flies over a neighborhood of Havana as it approaches the runway to land at Havana's international airport on March 20.

Obama joins others in looking out the window of Air Force One on final approach into Havana on March 20.

The Obamas disembark Air Force One at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.

The first family greets dignitaries upon arrival in Havana.

Malia (left) and Sasha (right) Obama smile as they walk toward a car at Jose Marti International Airport.

A member of Cuban security stands on the sidewalk near Obama's limousine.

cuba obama — A member of Cuban security stands on the sidewalk near President Barack Obama's limousine, as the Obama and members of his family visit a section of Old Havana, Sunday, March 20, 2016 in Havana, Cuba. AP

The Obamas look at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes del Castillo Monument, which honors the Cuban planter, also known as "Padre de la Patria" ("Father of the Country").

Obama begins a walking tour of Old Havana with his family.

Cuban security officials form a human barricade to keep locals a safe distance away from Obama's walking tour of Old Havana.

Obama greets people in Old Havana.

Obama and Ben Rhodes talk with Cardinal Jamie Ortega, while touring La Catedral de la Virgen Maria de la Concepcion Inmaculada with Ortega, in Old Havana.

The first lady and daughters Malia and Sasha tour La Catedral de la Virgen Maria de la Concepcion Inmaculada in Old Havana.

Obama admires the Museum of the City of Havana with historian Eusebio Leal.

Obama views a portrait of former US President Abraham Lincoln at the Museum of the City in Havana.

Obama waves to people as he enters a restaurant in Havana.

Obama laughs while having dinner with his family.

Obama greets hotel workers.

Obama lays a wreath at the monument for Jose Marti, the famous Cuban writer and poet.

Obama is photographed in front of an image of Argentine revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara, a popular yet controversial figure from the Cuban revolution.

Cuban President Raul Castro and Obama pose for a picture at the Palace of the Revolution, where the two leaders conducted bilateral talks.