Havana: First Impressions

In December of 2023, I had the opportunity to travel across Cuba as part of an organized cultural and photography-focused journey centered around connecting with local communities, documenting everyday life, and supporting small independent businesses and families along the way.

For ten days, we traveled throughout the island with cameras in hand, spending time in Havana, Viñales, Playa Girón, Santa Clara, Trinidad, and several smaller rural communities. The experience offered an entirely different perspective on a country that many Americans grow up hearing about, but few ever truly experience firsthand.

The moment we arrived in Havana, I knew this trip would stay with me for a long time.

Parts of the city felt weathered by time. Buildings carried decades of history on their facades, vintage cars rolled through narrow streets, and nearly every neighborhood seemed alive with movement, conversation, music, and color. Yet behind many aging exteriors were beautifully preserved interiors filled with ornate tilework, open courtyards, antique furniture, and stunning old-world architecture.

The contrast was fascinating.

What stood out most, though, was the energy of the people. Markets buzzed with activity. Families gathered outdoors late into the evening. Music drifted through open windows while artists, cooks, musicians, and entrepreneurs worked hard to support their communities and preserve local traditions.

Photography, Conversation, and Cultural Exchange

Photography was at the center of the experience.

Throughout the journey, our group spent time documenting everyday life while learning directly from the people we met along the way. We visited independently operated restaurants, family-run farms, local artists, musicians, and small businesses while also bringing supplies from the United States to share with families and community members where appropriate.

Some of the most memorable moments happened during simple conversations over coffee, meals, or music.

Traveling through Cuba felt less like visiting a destination and more like stepping into a living archive of culture, resilience, and history. Every street corner seemed to tell a story. Every neighborhood had its own rhythm.

Viñales and Cuba’s Tobacco Region

One of my favorite experiences was traveling west into the lush countryside surrounding Viñales.

The drive itself felt cinematic. Old cars and trucks moved slowly along rough roads while towering green hills rose out of the landscape around us. Tobacco farms dotted the valleys, and the pace of life felt noticeably slower than in Havana.

We spent time with local farmers learning about traditional tobacco-growing practices and the craftsmanship behind hand-rolled Cuban cigars. Sitting together in the countryside listening to stories about farming, family life, and local traditions was one of the most authentic parts of the entire trip.

The region was absolutely beautiful — quiet, green, and deeply connected to Cuba’s agricultural history.

Traveling Through Central Cuba

As the trip continued, we traveled through central Cuba, passing through Playa Girón near the Bay of Pigs region before continuing toward Santa Clara and eventually the colonial city of Trinidad.

Along the way, we visited farming communities, coffee growers, artists, and local residents who generously welcomed us into their homes and shared their experiences of everyday life in Cuba.

I still remember stopping at a small family property where coffee beans were drying beneath the Caribbean sun while espresso brewed nearby inside the home. Moments like that stayed with me far more than any landmark or tourist attraction ever could.

Those conversations — honest, personal, and unscripted — became some of the most meaningful parts of the journey.

Trinidad and the Spirit of Cuba

In Trinidad, we experienced one of the most vibrant evenings of the entire trip.

The streets filled with live music, dancing, conversation, and an incredible sense of community. Locals and visitors gathered together in the plazas while musicians played late into the night beneath colorful colonial buildings.

What struck me most throughout Cuba was the resilience and warmth of the people.

Despite visible challenges and economic hardships, there was still creativity, hospitality, pride, humor, and joy woven into daily life. Everywhere we went, people shared stories, music, food, and conversation with remarkable openness.

Leaving Cuba with Perspective

Before visiting Cuba, much of what I understood about the country came from history books, headlines, and political conversations from afar.

But traveling through the island and spending time with the people themselves offered something entirely different: perspective.

For me, the experience became less about politics and more about humanity.

I left Cuba with thousands of photographs, unforgettable memories, and a much deeper appreciation for the culture, history, creativity, and resilience of the communities we encountered along the way.

Some places impress you with scenery.

Others stay with you because of the people you meet there.

Cuba did both.

All photographs from this journey are available as fine art prints. Contact codymaple@gmail.com for inquries.