These candid photos reveal what life is like in a poverty-stricken village in Cuba – and how much the Caribbean island ’ s rural communities could benefit from an influx of American tourists . Thawing relations between the US and Cuban governments could open isolated communities to new economic opportunities once the US fully lifts its ban on trade and travel . It ’ s in villages such as Gabriel where visitors can experience a side of the Caribbean island that few holidaymakers bother to see . Scroll down for video . People linger outside a residence , where meat is sold at a roadside stand , in the rural village of Gabriel , Cuba . Cuba 's rural communities , where there are few jobs , could benefit the most from thawing relations between the US and Cuban governments . Like in Havana , posters or paintings of revolutionary hero Che Guevara are visible everywhere in the village of Gabriel . A salesman waits for customers at his roadside stand , where customers can buy fresh vegetables and fruit from a local farm . In Gabriel , there are very few cars , workers harvest tomatoes by hand , farmers sell produce and meat at roadside stands , goods are transported by horse and buggy or tractor , and – just like in the capital of Havana – posters or paintings of revolutionary hero Che Guevara are visible everywhere . While life goes on as normal in 'the real Cuba ' , talks continue to take place between US and Cuban officials to restore full diplomatic relations and move towards opening trade . The old Cold War foes are claiming progress after a second round of discussions to end a half-century diplomatic freeze . Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro have promised to restore embassies in each other ’ s capitals , although a few hurdles remain , including Cuba ’ s place on the US state sponsor of terrorism blacklist . Thawing relations between the US and Cuban governments could open isolated communities to new economic opportunities . It is likely that with economic sanctions lifted , Cuba will change forever , and there are fears it will lose some of its unique identity . In Gabriel , Cuba , there are very few cars , workers harvest tomatoes by hand , and goods are transported by horse and buggy or tractor . The US is planning to ease travel and trade restrictions with Cuba , a former Cold War foe , after agreeing to restore ties severed since 1961 . While most US tourists will likely stick to Havana or all-inclusive resorts on the sea once the ban on travel is lifted , rural villages who do welcome foreigners are not prepared to handle them in large numbers . Many lack running water , suitable accommodation and modern facilities , including toilets . With Cuba poised to open itself up to a massive market for holidaymakers , tourists from outside the US are being warned that if they want to see 'the real Cuba ' they should book their trips now , before the Caribbean country becomes 'Americanised ' . Rural villages are not prepared to handle foreign tourists in large numbers , as there are very few modern facilities . With many issues unresolved , the US is hoping to reach agreement on reopening embassies in time for a regional summit in Panama in April . Some travel experts are encouraging tourists to visit Cuba sooner rather than later if they want to see unadulterated local culture . In rural Cuba , villagers make a living by selling vegetables , fruit and meat from local farms . The number of tourists visiting Havana has seen a steady increase following the normalisation of Cuba-US relations last year . While the landmark thaw in relations signals a positive future for Cuba , travellers looking to explore the 'timewarp ' nation are being urged to go before it changes forever . TravelSupermarket travel expert Bob Atkinson recently told MailOnline Travel : 'It really is a unique place to visit , and once it becomes fully open to the Americans , they will without doubt pile in . 'Havana was seen as a party destination for Americans years ago , such was its close proximity to Florida . Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro have promised to restore embassies in each other ’ s capitals , although a few hurdles remain . One of the biggest hurdles is Cuba 's place on a US list of state sponsors of terrorism , from which Cuba is pushing to be removed . Tourists on a double-decker bus take in the sights , including a local football match , during a tour of Havana , Cuba 's capital . If the US lifts its restrictions on travel and trade , one of the biggest draws for American tourists could be Major League Baseball games . 'However you look at it , opening up to the Americans will change the way it feels and I think this will be to the detriment to the culture and heritage of the place . If restrictions are lifted and Cuba becomes a popular destination for US tourists once again , one of the biggest draws could be the countries ’ shared love of baseball . Major League Baseball is considering playing spring exhibition games on the baseball-mad island nation , where American teams played before Fidel Castro came to power . Major league teams regularly held spring training camps in Cuba in the 1940s and ‘ 50s , and there have been discussions to bring them back to the country once the governments officially end the diplomatic freeze .
In village of Gabriel , farmers sell produce and vegetables at roadside stands , and there are very few cars . Like in newspapers , posters or posters of revolutionary # # ##ques are visible everywhere . US and Cuban government officials continue to hold talks to end half - century diplomatic relations .