Friday, June 4, 2010

Lake Atitlan and Chichiicastenango, Guatemala

Lago de Atitlan and the market town of Chichicastenango in the highlands of Guatemala are a travel photographer's dream come true. Ethereal blue and ringed by brooding volcanoes, Lake Atitlan ranks among the world's most beautiful lakes. Clinging to its shores are traditional Maya villages such as Santiago Atitlan where both men and women still wear their traditional clothing and adhere to age-old customs. The bustling Sunday market in Chichicastenango is the largest of its kind in Central America, attracting Maya traders from miles around. Hundreds of makeshift stalls overflow with rainbow-like woven shawls and bags, wooden ceremonial masks, household goods, foodstuffs, and countless other items.

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Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Images by John Mitchell

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua

Floating like an apparition in the middle of  Lago de Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America, Isla de Ometepe has been called "an oasis of peace." Even during Nicaragua's brutal Sandinista Revolution of the 1970's, this tranquil island remained untouched by violence. Isla de Ometepe's lush tropical landscape, dramatic twin volcanoes, rich pre-Columbian past, and welcoming inhabitants make it a truly unique place. In fact, the Nicaraguan government has designated the entire island  a nature reserve and national cultural heritage site.

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Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua - Images by John Mitchell