Guatemala

This extremely cordial gentleman was our guide and boat driver - here doing business by phone while I waited to start bargaining. Taken in Flores on Lago Petén Itzá in northern Guatemala.

Four canoes after sunset, waiting for better weather on Lago Petén Itzá, in Flores, Guatemala.

This imposing storm crept on us while boating on Lago Petén Itzá off the island of Flores in Northern Guatemala. Its bite wasn't nearly as strong as the threatening visuals.

One of the magnificent Mayan pyramids in Tikal, northern Guatemala. People can be seen on top of the stairs. There is a separate wooden staircase on the left side of the stone stairs since the original stairs are too treacherous to climb.

Majestic Ceiba tree (ceiba pentandra) in Tikal, Guatemala.

White-nosed Coati (nasua narica) in Tikal, Antigua. Coatis are a type of raccoon native to Central and Southern America. This one was busy looking for food amongst the ruins and tourists.

A tranquil afternoon in Antigua, Guatemala.

This view of Volcán de Agua is taken 17km south-east from it, on the way to the summit of another volcano, Pacaya. Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Acatenango loom behind the cloud-covered Volcán de Agua.

This view of Volcán de Agua is taken 17km south-east from it, near the summit of the active volcano Pacaya at 1200 meters. Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Acatenango loom behind the cloud-covered Volcán de Agua.

Pacaya had erupted just six months prior to my climb. This intrepid bush had managed to root itself on the side of the volcano, but seemed to revere its smoking maw.

This was technically a very challenging shot: the sun is right above the frame, the scene has extremely high contrast. Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic 7-14mm at 11mm f/9 performed flawlessly and made this tough shot possible.

Antiguan trifecta: a tuk tuk, a chicken bus (actually two), and Volcán de Agua in the background.

Cerro de la Cruz just after sunset in Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua's lights are in the background.

I strongly recommend to NOT visit the cross after sunset. There are police at the cross during afternoon and evening, but they leave immediately after sunset. Many locals warned about the place, and there have been muggings.