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

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is one of the most atmospheric towns in Central America. The city dates back to 1543, when it became the capital of Guatemala. Antigua's many handsome Spanish colonial buildings were almost completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1773. Three years later, the capital was moved to the present site of Guatemala City. Antigua slowly came back to life, and today its earthquake-ravaged convents and baroque churches, colorful Maya markets, and backdrop of soaring volcanoes offer endless photographic possibilities. Antigua was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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Antigua, Guatemala - Images by John Mitchell