Catedral Metropolitana located in Plaza Mayor
 

The National Palace

A colorful market in Guatemala City
 

A contrasting scene in the city

Nestled between three volcanoes, Antigua was founded in 1543 and served as the colonial capital for 233 years
 

Catedral de Santiago, founded in the 16^th century and damaged by earthquakes many times
 

Villagers selling handicraft

Our view of Volcán Pacaya (2,552m) after having climbed for almost two hours and only 30 minutes before reaching to the top
 

I made it to the top! Look into the crater (left). We came downhill (right) as if we were skiing over loose volcanic gravel

Volcán San Pedro, one of three volcanoes that loom over the landscape of Lake Atitlán, viewed from Panajachel
 

Inside the church in Santiago Atitlán, wooden statues of the saints.
Witnessing a villager pray in her local language was very touching.
 

Mayan villagers with vividly colorful traditional costumes...

...on the streets of Santiago Atitlán, across the lake from Panajachel.

The ruins of Tikal are unique in the Mayan world for its architecture

Temple II, an example of the rich architecture present in Tikal
 

The North Acropolis comprises about 100 structures
 

Towering buildings rise above the jungle and compete with the ceiba trees to catch the Sun