March 2020 | Chad Davis Photography

Porta Hotel del Lago, Panajachel, Guatemala: Volcanoes at Sunset

Volcán Tolimán and Volcán Atitlán as seen from Panajachel, Guatemala. Shot from Porta Hotel del Lago.

Guatemala, Hotel, Lake Atitlan, Volcano

Bags of coffee in Guatemala

Guatemala La Voz coffee bags. Seen at the La Voz Que Clama en el Desierto cooperative in San Juan La…

Guatemala La Voz coffee bags

Guatemala La Voz coffee bags. Seen at the La Voz Que Clama en el Desierto cooperative in San Juan La…

A woman sorts coffee beans at the La Voz Coffee Cooperative in San Juan, Guatemala. Cooperatives like La Voz play a vital role in supporting smallholder coffee farmers by providing resources, training, and access to markets. This process of sorting is crucial for quality control, ensuring that only the best beans proceed to roasting and export. The cooperative's work contributes significantly to the local economy and the global coffee trade, highlighting the importance of community-based agricultural organizations in regions like the highlands of Guatemala.

Sorting Coffee Beans at La Voz Cooperative, San Juan, Guatemala

A woman sorts out coffee beans at the La Voz Coffee Cooperative in San Juan Guatemala.

La Voz Coffee Cooperative Trail, San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

Coffee growing at the La Voz Coffee Cooperative in San Juan Guatemala.

Guatemala, Hiking

Santa Cruz La Laguna, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Santa Cruz La Laguna is a traditional Mayan village located on the steep mountainside of the lake, roughly 325 vertical…

Bamboo Fence Path to Lake Atitlan, Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan in Santa Cruz, Guatemala

This abandoned stone house is located in Santa Cruz, a municipality on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. The structure, characterized by its rustic stone facade and octagonal roof, appears to have been left to decay, with vegetation encroaching on its exterior. Its original purpose and period of construction are not immediately evident, but its state of disrepair suggests a significant period of abandonment. The surrounding lush greenery indicates a tropical or subtropical climate, typical of the region around Lake Atitlán.

Abandoned Stone House, Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan in Santa Cruz, Guatemala

A stone pathway and staircase lead upwards in Santa Cruz, a municipality on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. This path, constructed with local stone and possibly incorporating recycled materials like glass bottles in the stair risers, reflects traditional building methods adapted to the steep terrain surrounding the lake. Such pathways are essential for local residents and visitors, providing access to homes, businesses, and natural areas around the lake, and are vital for connectivity in the region.

Santa Cruz, Guatemala: Stone Path and Stairs to Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan in Santa Cruz, Guatemala

The hiking trail connecting Jaibalito and Santa Cruz la Laguna is a vital pathway for local communities in Guatemala's Sololá Department. This route, carved into the landscape, facilitates movement between villages situated along the shores of Lake Atitlán. The stone retaining wall visible along the path demonstrates traditional construction methods used to manage the terrain. Such trails are essential for daily life, enabling access to resources, markets, and social connections in this geographically diverse region.

Jaibalito to Santa Cruz la Laguna Hiking Trail

Hiking between Jaibalito and Santa Cruz Guatemala.

This residence is situated in Santa Cruz, a municipality on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala's Sololá Department. The architecture features a wooden balcony and a corrugated metal roof, common elements in tropical vernacular construction. The surrounding dense vegetation highlights the region's lush subtropical highland climate, which supports a diverse array of plant life. Lake Atitlán itself is a caldera lake formed by a massive volcanic eruption, and the area is known for its significant geological history and cultural importance to the Maya people.

Santa Cruz, Guatemala: Lakeside Home Amidst Lush Vegetation

Lake Atitlan in Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Santa Cruz, Guatemala: Lakeside settlement and mountains

Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Guatemala, Santa Cruz

The shoreline of Santa Cruz, a village on the northern shore of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, is characterized by its docks and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Lake Atitlan, formed by a massive volcanic eruption, is one of the deepest lakes in Central America and a vital transportation route for the region's communities. The docks serve as essential points for local boat traffic, connecting Santa Cruz to other lakeside villages and facilitating trade and daily life. The steep hillsides, covered in lush vegetation, frame the lake, highlighting its dramatic geological origins and the human settlements that have adapted to its shores.

Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan Shoreline and Dock

Lake Atitlan in Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Santa Cruz, Guatemala: Mountain Path and Village View

Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Guatemala, Hiking, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Guatemala: Mountain Trail Path

Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Guatemala, Hiking, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Guatemala: Trail overlooking Lake Atitlán

Santa Cruz, Guatemala, Lake Atitlán

Boats are docked along the shore of Lake Atitlán in San Pedro, Guatemala. This town, situated on the lake's northern shore, is a popular destination for tourists and a vital hub for local transportation. The boats, often referred to as 'lanchas,' provide essential services, connecting San Pedro with other lakeside communities and facilitating commerce and daily life. The structures visible behind the boats house restaurants and accommodations, catering to the town's significant tourism industry.

San Pedro, Guatemala: Boats docked on Lake Atitlan shore

A boat at the dock in San Pedro, Guatemala.

Boat, Guatemala, San Pedro

Tuk-tuks, also known as mototaxis, are a common form of public transportation in many parts of Guatemala, including San Pedro La Laguna. These three-wheeled vehicles provide essential mobility for residents and tourists alike, navigating the narrow streets of towns situated around Lake Atitlán. The vehicles are often brightly decorated and serve as a vital link for accessing local businesses, the lakefront, and surrounding communities. Their presence highlights the practical and accessible transportation solutions that support daily life and tourism in this scenic region.

Tuk Tuks Lined Up on Street in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala

Tuk Tuks near the dock in San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala.

Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, San Pedro

A red motorcycle is parked on a cobblestone street in San Pedro, Guatemala. The architecture visible in the image showcases a mix of construction materials, including cinder blocks, adobe, and corrugated metal roofing, common in many developing urban environments. The street itself, paved with interlocking stones, suggests a well-trafficked area within the town. San Pedro La Laguna, located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, is a significant hub for tourism and local commerce in the Sololá Department of Guatemala.

Red Motorcycle on Cobblestone Street in San Pedro, Guatemala

A motorcycle on a street in San Pedro, Guatemala.

A brightly colored tuk-tuk, a common form of public transportation in many parts of the world, is parked on a cobblestone street in San Pedro, Guatemala. These three-wheeled motorized vehicles, often adapted from motorcycles or scooters, serve as affordable and accessible taxis, particularly in areas with narrow or uneven terrain. The vibrant paintwork and decorative elements on this particular tuk-tuk reflect a common practice of personalization that adds character to the vehicles and the urban landscape. The presence of "BANRURAL" signage in the background indicates a local bank, suggesting this is a commercial area within the town.

San Pedro, Guatemala: Colorful Tuk Tuk on Cobblestone Street

A Tuk Tuk in San Pedro, Guatemala.

A cobblestone street winds uphill through San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala, lined with brightly colored buildings. Many of these structures appear to be shops or residences, indicated by signs such as "SE ALQUILA" (for rent) and "FERRETERIA" (hardware store). The architecture features balconies with decorative ironwork and arched windows, typical of colonial-era influences adapted over time. The presence of overhead electrical wires and parked motorcycles suggests a vibrant, active community that relies on both traditional infrastructure and modern conveniences.

San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala: Cobblestone Street with Colorful Buildings

Street in San Pedro Laguna, Guatemala.

On March 3, 2020, a woman walked past a jewelry and art gallery in San Pedro, a town situated on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. The gallery offers a variety of goods, including fine crafts, clothing, paintings, ceramics, and jewelry, reflecting the local artisan traditions. The street, paved with cobblestones, slopes down towards the lake, with the volcanic mountains forming a dramatic backdrop. This area is a hub for both local commerce and tourism, drawing visitors interested in the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

San Pedro, Lake Atitlan: Jewelry and Art Gallery

March 3, 2020 – San Pedro, Guatemala — A woman walks in front of a jewelry and art gallery in…

Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, San Pedro

A sign for "Drunks R Us" hangs outside a building in San Pedro, Guatemala. The sign features the number "420" in Rastafarian colors and a portrait of Bob Marley, suggesting a connection to cannabis culture and reggae music. The name "Drunks R Us" is a playful, albeit potentially controversial, reference to the children's toy store Toys "R" Us, implying a focus on alcohol consumption. The date March 3, 2020, places this image in the period just before the widespread global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drunks R Us Sign, San Pedro, Guatemala

March 3, 2020 – San Pedro, Guatemala — Drunks R Usp Alcoholics Anonymous in San Pedro, Guatemala.

A lone kayaker navigates the waters of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, with the prominent Volcano San Pedro forming a dramatic backdrop. Lake Atitlán, formed by a massive volcanic eruption approximately 84,000 years ago, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and the surrounding Maya villages. The lake and its volcanoes are a significant geographical and cultural landmark in Guatemala, attracting visitors and serving as a vital resource for local communities who rely on its waters for fishing and transportation.

Kayak on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala with Volcano San Pedro

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, Volcano

A stone pathway winds through the lush vegetation of Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos, Guatemala. This reserve, situated on the shores of Lake Atitlán, is a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. The path leads to various points of interest within the reserve, including viewpoints and Mayan altars, indicated by directional signage. The "No Perros" sign highlights a rule to maintain the natural environment and tranquility of the reserve.

Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve Path, San Marcos, Guatemala

Cerro Tzankujil, San Marcos, Guatemala

Walkway to La Paz, Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Santa Cruz, Guatemala

Guatemala, Santa Cruz

Wooden piers extend into Lake Atitlán from the shore in Panajachel, Guatemala. These structures serve as vital docking points for the numerous boats that transport people and goods between the lakeside communities. Panajachel is a major hub for tourism and local commerce, with its waterfront activity being central to the town's economy and daily life. The piers, built and maintained by local operators, facilitate travel across the lake, connecting Panajachel to other villages and offering access to the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Panajachel Piers at Dusk, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Panajachel, Guatemala

Restaurante Catamaran is a dining establishment located in Panajachel, Guatemala, on the shores of Lake Atitlán. The restaurant's open-air design, with its corrugated metal roofs and wooden structures, is typical of lakeside eateries in the region. It serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists, offering views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. The establishment contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of Panajachel, a town known for its tourism and cultural significance in the Guatemalan highlands.

Restaurante Catamaran, Panajachel, Guatemala

A restaurant in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Boats serve as a primary mode of transportation across Lake Atitlán, connecting the various indigenous Mayan villages that dot its shores. The town of Panajachel, visible here, is a major hub for these watercraft, facilitating tourism and local commerce. The vessels, often carrying passengers and goods, navigate the lake's waters, providing essential links between communities that are otherwise difficult to access by road. This vital network of water transport has been crucial to the region's development and continues to be a cornerstone of daily life for its inhabitants.

Boat docked at Panajachel pier, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

A boat docked in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Boat, Guatemala, Lake, Lake Atitlan

Hotel Paradise Inn is located in Panajachel, a town on the northern shore of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala's Sololá Department. Panajachel serves as a primary tourist hub for the region, offering access to surrounding Mayan villages and volcanic landscapes. The hotel, with its stone facade and red-tiled roof, is situated on a cobblestone street, indicative of the area's traditional infrastructure. It provides lodging and services to visitors exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Guatemalan highlands.

Hotel Paradise Inn, Panajachel, Guatemala

Paraise Inn Hotel, Panajachel, Guatemala

Guatemala, Hotel

A weathered blue metal door, marked with the number "4-58," is set into a stuccoed wall in Panajachel, Guatemala. The door, showing signs of rust and age, is framed by an arched stucco surround and topped by a dense growth of green foliage. An electrical meter is mounted to the left of the door, indicating the building's utility connection. This image captures a detail of everyday urban infrastructure, highlighting the textures and colors of a residential or commercial facade in the town.

Blue Door with Meter 4-58, Panajachel, Guatemala

Blue door found in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Panajachel, Guatemala: Street vendors and shops

Tourists walk down a street in Panajachel, Guatemala.

Panajachel Market: Mayan Textiles and Street Vendors

Market in Panajachel, Guatemala containing Mayan woven goods.

Kayak on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, with Volcán Atitlán

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala