Aerial view of the volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlán with the villages San Pedro La Laguna and San Juan La Laguna. - 1977

Mosaic of fields on approach to the airport of Quezaltenango, Guatemala. - 1977

On the way to Tikal, an ancient Mayan city in the rainforests of Petén in northern Guatemala. Today the road is asphalted. - 1977

View of the famous Lake Ilopango in EI Salvador. Some geologists believe that the lake is in an ancient crater. Such formations are not uncommon in Central America. Some of these lakes are very deep. The body of water is fed by seeping water and by rainfall, which is very frequent between May and December. Lake Ilopango is dominated by the Chichantepec or San Vicente volcano, which is 2181 meters high. Its water is rich in fish and a lush and diverse flora thrives on its banks. This makes it the ideal destination for the residents of the noisy and overpopulated capital San Salvador. In this area, which is of overwhelming beauty, the townspeople find peace and relaxation. But various leisure activities are also open to them. You can sail, swim, hunt and hike. - 1977

The Fuego volcano is the site of almost permanent activity. It dominates La Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, which suffered a tragic fate. In Central America, volcanoes are one of the most characteristic elements of the landscape. They range in altitude from 1,000 to 4,000 metres and form an almost unbroken chain that stretches from northern Panama to the border between Guatemala and Mexico. Most of them are extinct. Others have sporadic revivals of extremely variable duration. Still others, like Fuego, are constantly active. Their eruptions, accompanied by lava flows and explosions, are a threat to the inhabitants of the region that cannot be underestimated. - 1977

From Cerro Verde you can see the lzalco volcano in the western region of EI Salvador, not far from the Pacific coast. It is 1935 metres high and dominates an extensive area with the most fertile coffee plantations in the country. For centuries, the glowing volcano could serve as a lighthouse for sailors. He's been quiet for a few years now - how long? - 1977

The lrazú volcano near San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is 3432 metres high. It has several crater openings, one of which forms a lake that shines in amazing colours. Numerous fissures have opened up at the summit, from which clouds of gas constantly escape, attracting many tourists. A road leads visitors near the summit. - 1977

The volcano Mombacho dominates the Great Lake Nicaragua (or Lake Cocibolca). It is a freshwater lake and with an area of 8264 km² it is the largest in Central America. It has more than 400 islets, three islands and two volcanoes. It is also the only place that hosts freshwater sharks. - 1977

The two locks at Miraflores on the Panama Canal. The manoeuvre from one lock to the other takes about an hour. The process requires about 100 000 tonnes of water. Each lock gate is nine metres high and weighs 750 tonnes. The Panama Canal measures 82 kilometres and covers an area of 250 square kilometres. It usually takes six to eight hours to navigate. This waterway was opened in 1914. Since the opening of the extension, which began in 2007, on 26 June 2016, ships with 14,000 TEU can pass through it. To date, more than one million ships of all types from all over the world have used it. - 1977

Panama, capital of the republic of the same name, knows a gratifying development, which it owes above all to the Panama Canal. It occupies an exceptional position in the world, as it is a crossroads between the northern and southern hemispheres and between the Orient and the Occident. This explains why, in addition to the indigenous people (Indians, blacks, mulattos, mestizos and whites), one encounters representatives of the most diverse peoples of the world in the streets of the city. Over the last few years, Panama has become a commercial centre and tourist destination that has taken on considerable importance. The modern neighbourhoods are dominated by skyscrapers, which serve as homes for the privileged classes and as hotels for wealthy tourists. The climate that prevails in this part of Central America throughout the year is rather unhealthy because of the high temperatures and enormous humidity. Thunderstorms of incredible ferocity follow each other closely, especially in the rainy season. - 1977

On the beach of a small island that belongs to the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. The archipelago stretches over a length of 350 kilometres not far from the Atlantic coast. It consists of 365 islands and islets of various sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. 48 islands are inhabited. They have curious names like Nalunega, Kortbiski or Cauwualla. The tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, has rich vegetation. - 1977

The charming little island of Cauwualla belongs to the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. This archipelago extends over a length of 350 kilo meters at a short distance from the Atlantic coastline. It is made up of three hundred and sixty-five islands and islets of varying sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. It must be said that the tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, is covered with rich vegetation. In the shade of the palm and coconut trees there are a few houses where the Cuna Indians live. These natives originate from the nearby continent. They migrated to the islands of the archipelago and gradually occupied them. In the course of time, the Cuna became skilled fishermen, but they continued to practice agriculture, as they have fields of crops on the mainland. As in the past, they also hunt the wild animals that live in the depths of the tropical jungle. - 1977

On the beach of a small island that belongs to the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. The archipelago stretches over a length of 350 kilometres not far from the Atlantic coast. It consists of 365 islands and islets of various sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. 48 islands are inhabited. They have curious names like Nalunega, Kortbiski or Cauwualla. The tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, has rich vegetation. - 1977

On the journey between the small islands of the Panamanian archipelago of San Blas. This extends over a length of 350 kilometres not far from the Atlantic coast. It consists of 365 islands and islets of various sizes that rise only a few metres above sea level. 48 islands are inhabited. They have curious names like Nalunega, Kortbiski or Cauwualla. The tides are insignificant here. Each island, even the smallest, has rich vegetation. - 1977

On the beach of Travesía near Puerto Cortés in Honduras, on the Caribbean coast. This is where Christopher Columbus set foot on the continent on his fourth and last voyage in 1502. - 1977

The great lake of Nicaragua (Cocibolca) has a total length of 170 kilometres. It is dominated by two volcanoes: Momotombo, which has an altitude of 1400 metres, and another much smaller volcanic cone, Momotombito (389 metres), which can be seen in the centre of the picture. In the waters of this beautiful lake, a true wonder of nature, naturalists have found three species of fish, originally from the Pacific Ocean, which have been able to adapt to fresh water thanks to the high urea content in their blood. - 1977

Travesía beach near Puerto Cortés, Honduras, on the Caribbean coast. This is probably the same landscape that Christopher Columbus saw when he landed on the mainland in 1502 during his fourth and final voyage. This coast is exposed to the Atlantic trade winds. The temperature is very high and rainfall is abundant throughout the year. These two factors allow an exuberant and varied vegetation to develop. All the species typical of tropical regions are represented here. The sea is full of fish, and the beach is home to many animals such as turtles, which frequent the area especially when they lay their eggs. In the thick forest nearby, criss-crossed by numerous rivers, wild animals abound, including jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, agoutis, deer, marsupials, reptiles, as well as a multitude of monkeys and birds that are a delight to naturalists. - 1977

View of the famous Lake Ilopango in EI Salvador. Some geologists believe that the lake is in an ancient crater. Such formations are not uncommon in Central America. Some of these lakes are very deep. The body of water is fed by seeping water and by rainfall, which is very frequent between May and December. Lake Ilopango is dominated by the Chichantepec or San Vicente volcano, which is 2181 meters high. Its water is rich in fish and a lush and diverse flora thrives on its banks. This makes it the ideal destination for the residents of the noisy and overpopulated capital San Salvador. In this area, which is of overwhelming beauty, the townspeople find peace and relaxation. But various leisure activities are also open to them. You can sail, swim, hunt and hike. - 1977

The capital of El Salvador at dusk. The city lies on a gentle slope at the foot of a volcano. It is constantly growing and currently has 600,000 inhabitants. This increase in population is due not only to a demographic explosion recorded elsewhere in the continent, but also to the migration of landless peasants to the city. These population movements generally take place in two stages. First, the natives settle in a provincial city. Then they move to the capital of the nation, which exerts an irresistible attraction on them. They are often called by relatives or friends and share their lives with them for a time. Then they become independent, but only if they have found work, which is unfortunately not always the case. Thus, vast shanty towns are created on the outskirts of the towns, forming a veritable belt of misery. - 1977

The Izalco volcano, seen from Cerro Verde, stands in the western region of El Salvador, not far from the Pacific coastline. It has an altitude of 1935 metres and dominates a vast area covered with coffee plantations, which is one of the most fertile in the country. For centuries, this volcano served as a lighthouse for navigators. But for a number of years now, its activity has completely ceased. - 1977

The San Salvador volcano is located in central El Salvador. The prominence currently consists of two masses: one called El Picacho at 1960 m; and the other known as El Boquerón at 1839 m, which includes a 1.5 km wide crater. Other inactive craters are located around these elevations. In the interior of El Boquerón there was a lagoon of unknown origin, which was extinguished by boiling due to eruptive phenomena during the San Salvador earthquake of 1917. Today, a small elevation can be seen at the bottom of the Boquerón crater. - 1977

Aerial view of Quezaltenango, the second largest city in Guatemala. To the left of the centre of the picture you can see the cathedral. - 1977

Wheat fields on the way to Quezaltenango, Guatemala. - 1977

La Antigua lies at the foot of the Agua volcano. Of Guatemala's first capital, known in history as Ciudad Vieja, only very few remains remain today. The city was destroyed by earthquakes and floods as early as 1541. The Spaniards were forced to build a second capital, called La Antigua, which soon became a brilliant centre of intellectual and religious life in the subcontinent. However, the volcanic nature of the region would once again cause destruction on a massive scale. In 1773, following very strong tremors that had already occurred in the first half of the 18th century, La Antigua suffered desolation and death, forcing the Spaniards to build a new capital. Unfortunately, the latter, like the two previous ones, was not to be spared. The violent earthquake of 4 February 1976 caused the death of twenty-three thousand people. - 1977

The Cobán region of Guatemala is essentially mountainous. It belongs to the great Cuchumatanes range, the northern branch of the Sierra Madre proper, which crosses the entire country from east to west. It is a well-watered sector of the national territory with abundant rainfall and fertile soil. The inhabitants, Indians and Métis, are engaged in farming and raising domestic animals. They live in modest wooden houses. - 1977

Aerial view of the volcanoes near Lake Atitlán in the direction of Quezaltenango. - 1977

Photo taken from the Panamerican Highway which, coming from the Mexican border and crossing the mountainous area, leads to the capital of Guatemala. The well-designed and well-maintained crop fields on the often steep slopes of the volcanoes stretch as far as the eye can see and give the landscape its characteristic appearance. The volcanic ash regularly enriches the land, enabling Indian farmers to successfully grow maize, cereals and a multitude of vegetables, which form the basis of the indigenous population's daily diet. Indeed, the food of the indigenous people is primarily vegetarian. Meat appears on the table on feast days or on the occasion of exceptional circumstances such as a baptism, a wedding or the appointment of a new community leader. The relative altitude of the land, the mild climate and the abundance of rainfall favour the development of agriculture. - 1977

Lake Atitlán, a natural wonder, is located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is dominated by the volcanoes Atitlán and San Pedro, on whose slopes are scattered fields of crops. It is one of the most populated areas of the altiplano. Indeed, countless villages have been built on its banks. They bear the names of saints or apostles: San Jorge, San Lucas, San Pedro, Santa Catarina, San Antonio, Santiago, etc. The inhabitants of each of these localities have their own way of life, customs, crafts, clothing and beliefs. They are engaged in agriculture, which is particularly flourishing due to the moderate altitude of the relief and the mild temperature. They also fish and harvest shellfish, which abound in the very pure waters of Lake Atitlán. - 1972

Lake Atitlán, a natural wonder, is located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is dominated by the volcanoes Atitlán and San Pedro, on whose slopes are scattered fields of crops. It is one of the most populated areas of the altiplano. Indeed, countless villages have been built on its banks. They bear the names of saints or apostles: San Jorge, San Lucas, San Pedro, Santa Catarina, San Antonio, Santiago, etc. The inhabitants of each of these localities have their own way of life, customs, crafts, clothing and beliefs. They are engaged in agriculture, which is particularly flourishing due to the moderate altitude of the relief and the mild temperature. They also fish and harvest shellfish, which abound in the very pure waters of Lake Atitlán. - 1977

Lake Atitlán, a natural wonder, is located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is dominated by the volcanoes Atitlán and San Pedro, on whose slopes are scattered fields of crops. It is one of the most populated areas of the altiplano. Indeed, countless villages have been built on its banks. They bear the names of saints or apostles: San Jorge, San Lucas, San Pedro, Santa Catarina, San Antonio, Santiago, etc. The inhabitants of each of these localities have their own way of life, customs, crafts, clothing and beliefs. They are engaged in agriculture, which is particularly flourishing due to the moderate altitude of the relief and the mild temperature. They also fish and harvest shellfish, which abound in the very pure waters of Lake Atitlán. - 1972

Volcán de Fuego is an active, 3,763 m high stratovolcano in southern Guatemala. It is located about 20 km southwest of the city of Antigua Guatemala. Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. Major eruptions are rare, but there are often clouds of smoke above the crater. - 1977

Typical landscape of the central mountainous sierra of Guatemala. Working the land has a sacred meaning for the Indians. Fields of crops are spread wherever the land is fertile and the climatic conditions are favourable. However, the indigenous people have always limited themselves to subsistence farming, because the land is meant to feed people, not to make them rich. Intensive farming would impoverish the soil, which would be in contradiction with the reverence for the land. - 1977

Harvest in the wheat fields in the area between Quezaltenango and Chichicastenango. Tilling the soil is of sacred importance to the Indians. Crops extend wherever the earth is fertile and climatic conditions are favourable. Meanwhile, the indigenous people have always restricted themselves to minimal soil use, as the earth is meant to be conducive to nourishment, not enrichment. Intensive cultivation would be contrary to the reverence that should be shown to the earth. - 1977

Harvest in the grain fields near Quezaltenango. This boy carries a sheaf of wheat. - 1977

A farmer crosses the Río San José in central Guatemala with his cows. - 1977

Dusk over Lago Izabal in eastern Guatemala. - 1977

On the way to Tikal, an ancient Mayan city in the rainforests of Petén in northern Guatemala. Today the road is asphalted. - 1977

Temple complex of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Mayan spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. - 1977

Characteristic landscape of Belize. This photo was taken in the Orange Walk region, which occupies the northern sector of this small Central American country. The vegetation is predominantly lowland, tropical and swampy. With the exception of a mountainous region near the Guatemalan border, most of Belize is like this. It is a country marked by extremely high temperatures and constant humidity, two factors that make life particularly difficult. This explains, at least to some extent, why British Honduras remains a land that has been only imperfectly exploited up to now. Great surprises await those who explore the almost impenetrable jungle of this part of Central America, where numerous Mayan ruins and rare and valuable plant species have already been reported. - 1978

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