(1/250s, f/8, ISO200, 70mm)

Lago de Nicaragua, locally known as Cocibolca, is the largest lake in the country, as well as in Central America. The surface is spotted with half a thousand islands, among them Isla de Ometepe with its two volcanic cones (one of them active again) being the biggest. The lake, home to the only freshwater shark species in the world, is being threatened by overfishing, water pollution and a planned trans-oceanic shipping route. On the photo a local fisherman ties his nets before smoking Volcán Concepción.

(1/320s, f/6.3, ISO100, 70mm)

Although León is the cultural capital of the country, sometimes even larger animals wander through downtown.

(1/800s, f/10, ISO100, 70mm)

Beach, empty, in black and white.

(1/160s, f/4, ISO100, 200mm)

He began reading when he turned three, and his first poem was published when he was twelve years old. Probably the greatest poet of Latin-America is Nicaraguan, a fact his countrymen will never fail to point out. Here his face adorns the wall of a house, painted by a local artist, decorated with quotes and flowers.

(1/640s, f/9, ISO200, 70mm)

A bit of relaxed beach soccer, every evening.

(1/200s, f/7, ISO100, 150mm)

The early morning weigh-in is a family event among fishermen, where everyone stands around and excitedly watches – that is, if there is nothing more interesting than fish.

(1/125s, f/14, ISO100, 100mm)

The huge river mouth of Estero Padre Ramos hides hundreds of lagoons, mangrove forests and wetlands in the north-western corner of Nicaragua. The fisherman has to wait until tide changes to be able to sail out to sea.

(1/125s, f/3.5, ISO100, 95mm)

The three children show expressions typical of their age. The youngest smiles in happy ignorance, the middleone looks at the photographer and the conducting parents distrustfully, while the oldest – although only six – rests her hand protectively on the chair of her younger sister while her eyes burn with blame.

(1/400s, f/4.5, ISO100, 200mm)

The droplets of water sprayed by a breaking wave freeze in the light of the setting sun.

(1/400s, f/6.3, ISO100, 105mm)

A fish vendor on two wheels makes some mileage on his lonely route every morning in the soft sand of Jiquilillo.

(1/200s, f/2.8, ISO200, 200mm)

In San Juan del Sur local kids – even the smallest – like to sit on the curb of the beach avenue or run around on the street. Nobody considers this inappropriate or tries to warn the parents.

(1/250s, f/3.5, ISO100, 200mm)

Full moon and fake colors.

(1/320s, f/4, ISO200, 200mm)

Fishermen return from the open sea where they placed their nets just recently. A lonely pelican follows them in hope of a few goodies. Both the bird and the men set off again at dawn, with hopes of returning before sunrise with a big catch.

(1/80s, f/3.2, ISO800, 70mm)

Nicas are certainly not a self-righteous type. Good Friday remains a day of fasting only on paper, in reality it is a holiday when everyone gets a break from the pressure of everyday toil and poverty. The local bar takes this all in stride, its meticulous owners painting murals depicting the Easter festivities over the entrance.

(1/60s, f/2.8, ISO800, 70mm)

The Easter procession receives a pinch of kitsch as children sitting on plastic horses, lighted by mobile diesel generators, symbolize the return of the Saints.

(1/800s, f/5.6, ISO100, 200mm)

When it comes to festivities or official holidays Nicaraguans, also called Nicas, remain real Latinos. No matter if they can afford it or not, the majority of the families pack up and head for the beaches, where they stroll along the shore or sit clothed in the water the whole time.

(1/400s, f/7.1, ISO800, 70mm)

Horse parade. In Nicaragua during the weeks preceding Easter the committed faithful work out every detail as they re-enact the Crucifixion. On the photo locals dressed as Roman soldiers ride with essential decorations.

(1/400s, f/7.1, ISO200, 70mm)

Roads disappear slowly along the northern coast of Honduras. Average dirt roads take you ahead for a while, but later they end too and all that remains is the coastal racing against the incoming tide in 4WD, loaded to the guts.

(1/800s, f/10, ISO100, 70mm)

Two boys, two dogs, two oxen. The road home is slow with the freshly felled tree.

(1/800s, f/10, ISO100, 70mm)

Workers at the lumberyard take home their weekly share of scrap wood, mostly used for cooking at home. These are the days when everyone shows up for work.