On my tour through Guatemala I received a very special tip. Not far from Todos Santos in the north of the country, there is a cattle market that takes place once a week and is usually ignored by travelers. Or, to put it in other words, no one really knows that there is such a fascinating market in the highland desert between scattered small villages, dry brush and agaves. And maybe no one knows exactly where the market spot is. So the best preconditions to take a closer look there.

From Todos Santos I hitchhiked to a place called Comedor Cuchumatanes. This is a simple kitchen and eat, which is located at a street intersection. From there I went all the way on foot over dusty paths. First in the direction that my driver pointed. Later I realized that I was not completely alone on the way. Locals also moved towards the market. Some took a relaxed walk, others carried something. Everyone greeted friendly with buenos días and the question, what is someone like you doing here?

My little hike thus became a pleasure on a really beautiful day. If it was still chilly at night, the sun was now shining relentlessly from above.

On one of the colorful cemeteries that lay on the side of the road, a very special encounter arose. Later, on another of these cemeteries, I grabbed my legs and ran. But that's a very different story.

I reached the market around noon. Here were chickens, sheep, cows for sale, all kinds of other agricultural products, a lot of food and plastic stuff. Since I couldn't recognize another foreigner there, I supposed I was the only one. Accordingly, all eyes were on me. But everything was full of kindness and curiosity. An exciting visit.

The photos were taken with an Olympus PEN-F.