Between North and South America lie vast regions of lush landscapes -- a land whose first inhabitants believed that it was "born from the rays of the divine rainbow". Vast deserts, luxuriant tropical forests, snow-capped volcanoes, beaches lapped by emerald-green waters: these are the sometimes violent, always beautiful contrasts of nature.Central America has been home to remarkable pre-Columbian civilizations for thousands of years, particularly the Mayas, the splendor of whose monuments is undiminished by the passing of time.This magnificent book explores the very individual geography and culture of the countries of Central America -- Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama -- through the lens of Alain Cheneviere, the world-renowned photographer. In image and text, he captures the essence of the various countries and their people, building a compelling portrait of the region.