Acatenango Volcano Damaged by Tourist Cabins and Overcrowding

The Acatenango volcano in Guatemala offers a dramatic spectacle: tourists wake in cabins on its slopes to witness the fiery eruptions of the nearby Fuego volcano. This breathtaking scene, widely shared by tourism agencies and social media influencers, has become a major draw for both domestic and international visitors. However, this picturesque experience masks a growing environmental crisis. Authorities, mountaineers, and conservationists are increasingly concerned about the proliferation of unauthorized constructions, widespread deforestation, severe trail erosion, and the overall strain on one of Guatemala's most vital mountain ecosystems. Over the past five years, Acatenango has experienced an accelerated surge in visitor numbers. Testimonies gathered by Prensa Libre indicate that international tour operators identified a lucrative business opportunity in catering to the rising global demand, particularly from European tourists eager to observe Fuego's volcanic activity up close. A mountaineer, who requested anonymity, detailed how the visitor boom began in 2021. Guides noticed a significant increase in tourists requesting overnight stays in cabins. This demand spurred individuals, some of whom were previously involved in forest conservation, to build the first cabins. The source noted that the surge was largely initiated by foreign agencies that began selling packages in 2021 for tourists to sleep on Acatenango and witness Fuego's eruptions, securing large groups and ensuring all arrangements were made. What was once a destination primarily for hikers and nature enthusiasts has transformed into one of the country's most popular tourist routes. This influx has fueled the construction of numerous cabins and service facilities in high-altitude areas. The National Council of Protected Areas (Conap) has identified approximately 100 structures in four distinct areas on Acatenango. For those who knew the volcano before this tourism boom, the changes are stark and concerning.

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La imagen parece sacada de una postal. Un turista despierta en una cabaña instalada en las faldas del volcán Acatenango, abre una ventana, toma una taza de café y observa, a la distancia, las explosiones de lava, ceniza y roca expulsadas por el volcán de Fuego.