I just received an email from the director of the Guatemalensis language school in Xela, Guatemala about a warning for the Tajumulco volcano area that might be of interest to those planning to travel down south. The Tajumulco volcano is the highest point in Guatemala and often frequented by tourists.

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala reports the following:

“Rumors of foreigners stealing Guatemalan children have recently surfaced in the
area surrounding the Tajumulco Volcano, an area of Guatemala frequented by
American tourists. In light of these rumors, the Guatemalan Tourist Assistance
Office (ASISTUR) advises – and the Embassy strongly endorses – that American
citizens avoid travel to the Tajumulco Volcano and the surrounding region.

Rumors of child stealing have previously resulted in the lynching deaths of
several Guatemalan citizens. Although no foreigners have been reported to be
the victim of such attacks recently, Americans are reminded to avoid gatherings
of agitated people. Avoid close contact with children, including taking
photographs, especially in rural areas. Such contact can be viewed with deep
alarm and may provoke panic and violence.

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City can be reached at (502) 2326-4405 and is
located at Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zone 10. For emergencies (deaths, arrests,
etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can call (502) 2331-2354 and ask for the Embassy
Duty Officer.”