Stay away from Guatemala volcano or risk death

Associated Press reports that tourists hoping to see erupting Guatemalan volcano Pacaya are risking their lives according to officials.

Pacaya National Park was closed even before the May 27 explosion, which killed a reporter who got too close and was hit by a shower of volcanic rock. But visitors are bypassing the usual route up the mountain and going instead to a private farm in the village of Los Pocitos, where locals will take them to the pyroclastic flows for a $1.25 a head.

Even in normal times, travel guidebooks warn of the risks of hiking Pacaya, which has been active since 1966. A month before the most recent eruption, a Venezuelan tourist and her Guatemalan guide were killed by a rock slide.

Read the full story: Tourists warned to stay away from Guatemala volcano

Photo by Rodrigo Abd / AP