Over this past weekend, a tropical depression passed over Guatemala dumping a large amount of rainfall. The most heavily affected areas are the Western Highlands, with numerous mudslides blocking major highways. Presently, the Panamerican Highway which carries travelers from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan, is closed.
Near term forecasts for further rainfall may exacerbate this situation, and Viaventure has currently suspended all non-essential vehicular travel into the Western Highlands, including Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango, until Monday September 13.
“We are concerned that even if the roads are re-opened in the next day or two, there is a chance that vehicular travel across these affected routes could be hazardous or may leave clients stranded on the other side of mudslides that could occur during the day,” stated a Viaventure spokesperson.