Many Guatemalans have turned the tragedies caused by lava flows into their livelihoods these days including crafting pizza. A livelihood is considered a sustainable way to withstand a recovery from change while maintaining and improving with the assets given. Guatemalans are excelling at this task.
During 2018, the eruption of Guatemala’s Fuego Volcano was a volcanic disaster that killed 200 family and friends of the Guatemalans. Not to mention it injured at least 27, and left over 260 still missing. This deadly volcanic eruption is still named the worst in Guatemalan history since 1902. One would think that they would abominate anything and everything that exudes or hints at these fissures in the earth’s crust that surrounds not only their country but their lives. Though, that is not how they think – it seems as if they embrace the ruptures of lava and gases as daily life.
Daily Life with the Volcanos
With over 37 officially recognized volcanos dispersed across the country, asking someone living in or touring Guatemala not to think about a volcano is like the white elephant joke. With the infamous trio of Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito staying active almost daily, even the locals find it hard not to notice. The air is constantly hazy, and a quick check of bare feet will likely find them soot-covered. As you peruse the local villages one will most likely see inhabitants with a broom in hand – this task is not to keep busy – the black soot covers everything quickly and is constant. Also, if one lapses in noticing the volcanos, one will soon remember when their volcanic activity causes earthquakes multiple times a year that they are still there – alive and well. That is daily life in Guatemala.
Guatemalans normally view their local volcanoes as significant to their homeland and nationality. They recognize the bounty produced by the destruction and the vital role they play in the country’s agricultural success (fertile soil). The elders are often heard saying, “The volcanos give and take.” Volcanoes are both a source of life and danger, depending on the activity such as tourism.
The Aftermath of the Fiery Storms of Lava
The aftermath of the fiery storms of lava seem to have not only spawned the growth of fertile land for remarkable agriculture, but tourism too. It has sparked the entrepreneur spirit to create a buzz about these geographic phenomenons. Also, with the growth of social media, spreading the news about unique experiences as the next “hot” spot, people are now flocking to see such notable places before they are gone such as Iceland. The volcanos may be around longer than the ice in Iceland, so the tourism for Pacaya’s Pizzas may be safe, at least for a while. Yes, pizzas are now tourism bloomed from the lava in Guatemala.
Now, tourists who journey to Guatemala have the option to dine at Pizza Pacaya, where a chef named Mario David García Mansilla uses the volcano’s hot lava as a cooking method to feed those who want this unique experience. So far, the danger has not been a factor more than a hike on any regular mountain. Those who have experienced this twist on the classic Italian dish say it is tasty. The chef totes all the ingredients grown in the rich volcanic soil up to his makeshift kitchen, a crevice of cooling lava where he lines up his metal trays of nourishment for his guests and a livelihood for himself and his staff that he has created. Thus showcasing some of the most creative entrepreneurial spirit that mother nature can inspire.
Pizzas are not the only thing that draws tourists to these regions. Volcano tourism is on the rise. It all started with Thomas Cook, a businessman who arranged to take the first tourism group to see Mount Vesuvius in 1841, so this is nothing new. Since then, it has grown to millions of people flocking to locales such as Iceland, Hawaii, and Guatemala. Is it safe? Yes, most of the time, with the correct safety measures and rules in place. The main thing is not to get too close to anything active, especially flowing lava. Families also go on Volcano tourism holidays due to the educational tie-ins. Lots of science can be learned and studied before and after the adventure on the ground.
Other Sources of Volcano Tourism
Volcanoes are openings in the Earth’s crust that release lava, ash, gases, and steam. We can see them with the naked eye at the source, but there are many other places where this beast of a heat source creates livelihoods. Guatemala has made remarkable progress in rebranding volcanoes from a threat to an attraction. Most any type of tourist can find a tie-in to their travel package—foodie, adventure, wellness, and so on.
Foodies can take the trek up Pacaya to dine at Pizza Pacaya with Chef Mario or at any of the delicious local restaurants to find entrees full of colorful vegetables and juicy fruits grown in the rich volcanic soil. Wellness lovers will want to flock to the thermal water pools and spas for medicinal soaks and massages complete with warm volcanic stones. Those seeking the best views will spend a few extra bucks for those quick helicopter views over and between those majestic volcanos. Adventure seekers will hike the various trails to get as close of a view as possible. Recently, the trend for those on social media has been videos of Fuego showing off.
Volcanic tourism can be simple in Guatemala. Anyone who visits Guatemala can feel the power of the volcanos. Driving between them on the road as they smoke and spew is a moment all unto itself, one for the books.
NOTE: The author’s family visited multiple times a year and loves the people of this country.
