In 1902 the eruption of the Santa María volcano in the neighboring department of Quetzaltenango was responsible for the destruction of the twin towns of San Marcos and San Pedro Sacatepéquez . Before 1902 the volcano had been dormant for at least 500 years and possibly several thousand years , but its awakening was clearly indicated by a seismic swarm in the region starting in January 1902 , which included a major earthquake in April 1902 . The eruption began on 24 October , and the largest explosions occurred over the following two days , ejecting an estimated of magma
major earthquake
1902 Guatemala earthquake
San Pedro Sacatepéquez, San Marcos