ATLANTA — Update: On Saturday, family confirmed with 11Alive that Zain Waliany was found safe. Original story below.
Hiking Acatenango Volcano, which is near the city of Antigua in Guatemala, is described as one of the "must-have" experiences for every nature lover and adventure seeker who visits the Central American country.
According to 26-year-old Zain Waliany's youngest sister, it's what he's been planning to do for quite some time.
"He's been trying to hike that volcano for a very long time," Emen Waliany explained, adding, "He's been super stoked about it. He's really wanted to hike it and see it."
Not only do thrill seekers get an incredible view of the region, but they also get a chance to witness an eruption at nearby Fuego Volcano, which is described as highly active. She said her older brother loves hiking and finally planned to take on the volcano, which stands at 13,041 feet.
Waliany and friends arrived in the area late last week and set out on their hike on Tuesday.
Emen said her dad got a call from her brother, who left a message saying he was going on the hike, which would be the last time the family has heard from him.
During the hike, there was a point where Waliany and his friend got separated. His sister said it appears he got turned around or basically lost. They're not sure he was ever able to find his way back to the marked trails.
She believes there was a phone call and a plan to meet up, but her brother was lost.
His friend who was with him waited for some time then turned around after Waliany never showed up at their meeting point. It's believed the last known altitude was about 12,000 feet.
Once Waliany never arrived, his friend then reached out to authorities to get searches started.
Waliany's family has been in contact with the U.S. Embassy. Local police are also involved.
Emen said her brother's friend, who was hiking with him, has also paid locals to help in the search efforts that have been underway since late Tuesday.
Waliany's family said their biggest concern is he has run out of food and water. His phone is off as well.
Family and friends have created an online fundraising campaign to help support their efforts to find Waliany and bring him home.