Is Guatemala City, Guatemala really that dangerous?

Question

We are planning a trip to visit my sponsored child in Guatemala, and I've asked for traveling tips. However, some people have really scared the bee-jeezus out me, and I don't know if I want to go anymore.

Has anyone been there? If so, what has been your expierence?

Answer 1

It´s NOT that dangerous!!! I´ve lived here all my life, and if you take your common sense precautions you should have NO problem whatsoever.  Once you arrive here, you wont feel you´re in any danger and you´ll feel pretty safe and will be amazed at the friendly guatemalan people and their hospitality.  

Welcome!

Answer 2

I was just there this X-mas but I did not spend a lot of time in Guatemala City. I heard it is dangerous but what city isn't? All travel has an element of danger but then again so does getting out of bed. I'd just go, I found the country to be very beautiful and friendly and I will go again. Go see Lake Atitlan and Tikal. Enjoy!

Don't listen to poor old paranoid Chuck. I met many yanks there and they loved it! Have YOU been there Chuck?

Answer 3

It is VERY dangerous and travel for US citizens is not advised

Answer 4

Ive been to Tikal, crossed the border through Belize for the day. We took a guide to the ruins. Unfortunatley we had a minor car accident on the Belize side with a Guatmalan border patorl man. He passed us on our RIGHT while we were turning into a parking spot on our right, of course it was our fault (according to him) we had 3 choices, and two of them included jail time (because it was Easter holiday weekend). He also offered the fact that he would take direct cash payment and call it even. He let us pass to Guatamala for the day, and upon our return to Belize he was waiting for us and our cash. We had no choice. I tell you this because the government is not honest. It cost us about $450 US which is huge to him. The damage was perhaps half that in the states.

Anyway, we felt safe but had the guide with us except when we entered the temples he went off with his buddies and we hiked around by ourselves. We were told that we must be back at the border at 5:00 by our friends in Belize who had been robbed on the desolate highway. I felt relativley safe but a little nervous about the men on the side of the road with guns who were (as we found out) hunting for their meal.

We did hear many stories about tourist being robbed, so do not wear jewlery and do not carry fancy cameras or carry flashy items. It is a very poor country but very, very beautiful. I am going back next April. Also, if you get a chance to go to Tikal on Easter Sunday it is an absoulte must see! The Guatamalan people have a huge ceromony in the center of the holy land. It was breathtaking. I have never experienced anything like that before.

I strongly suggest not being out after dark and if you have a travel agent here in the States, see if they can hook you up with a reputiable guide/host.  The country depends on tourists so the majority of people are warm and welcoming.  I would not go blindly though.  Do not travel at night and map your destination.  You will have a wonderful time.

Answer 5

I was like you before my first trip to Guatemala 3 years ago.  I was fine until I read the State Dept. Travel Warnings.  I was very nervous about going down there, but I came back without any problems and my dealings with the police were very respectful and pleasant.  While Guatemala averages about 8 murders a day, it is rarely ever a tourist.  You do need to be careful about street robberies, but common sense should prevail.  If you have a choice about walking around the well lit block or taking a shortcut through the alley, use common sense and stay in the well lit areas.  I've lived near Washington DC most of my life and know every alley, street, and neighborhood.  That doesn't mean I would go to these places after dark.  I've attached two links about crimes not to scare you, but to show you it does happen but not as frequent as people think.  People there will be happy to see you because they know you will spend your money.

Answer 6

I lived there for more than 20 years and nothing happened, Common sense and talking to the locals will help a lot.