Is Guatemala safe for americans? NOT Guatemala city?

Question

I been hearing ALOT of people saying no, and a lot saying yes. I know the Guatemala is not that safe, but i heard that up near antigua it is safe? Is this true? I differently wouldn't want to take my 2 year old daughter to a unsafe area.

Answer 1

Out of most locations I have traveled I felt that Guatemala was pretty safe.  I spent a month there in Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal, ect.  I have about 15 friends that have stayed there longer taking Spanish lessons.  I recommend it to everyone.  Guatemala is an incredibly friendly culture, who knows that tourism is a large part of their current economy and as such they are taking great strides to make it safe.  I think Antigua is extremely 'American friendly.'  There are many English speakers and many tourist, however it keeps the feel of the country and is not developed.

However you must realize that it is a very poor culture and as such there will be some crime when taunted with wealth.  It is not the voilent crime we have here in the US.  But you must travel with common sense, book all of your day trips through travel agents when you get there.  Always travel with groups when not in public places.  Do not accept rides or trips from people on the street.  Pickpocketing is the primary crime and I did know people that were robbed during Semana Santa which is the busiest week in Antigua which encourages crime from people outside of the town.  Do not carry large amounts of cash, keep your camera in your pocket, ect.  I did not feel unsafe really any of the time I was there.  

I would recommend Antigua to even the most naive of travelers and all of Guatemala for anyone with some travel experience.  It is an absolutely beautiful country with beautiful people - everyone should experience it.

Answer 2

You will be much safer in Guatemala than in Detroit or Atlanta.

Answer 3

Not at all!  Don't listen to these other folks.

Answer 4

It all depends which places you want to go. the violence is bad, but not worst than New York or other places. But you have to be carefull with your money, and no public transportation please.

Guatemala is a beautifull place, but not much safe, even for the guatemalan people. I recomend an excursion, or a stay in a tourist place like Antigua or Panajachel.

Answer 5

I have a friend who visits Guatemala every year. I've never heard her say anything negative about the country.

Answer 6

as long as you keep a low profile you will have no problems

Answer 7

Guatamala is not unsafe, the only problem are the pickpockets.

the chance to get killed there is lower then in America (i think) just don't insult people and behave nicely and you won't have any problem.

Answer 8

Guatemala is very safe with americans and other tourists. There is a lot of advertising regarding the importance of tourism for guatemalans.

I agree with other people here that you have to use common sense like elsewhere in the world and that way you will be very safe.

Antigua is a very small city, and its more safer than any other guatemalan city because its 100% touristic. You and your daughter will have an extremely good time here.

Good luck and good trip!