Is it safe to go to Guatamala?

Question

My daughter wants to volunteer at an orphanage for one semester. Is it safe?

Answer 1

I stayed with a guatemalan family in Guate City for 2 weeks 2 yrs ago for a wedding of a close friend of mine.  Even though the family we stayed with was very hospitable, it seemed that the general public was not or even a little shady.  I sensed they were weary of outsiders.  Especially the storekeepers and younger females weren't very friendly to us & tried to short-change us quite a few times.

The twenty-somethings were a little too friendly to me and my friends and kept asking us how the states were and flirted way too fast once they knew we were americans.  So when we went to the Zona Rosa nightclubs, we learned to say that we were visiting from mexico and were backpacking thru Guate - we were left alone.

Even though I liked walking thru Antigua, the group of us decided to eat in a nice looking restaraunt  that looked like it catered to tourists, however.  The menu had no prices on it, but luckily the 2 residents we went with knew the waiter so we weren't surprised when the check arrived.

So tourist beware and advise your daugter to look as less-touristy as possible if she really wants to go there.

Answer 2

It depends where the orphanage is located and its reputation. Lately, Guatemalans (especially rural folks) have become suspicious of orphanages and the workers because of allegations of coercing mothers to give up babies.  This type of accusations has caused problems for many travelers in the rural areas.  Tell her to proceed with caution.  

I would like to add that Guatemala has similar crime problems as many latin american countries.  However, the situation has improved.   People in general are friendly, especially in the cities and tourist areas.

Answer 3

The night before I left for Guatmala, I read the Department of State crime statistics for Guat and was scared to death by it. It said the last American tourist was killed 3 days prior. I was expecting 2 years ago or something, but I wanted to be informed. That being said, the information provided by the Department of State on travel.state.gov is for informational purposes only. Every person who goes to Guatemala should be aware of the danger, but you don't need to stress about it. If you were staying in Guat City, then you would be at a much higher risk of becoming a victim of crime, most likely robbery.

That being said, the most dangerous thing outside of the city is travel. Gang, crews, groups, whatever you want to call them, will set up roadblocks or pull up along side of you with guns to pull you over and rob you. This usually happens to cars traveling on their own. The fact that you are going with a group is good. I assume that you will have two, maybe more, cars traveling together.

I've been to Guatemala twice, traveled to remote villages as well as the other cities throughout the country and not once did I have an issue. The one thing I will say is that travel after sunset or before sunrise increases your chance of becoming a victim. Try to travel during the day and you should be fine.

As for the city, there are certain zones you want to avoid, but I can't give you the exact numbers. A little research and you can figure it out. In 2006, I believe Guatemala city alone had well over 1100 murders, so it can be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Treat the city like you would any US city, if common sense prevails, you should be fine. Don't wander down that dark alley as a shortcut, take the long, well lit way around.

I've spent 2 months down there and I've been fine. Trust me, as a six foot gringo, I stand out amongst the locals, but they all are friendly and treated me well. I hope she enjoys the trip and the people will be grateful for the assistance she will be providing.

Answer 4

It depends on how big of a group she will be with, where, how old she is, how much experience she has travelling, etc.  

If she is staying with another local family, that will be beneficial too.  Guate City is a little sketchy and from my experience, so are littler towns near Xela.  

There are a lot of variables here.  Would I feel safe there? Yes, and did except for one incident.

Answer 5

depends on where the orphanage is located.  i stayed in guatemala for a long period of time, i had no escort, spoke very little spanish, but minded my own business and was fine.  however i am pretty sketchy looking myself and also male.  guatemala city is dangerous, no two ways about it, i know hardcore guys from guatemala who went there to do business and got robbed, beat, and other...  there are quite a few instances of females from the u.s. going up there and getting mugged, kidnapped, etc...  eh, if you ask me, all things considered...  with deep thought, would have to say ' no, too dangerous '.  it is a third world country, dont forget that, the water is bad, the food is worse, and some of the people are desperate.  if she is only college age, she needs to work up to the life experience it would take to go to such a place.  they dont need her to volunteer, the churches in the states send plenty of money down there, and the people are so poor, working as a caretaker at an orphanage is a good job for them;  nothing a gringa can do down there to help

Answer 6

I think it is a wonderful opportunity for her and she should go for it. I did something similar when I was in college.Like the person before said...Guatemala City is like any big city more people and more crime. So it all depends what part she is traveling to.  I went to Guatemala on a ten day trip with a group of about 20 people to build houses and donate supplies to remote schools. I always felt very safe while I was there. You just have to be smart...just like being a tourist in any area-don't flash your money around or wear anything that makes you stand out too much. If you are wearing flashy/expensive clothing people will know you have money and that's not always a good thing. We went with a Habitat for Humanity group and worked with a local Habitat group in Rabinal, Guatemala. We traveled just as the locals did...riding in the back of pick-up trucks, or old buses/mini vans. No one ever attempted to rob us but some people left things behind in their hotel room that weren't there when they returned. So I agree theft is probably the biggest crime and the most likely thing that would be to happen to a tourist. But...the country is gorgeous, the people although shy at first are very warm and welcoming. Knowing some Spanish would definitely help because so long as you are trying that shows respect for the people and their culture. They appreciate you trying to speak their language. I think this will be a great experience...I felt very safe while I was there. It will be an experience she remembers for the rest of her life. Some of these people don't even have shoes to wear on their feet but they went out of their way to share everything they had with us. It was a very eye opening experience.

   Tell her to keep an open mind and try new things but be smart...dont' travel alone at night no matter how "safe" the neighborhood. Don't carry huge amounts of cash with you at one time...if she just uses her common sense and good judgement she will be just fine!