Guatemala safety?

Question

Hello! Me and two friends (all female) are planning on going to Guatemala city, Atitlan, and Tikal (and maybe Belize) in about 1 month. My friends have read many blogs and articles about how dangerous it is to travel to Guatemala. Now we are considering canceling our trip due to these dangers.

What have you all heard or experienced in regards to crime in Guatemala?

Answer 1

I am the one who was visiting Sweet Angel last month in Guatemala City.  I understand your concern because I also read the same travel warnings.  I will admit that Guatemala City itself is not a place chock full of tourists, American or otherwise.  If you go to Antigua you will see many more tourists (mostly European).  Most of the people I met at the airport were missionaries travelling there for volunteer work or couples going to adopt babies.  

However, I will tell you this, I spent 15 years of my life living in the Bronx, New York, and being in Guatemala was very similar to my experience living in New York.

I travelled on buses and walked the streets of Guatemala without any problems at all.  One thing that impressed me, is that people did not stare at me or treat me differently like they do when you travel in some other foreign countries.  I did not feel out of place at all.  Mostly I had my friend with me who spoke Spanish, but there were times when she was working that I went to places alone.  I did find that not too many people speak English there, but those who understood some made a great effort to communicate with me in English.  Even with this language barrier, I was still able to have a great time.  

I really found Guatemala City to be a very laid back and quiet place.   The people are wonderful.  You can shop without being hassled (not the case in some countries).  And I never had one bad restaurant experience.  It was some of the best service I have ever experienced.  I was impressed also, with the good work ethic that Guatemalans have.  Everyone just seemed to be in a really good mood all the time.  Something I am just not used to in the States!

Answer 2

Guatemala does have a  high crime rate.  According to this article I looked up

(http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=30163...

Guatemala has a murder rate of 70 per 100K, which is up there with the more dangerous US big cities.  No doubt, Guatemala has a crime problem, from urban gangs to corrupt police and army officers.  

I do recall seeing a map showing by far the highest crime rates being in the heavily Hispanic areas of the country, and lower among the highland heavily Indian areas where most tourists will want to go.

Now, when I was there, I did not feel unsafe most of the time, except in Guatemala City, and I didn't have any personal problems with crime during the month I was there, although I did witness an enraged man waving a machete and chasing someone, and I did note a fair amount of dishonesty and sharp dealings with tourists.  But, I was very cautious and I did not look like I had much money (and I didn't).  I avoided deserted streets, especially after dark, I hid my money and passport in a hidden pocket inside my jeans, I didn't carry large amounts of cash, but enough to make a thief happy if necessary.

My feeling is that the main risk tourists run is from theft- pickpockets and bagslashers in busy areas, and muggers in deserted areas. As long as they take basic precautions the risk isn't that super terrible.

Some people are afraid of taking the local buses,especially the 2nd class, and prefer to take the shuttles for tourists.  Personally I'd disagree. OK, the chicken buses are worse for pickpockets and stuff. But...if you're a bandit, are you going to hold up a bus with 70 impoverished, tough peasants, many with machetes, or a van with 15 affluent tourists?

It would be nice to have some hard statistics here on how many tourists in Guatemala have problems with crime, because one's own subjective experience may not be representative.

Answer 3

Let me tell you Michelle, that danger is EVERYWHERE.

When I was going to the USA by my own with my friends people used to tell me that I was going to be safe, because the USA is a safe place WRONGGGGGG

A thief had stolen our things, it was a terrible experience, in which the police came and those things.

So do not believe what people say.... crimes are all over the world.

I live in Guatemala and I just a few weeks ago, a friend of mine came from the USA and she had a good time, without problems and she is safe and alive back home.

Answer 4

You've had some very good advice here, and even though I try to spend at least a couple of months every year in lovely Guatemala I cannot really add to what people have already said about this contentious subject. I can give you my subjective view though that I feel less safe visiting Michigan (where I was born and brought up) than I do when I am in Guatemala. Sometimes I think that the reason I meet so many more Europeans visiting Guatemala is that Americans tend to be afraid of their own shadows most of the time. You've got your government to thank for that. Get over it!

Answer 5

In General, Guatemala is pretty safe.  It, like most places does have it share of criminals.  Most of which are just looking for a way to make some easy cash.  So follow general travel rules you should follow most everyplace you go.  

Don't flaunt cash.  

Hang on to your purse at all times (don't set it down on the empty chair at the table unless you are watching it at all times.. literally).  

Don't wear flashy jewelery.

Stay in populated areas and use a guide when going to places not populated.

I travel to Guatemala about ounce a year and spend most of that time in the city and have never had an issue.

Keep you plans and also add Antigua Guatemala to the list, it will be worth your trip.

Answer 6

I am  not from Guatemala but why not Costa Rica and/or Peru? they seem to be safe right now, basically all SouthAmerican countries and Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brasil, Argentina, etc etc

I heard Guatemala is beautiful but not a good time right now but I could be wrong as I am not a local. News usually show you the worse of a country becuase they are NEWS. you know? so....I would talk to a local and know the areas you should not go just like in the USA where you don't want to be in downtown Chicago at 12 pm, but its ok in other areas of Chicago,  same deal in other countries.

Answer 7

If you use common sense, you will be fine.  Others are understating the potential danger in going to Guatemala, but if you limit your travel after dark everything should be okay.  I've spent about 2 months over the last 3 years in Guatemala and I've never had a problem.  There are certain areas to avoid in the city, but stay on the main roads and all should be fine.  The first thing you should do when you get the the city is make a copy of your passport stamp given to you at immigration.  Carry this copy with you, just in case something happens.  Like I said, I've spent a couple months in Guatemala over the last  few years and I haven't even been close to having something happen.  I've probably done evertthing to increase my chances of being robbed but never been robbed (traveling through the night, walking alone in the city late at night, and traveling to remote areas)   The beauty far outweighs the risks.

Answer 8

Please do not let these stories that have been repeated for years with little or no basis in fact sway you away from visiting somewhere as friendly and beautiful as Guatemala. The majority of crime in Guatemala and the other countries in Central America are crimes of opportunity and can be easily avoided by staying alert and aware of your surroundings. Simple common sense is enough to avoid 99% of any trouble.I have been traveling in Mexico,Central and South America for years and have never had any problems other than petty theft.In each case it was entirely my fault because I was distracted.The three of you traveling together is 3 times as safe as each of you traveling alone. You should be fine.

If you have any other questions about Guatemala or Central America feel free to email me.Tikal is an absolute must do as is Panajachel/Atilan.I would spend as little time as possible in Guatemala City. El Remate/Flores will give you access to both Tikal and Belize as well as the nearby jungle which should also be on your list of cool things to see & do.