We're traveling to Guatemala in a medical missions group. I'm hearing reports the country is not safe.

Question

Does anybody know anything about the how safe it is to travel to Guatemala. I've checked with the US Department of Travel website and that's where I've read the reports about the country being unsafe. That's why I'd like to hear from somebody that is either from there or has recently traveled there or knows somebody that has traveled there.

Answer 1

Just got back from Guatemala myself.

Personally, I think the travel advice issued by the US and Australian governments on the country are a little overblown.

Admittedly, the country does have a big crime problem, but if you take a few simple steps, you can reduce your risk massively.

In Guatemala City, try and stay in Zona 10 after dark. It's the upper class area and has the most police in it, and unlike the rest of the country they seem to be reliable and well trained.

Dont travel on chicken buses at night. They are at a small (but serious) risk of being hijacked by bandits. During the day they're ok, but if you need to travel after dark, go on a first class service or dont travel.

Keep the doors on your taxi locked in Guat. City. Again, there is a very small chance of a hijacking happening. It almost certainly WONT happen, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Dont carry your credit card with you unless you are on your way to an ATM or the bank. That way, if you get robbed, they'll only take your cash and wont try and force you to give them your PIN for the card.

At night, take the usual precautions. Dont answer the door unless you know who it is. And stay in well lit, crowded areas.

In all honesty, Guatemala is a fantastic place with friendly, helpful people. Learn some Spanish before you to make life easier on you, as English isnt that commonly spoken, and just use your common sense. It is impossible to say for sure that you will be 100% in the country, but remember, HEAPS of foreigners visit every year, and have no problems at all except for maybe paying a little extra for a taxi ride.

I travelled on a budget in the country and never felt unsafe at all.

Have fun and enjoy!

Answer 2

The US Department of Travel says that just about every country except the US is dangerous, wich is obviously a complete farce. Im a 19 year old girl who just got back a month ago from a 5 month backpacking trip (two months of wich I was traveling solo) and i wouldn't reccomen wearing the US flag for a shirt (since we played such a big role is keeping people there in poverty for our own covinience- wich some of them know about) but as long as you are friendly, act street smart, and don't flaunt your money, you should be completely fine in most places. Just be very aware of your suroundigns at all times. My only warning is ****STAY OUT OF GUAT CITY**** Its fine to take a bus from/to, but unless you are absolutly desperate, do not spend the night there, at least 15 people I know have gotten robbed there. Oh yea, and if you do get robbed, expecially in a more rural place, don't freak out, even if they have a knife or something. They just want your money, thats it, you are in very littel physical danger. I got robbed once on a trail and we even convinced the guy to let us keep the memory cards from our cameras...and he was actually a really nice guy, they aren't dangerous criminals, they're just really poor. So when the see an American comming down the path with a camera and cash that would equal a year and a half's worth of work, of course he's gunna rob you! They're poor but not stupid. Hope this helps, and doesn't scare you off, because Guatemala is my favorite/most beautiful place i've seen, and it would be a shame to miss it.

Answer 3

IT IS SAFE AS ALONG AS YOU DON'T TALK ENGLISH BECAUSE ONCE SOMEONE KNOW YOU SPEAK A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE THEY WOULD TRY TO  KIDNAPPED YOU AND DON'T WEAR TOO MUCH JEWERLY

it is safe the crime is high because og too much gangs but the people are beautiful the food is awesome!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

I was just in was born in Guatemala and i was just there about 5 months ago... It is alot safer now that it was a few years back. But that does not mean you should let your guard down, I think as long as you dont go out alone at night and always be around other people you should be just fine. Good luck and enjoy its a really beautiful country, if you have a chance to really see it

Answer 5

The US Department of Travel is biased. But, Guatemala does have one of the highest crime rates in Central America, with the highest homicide rate as well. Kidnappings are not as frequent as in Colombia, but are present. Just use common sense, missions (medical, or any other) would not take you to the gang-infested areas of the country. Just take proper precautions, and i tell everyone this, the most common type of crime in all of Latin America is petty theft like pickpocketing, and especially robbery in Guatemala City and more rural places so keep your valuables close and don't flash them around. Just use common sense and try not to walk around alone during the night, the truth is there is crime everywhere but it shouldn't be the reason why you don't visit somewhere. Guatemala is full of nice people and beautiful places to visit, hopefully you'll experiance that during your mission trip.

Answer 6

Guatemala City is not quite as dangerous as Baghdad. The predominately Maya regions of the country are very safe.

Answer 7

Hello,

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.  Enjoy the trip and the people will be grateful for the assistance you are providing.