What's going on, politically I guess, In Guatemala?

Question

I'm going on a short term mission to San Andres in 18 days.

Everytime I tell someone I'm going there, they say "be careful" or "aren't you scared?"

I know they have one of the highest murder rates in the world with one of the lowest conviction rate because of Maras, but that's mostly in the cities, like Guatemala City.

People talk about the Guerillas too. But didn't all that end in 1996?

Could someone just give me a quick summary of what's going on right now?

Answer 1

You can read for yourself, the latest news from Guatemala (in English) at http://www.atitlan.net/articles/guatemal...

Answer 2

from my experience of 6 months of residing in Guatemala City, one word to describe it is "risk". everyday was like an action movie, such as. "am i going to make it alive?" thats why we ended up moving back to the states. but my dad's still down there. this is a uprising situation. KOREANS being kidnapped and murdered for using guatemalans for cheap labor, or just for a ransom. my dad owns one of the most prestigious factories down in guatemala which means more people are at him. we ended up moving because, we just couldnt take it. i would come back from school, workout and just stare at my computer for the rest of the day. u hear gun shots atleast 2 times a week outside of your window. but politically, guatemala is truly improving. the airports being renovated, the new high rise apartments, and the new malls.

also there was a prison riot with all the mara's down there. but ur in no jeopardy. you'll be only in the capital for atmost 1 day right? outside of the capital is all good.

Answer 3

It is a safe place if you use common scenes. Don't be scared is safe. And yes the Guerrilla ended so no problem. We just elected our president. The Maras aren't that dangerous, maras only attack people that have done bad things to them. I have been living all my life in Guatemala and no mara has ever done something to me. So come to Guatemala and you will want to come back.

Answer 4

The city is very dangerous, but even there it can be safe if you use common sense.  The most dangerous part of your trip will be getting to your destination.  You will be getting there in the early part of the rainy season, so mudslides won't be as common.   I believe when people use the term guerillas now, they mean those in the drug trade.  This is very common in the Northern part of Guatemala.  If you use common sense and don't flash money, an expensive camera, jewelry, you shouldn't have any problems.  I've been down there twice and traveled just about the whole country and never had a problem.  Have fun.