Would you recommend Gautemala to someone who hadn't traveled a lot?

Question

Next summer, I'm planning to spend a month in Mexico and then another couple months in another central American country volunteering somewhere. I'm young and speak some Spanish.

I was thinking about Guatemala, but I've heard that it can be unsafe. I consider myself fairly streetwise living and traveling within the US, but I haven't done a lot of traveling outside of the US, so I don't want to bite off more than I can chew as an inexperienced international traveler. So:

-Is Guatemala really less safe than other c.a. countries?

-How is transportation?

-Are there more or less places to volunteer than other central american countries?

If you don't think Guatemala is for me, where should I think about?

Answer 1

With the economic stressors seen worldwide, which have been very tough on most Latin American countries, many Latin Americans are feeling the ill-effects of financial struggles, such as increases in food costs.  

I'm going to speak honestly.  The fact is, is that women from Latin American countries often are very jealous of Anglo-American women, because the Latin-American women are jealous of their good looks, their perceived material wealth, and how Latino men are very attracted to them.   You will probably be safe in Guatemala, provided that you stay in groups of people, DO NOT venture off into less-populated places, keep people in your group posted of your whereabouts at all times, and do not wear flashy jewelry.  Guard your passport in a very very safe place.  Do not take trips into the jungle, unless you have been vaccinated.  

Personally, unless you are a very confident, fearless traveler, I would avoid Guatemala.  People with less than good intentions may see your youth as being vulnerable.  Instead, travel to Argentina, which has a more European atmosphere.

Lastly, DO NOT under any circumstances, use or possess illegal drugs abroad!  The prisons in many of those countries are unbelievably horrible and not a place for a person from the states to be.

Answer 2

I went and it was like $1200 or so.

It's a real beautiful place.

I think you could take taxis.

and I know there is busses.

I know there is plenty of orphaneges there you could probably volunteer at.

The poeple are very nice there. And it IS good to be street wise watch your back. I would say places like the city "La Limonada" are dangerous. When I went everyone was scared for me. So, I supposed so, that it is dangerous.

I think it is a good expeirince don't worry you'll survive.

Answer 3

I don't live in Guatemala anymore but I used to and made many friends from abroad that went volunteer there.  They had a great time.  If you are adventurous and dont mind not being 100% comfortable at all times you'll have a blast.  It is nice to know you are interested to go there and help.  You are awesome.  

You will be alright in Guatemala as long as you have a plan on where you are going to volunteer.  You can look places up on the internet before arriving and they can give you information on what you have to do.  If you are streetsmart in the US you will do fine in Guatemala, is just a matter of not being stupid and you are obviously smart so you'll be just fine.

Guatemala is also very cheap, probably one of the cheapest central american countries.

Answer 4

as for petty thievery, guatemala and costa rica and possibly even parts of mexico are the same.

it all depends on where you go.  mexico and costa rica for example have touristy places that allow you to be in familiar surroundings.  

guatemala is rough around the edges in some places.  the fact that you are a rookie woman traveler is cause for some hesitation, but if you are going to be in mexico, you will learn a thing or two and be more savvy.

perhaps you will meet someone in mexico that wants to travel with you.....then by all means....GO!  otherwise.  i would plan carefully a planeride to guatemala city and a tourist shuttle to the place you are planning to stay (antigua or lago atitlan among other places.  

loads of places to volunteer.  if you have an oragnization in mind, they will help you be safe.

i know many women that traveled there alone.  they were cautious but still had fun.  many tound atravel buddy....even if it is only for a few days at a time until they got to the place they were staying at.

Answer 5

I am  from Guatemala, is beautiful my wish is go again to Guatemala but is not safe for our family live I miss my house and my family too. I s not safe,but I recommend you to go

Answer 6

you should go to Guatemala it has lots of historic places and lakes that anyone would enjoy

Guatemala is for anyone who likes to travel

Answer 7

If you want to do volunteer work, Guatemala is perfect for that.

Do a search in the web. I'm sure you will find lots of orgs that will welcome you.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

Guatemala is a wonderful, beautiful country, and the people are fantastic!.  I have been fortunate enough to visit there four times over the past eight years.   At no time did I ever feel unsafe (and I am a fair-skinned blonde).  As in any country, you need to be careful.  Do some research on volunteer opportunities, and you'll find that this is a great country to visit.

Answer 10

You may want to get your travels started with somewhere a little safer until you learn the rules of the road.  Guatemala is a beautiful country, but it is not for the inexperienced solo traveler.  Costa Rica is a little more expensive, but well worth the extra money in terms of infrastructure and safety.  Good luck.

Answer 11

Listen, Guatemala is no different from any other Latin American country, in fact, it's probably safer that most. The thing is, you have to be smart and cautious wherever you go. Have you read about all the violent crime in the United States lately?

I do not agree that that Latin American women are jealous of women from other parts of the world. Latin American women ARE very beautiful.

You are taking a chance traveling alone. Rather than looking for a place to volunteer, you should do all that you can to prearrange where you will work. Have you ever considered the peace corp?

I, myself am traveling down to Mexico in November and then to Guatemala for only a few weeks. I love it there and I am sure that you will also. Always be extra, Extra, EXTRA CAREFUL!