Is it Safe to Travel in Guatemala

Dangers and warnings for travelers in Guatemala

This is a collection of tips and advice about traveling in Guatemala. It includes potential threats and how to attempt to avoid them along with current travel warnings.

Here are some safety tips for Guatemala. Some of these tips go without saying and would be common sense for most countries in Central America but just in case you haven’t heard.

1. Don’t go hiking by yourself in the mountains surrounding Lake Atitlan. Not even with one other person. There is little police presence and lots of people with machetes that don’t mind using them to rob you.

2. Walking around cities at night is not the safest of ideas. Walk in large groups or take a taxi. I spent a month in Xela and have heard of several people being robbed at night.

3. Watch your bags and pockets on chicken buses. When your crammed on a bus like a sardine make sure you keep valuables in a secure pocket that is hidden or zipped.

4. Avoid Guatemala City as much as possible. There really isn’t anything to see here. If you fly into or out of Guatemala City take a taxi to where you are going and don’t wander around neighborhoods you don’t know. The main tourist areas will be fine but don’t wander around the streets looking ‘flashy’.

After saying all this I will also say that Guatemala was my favorite country in Central America and wouldn’t hesitate to go back again.

Read more about Guatemala on the travelogue and Wiki Vagabond

• Vagabond Wiki Guatemala
• Travelogue entries about Guatemala

Guatemala Travel Guide
Guatemala Travel Guide

More Vagabond Journey.com Travel Guides

Ask questions or submit comments about the dangers of traveling in Guatemala