Is It Safe To Travel To Guatemala?

Guatemala is a picturesque country situated in Central America that boasts of well-preserved Mayan ruins, picturesque sceneries, and vibrant traditions. However, there are issues of safety that crop up when discussing travel to Guatemala, mainly due to crime and violence. Of course there are some risks, however, one must admit that Guatemala is a safe country to travel for tourists, provided that some specific measures are taken.

The United States of America’s Overseas Security Advisory Council indicates that Guatemala ranks high in the violent crime index among Central American nations. The more significant risk is petty theft and armed robberies since the criminals are likely to target tourists in major cities and famous tourist attractions. However, violent crime is more likely to be gang-related or to involve local people. Considering that as a foreign traveler you are indeed taking necessary measures to keep yourself safe, your risks are minimized. hides

Here are tips for staying safe while visiting Guatemala

Avoid Displays of Wealth

Taking expensive cameras, jewelry and fancy clothes can attract thieves and robbers. Store expensive items securely and take only essentials with you when going out.

Use Hotel Safes

Most of the hotels have a safe where you can keep your passports, airline tickets, some cash, and other valuable items. After all, it is important to make use of them so that one doesn’t have to care while out.

Only Use Known Taxis

If you are in a new area, you can tell your hotel to call an approved driver. It is necessary to agree on the fare in advance to prevent any misunderstandings. Steer clear from picking random taxis on the roads whenever you can.

Do not go out alone at night

In case you are forced to be on the streets after sundown, ensure you are in company and only walk on heavily lit populated areas and roads. Don’t play in abandoned streets or unlit alleys or backstreets, car parks, wasteland or any other similar areas. You should get to your hotel and ask where it is safe not to go.

Stay in Tourist Areas

Underground crime is high in areas which are not directly associated with the tourist attractions. Stay in areas such as Zona Viva in Guatemala City, and well-developed zones in Antigua and Panajachel, but avoid deserted areas.

Lock Up

At your hotel, or if staying in a rental home, always lock the doors and windows, even if in the higher floors or only stepping out temporarily. Exterior ground floor windows/doors must always remain locked.

Consider a Tour

For such things as volcano trekking or visiting Mayan ruins for instance, it is safer to do them with an established tour. An ideal guide familiar with safe places and you do not drive to insecure distant areas on your own.

Learn Emergency Numbers

As a safety measure, ensure that you have the local emergency numbers such as the police and ambulance saved in your phone so that if the need arises you can easily call for help. Also, when problems occur, inform the US embassy.

Consider Travel Insurance

Insurance is crucial in case of an accident, illness, theft, or delays in travel and should be looked into when planning for policies.

What we are trying to convey is the fact that we do not encourage people against travelling to Guatemala. Such simple measures as going out in groups, using only official transport, not going to deserted places, not attracting attention with expensive jewelry or clothes, and keeping your valuable securely locked reduce your chances of becoming a victim many-fold. And so do the main tourist destinations, who also have police forces primarily dedicated to the protection of the travelers. In other words, although one cannot rule out the occurrence of certain crimes anywhere in the world, tourists who are vigilant should not experience problems in Guatemala’s most popular attractions.

Besides safety issues, there are cultural attractions in Guatemala that are worth visiting: beautiful Baroque architecture and the ruined churches in the vivacious Antigua were preserved intact after several devastating earthquakes. On the shores of Lake Atitlán, you can watch the volcanoes and go to the villages of the Mayans on boats. At Chichicastenango Market you can buy souvenirs and watch performances on Thursdays and Sundays. And finally, Tikal ruins let you discover the atmosphere of mighty ancient cities surrounded by jungles. With safety thus controlled, all these differences in Guatemalan terrains can be enjoyed during a tour of a lifetime.

This way, it is very possible to have a wonderful time in Guatemala without turning yourself into a victim of criminals. That way, you can be alert and indulge yourself to the full in the foreign culture without having to be constantly on guard. The experiences created in the process of searching for the sites of Guatemalan culture, in climbing volcanoes, in bargaining in village markets, in tasting the local food and many other things will be longer than the feeling of concern for security before your trip. So yes do be safe while you travel, though let the vibrant and colorful charm of Guatemala overshadow the evil thoughts of the night. Just let it wrap around you as its locations have done to travellers for years. Avoid letting risk dictate the experience so that such great benefits of being able to relate to this fascinating nation come out in the open. The safely balanced, culturally aware and fulfilled traveler departs with a piece of Guatemala in his/her heart that will never fade.

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