Comments on: Is Guatemala Safe?

By: Manny

Manny — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:46:21 +0000

Love the post. My GF and I are going backpacking to Guatemala for 2 weeks in the end of March and it is our first time backpacking. I am very excited but nervous, I know that going to another country you have to be open minded and have respect for the people and their culture. I fly into Guatemala City on a Saturday but plan to do the same as everyone else, and get out of there asap. My question is what is the best way to get around Guatemala? Is it possible to take a bus from Guatemala City to Tikal or do we have to fly? If we can how long is the bus ride and about how much does it cost? What are good places to visit for two weeks and what are some hostels we can stay at? Any advice you have will help. I know it is a lot but I hope you can help. Thank you all.

By: ABe

ABe — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:04:31 +0000

Well said.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:14:31 +0000

Stephanie, so sorry to hear about your friend’s cousin. We also had a bad story with a local getting beaten and robbed after picking up their paycheck in the city. I would still go back as a traveler. I enjoyed Guatemala a lot and found it not different than many of the other Central American countries I visited in terms of safety. Thanks for your comments.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 14:21:30 +0000

Last week my good friend (who is Guatamalan) had his cousin brutally murdered by police last week outside of Guatamala city. I’ve not been but I have the impression that Guatamala is probably a terribly unsafe place to be- if you are Guatamalan.

As a traveler, I am really excited about visiting Guatamala and the rest of Central America and I think it’s possible to do so safely as long as you are aware of your surroundings and careful about your safety.

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:13 +0000

We feel similar in that all countries can be dangerous, you just have to be smart. Even in NYC we are always conscious of the equipment we are flashing around. And in each city there are safe places and not so safe places, and we should recognize that. It’s a lot of common sense and luck.

By: Trans-Americas Journey

Trans-Americas Journey — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 17:24:44 +0000

We have traveled all over Guatemala in our own vehicle for the past 4 months and we ahve not entountered any issues. Yes, there are problems, as there are in many places, but with a bit of common sense or terribly bad luck it is not an issue. In fact Guatemala has one of the best and innovative tourist programs we have ever seen. Asistour is a division of INGUAT (the national tourism ministry) and its soul purpose is to help tourists with any issues… from information to being ripped off or having hassles with anything. Just diaql 1500 (free) from any phone and an english speaking operator will help you, even if that means sending the regional Aistour rep there to give you a hand. It’s quite amazing.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:57:15 +0000

And we feel the same way after spending 7 weeks there. It’s a great country to explore.

By: Gregory Berg- Enso Photography

Gregory Berg- Enso Photography — Sun, 01 May 2011 17:32:45 +0000

Hi Jason and Aracely; my wife and I spent 10 days in Guatemala in 2007 and did feel safe. We weren’t backpacking per se (independent travel that we had organized, not a tour), but we also traveled in low-key fashion (light, not splashy luggage or clothing/jewelry), and utilized money belts and other safety precautions. I did travel with a good camera but always tried to be smart about when it was out and I was using it. I really think that’s the key- making sure not to put yourself out there as an obvious “target.” We LOVED the country and everyone we met was super friendly and helpful, both the Guatemalans and all the US expats and travelers from around the world. Having been to five countries in Latin America now, Guate was I think my favorite for the combination of natural beauty (Lake Atitlan in particular), fascinating (and at times tragic) history, and the still living Mayan culture that you can experience in the highlands. Highly recommended!

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:03:21 +0000

It sounds like the Philippines is very similar Rain.

By: Rain

Rain — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:09:54 +0000

The more I read about your experiences in Guatemala, the more I realize that it is very similar to some of the provinces in the Philippines. Safety is also a concern for most people who want to visit the Philippines. But I agree with you, it’s really a matter of opinion. And unless one lacks street smarts, traveling to countries like Guatemala isn’t really dangerous.

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:43:46 +0000

I felt the same way Drew. We continue to hear bad things about Guatemala City today. We never visited Xela, but hear many great things about it. Also a popular place to take Spanish lessons.

By: Drew

Drew — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:26:28 +0000

I heard the same things about Guatemala City that you did, and we took the same sort of precautions, mostly “getting the hell out of there.” by contrast, other than getting stiffed by the taxi driver on the way in to Antigua, I felt as safe there as any place in Central America. We stayed for a week in Xela, and I loved that place as well, though I heard mumblings it wasn’t that safe either.

But that might have been mumblings about the water quality…

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:52:02 +0000

I wouldn’t worry Sarah. The airport is fine. The chaos starts when you exit the airport trying to get a ride from the 50 or so taxi drivers that swarm you offering their services. But, if you have already booked a trip on, what sounds like a full size tour bus, you should be absolutely fine. Not sure where you plan to stay near Tikal, but if it’s Flores, it’s beautiful. On Tour Buses, you won’t need to worry about speaking Spanish. Spanish will only be necessary if you plan on using local, non tourist, transportation. Have a great time!

By: Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 01:41:43 +0000

I’m traveling to Antigua at the end of June for one month. I will first be arriving in Guat. City and will be at the airport for at least 7 hours until I take an overnight coach to Tikal for three days. Then I’ll return to G. City and on to Antigua. Should I have anything to worry about traveling alone? I’m a 30 year old woman who speaks decent enough Spanish.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:12:21 +0000

Thanks Eva for using us as a resource. I guess you never really know when you are going to have a border problem, but for the most part, I think it’s fairly smooth, as you have experienced. Although sometimes sketchy, crossing a land border is a unique experience.

By: Eva

Eva — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:50:57 +0000

Hi Jason, we crossed into Costa Rica from Panama a few days ago by land at the Sixaola border crossing. They made a fuss and wanted to see plane tickets out of the country. It always depends who you get. There was a girl next to us who apparently got in without that. Our “woman” was more difficult. We were able to get through with a plane ticket that we have for April from Mexico to Boston, which we had to print out at the nearest pharmacy for $3. At no other land border crossing was that the case, and we’ve traveled all the way from Argentina to Central America (mostly by land), even flying into Panama City from Ecuador one-way was no problem at all. Your website is wonderful! Keep up the good work.

By: Talon

Talon — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 15:45:48 +0000

Great viewpoint & sound advice. As you point out there are basics you should follow for any country you’re in.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:12:16 +0000

The most important thing you said is that, “you just gotta be smart.” That plays such a big role in traveling to unfamiliar places. We had heard many bad things about Guatemala City and were careful when visiting, but didn’t spend much time there.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 15:50:27 +0000

Shannon and I went to Guate while looking for fair trade clothing options. We felt really safe in all the backpacker places, as you all did, but for SURE Guate CIty was a nightmare! I stayed with a very wealthy family, and we had armed guards and barbed wire all around…

But Guatemala is absolutely beautiful! Every place is beautiful. You just gotta be smart.

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:35:16 +0000

We would go back in a minute too. It’s one of our favorite small countries with so much to do. And what a great way to start a backpacking trip. Thanks for sharing your comments with us Lisa.