Is Guatemala safe for female travelers?

Guatemala is one of the seven countries that comprise Central America (along with Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama). It's one of the safer countries and, compared to Costa Rica and Belize, very affordable! This combo makes solo female travel in Guatemala a great idea!

Is it safe to travel to Guatemala as a woman?

Guatemala, like many Central American countries, has the reputation of being unsafe for tourists. Similar to traveling here in the United States, you have to be selective in the cities and destinations you choose to visit. Two safe Guatemalan cities for female tourists are Lake Atitlan and Antigua.

What are some things tourists should be careful about in Guatemala?

What is the risk of kidnapping in Guatemala?

Express kidnappings are common in Guatemala. Victims of this type of kidnapping are usually taken to ATMs to withdraw as much cash as possible before they're released. The use of guns or knives is not uncommon.

Is Guatemala safe for tourists 2023?

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Exploring Guatemala City as a Solo Female Traveler (Is it safe?)

Is Guatemala safer than Mexico for tourists?

Having spent over a year in each country, if you hold a gun to my head, I will say that México is the more dangerous of the two when considering the most popular tourist areas, because of a higher level of police corruption and also the narcos, plus the drivers are more aggressive.

Why not to go to Guatemala?

Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country.

Are there any travel warnings for Guatemala?

Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

What is the biggest crime in Guatemala?

Criminal share in Guatemala in 2021, by type of felony

In 2021, the most frequent crime was extortion with a rate of 77.7 cases for every 100,000 habitants in Guatemala. Followed by theft with 27.4, thievery with 22.4 and murder with 16.6.

What are the dangers in Guatemala?

"Violent crime, including murder, carjacking and kidnapping, is common." / "Zika virus is widespread." / "Malaria occurs year-round." / "HIV/AIDS is a significant risk." Hey, relax, you'll be fine. I just returned from a 2 week trip to Guatemala. I visited Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal.

Is Guatemala tourist friendly?

You can travel safely to and around Guatemala, however, it is important to be cautious with respect to your personal safety as both violent and petty crime are rampant throughout the country.

Do I need malaria pills for Guatemala?

Malaria cases have been declining in Guatemala in recent years but risk is still a concern in some areas. Alta Verapaz, Escuintla, Izabal, Petén, and Suchitepéquez account for most cases, and prophylaxis against Plasmodium vivax malaria is recommended only for travelers visiting these departments.

What is the safest place in Guatemala?

Zones 9 and 10 are considered the safest for tourists, and, fortunately for you, where most hotels are located. These zones are also very conveniently located close to the airport and museums and offer a good variety of restaurant and shopping options.

What is the best month to visit Guatemala?

In summary, we can say that the best time to travel to Guatemala is as follows: The best months to visit Guatemala are January, February, March, April, November and December. In general, the warm months are February, March, April, May, July and August. The wettest months are May, June, August and September.

Is Guatemala or Colombia safer?

Guatemala, with its colonial cities and attractive landscapes, is thought to be generally secure for travellers, particularly in tourist regions such as Antigua and Lake Atitlán. In contrast, Colombia has made a significant turnaround in terms of safety, becoming more tourist-friendly.

Is Antigua Guatemala safe for tourists?

In my experience, yes, Antigua is safe to visit. According to local people I chatted with in Antigua, the biggest risk you'll face in Antigua is petty crime like pickpocketing and theft – both of which are a risk, anywhere in the world.

Is there cartel in Guatemala?

Guatemala has become one of the larger drug smuggling countries in Latin America precisely because drug cartels in neighboring states have offered their support.

How bad is the violence in Guatemala?

The Central American nation is one of the most violent countries in Latin America, and after years of decline, violence has spiked. In 2022, the homicide rate was 17.3 per 100,000 people, up from 15.4 in 2020.

How many murders happen in Guatemala?

Interannual2 homicide rate in Guatemala as of June 2023 was 16.4 homicides per 100,000 population, some 0.9 points lower than reported in 2022 (17.3) and below the pre-pandemic level (21.5) of 2019.

Is it worth it to go to Guatemala?

Yes, Guatemala is worth visiting for its diverse landscapes, culture, volcanoes, cities, towns, and more.

What vaccines do you need to go to Guatemala?

Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Rabies; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

How safe is Antigua?

Antigua is one of the safest Caribbean islands. Crime levels are low and there is no legislation against same-sex couples. Hurricane season typically runs from July to November. The risk is generally small, but you are more likely to see storms in this period.

Why would someone go to Guatemala?

Guatemala: A country of wild volcanic landscapes, incredible Mayan culture, ancient structures and architecture, remnants of great civilizations past, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Why is the crime rate so high in Guatemala?

Foreign actors, including Mexican drug cartels and transnational criminal gangs, are dominant in Guatemala's criminal landscape. Mexican cartels control much of the drug trafficking in the country, collaborating with local drug cartels and criminal groups.

What food is Guatemala known for?