Antigua Guatemala Travel Forum

I am a seasoned traveler going to Guatemala (Antigua, Tikal) next month with two others. I am really looking forward to this experience. After reading much material about Guatemala, one could get the impression that it is extremely dangerous there. While I am not letting this prevent me from traveling to Guatemala, I would like to hear from travelers who have been there. Other then the usual necessary precautions, does any one have any advise? Thank you very much.

I have traveled to Antigua Guatemala and Lake Atitlan in November 2007 and I did never feel at risk during my travel. I can't speak for Tikal, but Antigua is very touristy and as such generally safe. Same for Lake Atitlan in the event you plan to go there. My bet is if you use common sense you will manage to stay away from troubles.

If you are planning to stop by in Guatemala City you may want to consider to stay in "Zone 10", the upscale business and commercial district. I had to spend one night in the City and was advised by locals to stay and stick around this area, I followed the advice and never felt at risk.

On a general note, you don't really need to spend time or overnight in Guatemala City unless you have a specific reason for doing it. Antigua is only 45 minutes taxi drive away and you can go direct to or overnight in Antigua even with a late arrival or early departure flight. As far as transportation from/to the airport is concerned, hotels and guesthouses in Antigua will arrange transportation for you.

Enjoy your trip!
Giuseppe

I was in Antigua about 6 months ago...and several friends went just recently. Antigua is very safe, and I was recently in Atitlan...also safe though San Pedro is a drug town and it's a lot sketchier. Please don't contribute if that's your thing. Tikal up north is considered more dangerous, and you will need much more caution up there. Antigua by contrast is very international, wealthy, and upscale, and certainly quite safe.

i don't know what material you have been reading but i would hardly classify the places you are going to visit as extremely dangerous. granted, there are parts of guatemala city that are dangerous but you are very unlikely to be in those places. i have probably spent over a year in guatemala, much of which was in antigua and tikal. i never had a problem. take precautions like you would anywhere but don't worry.

I agree with the previous posters. I went to Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Tikal in June 2007 and never had a problem. I had read the warnings on the US State Department website and was concerned as well. We also stopped in a couple of towns where tourists infrequently travel but had no problems. Just take the normal precautions that you would anywhere, be aware of your surroundings, etc. and you'll be fine.

Well it's like always, use your common sense and you should be ok.

I've been to Guatemala twice and nothing happened to me. Maybe that's the bad side of Guatemala you've read about but you're unlikely to be a victim of crime if you stay in Antigua, don't venture into Guatemala City, stay with your mates, don't flaunt valuables, and wear your backpack back-to-front in crowded places.

Depending where you go you might come across a few indigenous people who aren't keen on outsiders but don't worry about it.

I don't think you'll have any problems.

I lived in Guatemala for two years and I was never a victim of theft or any violence, but I was very cautious. Dress down as much as possible (no flashy jewelry). Never go off alone, especially at night. Antigua is very safe, it's full of travelers. Be very careful in the capitol Guatemala City, there are certain zones that you want to avoid. Don't walk around with your camera or cell phone in your hand or your money out in the open for everyone to see. Other than that... You will have a great time! Guatemala is gorgeous!

I spent three weeks in Guatemala last year, and had no problems whatsoever during my stay. I think that the reports of danger are a little exaggerated. The only ones I had heard were regarding tourists who got unreasonably drunk, were pick pocketed cause they were easy marks. If you're a seasoned traveler, you know to keep your eyes open and your wits about you. Doing this, you shouldn't have a problem, especially as you'll be in a group of 3.

I have been to Guatemala a good number of times and have not felt threatened for years, not since the civil war ended some years back. I even like Guate City, especially La Zona Viva or Zone 10, where you can walk around at night and head into a night club or a restaurant and you get to choose between the traditional Guatemalan of Arrin Cuan or Casa Chapina or one of a number of Spanish restaurants. My favorite non-Guatemalan place is Txoko, a Basque restaurant, where the food is increible bueno.

I am from Guatemala and I can tell you not to worry in any of the touristic places. Antigua, Ati, Tikal, Pacaya, etc they're all great and have a great easy-going feeling. If you come to the city just (as everyone said) stick to the zones 10, 14, 15 or carretera a el Salvador. Enjoy your trip :D..

It's an incredible country, just take basic precautions, but otherwise, I never felt any danger, in fact, the people are so warm and friendly. Just be sure when negotiating a price for something 'expensive', like a boat ride etc...have the person put the price it on paper. or show you by hand. Antigua especially is extremely safe.

Thanks for the tip. I went to Guatemala in March & it is everything you said. I absolutely loved it. Never felt unsafe and had no problems.
Thanks, again

Hey Bill...great that you came back and told us about it ;) WE're glad we could help!