Strikes, protests and blockades have been taking place in Guatemala for seventeen days on the main roads to demand the resignation of Attorney General Consuelo Porras Argueta, who, according to newly elected President Bernardo Arévalo de León, is leading an attempted coup to prevent her takeover of the presidency, scheduled for January.
Over the days, groups of university students, professionals, social organizations, merchants and neighborhood committees became active throughout the country to defend democracy and demand respect for the will of the people.
By Friday evening the pickers had multiplied and the country was paralyzed. Porras rules out submitting her resignation, and the Public Prosecution Service assures that it “continues to work without inconvenience.”
Is it safe to visit Guatemala now?
Visiting tourist hotspots in Guatemala is safe, but travelers are advised to exercise great caution. Yet there are roadblocks it is very difficult to travel between destinations in Guatemala and it can have a very negative impact on the itinerary.
Leah Daranyia traveler who recently had to cancel her trip and leave Guatemala shared her insights and reasons for the trip cancellation: “I had an amazing trip planned in Guatemala, visiting the Mayan ruins at Tikal and Flores, exploring Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey and hiking volcanoes near Antigua. Of these, the only thing I was able to do on my shortened three-day trip was Antigua and the volcano hike, before I had to buy a new ticket and head to Costa Rica due to the roadblocks that made travel impossible.”
“Guatemala is not unsafe, but I wouldn’t recommend it to tourists at this time. All roads nationwide are blocked, some even all night. Taxi drivers can’t take you until 1 or 2am and nothing is guaranteed. Even the normal 40 minute drive to the airport from Antigua took 1.5 hours and we left at 2am. If you want to enjoy Guatemala, this is not the time. We must go back once the government and the people have reached an agreement and the roads are clear again.”
Canada Travel Advisory (Recently updated):
Guatemala – Be extremely careful
Due to the high number of violent crimes, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations across the country, Travelers to Guatemala should proceed with great caution while in the country.
Demonstrations and blockades
Since October 5, 2023, there have been more protests and blockades across the country. This can make it more difficult for you to travel safely through Guatemala.
It is conceivable that these incidents will continue for several days. For the most recent information, please refer to:
Presidential elections
The planned date for the presidential transition is January 14, 2024. Protests may take place before the transition, especially in Guatemala City. Travel delays may occur due to obstacles and road closures. There will likely be more police and military personnel.
Foreigners who participate in demonstrations run the risk of this arrest and deportation or be denied entry to Guatemala in the future.
- Stay away from locations where protests and large gatherings are taking place.
- Please adhere to the guidelines of local officials.
- Monitor local media for updates on ongoing demonstrations.
American travel Advisory (Do not update):
Guatemala is at level 3: “Reconsider travel”
Reconsider your travel plans to Guatemala due to crime. There is an increased risk in certain regions.
Do not travel to:
- The San Marcos department (excluding the city of San Marcos) is affected by crime.
- The department of Huehuetenango (excluding the city of Huehuetenango) faces crime-related concerns.
- Zone 18 and the town of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City are areas where crime is present.
In Guatemala, violent crimes such as gang activity, drug trafficking, car thefts, armed robberies and extortion are commonplace. The low number of arrests and convictions may be due to the fact that local police do not have the resources to effectively fight crime. Guatemala’s National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) offers travelers advice and assistance in emergencies 24 hours a day. PROATUR also offers greater safety in areas popular with tourists. The call center is available 24/7 at 1500 or +502-2290-2800. It is staffed by Spanish and English speakers.
