Volcanoes, Mayan ruins, colonial infrastructure and pristine natural beauty are some of the things that await you in Guatemala.
The country can be safe if the necessary precautions are taken. Local gang activity and volcanic eruptions are the main sources of concern for travelers.
Guatemala is battling 44 massive forest fires that have prompted the country to declare a nationwide “state of disaster.”
Read on to find out the best time to visit and which places to avoid and which places to avoid.
LATEST NEWS from Guatemala
Guatemala issues a ‘natural disaster’ warning due to 44 forest fires
On April 10, Guatemala had to declare national status State of natural disaster due to forest fires that are destroying more than 44 forests across the country.
More than 200 Guatemalans have been rushed to hospital due to exposure to toxic smoke from a burning landfill in Villa Nueva.
On April 8, President Bernardo Arévalo stated that at least 80 percent of the fires had been started by humans, according to official data. Criminal investigations have been announced.
All schools in three towns in Villa Nueva had to close their doors.
The state of emergency is expected to last at least 30 days.
Areas to avoid
If you are in Guatemala, this is basically advised avoid all areas after dark. Most violent crimes happen at night.
Having said that, refrain from visiting zones 1, 3, 6, 18 and 21. There are also reports of tourists being robbed at gunpoint while walking the Agua volcano.
Criminals are also targeting some surrounding routes Lake Atitlán. If you decide to hike there, make sure you hire a certified guide who can lead you on the safest trails.
Don’t travel to the departments of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Amatitlán, Chinautla, Escuintla, San José del Golfo, San Raymundo, Villa Nuevaand the municipalities of Chiquimula, Jutiapa, Zacapa because of crime and drug trafficking.
Crime statistics
With a score of 76.22 pointscrime in Guatemala is considered “high.” Read on to learn about other important statistics regarding safety in this Central American country Numbeo.
| Crime level | 76.22 | High | |
| Increase in crime in the last three years | 61.94 | High | |
| Worries about home burglaries and your belongings being stolen from your home | 52.47 | Moderate | |
| Worries about robberies or robberies | 70.24 | High | |
| Getting your car stolen | 61.62 | High | |
| Getting your belongings stolen from your car | 69.14 | High | |
| Worrying about being attacked | 54.45 | Moderate | |
| Worried about being offended | 36.81 | Low | |
| Concerns about physical attacks because of skin color, ethnicity, gender, or religion | 26.03 | Low | |
| Problems with drug addicts or drug dealers | 55.82 | Moderate | |
| Vandalism and theft | 66.68 | High | |
| Assault and armed robbery | 75.23 | High |
Official travel advice
US travel advice
The US government considers Guatemala a “Level 3: Rethink travel” country. This means that traveling to this country is not prohibited, but neither is it encouraged.
Guatemala reportedly experiences multiple cases of violent crimes, such as murders, armed robberies, drug trafficking, gang-related crime and more.
It is more likely that US personnel will be able to assist you when visiting the areas of Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Pacific Coast in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla departments.
If you have any questions about your safety or if you need urgent medical care, please contact us PROATUR at 1500 or +502-2290-2800. They have English speaking employees.
Travel advice for Canada
Canada advises its citizens to “exercises a great deal of caution” when visiting Guatemala due to violent crimes and demonstrations.
Do not drive on highways RN-7E, CA-11, CA-12, CA-13 and PET-13.
Drug-related crimes mainly occur at the border between Guatemala, Mexico and Belize. So do not visit these areas.
Safety tips for Guatemala
Stick to popular tourist destinations and avoid traveling to areas we recommend you avoid (see Areas to Avoid). And follow these recommendations to make the most of your trip to this beautiful country.
- It’s absurd to have to say this, but not engage in drug trafficking. Tourists have been caught transporting drugs to the Huehuetenango department. It’s illegal and you don’t want to serve time in a Guatemalan prison.
- Avoid walking alone or traveling between cities at night.
- Don’t show your money. Don’t make yourself a target.
- Do not participate in political demonstrations – it is a right that foreigners do not have.
- The rainy season, which runs from June to November, can make roads dangerous. Avoid driving between cities during these months.
- Avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean. The currents can be extremely strong and you may not be able to get help if you need it.
- Don’t go to private parties with people you just met.
- Book only reputable accommodations and taxis.
- The Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) can provide you with security personnel if you are participating in a group tour. Don’t hesitate to contact them.
- If you want to hike the volcanoes, always hire an expert and certified guide who will lead you along the safest routes that are not included in guidebooks.
- Do not leave your drinks unattended.
- Only used ATMs in banks.
