Is Guatemala Secure for Vacationers?

Do you wish to go to Guatemala? Good for you!

There’s plenty of unbelievable pure magnificence and historical past to find right here. You’ll end up in a wonderland of archeological websites and steamy jungles, from colonial buildings in Antigua to the historic Mayan ruins of Tikal. It’s really among the finest locations in South America.

Nonetheless, Guatemala hasn’t all the time been thought of the most secure nation in Central America. So it’s solely logical that you’d ask your self “Is Guatemala protected for vacationers?”

This information to security in Guatemala is only for you. It’s acquired all the things you have to learn about touring safely to this superb nation, and extra.

Why Go to Guatemala

Guatemala has one of the spectacular stays of the Mayan civilization, such because the fortresses of Yax Mutal, situated within the northern rainforests of the nation. Furthermore, this historic metropolis served because the capital of the conquered nation. Specialists estimate that the ruins date again to the fourth century BC.

If you wish to expertise one thing extra festive, Guatemala has a number of celebrations honoring saints and the Mayans. You’ll be able to attend Maximon, a multicultural fiesta, or Semana Santa in Antigua, the biggest and possibly probably the most magical pageant on the planet.

A visit is nothing with out good meals and many individuals imagine that Guatemalan delicacies is the most effective in all of Central America. The fusion of Mayan and Spanish cultures leads to distinctive and engaging meals. Standard Guatemalan dishes embrace rooster pepian, pupusas, kak’ik, empanadas, hilachas, and rellenitos. Plus, you’ll be able to attempt all these dishes and extra at a good value.

Is Guatemala Harmful?

Guatemala sadly has a serious drawback with crime and violence, however a lot of it’s concentrated in a number of locations, particularly within the bigger cities. Poverty, gang exercise, and drug trafficking are additionally a part of the nation’s harsh previous.

Many of those crimes aren’t directed at vacationers – a incontrovertible fact that many information shops gloss over. As a vacationer, you’ll in all probability have to fret about petty theft.

Extra severe crimes often happen in larger cities like Guatemala Metropolis and Quetzaltenango. If you would like a very protected and enjoyable expertise, it’s best to head to the smaller rural areas the place security charges are greater.

Harmful Areas in Guatemala

Guatemala Metropolis

Guatemala Metropolis is the capital of the nation and the biggest metropolis in Central America.

Sadly, it’s unsafe and violent crime elevated in 2020, boosting the crime index to 64/100. The 2 commonest crimes presently being dedicated regionally seem like corruption and bribery.

Though most violent crimes are dedicated by neighborhood gangs, they’re typically indiscriminate and may occur in vacationer areas as nicely. However don’t fear, most guests to Guatemala have a trouble-free journey regardless of the nation’s excessive crime price.

San Marcos

San Marcos is a surprising city on Lake Atitlan. Regardless of its magnificence, its proximity to the Mexican border might be its undoing. The US Embassy in Guatemala has said that San Marcos is a no-go zone. Many communities don’t have any police, and neighborhood cops might not have the capability to cope with all of the crimes.

It is best to typically keep away from going right here, however if you happen to should, steer clear of the principle highways. These places are very arduous to get to with out encountering some sort of criminality.

Is it Secure to Dwell in Guatemala?

Dwelling in Guatemala is far riskier than touring there as a vacationer. It’s because you’re consistently uncovered to the identical dangers and seasonal pure disasters like hurricanes.

The longer you keep, the extra possible you’re to turn into a sufferer of a criminal offense or pure catastrophe. When you get used to it, it’s straightforward to turn into careless and depart your self weak.

Is it protected to stay in Guatemala? Brief reply: clearly not. Coping with safety dangers is unsustainable and ugly in the long term.

Secure Areas in Guatemala

Zone 1

Zone 1 is Guatemala Metropolis’s historic middle, and it’s an incredible web site for a stroll to be taught extra in regards to the neighborhood and the nation generally. Right here you will see that each the Nationwide Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago of Guatemala, town’s largest cathedral. You don’t need to be involved about safety as a result of there are quite a few cops.

You’ll discover a safety guard at each entrance of a retailer or café. All vital buildings and monuments are guarded by native police. Nonetheless, pickpockets will do their finest, as a result of this can be a well-known vacationer attraction. Due to this fact, you have to take further excellent care of your belongings.

Antigua

Antigua was the nation’s capital throughout colonial occasions till it was destroyed by a extreme earthquake in 1744. It’s a bit of city in southern Guatemala with a stunning panorama and modest residing prices.

It’s one in every of Guatemala’s safer cities, with a security score of 52 out of 100 and a criminal offense index of 49 out of 100, making it fashionable with vacationers and retirees on the lookout for a peaceable haven. Town additionally has a rising expat neighborhood and digital nomads flock right here for the good environment and stunning co-working areas.

Chiquimula

Chiquimula, in southeastern Guatemala, is located on the San José River. This pretty metropolis is one in every of Guatemala’s most secure, particularly for vacationers. Crime in Chiquimula is sort of uncommon as the world has a security score of 69. Muggings, robberies, and vandalism are uncommon and most guests really feel protected whereas they’re there, and hopefully, you’ll too.

Individuals right here typically don’t fear about turning into a sufferer of a violent crime, being robbed, or being assaulted. Due to the security measures in place, the crime price has been comparatively secure over the past three years. Strolling alone is often protected all through the day and at night time however in fact, when visiting overseas, it’s best to all the time be cautious.

Warnings & Risks in Guatemala

Though the nation hasn’t all the time had the most effective status for security, touring to Guatemala is usually protected. After all, crimes resembling petty theft and theft of vacationers do happen, however needless to say most violent crimes in Guatemala are dedicated by gangs. You’re unlikely to get entangled in something except you get into a very silly drug state of affairs.

However to be completely frank, there are certainly security issues in Guatemala. Nonetheless, as a customer, you’re in all probability nicely conscious of what to look out for and what to not do. You will be protected by staying in vacationer areas and following a few of the security ideas listed under.

General Journey Danger (6/10)

Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing is widespread in locations like Antigua. Markets, public transportation, and parades draw crowds which might be straightforward prey for pickpockets. Dangers enhance throughout Holy Week when the colourful spiritual traditions from colonial-era Catholic church buildings spill out onto the cobblestone streets. These then attain an excellent climax the week earlier than Easter.

Vacationers have reported having a number of luggage surreptitiously snatched from them in well-known markets. Others described being robbed within the Solola market though that they had their pockets buttoned. What’s one of the simplest ways to keep away from turning into a sufferer? While you journey, all the time preserve your valuables shut by or don’t take costly items with you.

ATM Rip-off

In Guatemala, crimes resembling account fishing and financial institution card fraud occur very often. Vacationers have reported discovering unauthorized debits from their accounts after utilizing ATMs. ATMs in grocery shops have additionally been the goal of such fraud.

Bank card cloning can also be incessantly reported in Guatemala Metropolis. Use money each time doable, and carry solely as a lot native cash as you count on to want for the day on you. At all times preserve your valuables within the resort or hostel protected, if one is accessible. If you happen to discover any suspicious transactions in your account, it’s best to inform your financial institution instantly.

Automotive Crime

Though it looks like a protected place to maintain your valuables, there are fairly a number of automobile break-ins in Guatemala. You may expertise this at locations resembling fuel stations and have your laptop computer, cash, and bank cards stolen.

Such incidents are particularly widespread in Guatemala Metropolis, however it’s best to all the time watch out when leaving your valuables unattended in your automobile in any metropolis. At all times conceal your valuables or take solely these you actually need and depart the remaining at your resort.

Armed Theft

Though many guests to Guatemala don’t typically encounter theft or theft, watch out for locations the place armed theft sometimes happens. Weapons, knives, and even bombs can pose a risk on this case. Zones 1, 3, 6, 18, and 21 in Guatemala Metropolis are thought of high-crime areas.

Different vacationers have reported being robbed on climbing trails all through the nation or whereas climbing the Volcan de Agua volcano. Shuttles and vacationer buses are commonly robbed at gunpoint. These incidents typically happen when the automobile is within the unsuitable space on the unsuitable time or when the motive force and thieves are working collectively.

Ideas for Staying Secure in Guatemala

Don’t let the media scare you away from visiting Guatemala, as a result of chances are high you’ll be protected, particularly if you happen to take the correct precautions. Listed below are a few of the finest security ideas to bear in mind:

• Be a chameleon: That doesn’t imply it’s best to tan and dye your hair black or darkish brown to be protected in Guatemala. Merely take note of the native customs and the way they do issues. While you go searching, do you see folks sporting dazzling, expensive-looking necklaces and diamond rings? No? You then shouldn’t both.
• Flip your backpack: In a crowded space, it’s doable for somebody to steal one thing out of your backpack with out your data. Put your backpack in your entrance, not your again, to cut back the possibility of this occurring.
• Study a number of Spanish phrases: If you happen to perceive the fundamentals of a language, you’ll be able to converse with native audio system and acquire perception into your environment. You don’t have to be fluent within the language; all you have to know are a number of primary Spanish phrases. Phrases like “hola, cómo estás” (good day, how are you?) will turn out to be useful and can impress the locals.
• Watch out for stray canines: Guatemala has hundreds of stray canines. As lovable as they seem, lots of them carry contagious ailments like rabies, and it’s not price discovering out which of them. Whereas lots of them are actually pleasant, resist the impulse to pet them. You don’t know these animals, and you haven’t any concept about their disposition or whether or not they’ll chew or scratch you.

Is Guatemala Secure | Incessantly Requested Questions

Is Guatemala Secure for Feminine Vacationers?

If you happen to’re touring or backpacking in Guatemala, it’s best to comply with your instincts and customary sense. As in most different nations, feminine vacationers are notably weak.

This doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t go to Guatemala by yourself, since you completely can. You simply must preserve a cool head and keep away from harmful areas and keep conscious of your environment, which is essential in unfamiliar areas. Bear in mind, private security ought to all the time be a high precedence whereas touring.

What Ought to be Prevented in Guatemala?

Because of excessive crime charges and armed robberies in busy locations resembling bus or practice stations, it’s best to keep away from touring by public transportation in Guatemala.

Name a cab from a longtime firm fairly than hailing one on the road. Additionally, keep away from trying like a vacationer. It will appeal to consideration, particularly from unscrupulous folks.

Is Journey Insurance coverage Vital for Guatemala?

It’s extremely advisable for guests to this vibrant nation to guard their journey from expensive interruptions. Though journey insurance coverage isn’t required for entry into Guatemala, it may be very useful if one thing goes unsuitable when you’re right here. Whether or not it’s a medical emergency or a visit cancellation, having journey insurance coverage can present peace of thoughts.

Is Guatemala Secure for Households?

Sure, households can journey safely in Guatemala. Even higher, Guatemalan tradition values younger folks. This nation presents loads of journey for each kids and adults. Guatemala can also be preferrred for brilliant and curious kids.

Nonetheless, it could be tough to journey with toddlers. They may not get pleasure from themselves in the event that they aren’t within the surroundings or the historical past. Exploring child-friendly sights like interactive museums and nature parks could make the journey fulfilling for everybody.