Is Guatemala Safe? My Honest Thoughts After Travelling There

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Yes, Guatemala can be safe to visit, especially if you stick to well-travelled routes and use basic street smarts.

Guatemala is not a destination where you should travel carelessly. Petty theft, robberies, unsafe transport, road accidents, and natural hazards can happen. However, most travellers who use tourist shuttles, stay in reputable areas, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables low-key, they will have a safe trip.

Just be sure to check your government’s travel advisories to stay up to date with the latest information.

Guatemala is another jewel on the Central American trail. There’s trekking, exploring ancient Mayan history, kicking back on a beach on the Pacific or Caribbean Coast, and so much more.

I can’t deny that crime rates are high in Guatemala, but the majority of problems are between locals, often gang-related. I saw a doctor in Colombia who once worked in Guatemala City, and he told me how multiple gunshot victims would come to the hospital he worked in every day. Thankfully, things have cooled down a little since then (the early 2010s), but problems do still exist.

Don’t get me wrong, tourists can fall victim to violent crime. I saw a TikTok video just a couple of days ago where a woman was mugged at machete point whilst hiking alone around Lake Atitlan. This was avoidable though. One thing I read up on before my first visit here was NEVER to hike alone around Lake Atitlan. In fact, I personally wouldn’t go there in a group either, just because there’s 5 of you, it doesn’t mean the machete man magically vanishes. You can hike in other places if you wish.

Safety varies very much by area. Guatemala City is far dodgier than the likes of Antigua, Flores, Atitlan and other tourist spots you may visit. Even then, the capital is split into zones. Zones 1 and 4 are amongst the best places in Guatemala if you’re into artsy/hipster vibes. Zones 8 and 13 by contrast, are what Coolio would consider a gangsta’s paradise. Just do your research.

As is often the story in Latin America, corruption and political trouble never seem to be too far off. Guatemala is also still a developing country. Its softer policies have ensured it hasn’t seen the success of southern neighbour El Salvador in vanquishing the gang plague that causes so many of its problems.

Natural disasters are also something to be vigilant about. Rainy season, volcanoes, tsunamis, and flooding all affect safety in Guatemala.

That said, Guatemalans are warm, friendly people and often welcome travellers with open arms. Many people will aid you on your journey through this amazing country. Tourism is one of the main forces behind the local economy. The local authorities and Tourist Police will help you out – and the Guatemalan government will help to make sure you are safe.

Guatemala is cleaning up its act and has become much more stable since the end of the civil war. So you CAN have safe travels in this Central American gem.

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There are awesome places to visit when you travel to Guatemala. Like everywhere, some places are safer than others. The tourist spots are definitely safer, with more infrastructure in place, reputable tour agencies, and tourist shuttles, the latter of which I used for most overland trips here (trust me, you don’t wanna take the chicken buses).

This doesn’t mean these areas are 100% safe; you should still actively pay attention to your safety all the time – but the risk is much lower here. Plus, there is an endless list of incredible things to explore. 

• Antigua Guatemala – A classic colonial town with beautiful neighbourhoods. Kick back or wander around the cobblestone streets. There are great hostels in Antigua as well, which makes it a great spot for backpackers. I always felt safe here, even walking shortly after sunset which I wouldn’t do everywhere in this country.
• Quetzaltenango – Commonly referred to as Xela (pronounced Shela), is a bustling mountain town to organise treks or base yourself for Spanish lessons! Xela isn’t as clean or extravagant as Antigua, but it’s also not as expensive. Locals here are generally very welcoming and kind. You’ll be well looked after! 
• Lake Atitlán – A number of villages surround this lake with completely different atmospheres and many things to do in Lake Atitlán. Most require a boat to reach them but they are generally pretty safe. You can summit Volcano Atitlán – the tallest of the three volcanoes – but opt for a guide for this adventure. Only the hiking trails between villages are unsafe.
• Flores – The base for visiting Tikal. Flores is a tiny town in the middle of Lago Peten Itza, and it only took me around 10 minutes to walk all around it. It mostly caters for backpackers with hostels, restaurants and the odd bar found here.
• Semuc Champey – Whilst Lanquin is the nearest town, most of us tend to stay in jungle lodges just outside the natural wonder itself. There’s very little around here, so you don’t need to wander far. It’s a small tourist base without crime problems. The trucks you stand in to reach Semuc Champey itself, they’re pretty dodgy though…

Places to Be More Careful in Guatemala

There are many amazing places in Guatemala however there are some dodgy spots? Whenever you get to a new destination, ask your accommodation if there are any areas or neighbourhoods to avoid. To help you plan a successful trip, we’ve listed some no-go areas below: 

Guatemala City

Zones 1, 4 and 10 are generally okay by day. They’re pretty popular with tourists. Other zones are dodgy though, with few reasons for tourists to visit, and lots of gang activity and violence.

The less safe spots change over time, so keep an eye on specific information just before your trip. If you must go to one of the shadier spots, only do so with a local guide.

Personally, I don’t think Guatemala City is that enthralling. Antigua (Acatenango), Tikal, Semuc Champey and Lake Atitlan are the most interesting spots I’ve been to. Rio Dulce/Livingstone is also more exciting than the grey and gritty capital.

I’ve been to 4/7 Central American capitals (5 if we count changing buses in Managua), and Panama City is the only one remotely worth visiting in my eyes. The others, Guatemala City included, are dull, gritty and pretty dodgy in places. You may see differently however if you appreciate an arty sort of scene, which you can find in Zone 4.

Almost Anywhere After Dark

Okay, “after dark” isn’t a place, but this is a rule you should follow almost anywhere in Guatemala. Use Uber where available to get around at night, and stick to busy areas with tourists around (nightlife spots in Antigua for example).

I would say that in busier parts of Antigua, San Pedro La Laguna (on Lake Atitlan), Flores, and near Semuc Champey I did feel safe after dark. But I’d only be out within an hour or so of the sun setting, and wouldn’t roam the streets at 10pm, or go away from main roads. Also, I’m a bloke. Female travellers should be more cautious.

If Uber isn’t an option, stick to bars and restaurants that are pretty much next to your accommodation. And don’t go down dark alleyways.

Remote Hikes and Volcanoes

Hiking trails around Lake Atitlan and Volcan de Agua are notorious mugging hotspots. Avoid these, even in the day. But if you absolutely feel you have to go, then do so with a guide. The same applies to other quieter routes too.

Volcan Acatenango is super touristy, well-controlled, and safe. This is the safest hike in the country for sure. You’ll be surrounded by other tourists and guides there since this is one of Guatemala’s best activities.

I always like to ask locals for advice ahead of any treks as they have the freshest on-the-ground intel to share.

Be sure to also keep up to date with the weather. You don’t wanna be halfway up a volcano (already a challenge) when heavy rains come in.

Border and Drug Transit Areas

Never carry anything for anyone you don’t know. Ever. And that includes people you’ve just met. You never know who has an ulterior motive…

Just don’t get involved in drugs whatsoever. If you think “Hell” is a place with the devil and endless fire then you’re wrong. It’s actually the inside of a Guatemalan jail, and that’s where you’re heading if you dabble in illicit substances here.

Borders are especially shady. Many drugs comes from South America, work their way through Central America’s porous borders, and pass through the hands of Mexico’s deadly cartels, before often ending up in the lucrative USA.

Don’t attempt to cross borders at night. By day, you’ll probably see other tourists and friendly locals whilst crossing in or out of neighbouring countries.

I won’t tell you not to cross as a solo traveller, because I did, and never felt in danger. I only crossed in daylight though.

Many people want your money in Guatemala. The majority will try and obtain it through innocent means, like flogging handicrafts or fruit, or something else. A handful of ladrones however will be waiting to snatch whatever they can get their hands on, sometimes resorting to violence to do so. You need to take measures to avoid this.

For starters, only use ATMs inside malls, banks or shops. Any on the street are prime targets for card cloning, so I’ll never go near them. Also avoid withdrawing too much, especially at night. You never know who’s watching.

I also suggest carrying two cards – one easy to access, and one hidden away. On top of this, wear a money belt, and don’t flash your valuables.

Since almost getting mugged in Ecuador a few years back, I always dip into a shop or restaurant if I need to check maps or anything else whilst out and about in riskier countries. Guatemala is a place where I recommend doing this.

There are some scary government warnings, but Guatemala can be visited safely. Following travel safety protocol is detrimental to that statement being upheld. Here are some top tips for keeping safe.

Street Safety

I avoid empty streets at night. Coming from the UK (and not London, Birmingham or Luton), it’s easy to be complacent and assume I can walk wherever without issues. That’s not how it works in Guatemala. An empty alleyway is the perfect hiding spot for Gabriel the gunman to be lurking in wait for unsuspecting victims.

I also always use Uber to get around after dark. This isn’t London or New York. Uber costs peanuts out here, and $1-3 is a miniscule cost to pay for your safety, so there’s no good reason not to.

Watch out around bus stations especially. Bad guys love stations as they’re chaotic, and easy places to swipe a phone or two. Markets fall into a similar category.

And NEVER resist whilst robbed. Latinos often carry weapons and they aren’t afraid to use them. This is easier said than done though. When three guys tried mugging me in Ecuador, shock and adrenaline kicked in. The first thing I did was to snatch my phone back, and the second was to kick the shit out of the dude who did it. I got really lucky and escaped unharmed, but on another day this could have ended VERY badly.

Transport Safety

The chicken buses in Guatemala look fun (trust me, the novelty wears off after an hour or two), but they can be dangerous. Pickpockets love them, and a classic Latin America trick is for a gunman to board the bus and force passengers to relinquish their valuables. I love this part of the world, but this is a thing that really happens. Oh, and the drivers are often super reckless.

Instead take tourist shuttles. Admittedly, they’re a little pricy, but I took them from San Ignacio (Belize) to Flores, to Lanquin, to Antigua, to Lake Atitlan and onwards to El Salvador, via Guatemala City. They’re safe, so you are best off using them.

The other kind of transport I experienced in Lanquin was trucks. What’s wrong with a truck? I hear you ask… Well, quite a lot when you’re standing on a load of junk in the back, clinging onto the metal railings for dear life, knowing one large bump could send you flying off the side of a cliff. Yeah, Guatemala is an adventure destination…

I always keep my valuables close to me (big bags get strapped to the roof of most vehicles including shuttles, so put waterproof covers on to be safe, and don’t store valuables in there). I also try to avoid arriving in new places at night where I can help it.

Hiking and Nature Safety

Always use guides for hiking. If you wanna hike independently, Guatemala is not the right country to be doing that. Stick to Switzerland or Italy in that case. Muggings are a serious threat, and volcanic eruptions do happen every so often.

Bring layers for all hikes you do too. I can tell you that once you reach the base where you’ll be sleeping on Acatenango, it’s gonna feel like the Arctic once the warmth built up from hiking wears off. Even in three layers and a “warm” sleeping bag I was still shivering by nightfall. And the summit at 4am is equally chilly. At higher altitudes, warm clothing is a must.

Additionally, don’t forget to bring a lot of water with you. I always travel with a filtered water bottle, but that’s no use when you’re halfway up a volcano without a water source to refill it. Bring a few litres, and you may be able to have locals carry some of the extra weight (for a fee) when you do longer hikes.

Don’t underestimate Acatenango. I came woefully underprepared with trainers on and no hiking trousers. I fell multiple times, including one occasion where I ended up falling off the side of the volcano and tumbling down a couple of metres until the shrubbery broke my momentum. This was the day I realised hiking boots were an essential. And hiking trousers helped too.

Cultural Awareness

Guatemala isn’t like some parts of Africa where snapping pictures of locals will result in scenes of anger and intense rage. But it’s also not like Afghanistan, where locals loved nothing more than having me take their pics. Here, you’ve got to be respectful and ask permission before you start snapping away. And you will want some people pics, because the Mayan dress is pretty cool!

Learn to speak some of their language. Mayan isn’t necessary unless you go to really remote spots. Spanish is the main language here. I smashed Duolingo for almost a year before my trip, and it came in super handy. I only reached a basic conversational level, but that was enough to order meals, book buses, and make basic conversations explaining how bad my football team are.

You should always dress respectfully in religious areas, and remote parts of the country where people tend to be more traditional. Ditch the shorts in favour of trousers, and wear long sleeves. Take hats off in churches. This isn’t a Muslim country, so it isn’t necessary to cover your head, and hats (for men especially) can be seen as offensive in a place of worship.

Just be respectful around the Mayan communities. This isn’t Cancun or Benidorm where a “lads on tour” mentality is generally accepted. Dress appropriately, and behave well, and you shouldn’t have any problems.

Health and Emergency Prep

Guatemala’s an adventure destination where things can and do go wrong. Aside from tumbling down Acatenango, I also bought some pre-chopped fruit from a break stop on the way from Lanquin to Antigua, and ended up with food poisoning hours later. It took several days before I was fit enough to head up Acatenango.

I always take a medical kit with me whilst travelling. It contains plasters, small bandages, tweezers, and other little things for cuts, grazes, bug bites, burns and more. Plus a few tablets to deal with various issues.

You shouldn’t drink tap water in Guatemala. I did and had no problems, but only because I use a filtered water bottle. Without one of these, or purification tablets, you’re gonna need some good anti diarrhea medication at best.

Also be sure to protect against mosquitoes. In Flores/Tikal, I used plenty of DEET spray. In Antigua and Lake Atitlan, mosquito prevention wasn’t really necessary. In Lanquin however, I slept under a net to ward off any bites, plus I slapped plenty of DEET on. You may want to bring some anti-malarials here, and be aware that mozzies carry many other nasty illnesses you want to avoid. Check up with travel health professionals before your trip.

Lastly, save emergency numbers including embassies, emergency services, and local contacts in case something goes wrong.

Yes. I came here solo, and met a ton of other backpackers doing the same. There’s a big Central America solo backpacking scene. Solo travel is an amazing way to see the world. But Guatemala is not ALWAYS the safest of places and extra precautions are required.

Stick to well-travelled routes, use tourist shuttles over chicken buses, and don’t rock up in new places at night.

You should also avoid hiking alone. I joined tours to do most activities. Lake Atitlan and Xela were the only places where I was truly solo. And make sure you tell someone about your plans just in case something does go wrong.

Now I never travel without a SIM card. I find eSIMs are the best option as they work as soon as you arrive in a country. Don’t use TUNZ (formerly DENT) however. I used them in Afghanistan, and they completely bricked my phone’s ability to take eSIMs, so I have to buy physical cards now, which is more hassle and less convenient. Airalo, Holafly and other known brands are decent.

Don’t get drunk with strangers. You can end up in vulnerable situations if you do. Also make friends, there’s safety in numbers. 

And lastly, don’t skimp on accommodation. I stayed in a cheap place called La Terraza in Flores. Aside from being about as well-maintained as Chernobyl, I later found out that staff have stolen from guests here on many occasions. Luckily it didn’t happen to me, but on another day it could’ve done. Splash the extra dollar or two, and always read reviews before booking somewhere.

So whilst it’s not what we’d call the safest place in the world, Guatemala is awesome. What’s going to make it even better is staying safe the whole time, which is what I managed by doing everything I’ve shared with you in this guide.

Guatemala is actually quite social for backpackers, especially Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Flores, and El Paredon. It’s not hard to team up with others here.

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Yes! It is possible to travel to Guatemala as a solo woman safely. I encountered many solo women here. But, as with most places outside the Western world and East Asia, solo female travellers in Guatemala need to take some crucial extra precautions.

Here are some solo female travel tips for Guatemala practised by women I met along the way:

• Stay in well-reviewed dorms – If many other travellers have reported only positives from a place, then it’s probably okay. Always check negative reviews to look for any red flags.
• Use female dorms if possible – Unfortunately there is a small percentage of dodgy dudes out there. But many hostels offer rooms for women only which you may want to consider.
• Don’t walk alone at night – This is risky for men, but even more so for women.
• Be cautious with nightlife and alcohol – Don’t accept drinks from strangers, don’t drink too much, and always use Uber to get between bars/clubs and your accommodation. I may sound “boring”, but it’s important to stay safe.
• Use trusted transport – In cities that means Uber. Between destinations, it means tourist shuttles. Give the chicken buses a miss, they’re cheap for a reason…
• Dress respectably – Guatemala is a conservative country. You can get away with wearing less in the cities, beaches and on hikes, but always cover up in more remote areas and religious buildings. Modest clothing anywhere helps you blend in.
• Don’t feel pressured to be polite – If someone makes you uncomfortable, there’s nothing wrong with doing whatever it takes to get out of that situation, even if it means being rude.
• Join group hikes and tours – Safety in numbers is important here, and no one should hike alone in Guatemala. Join a tour from a company with good reviews.
• Keep someone updated with your route – Always make sure someone knows where you are, and who to contact if something goes wrong.

Tourists aren’t usually the target of problems in Guatemala. A lot of female travellers DO go to Guatemala and have an awesome time. Take some extra safety precautions and have a blast!

Guatemala can be a rewarding family destination, especially for older kids who enjoy nature, history, animals, and outdoor adventure.

Guatemala is perfect for curious and mature kids, although taking young children might be a bit stressful. If they’re not interested in history or scenery, they might not have a good time either. And this is a rugged adventure-heavy country. I wouldn’t recommend it for pre-teens, but teenagers may be able to create great memories.

To make sure you keep your family safe while travelling in Guatemala, there are a few things to bear in mind.

• Antigua, Atitlan and Flores/Tikal are family-friendly – These are well-trodden tourist spots with decent infrastructure, tourist shuttles running between them, and lots for families to enjoy. They’re amongst the safer spots in Guatemala too.
• Young children may struggle – Shuttles are long, uncomfortable, and full of rowdy 20-somethings. Pavements are uneven, some areas (especially around Tikal) can get very hot, and altitude can cause problems. Acatenango is a no-no for kids.
• Avoid overly-packed itineraries – I was 28 when I first visited Guatemala, and found it exhausting constantly hiking, tubing, exploring, travelling etc. With children, I recommend a decent amount of downtime between adventures.
• Protect against sun, mosquitoes and dehydration – The sun can be intense, especially at altitude. Mosquitoes carry dengue and malaria among other things, and it’s easy to dehydrate on hikes. Come prepared, and don’t go at full intensity here.
• Don’t touch stray animals – One of the dumbest things I see on my travels is people petting stray dogs. Dogs carry rabies, with a 99.9% fatality rate once symptoms appear. One bite/scratch means going through a painful and expensive treatment program over several weeks, unless you wish to risk the possibility of certain death… Treat dogs as dangerous animals.
• Book family-friendly accommodation with good reviews – Look out for red flags in the negative reviews (bed bugs, rats, safety issues etc.) and ensure rooms you book have adequate facilities for a family.

To travel to Guatemala with children you have to be well-prepared. Remember, this is a developing country: it’s not always going to be easy.

BUT there’s a wealth of Guatemalan culture, history, and natural beauty to discover here. Your efforts will definitely pay off, and travelling families get a whole different perspective on this amazing country!

Safest place

Safest place

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala is a colonial gem, filled with narrow cobblestone streets, jacarandas, 16th-century ruins, and bright, infectious culture. It’s a historically significant town that’s UNESCO listed, and yet it lives firmly in the present.

View Top Hotel View Top Hostel View Top Airbnb

Transport is one of Guatemala’s biggest safety issues. Distances on a map appear shorter than they are in real life when you account for bad roads, break stops, and the general nonsense that comes with driving in a more rough and rugged country.

I’m going to break down the different forms of transport you can expect here.

Tourist Shuttles

My favourite form of transport in Guatemala. They’re safe, much easier to use than public buses, and travel between all the major tourist destinations such as Flores (Tikal), Lanquin (Semuc Champey), Antigua (Volcan Acatenango) and Lake Atitlan.

The downside is that they’re a fair bit more expensive. Around $25-45 is what you can expect to pay per journey. I recommend it though.

Always book through trusted ho(s)tels, agencies and online platforms where possible. There are international routes too. I arrived in Flores on one from San Ignacio (Belize), and took one from Guatemala City to Santa Ana (El Salvador) when I left.

Chicken Buses

So-called because they are often used to transport poultry as well as passengers, taking this form of transport around Guatemala could drive you clucking mad.

They are very cheap, but don’t stick to reliable schedules, and can be unsafe due to both the driving standards, and the types of people who use them (pickpockets, although armed muggers can board them in extreme cases). You’ll also need to chain several buses together, potentially over multiple days, to reach most places of interest.

You should avoid them at night, or if you have a lot of luggage, and keep valuables close and well protected. I’d also advise solo female travellers against using them.

I only used chicken buses when travelling from Lake Atitlan to Xela and back. The journey took around 3 hours each way, wasn’t the most comfortable, and cost peanuts. I didn’t experience safety issues there myself, but wouldn’t risk them for a longer trip.

Taxis, Tuk Tuks and Uber

Uber is common in Guatemala City and some other major cities. I always use it where it’s an option, it’s cheap and safe.

Tuk tuks are common around Lake Atitlan. Always agree on a price before getting in. They shouldn’t be very expensive. If you’re asked for more than 10 quetzals for a journey within a town, then walk away. It shouldn’t cost more than 10 quetzals to reach a neighbouring town, but 15 isn’t unreasonable for this.

I avoid street taxis at all costs. Rip off prices, rigged meters to bump up the cost, shady drivers, bandits, you name it. You’re far more likely to find a scammer than an honest driver. If you absolutely have to use one, make sure it’s not unmarked, and agree the price before getting in. Use hotel-arranged taxis for night trips.

Driving in Guatemala

Driving is possible, but it’s not the easiest option. Roads here are rough and bumpy, mountain roads can be very slow, and traffic in the cities can often be stressful. Antigua’s a little more chilled, but good luck in the capital…

You should never drive at night, but if you must rent a car, do your research to find a good agency as some fraudulent agencies operate here. And in all honesty, I’d recommend only sticking to major routes between the big tourist destinations.

Hiring a private driver is a better move in my opinion. Although my top recommendation overall would be to use the tourist shuttles.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Guatemala without. Safety first folks!

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Combination Padlocks

It doesn’t get more essential than this! Not only do they allow you to lock up your backpack wherever and whenever, but they’ll also come in handy if you show up to a room without a lock. The combination style means you don’t have to worry about losing a small key either!

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Apple Airtags

This really might be one of the best products Apple has ever made – the peace of mind it will give you when you inevitably have to check a bag is worth the price tag. I’ve found them to be super helpful and reliable, and you can put them in so many different things

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Samsung Galaxy Smart Tags

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Garmin inReach Mini 2

This little satellite communication device is a must if you plan to get off the beaten path. It allows you to stay in touch with family and friends even if there’s no cell service, AND it has a SOS feature that can be activated anywhere. It even gives weather updates, a literal lifesaver when off grid.

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First Aid Kit

A good first aid kit should always be on your packing list, even if you’re just headed to a resort. It’s good to fill it with essential medicines as well as equipment, you never know when you’ll be caught out!

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I won’t lie, Guatemala is not risk-free. If you want a holiday with almost zero risk, stick to certain parts of Eastern Europe or East Asia instead.

It’s fine if you stick to the main tourist route and use tourist shuttles to get around. I always did this on my first trip here, with the exception of my short chicken bus journey to Xela, and had no problems at all.

Travel by day, book reputable accommodations, only hike with a tour group, and only use decent transport (tourist shuttles, Uber, and the occasional tuk tuk at Lake Atitlan), then you’ll almost certainly have no problems.

Don’t ignore the risks of travelling here, but don’t live in fear either. This country will reward those who stay aware, ask locals for advice, and use a bit of common sense.

I’d say I felt safer here than in some of Latin America’s more well-trodden destinations such as Brazil or Colombia. Follow the tips in this guide, and you can have a blast whilst making magical memories.

Vamos a Guatemala amigos!

Looking for more info on traveling to Guatemala?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Antigua
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Guatemala travel guide!
• Get inspired by these EPIC bucket list adventures!
• See exactly how to travel the world for a year, even if you’re broke
• Take a look at my expert travel safety tips learned from 15+ years on the road

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!