Guatemala offers an incredible blend of ancient Mayan ruins, colonial architecture, and stunning natural beauty. From the towering temples of Tikal to the cobblestone streets of Antigua and the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, this Central American gem captivates travelers with its rich culture, colorful markets, and warm hospitality.
Guatemala requires more caution than other Central American destinations like Costa Rica or Panama, but the main tourist areas of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal are well-established and visited safely by hundreds of thousands of travelers annually. The key is staying in tourist zones, using Uber or vetted taxis, and following local advice.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crime including armed robbery and extortion occurs throughout the country. Some areas have greater risk than others. Tourist areas of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal are generally safer with police presence.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel (some areas)
Exercise increased caution in Guatemala due to crime. Reconsider travel to specific departments including Huehuetenango, San Marcos, Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, El Quiché, Petén (rural areas), and Zacapa due to organized criminal activity.
Level 2 - Exercise Caution
There is a high level of crime in Guatemala. You should be alert in all areas, particularly in cities. Most visits are trouble-free, particularly in tourist areas such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use ASISTUR tourist police assistance in major tourist areas
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics
Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
Stay in well-lit tourist areas at night
Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
Register with your country's embassy after arriving; the US Embassy is in Zona 10, Guatemala City (+502 2326-4000)
Carry a certified photocopy of your passport and store the original in your hotel safe
Petty theft is common on chicken buses -- keep valuables in your lap or a front money belt
Never hike volcanoes alone; book a licensed guide or reputable group tour for Acatenango and Pacaya
Drink only bottled or purified water; ice at street stalls may not be safe for foreign stomachs
Avoid walking in Guatemala City Zones 1-3 after dark; Zona 10 (Zona Viva) is the safest nightlife hub
Dress modestly when visiting Mayan villages and churches -- cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect
Exchange money at reputable banks or licensed casas de cambio; never use street money changers
Do not photograph local people, especially indigenous women, without asking permission first
Check current travel advisories before visiting Peten and remote areas; conditions can change quickly
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxi drivers at La Aurora airport and bus stations quote inflated fares to tourists, sometimes 3-5x the fair rate. Some drivers change the agreed price at the destination.
How to avoid: Use Uber from the airport (pickup area outside terminal) or pre-arrange transfers through your hotel; always agree on the price before getting in and confirm the currency
False police checkpoints
Rare but reported in rural areas where individuals posing as police officers stop vehicles and demand 'fines' or bribes. More common on Petén rural roads.
How to avoid: If stopped at an unofficial-looking checkpoint, ask to be taken to the nearest police station rather than paying; travel reputable routes during daylight; use guided tours for remote areas
Distraction theft at ATMs
Criminals work in pairs — one distracts a tourist at an ATM while an accomplice steals cash or cards. Skimming devices also occasionally found on ATMs.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls rather than street ATMs; cover your PIN; check for any unusual card slot attachments before inserting your card
Overpriced tour commissions
Some hostel staff receive commissions from specific tour operators and push travelers toward overpriced or lower-quality tours. Prices can be 40-50% inflated compared to booking directly.
How to avoid: Compare prices at multiple agencies; check TripAdvisor reviews; reputable operators like Old Town Outfitters have transparent pricing on their own websites
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines (MMR, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Flu). Consider: Hepatitis B (stays over 6 months), Rabies (outdoor activities in rural areas), Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Consult travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Do NOT drink tap water anywhere in Guatemala. Use bottled water for drinking, ice, and brushing teeth. Restaurants in Antigua and tourist areas use purified water for ice, but confirm before ordering drinks.
- Food
- Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh and hot; avoid pre-cooked items sitting out at stalls; traveler's diarrhea is common — carry Immodium and oral rehydration salts; mosquito-borne diseases including dengue and Zika present in lowland areas below 1,500m — use DEET repellent.
- Facilities
- Antigua has adequate private clinics (Hospital Privado Hermano Pedro, Hospital Nacional Pedro de Bethancourt). Guatemala City has international-standard private hospitals in Zona 10-14. Rural areas have very limited medical facilities. Medical evacuation insurance strongly recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Antigua and Lake Atitlán are popular solo travel destinations with established backpacker infrastructure and easy social connections at hostels. Solo travelers should avoid walking alone after dark outside well-lit tourist zones, join group volcano tours rather than hiking alone, and keep a low profile with electronics and valuables. Solo female travelers should exercise extra caution (see female_safety below). Most solo travelers have excellent experiences with good precautions.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers visit Guatemala successfully in large numbers, particularly in Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Unwanted attention, verbal harassment, and occasional following are reported but physical assaults on tourists are uncommon in tourist zones. Travel recommendations: choose well-reviewed hostels with female dorms, join group volcano tours, use Uber not street taxis alone at night, dress more conservatively in Maya villages, connect with other travelers through hostel social networks, and be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention.
Families
Guatemala is a genuinely family-friendly destination with warm local attitudes toward children. The main tourist circuit of Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal is well-suited for families with children over 6. Stick to tourist shuttles over chicken buses, use hotels with pools for afternoon breaks, hire private vehicles for flexibility, always supervise children near Lake Atitlán docks, and keep altitude sickness medication for volcano hikes above 2,500m.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Guatemala but same-sex relationships are not legally recognized. Social conservatism and Catholic/evangelical norms mean public displays of same-sex affection can attract negative attention, particularly outside Guatemala City and tourist centers. Antigua has a small but visible LGBTQ+ scene with some gay-friendly bars. Guatemala City Zona 10 has Guatemala's most accepting urban environment. Violence against LGBTQ+ individuals does occur, making discretion advisable in most of the country.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 110 (national police) or 120 (emergency)
- Medical
- 122 (Cruz Roja / Red Cross) or 123 (Bomberos)
- Embassy
- US Embassy: Avenida La Reforma 7-01 Zona 10, Guatemala City (+502 2326-4000); UK Embassy: 16 Calle 0-55 Zona 10 (+502 2380-7300); Canadian Consulate: 13 Calle 8-44 Zona 10 (+502 2363-4348)
- Tourist Police
- ASISTUR Tourist Police: 1500 (toll-free from any phone) — available 24/7 specifically for tourist assistance and emergencies