Comments on: Is Guatemala Safe?

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 10 Jan 2024 02:12:16 +0000

The most important thing you said is that, “you just gotta be smart.” That plays such a big role in traveling to unfamiliar places. We had heard many bad things about Guatemala City and were careful when visiting, but didn’t spend much time there.

By: Kristin

Kristin — Sun, 09 Jan 2024 15:50:27 +0000

Shannon and I went to Guate while looking for fair trade clothing options. We felt really safe in all the backpacker places, as you all did, but for SURE Guate CIty was a nightmare! I stayed with a very wealthy family, and we had armed guards and barbed wire all around…

But Guatemala is absolutely beautiful! Every place is beautiful. You just gotta be smart.

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 22 Dec 2024 00:35:16 +0000

We would go back in a minute too. It’s one of our favorite small countries with so much to do. And what a great way to start a backpacking trip. Thanks for sharing your comments with us Lisa.

By: Lisa E @chickybus

Lisa E @chickybus — Mon, 20 Dec 2024 15:17:13 +0000

I’ve been to Guatemala twice and would have to say that it can be quite safe–if you take some basic precautions. When I went, I had my money in a money belt and didn’t flaunt a fancy camera, etc.

I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous or a country to avoid, but more a destination where you need to be smart and somewhat vigilant. (To be honest, though, I must say that I did feel a little safer in other countries, including some in the Middle East.)

I think Guatemala is a wonderful country to visit that is not to be missed. If you love Spanish, indigenous cultures and warm, friendly people, it’s one of the best places to go. I’d go back in a minute!

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 09 Nov 2024 23:46:57 +0000

We really enjoyed touring Central America and Guatemala was definitely one of our favorites. It’s the best place to learn language as well, since it’s so incredibly cheap. Just don’t go swimming in Lake Atitlan!

By: Skott & Shawna

Skott & Shawna — Tue, 09 Nov 2024 04:02:46 +0000

Hey there – my wife and I are leaving for our RTW spring 2024 from Canada, and yes, first stop will indeed by Guatemala!!!!! We are going to be taking a homestay Spanish course at Lake Atitlan, and couldn’t be more thrilled!!! You seem to have a lot of great info on CA, so we will definately be using this blog to help with ideas and inspiration…Cheers!

Skott and Shawna

By: GO! Overseas

GO! Overseas — Mon, 07 Jun 2024 23:47:02 +0000

Not only is this true for Guatemala, but just about any country you plan on visiting. Even here in the US there are still plenty of areas that travelers should avoid visiting if safety is a concern.

Staying safe while traveling is just a summation of common sense, experience, and a smidgen of luck. =)

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 30 May 2024 22:14:07 +0000

I think you’ve pretty much hit the nail on the head with your answer – it depends on your specific experiences in the country. You’ll never find a place that everyone agrees is 100% safe. Our travels took us extensively through the middle east much to the surprise and horror of our friends and family. Our experiences were the exact opposite of their expectations, however. We were met with warmth, friendliness, and gifts everywhere we went. I’m sure that someone somewhere has had a problem, but there is crime in my home town as well.

Looking forward to more of your stories!

By: Ronald

Ronald — Sat, 29 May 2024 19:10:20 +0000

Hello, i was just checking the WEB, and i love to read the stories you guys have written on your blogs. I am Guatemalan and love to travel around the world. I have many friends all over the world whose have been visiting my country and they all loved it. And even better nothing danger has happened to them. I do belive it is dangerous sometimes when talking about buses and walking alone on a bad neighborhood. But tourist are usully safe… Congratulations for the Website. And Yes Pacaya Volcano is erupting now. You should try Acatenango Volcano in your next visit, It is the most beautiful view. (its 3800 meters over the sea level and you can see Fuego’s volcano Lava which is only a few KM distance).

By: Sonya

Sonya — Fri, 28 May 2024 13:43:43 +0000

Enlightening post, thanks for this one! I’m researching the region and considering my travel options.

By: rich@farm and cottage holidays

rich@farm and cottage holidays — Thu, 27 May 2024 16:08:39 +0000

it’s hard to give an all-encompassing answer like that , no matter where you visit because everyone’s experience is individual and unique.I’ve heard some horror stories about places that I’ve never had problems in.

By: Claire

Claire — Sun, 23 May 2024 23:54:42 +0000

I couldn’t agree more with this post-Guatemala is also where I got my feet wet with backpacking, and Antigua is where it all began. We visited most of the countries in Central America on that trip, and Guatemala was by far, my favorite. It just felt like home after awhile. We never felt unsafe-we still talk to this day how anything bad that happened to us on our three month trek, happened in Costa Rica at the very end of our jaunt. That’s when the **** really hit the fan! But that’s for another blog comment….:)

Guatemala is rugged, and it is beautiful.

By: Jason

Jason — Sat, 22 May 2024 01:25:18 +0000

Hey Brendan! You won’t have to worry about any onward or return tickets when crossing the border by land. We never had to show anything other than our passport. Jury duty, that stinks.

By: Brendan Kane (REI)

Brendan Kane (REI) — Fri, 21 May 2024 22:48:20 +0000

Hey, you guys! I love your website! I was just checking some entry requirements for the countries in Central America and had a question I think you might be able to answer. Some countries (Costa Rica, Belize) require and onward/return ticket to enter. This assumes you’ll be traveling by air. What’s the story with overland travel? Hope you can help! I’ll be hitting the road in the USA (for starters) in less than a month if jury duty (AARRRGGHH!!) doesn’t hold me up. Keep on ramblin’. And thank Aracely for me for the helpful info on hiking! Happy trails!