Is Guatemala Safe? 60+ Practical Tips For Safe Travel In Guatemala

How dangerous is Guatemala really? It’s a question that bothered me endlessly before I went there.

Far more than planning routes or researching hotels, the one thing I obsessed about was safety. Is Guatemala safe for solo travellers? Is it safe for women? What about solo women? What about solo women with expensive camera gear?!

I’m an overthinker, and with that comes a lot of anxiety. I’m not one of those people who can be chill about things, or who can just put fears aside with a relaxed ‘Well I can’t do anything about that, so I won’t worry about it. Que será, será…”

Instead, I wrestle, and analyse, and worry, and have sleepless nights; my busy brain incapable of letting the problem lie.

So when I booked my 3-month trip to Guatemala, I was only excited for a nanosecond, because almost immediately the realisation set in that I had just committed to go off to a country that I knew very little about, on my own, as a woman, and, to top it all off, carrying a backpack full of camera gear, a Macbook Pro, and an iPhone.

Stupid, right? And most likely, dangerous…

Is Guatemala safe for tourists?

The first thing I want to remind you of is that nowhere is 100% safe. Not that I wish to scare you, but bad things can happen anywhere.

Given the demographics of my audience, it’s likely you may be from the UK or the USA. So is Guatemala safe for American tourists? Or British travellers?

Well let me ask you this: how safe is the place you live in? You could be in a car accident a mile from your house. People get stabbed on the streets of London, and don’t get me started on gun crime in the US. If you were planning a trip to Paris or New York and googled safety there, what do you think you would find?

My point is that I don’t think you should let the fear of something bad happening stop you from visiting Guatemala. Yes, it has its problems. There is extreme poverty, and high levels of gun and gang violence. But, this stuff does not normally involve tourists, and as the UK Foreign Office advice says, “Despite the high levels of crime, most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free.”

You can’t let the fear of something bad happening stop you from taking calculated risks and having adventures. Life is for living!

So to answer the question, ‘How safe is Guatemala?’ The short answer is: it can be safe or dangerous. Like anywhere, it has its good and bad guys, its risks and problems. As well as crime, you also need to consider other risks like wildlife, earthquakes and floods during rainy season.

But it isn’t as dangerous as some reports (or your anxious brain) would have you believe. The vast majority of people in Guatemala are welcoming, kind and friendly locals who just want you to have a great time, spend some money, and leave with a positive impression of their country.

Is Guatemala dangerous for solo female travellers?

Of course, whatever risks there may be, they become harder when you’re travelling alone – and even more if you’re a woman. There’s no one to watch your back, no one to walk home from the bar with, no one to guard your stuff while you go to the loo.

Travel is inherently riskier when you are alone, but it also has so many positives, and for me those massively outweigh the downsides.

Of course, I was sensible, and took precautions. So now I want to share with you my top practical advice for safety in Guatemala. Obviously I can’t guarantee that something bad won’t happen while you’re there, but hopefully you will have as fabulous a time in Guatemala as I did.

This post is long, and there’s loads of information in it. You might find it overwhelming, but please don’t be freaked out!

If it helps, remember that I spent three whole months as a solo female traveller in Guatemala, met scores of wonderful people, and had a great time!  

Personal safety in Guatemala

To make sure nothing bad happens to you while backpacking in Guatemala (especially if you are a solo traveller or a solo female traveller), follow these tips:

1. Avoid going out late, getting too drunk, or walking alone at night. Guatemala isn’t that much of a party country anyway, and it’s better to get up early, make the most of the day, and then hang out in your hotel or a nearby bar after it gets dark. When I did go out, I went with friends I had met in the same hostel, and we walked back together, or I got an Uber.
2. Just as you would anywhere in the world, don’t accept drinks from strangers and keep an eye on your glass at all times to avoid getting spiked. Don’t accept invitations from randoms to go to private houses or parties.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Never walk with headphones on or looking at your phone.
4. When arriving in Guatemala City at night, make sure you have a shuttle or pickup pre-booked to collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel.
5. Some robberies involve the use of motorbikes. Try to walk close to the wall and away from the road to avoid being an easy target. If someone does try to snatch your bag, let it go. If you struggle, you could be pulled into the road and hit by a car.
6. Keep a colour photocopy of your passport with you at all times but leave the real thing locked in your hotel room.
7. Always have good travel insurance that covers you for medical treatment, personal possessions, and emergency repatriation if needed.

Read more: A Perfect Guatemala Itinerary In 10 Days, 2 Weeks Or 3 Weeks

Keeping your money and possessions safe in Guatemala

While your personal safety is the most important thing, none of us want to get robbed on holiday! Here’s some advice about how to look after your gear while you’re away.

7. Try not to travel with too many valuables. Expensive jewellery and watches are best left at home. That said, I’m a hypocrite because I took my DSLR, several lenses, iPhone and laptop (about which, more below).
8. If, like me, you want to do this, then make sure you have good gear insurance!
9. When leaving valuables in your hotel room, lock them away in your suitcase or cupboard.
10. Never leave your stuff unattended in public.
11. Don’t put valuables in outer pockets that can be easily opened.
12. Bring a cable lock so you can lock your luggage to a table, bed, or other fixed object.
13. Don’t carry loads of cash with you. Leave most of it in the hotel safe or locked in your suitcase. It’s a good idea to separate it into several stashes, so that if some of it gets nicked, you won’t lose the whole lot.
14. Only use the ATMs located inside banks; put your money and card away properly before you exit and keep an eye on who may be watching as you leave.

15. Check your online bank statements regularly in case of fraudulent activity on your card.
16. You might want to wear a hidden money belt – though personally I find these annoying and prefer just to keep my money in an inner pocket in my backpack which I carry in front of me.
17. Be aware of who is watching you. If you see someone notice you, stare back so they know you’ve seen them.
18. If you do need to look at your phone, for example to check directions, walk a little away from the main drag and do it subtly.
19. In crowds, it’s better to put your backpack or bag your front, and put your hands on it.
20. I also had padlocks for all my luggage, and I attached a carabiner clip to the zip on my satchel bag so it was much harder to open. You can also buy suitcases with built in locks if that’s something you prefer.
21. Be extra cautious on market days and during holidays and festivals, when crime rates tend to increase.
22. If someone does try to rob you, hand over your stuff immediately. It’s not worth getting injured or worse for, and if you have good insurance you’ll be covered anyway.

Read more: Travel Photography On The Road – My Photo Editing Workflow Tips

Hiking safety in Guatemala

One of the top activities in Guatemala is hiking. There are some stunning landscapes, including 37 magnificent volcanos (of which I hiked seven). But most of the trails are remote with few people around. Robbers have been known to lie in wait for tourists and take their phones, cameras, and even shoes!

In addition, the weather can be unpredictable, and the terrain can be challenging. If you’re unfamiliar, you might get lost or injured.

So here’s how to stay safe while hiking in Guatemala.

23. Never hike alone. The rare exceptions are the very popular, short, touristy routes close to cities and only if you do it at peak times when there are lots of other people about.
24. Keep your ear to the ground, ask for advice in your hotel, or check the news for local information. When I was in Quetzaltenango, there had been recent reports of gang violence at the Tajumulco volcano and so I decided not to go.
25. Where possible, go with a group or tour guide. For all the hikes in Xela including the Santa Maria Volcano, I went with lovely local guide Rony Turnil. For Acatenango, Pacaya and San Pedro volcanos, I joined a tour group. On other occasions I met people in my hostel and hiked with them. I know joining a tour is more expensive, but what price are you willing to pay for safety?

Read more: The Thrilling Volcan De Acatenango Hike In Antigua Guatemala

26. Avoid hiking Volcan de Agua in Antigua – it’s notorious for robberies.
27. Definitely don’t hike Volcan San Pedro at Lake Atitlan without a group or a guide.
28. Leave your valuables at home. Though you will probably want to take your phone and camera – and it was worth joining a group to be able to do this.
29. Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
30. Take plenty of sun cream, water, snacks, a waterproof jacket and layers.
31. Do not leave the marked paths.
32. Keep away from cliffs and edges, even if you find the BEST photo spot EVER!

Read more: A Sunrise Hike Up Volcan Santa Maria In Xela, Guatemala

Staying safe in Guatemala while taking photos

The whole purpose of my visit to Guatemala was to do travel photography, so I knew I wanted to take my DSLR, lenses and laptop. Of course this made me extra anxious, especially given all the warnings about not taking valuables or getting them out on the street. How are you supposed to take photos if you’re too terrified to get your camera out of the bag?!

At first, this is what happened. I imagined that the streets were full of evil men just waiting for their chance to pounce and rob me. But after a while I realised that I had to feel the fear and do it anyway – otherwise what was the point of me being there?

Read more: The Colourful Market In Solola Guatemala: A Photo Guide

So here’s how I stayed safe while taking photos in Guatemala:

33. I had good gear insurance. It wasn’t cheap but having the peace of mind knowing my camera and laptop were covered was invaluable. Good companies include Towergate, Eversure, and Photoguard.
34. I backed up my laptop before leaving for Guatemala, and backed up my images on 2 separate portable hard drives every day.
35. I never left my backpack unattended. If I left gear in my room, I locked the bag with a padlock.
36. I only walked around with the camera out while I was actively taking photos. On the way to and from places, I put it back in the bag.
37. I kept my kit to a minimum and avoided changing lenses in public where possible.
38. In busy places where I felt safe to have the camera out, like tourist areas and markets, I hung it round my neck so people could see clearly what I was doing and I didn’t look furtive or suspicious.
39. I asked permission before taking photos of people to avoid causing offence.
40. I never took photos of children without asking their parents’ permission. I heard stories of tourists getting beaten up for doing this, so definitely only take pictures of kids if you are 100% certain you have consent.
41. Even though I was a solo traveller, I rarely travelled alone. Instead I used tourist shuttles, joined tour groups, and made friends in the hostels so I could take photos with the safety of other people around – which was also great for having someone to take photos of me!

Read more: Yaxha Guatemala: The Magical Mayan Ruins You Need To Visit

Crime in Guatemala: how to avoid scams

As with all tourist destinations, sometimes people will try to scam you. Here are a few common scams and how to avoid them in Guatemala.

42. Ticket scams are common. One way is that ticket touts will accost you as you get off the bus in a new destination – and later you find out the tickets they sell you are worthless. Only buy from reputable ticket agencies – either through your hotel or hostel, or well-reviewed ones with high street offices in Antigua and Flores. In Flores, I recommend using the booking office at Amigos Hostel for Tikal and any other tours.
43. Negotiate prices for tours and travel in advance, make sure you have written confirmation of what is included (take a photo of the sign or brochure), and get receipts where possible.
44. Another common scam is for one person to distract you while an accomplice robs you. If someone says you have bird shit on you, or ‘accidentally’ spills something on you, grab your bag and walk away. You can sort the mess out later.
45. The photography scam is where someone in the street asks you take their photo, so you kindly oblige, but when you give the camera back they drop it, blame you, and ask for money. It’s sad, but to avoid this one, only agree to take photos for other tourists or members of your tour groups.

Read more: A Colourful Guide To Flores Guatemala: Gateway To The Maya World

How dangerous is travelling around Guatemala?

While getting around the country is normally trouble-free (apart from traffic jams!), there are a few things you can do increase your chances of arriving safely at your destination.

46. While it is possible to use public buses between cities in Guatemala, most tourists opt to use the dedicated tourist shuttles that run daily between the most popular destinations. I almost always used these and found them to be more reliable and comfortable than other forms of transport – and they’re a great way to meet new people if you’re travelling solo. I recommend Adrenalina Tours or Monte Verde tours.
47. If you do decide to use the chicken buses, keep your valuables close to you at all times and watch your surroundings. Pickpockets operate on the buses. Never use the chicken buses at night.
48. Where possible, only travel during the day.
49. If you see an accident, call Inguat on +502 2421-2810 but do not stop to help as it may be a setup.
50. When travelling around Lake Atitlan, it’s much better to use the public boats across the lake than drive round the narrow, windy roads.
51. Uber is reliable and safe in Xela, Antigua and Guatemala City. In other places if you need a taxi, get your hotel to call you one. Don’t pick up a taxi on the street.
52. Use extra caution in Guatemala City. The safest zones are Zonas 10, 15, 9 and 13. But you still need to be careful and follow all the other advice listed in this article.

Read more: Backpacking in Guatemala: All You Need To Know Before You Go

Guatemala safety: natural disasters

I’ve covered a lot about personal safety so far, but don’t forget that there are also a fair few natural dangers in Guatemala. From wild animals to biting insects to floods, earthquakes and volcanos, here’s how to stay as safe as possible when faced with the unpredictability of the natural world.

Volcanos and earthquakes

53. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes can happen at any time. When checking into your accommodation, make sure you know where the exits are in case you need to get out in a hurry.
54. If you’re planning to visit any of the volcanos – especially active ones like Fuego and Pacaya, check local news or current volcanic activity reports from the Global Volcanism Program; and talk to your hotel or tour company before you go.
55. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with this advice about what to do during an earthquake before you travel.

Water: the ocean, lakes, floods

55. At the Pacific coast beaches like Monterrico, the currents can be strong and there are no lifeguards. Take extra care when swimming and pay attention to beach safety flags.
56. Lake Atitlan can get very windy and choppy, especially in the afternoons. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and don’t travel if the weather is too bad.
57. During rainy season, extreme heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding and landslides. Again, check the forecast and the news before you travel and if in doubt, stay put.

Wildlife dangers in Guatemala

While you might be thinking of scary wild animals like jaguars and howler monkeys, the most dangerous animals in Guatemala are a lot more commonplace: dogs and mosquitoes.

58. Guatemala has a huge street dog problem and some of them carry rabies. Although they may look cute, street dogs are feral and unpredictable. Do not approach or pet them. If you see a large pack of street dogs, it’s best to avoid them and find another route.
59. If you do get bitten, rabies is not a joke and can cause serious harm and even death if left untreated. Get medical attention and a rabies jab immediately – even if this means cutting short your trip and going home.
60. Mosquitoes can transmit Dengue Fever and Zika – both are common in the jungles, beaches and lowlands of Central America. Make sure you wear long sleeves and long trousers as much as possible and use plenty of insect repellent.  
61. Make sure your vaccines are up to date and check with your local travel clinic for advice on what additional vaccines you may need to get for Guatemala.
62. Other wild animals will normally run away from you, so are not too much of a concern. But note that there may be crocodiles in the lagoons and lakes in the Peten, so don’t swim unless told it’s safe to do so.

What to do if something bad happens to you in Guatemala

Public hospitals are underfunded, understaffed and under-resourced. If you are injured, take a taxi to the nearest private hospital. If necessary, this may mean heading to Antigua or Guatemala City.

You should call your travel insurance provider as soon as possible to let them know you need assistance. They will be able to advise you what to do next. I strongly advise you to store their number in your phone right now.

Guatemala has a National Tourist Assistance Program (PROATUR) which offers round-the-clock emergency support for tourists. There are extra PROATUR security officers on the beat in tourist areas. If you need to call them, they speak English; the number is 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Another number it’s a good idea to save right now!

For general tourist assistance, you can also contact INGUAT, the Guatemalan Tourist Board. They can coordinate security for tourist groups and can also be contacted in case of emergencies.

If you need emergency assistance (for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died) and are a UK citizen, the British Embassy’s emergency number is +502 2380-7300.

My favourite safety gadgets to travel with

Here are some of the tools and gadgets I like to travel with, to help keep me and my stuff safe while travelling

• Luggage tags – because sometimes bags just go missing, so you want your details on them, but not showing on the outside so anyone can see your personal information.
• Luggage padlocks – good for making sure airline baggage handlers don’t raid your bag, and for extra security in your hotel room.
• Carabiners – to help hold zips closed or for attaching stuff to your backpack.
• Small packable backpack – I use these all the time when I don’t want to take my huge camera backpack out with me
• Money belt – for keeping your cards and cash hidden on your person.
• Cable lock – can be used for locking your bag to a fixed object.
• Apple Air Tags – I bought these specially before going to Guatemala and they were great for keeping track of my bags and the peace of mind of knowing where things were. And if yours goes walkabout, you can use them to find out where it’s gone. However, if your bag does get nicked, I really don’t recommend you go after it unless it’s in a public place and you’re certain you can retrieve it safely and without getting hurt.

Don’t forget travel insurance!

And – it’s not a gadget – but the most important safety thing of all is Travel Insurance! I recommend World Nomads for flexible insurance that you can extend while you’re away. Or head over to my Travel Resources page for more companies I’d recommend.

Is Guatemala safe to visit now? 

At the time of writing, the US State Department classes Guatemala as ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’. Travel is not recommended to:

• San Marcos Department (except the city of San Marcos).
• Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango).
• Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva in Guatemala City.

However things can change rapidly and this information may soon be out of date! If you’re wondering, is it safe to travel to Guatemala right now, check for the latest safety advice and travel warnings for Guatemala on the UK FCO Advice pages or the US State Department website.

You can also ask for tips, and make travel buddies, in the Expats in Guatemala Facebook group.

If you’re on Twitter, you can follow the National Police (Policía Nacional Civil) at @PNCdeGuatemala and the disaster agency @ConRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres) for updates on crime and natural disasters. 

A final word on dangers in Guatemala

Look, I know this is a LOT! And if you’ve read it all, you’re probably starting to panic. ‘How the hell am I going to do all that?!”

So I want you to remember that a lot of this is common sense, and stuff I’m sure you would normally do anyway. And to be completely honest, I didn’t do all of it, not all the time anyway.

I often walked around by myself with a backpack on and my camera round my neck, a noticeable, blonde, solo female traveller by herself. I chatted to lots of strangers. Sometimes I didn’t wear insect repellant!

And… I was fine.

The most important thing is to do the best you can and trust your instincts. If something feels sketchy, give it a swerve. And if in doubt, spend a bit more money to take that Uber, join that group, or stay in the more central hotel. Think of it as additional insurance to ensure your holiday passes without incident.

If you’re sensible and take precautions, there’s no reason why you can’t have the same trouble-free trip as most of the other travellers who have visited Guatemala before you.

And finally, I want to leave you with something someone said to me when I was in the middle of my pre-trip panic spiral:

“I travelled the length of Central America, on my own. If I listened to all the nightmare stories I would have never gone. Which would have meant I would have never had all those incredible experience and met all these amazing people.”

So go to Guatemala, stay safe, and have fun!

Did you find this post useful? Have questions? Come follow me on Instagram, Threads or Twitter (X) and share your thoughts!

Where to next?

If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, I have tonnes of posts here to help you. Head to my main Guatemala page or try some of these for size!

• How To See The Resplendent Quetzal Bird In Guatemala
• Santa Catarina Palopo: The Colourful Painted Town In Guatemala
• Alfombras In Guatemala: A Guide To The Colourful Sawdust Carpets
• Rio Dulce Guatemala: Is The ‘Sweet River’ Worth It?
• Guatemala People: 30 Portraits Of Guatemalans That Show Their Rich Culture

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