Terrorism
 
The threat from terrorism is low in Guatemala and there has been no history of domestic terrorism since the end of its 36-year civil war in 1996. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. 
 
Crime
 
Violent crime is a major problem throughout Guatemala. Serious attacks on tourists, including murder and rape, have taken place. Armed robbery of tourists and muggings can happen anywhere in the country. It is extremely important not to resist if being robbed. You are advised not to wear jewellery and to carry minimal amounts of cash.
 
There are 5 to 6 murders a day in Guatemala City and surrounding areas. The majority involve the use of guns. While many are the result of turf wars between gangs or are narcotics related, innocent bystanders have been killed or injured in the shootouts.
 
You should take particular care in Zone 1 of Guatemala City where many cheap hotels are situated and where many bus routes terminate. Other parts of Guatemala City, including Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 18 are also dangerous. Take care after dark in all areas of the city.
 
Visiting businessmen are at less risk if they stay in international class hotels in the capital, in Zone 9, 10 or 13. However, the number of tourists being targeted by criminals is increasing, especially those arriving at the airport and travelling towards hotels in the business areas of Guatemala City. The business areas are also seeing an increase in crime, with those carrying laptops and mobile phones especially liable to robbery. You are strongly advised to use only metered taxis, preferably those recommended by hotels.

You should be alert at all times, and not travel alone, especially at night. If using public transport, you should try to keep your belongings in view at all times and keep money, credits cards, passport and other important documents on your person. The most common robberies against foreigners occur when they are travelling on buses on the routes with cheaper fares from Guatemala City to Antigua; and Antigua to Panajachel. Hold-ups by armed gangs, often accompanied by physical and/or sexual violence, occur frequently on citywide public transport as well as on long-distance routes. There have been attacks on cars and buses (including tourist buses) during daylight hours on well-used, main roads. These attacks have included the rape of female passengers. You should avoid travelling by public bus if you possibly can. You should be aware that UK based members of the British Embassy, their dependants and official British visitors are instructed not to use public buses because of the risk of violent robbery and accidents.
 
You should be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers. There have been instances of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by persons who may or may not be police officers. A tourist was shot dead in August 2005, by men masquerading as police officers on the “Ruta Atlantica” just outside Guatemala City on the road to Puerto Barrios.
 
Political Situation
 
Large demonstrations can occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no notice. They can cause serious traffic disruptions. Though most are peaceful, some demonstrations in the capital city and at strategic points on the country’s main highways have been violent. You should avoid getting caught up in them.
 
There is an ongoing risk that militant ex-PAC (Civil Defence Groups) might protest the decision to block compensation payments for their service during the former internal conflict. If protests take place there is a risk of disruption and clashes with the police.
 
Local Travel
 
Car and bus-jackings have occurred on roads leading to the main tourist centres. You should not drive to Panajachel via Patzun (the turning is located at 63km on the Pan American Highway). The road there is badly maintained and single track for most of the way. Criminals take advantage of these conditions to hold up travellers. The road from the El Salvador border to Cuilapa and from the Belize border to El Cruce are major danger spots for bus-jacking. In addition, there have been similar occurrences on the main Pan-American Highway near Solola.
 
The Guatemala City Council no longer permits inter-urban buses to enter the city centre. Passengers are dropped at various points on the outskirts. You should take this into account when planning your journeys.
 
There have been armed robberies in daylight on minor roads around Lake Atitlan involving British and other foreign nationals. You should avoid using these roads. There are adequate boat services between the towns and the lakeshore.
 
There have been cases of armed attacks on tourists at Tikal in December 2004 and January 2005, on the approach road from Flores to Tikal. The presence of Tourist Police in the area appears to have done little to improve security. You should therefore continue to exercise care in the Tikal area, and at lesser-known sites such as Yaxha.

Violent crime is on the increase in and around Antigua where armed attacks on foreigners including sexual assaults, muggings and car-jackings have taken place.

You should exercise particular care when travelling in the Belize/Guatemala border area because of the ongoing dispute between the two countries. You are strongly advised to use only the officially recognised border crossings.
 
Road Safety
 
Roads between the main tourist locations in Guatemala are of an acceptable standard. In more isolated locations, roads are unpaved and four-wheel drive vehicles are advisable. Driving standards are variable compared with the UK. You should drive carefully and expect the unexpected. Adequate car insurance is essential.
 
Many public buses are poorly maintained and accidents are common and occasionally fatal.
 
You can use your UK Driving License to drive in Guatemala for visits under 3 months. However, you are recommended to hold an International Driving Permit.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

 

Guatemalan hospitals are reluctant to give medical treatment unless they can be satisfied that the patient has medical insurance. It is therefore essential that you carry evidence of your insurance cover at all times. State-funded hospitals are on the whole under-staffed, under-funded, ill equipped, and are often unhygienic. We advise the use of private clinics where possible.

 

Malaria is prevalent in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City. Anti-malarial medication is recommended.

 

Dengue fever is endemic in Guatemala. Affected areas include Escuintla, the Pacific Coast towns, Zacapa, and Peten. Although there is no preventive medication, mosquito repellent and clothing which covers as much skin as possible should help.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

Join Our Mailing List

Email address


Are you a potential volunteer or eco-lodge/project?
Volunteer Eco-lodge/project

I have read and accept the Terms & Conditions.

How to Organise Your Placement

There are three easy steps to find a placement:

1. Search for a placement
2. Become a member and register your details via our Easy Pay system
3. Contact the placement and plan your travel arrangements

More