Guatemala : Safety by City
Guatemala, the heart of Central America, sits just south of Mexico, bordered by Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador.
It’s a country of contrasts—stunning volcanoes, lush rainforests, and ancient ruins alongside stark poverty and a history shaped by colonization, civil war, and resilience.
Once home to the mighty Maya civilization, you can still feel that history in places like Tikal, where massive stone pyramids rise above the treetops.
Guatemala’s modern history has been turbulent.
After a U.S.-backed coup in 1954, the country endured a 36-year civil war (1960–1996) that left deep scars, especially in indigenous communities.
The 1996 peace accords ended the conflict, but issues like corruption, crime, and poverty remain ongoing struggles.
Despite these challenges, the country continues to move forward, with tourism playing a major role in its economy.
In 2024, Guatemala welcomed over 3 million visitors.
Warnings & Dangers in Guatemala
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Guatemala presents a medium overall risk to travelers due to prevalent violent crime, including homicides, armed robberies, and carjackings. However, not all governments agree on just how risky Guatemala is, so we'll go through all the data and information. This allows you to make a judgment about your personal risk tolerance.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation in Guatemala carries significant risks. Armed attacks on public buses happen too often. Avoid the "Chicken Buses," as they are poorly maintained and crowded while drivers are pretty reckless on the road. Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps such as Uber. Always arrange transportation through trusted sources. We'll talk in this article about how to find that information.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk, especially in Guatemala City's central market and Zone 1. Keep your electronics hidden–don't walk around talking on your expensive mobile phone, for example. Given the other risks in this country, pickpocketing will be the least of your concerns, but don't let your guard down.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Guatemala is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and hurricanes, particularly during the rainy season from June to November. We'll help you find out how to get emergency alerts.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Muggings and armed robberies are common in Guatemala, even in daylight and in tourist areas. Avoid being outside after dark. This is a high risk, and a mugging could lead to more dangerous crimes, like kidnapping or murder.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Treat this as a medium risk. While international terrorism can happen anywhere, Guatemala is known for having drug cartels and human trafficking. Check the website for Secretaría de Inteligencia Estratégica del Estado (SIE) to see if there are new concerns before your trip.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
This is another medium risk. Scams of all kinds can happen, but pay special attention if you're pulling out your credit card or using an ATM. Thieves want to get a copy of your credit card and then use it to make fraudulent purchases.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
While plenty of female travelers, even solo, enjoy visiting Guatemala, you must have excellent personal safety habits and an intimidating presence. Try to stick with tour groups and avoid walking around urban areas alone. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Tap water in Guatemala is not considered safe to drink. When bathing, don't let water get into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Always opt for reputable bottled water.
Safest Places to Visit in Guatemala
The official tourism website is hosted by the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism at visitguatemala.gt.
To get more information about tourist services, like planning tools, visit inguat.gob.gt/.
While there are some very unsafe parts of Guatemala, here are some of the places that offer a bit better of a welcoming climate.
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is one of Guatemala’s safest and most tourist-friendly destinations.
You’ll wonder where the safety concerns came from when you wander the well-preserved colonial city with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic ruins.
Highlights include Casa Santo Domingo Museums, ChocoMuseo, and the Museo del Libro Antiguo.
The only possible downside is that Antigua can feel like a tourist town.
Nearby, Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) offers an easy scenic hike with volcano views and an epic photo op at the top.
Try to plan this for a day without clouds to get the best scenery.
Lake Atitlán
A volcanic lake surrounded by small villages, each with its own vibe.
Panajachel is the most developed, San Pedro attracts backpackers, and San Marcos is known for yoga retreats.
Activities include kayaking, hiking Indian Nose, and shopping for Mayan textiles.
Ferries connect the villages, making it easy to explore.
Flores & Tikal
Flores is a small island town on Lake Petén Itzá.
It is often used as a base for visiting Tikal, one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world.
The city has a laid-back vibe, with lakeside restaurants and easy access to boat tours.
Isla de Flores is the heart of the city, which is colorful and creative but might also be crowded during peak times of the year.
In a short 15-minute drive, you can be surrounded by nature at Ixpanpajul Nature Park.
It’s a private nature reserve offering canopy walks, zip-lining, hiking trails, and horseback riding.
Guatemala City (Zones 9 & 10)
Most of Guatemala City isn’t ideal for tourists, but Zones 9 and 10 (Zona Viva) are safer areas with hotels, restaurants, malls, and museums.
The Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and the National Museum of Archeology offer great cultural insights.
How to Hike the Volcanoes of Guatemala
You should avoid hiking the volcanoes alone.
Book a tour guide and verify they are legit before paying.
- Pacaya Volcano – A 2-hour moderate hike up an active volcano near Antigua. Guided tours let you roast marshmallows on lava-heated vents.
- Acatenango Volcano – A challenging overnight trek to 13,000 feet, with a front-row view of Fuego’s eruptions. Requires good fitness and warm clothing.
- Santa María Volcano – A steep five-hour hike near Quetzaltenango with panoramic views and occasional eruptions from Santiaguito, a smaller active volcano.
- Tajumulco Volcano – The highest peak in Central America (13,845 ft). A long but non-technical hike, best done as a 2-day trek for sunrise views.
It’s also an option to get security to travel with you to the trail for extra protection on potentially dangerous roads.
Places to Avoid in Guatemala
We have a pretty in-depth list to talk about here.
While most of the country has a general rating from trusted governments, there are areas of Guatemala that rise to a higher level.
The most important places to avoid in Guatemala are those that come with the highest warnings from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
First, we’ll start with places to avoid in and near Guatemala City.
- Zone 3
- Zone 18
- Zone 19
- Zone 21
- Villa Nueva
Also, the United States recommends that you avoid San Marcos and Huehuetenango Departments anywhere aside from their namesake cities due to drugs, gangs, and cartels.
Canada puts Chiquimula, Jutiapa, and Zacapa Departments on the list of “avoid unnecessary travel.”
In addition, the following highways can be dangerous and should be avoided:
- RN-7E
- CA-11
- CA-12
- CA-13
- PET-13
The U.S.’s warning for driving in Guatemala also mentions all the main highways due to violent crime activity.
The advisory specifically mentions all roads between Guatemala City and the Peten region, the Inter-American Highway (CA-1), and the road from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast (CA-9).
Also, avoid the border areas of San Marcos and Huehuetenango (along the Mexican border) due to drug trafficking and violent crime, as well as remote crossings near Belize.
Always check your country’s advisory for the most recent list of places to avoid or where you should use extreme caution in Guatemala.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Guatemala
- If you need the police, dial 110 or 120 for the National Civil Police. But for better help as a tourist, PROATUR is your go-to. They’re the tourist police, and they speak English. You can call them at 1500 (in Guatemala) or +502-2290-2800 (from abroad).
- Want to stay ahead of bad weather, natural disasters, or security issues? Sign up for alerts from your country’s embassy, follow CONRED (Guatemala’s disaster response agency), and keep an eye on local news. If something big is happening, PROATUR also updates travelers.
- Spanish is the main language, and in rural areas, you’ll also hear Mayan languages. In cities and tourist spots, people working in hotels and restaurants usually speak some English. If you’re heading off the beaten path, a translation app or basic Spanish phrases will help a lot.
- Not all taxis in Guatemala are safe. Skip random street cabs, as they’re known for scams and even robberies. Instead, use Uber, Taxi Amarillo Express (1766), or taxis arranged through your hotel. If you’re arriving at the airport, you can buy a prepaid taxi voucher from the INGUAT tourist office. This guarantees the safest ride.
- Guatemala’s volcanoes are incredible, but they’re also unpredictable. Always hike with a certified guide, especially on active volcanoes like Acatenango and Pacaya. Some trails have had reports of robberies, so it’s safer to go in a group or with a PROATUR security escort.
- Make sure you’re up-to-date on hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines like tetanus. If you’re heading to rural areas, consider a rabies shot. Guatemala doesn’t require vaccines to enter, but staying healthy is worth the extra precaution.
- Mosquitoes transmit diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider sleeping under mosquito nets, especially in rural areas.
- Guatemalan law requires you to carry identification at all times. A photocopy of your passport (instead of the original) is usually fine for ID checks. Keep the real thing locked up at your hotel.
- If you’re traveling in a group, especially to rural areas, you can request a police escort through PROATUR. Call 1500 or +502-2290-2800 at least 72 hours in advance. It’s free and helps deter potential crime on the road.
- In Mayan villages, always ask before taking photos, especially of people, ceremonies, or sacred sites. Dress modestly and be respectful when interacting with locals. Some communities have strict traditions, and it’s always best to follow their lead.
So... How Safe Is Guatemala Really?
Guatemala is a bit of a mixed bag.
The dangerous places are REALLY dangerous.
Then, some areas aren’t so risky, and the reward is generally worth the effort.
Let’s look at how the government ratings stack up.
First, it’s important to know that each country has a four-tiered rating scale.
One is the lowest, and four is the highest.
For Guatemala, the United States and the United Kingdom both put Guatemala at Level 3.
For the U.S., that means “Reconsider Travel.”
For the United Kingdom, that means “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of Guatemala.”
When we look at Canada and Australia, Level 2 means “Exercise a high degree of caution.”
At the same time, all countries say there are higher-risk areas.
In February 2025, Australia added additional warnings but didn’t change the overall rating level.
The advisories also say pretty much the same thing—violent crime, carjackings, abductions, strikes, demonstrations, protests, and civil unrest that can lead to roadblocks or other dangerous situations.
It all comes down to how well you’ve researched where you’re staying and visiting.
As an example, Guatemala City is notorious for crime.
Zone 1 is where you’ll find some budget hotels, but you’ll also expose yourself to exorbitant crime rates.
At the same time, the country has gone so far as to provide police officers for tourists and approved vendors to help you plan the safest experience.
As long as you’re focused on your safety every step of the way, even if it breaks your budget, you can avoid the biggest risks.
How Does Guatemala Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Guatemala | 53 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Portugal | 57 |
| Japan | 83 |
| Ghana | 73 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
If you're from the U.S., Canada, or Australia, you can visit Guatemala for up to 90 days without a visa—just make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay. Check the rules for your home country on the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (Guatemalan Institute of Migration) website. I'll save you the time searching for it—igm.gob.gt.
Currency
Guatemala uses the quetzal (GTQ), and while some places take U.S. dollars, you’ll usually need local cash. ATMs are common but aren't generally safe to use in public areas. Stick with hotel, bank, or airport currency exchange services. Credit cards work in tourist areas but in smaller towns and markets? Cash is king.
Weather
Guatemala’s weather depends on where you go. The dry season (November–April) means sunny days and cool nights, especially in the highlands. The rainy season (May–October) brings afternoon downpours but lush landscapes. The coast stays hot and humid year-round, so pack accordingly—layers for the highlands, light clothes for the lowlands.
Airports
Flying in? La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is the main hub, with flights from North and Central America. If you're heading to Tikal or northern Guatemala, Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS) in Flores is your best bet.
Travel Insurance
You’ll want travel insurance for Guatemala—at least coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation. If something happens, getting quality care might mean a pricey flight to another country. A solid policy can also cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and those unexpected travel headaches. Better safe than sorry!
Guatemala Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Low °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 |
| High °F | 75 | 77 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Low °F | 57 | 57 | 59 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 61 | 59 | 57 |
Guatemala - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Guatemala City | 48 |
Fun when with a group of friends
This is clearly not a place to go with your family or with small children. But, if you go with a group of friends then you will probably have fun like I did. We have a lot of pictures and videos of our fun time together.
My thoughts exactly. The place is not entirely safe but it is also not a HUGE risk that I would tell people to avoid it. I have gone several times. I think it is beautiful. I love interacting with the locals, checking out their natural surroundings, tasting their food, and just absorbing their culture. You have to have your wits about you though or you can easily be taken advantage of.
Magnificent views
Guatemala has much to offer when it comes to the surroundings and magnificent views. It’s the people (some of them) that make it a relatively unsafe place to visit. It’s too bad since there’s a lot to explore and do here.
I have visited Guatemala many times,but in the last 5 years is seems to have gotten a little more dangerous in the city except for that its a fun place to visit especially antiqua
Not Especially Dangerous
Felt really safe to me despite (because of?) armed guards everywhere. The areas that seemed shady were pretty apparent. Definitely agree it’s not a family destination but isn’t anywhere near as dangerous as it’s made out to be but crimes do happen. In areas where guides or police escorts are recommended especially in the countryside I definitely recommend you do it the guides aren’t like bodyguards but they don’t have to be because they are persons who are known and they vouch for you so you’ll avoid problems completely. Sometimes a guide is mandatory but they are always reasonably priced, usually they only charge a tip. Conversely you CAN do most things yourself but for this you 100% need at least mediocre to average Spanish and experience in a similar country.
On the other hand the volcanic nature of the area makes it prone to eruptions and earthquakes.
My second home
I am a blonde white woman and I feel a lot safer in many places in Guatemala than today in Germany. Petty crimes are a problem in any tourist destination. But at least noon defecates in the open like it is common today in Paris.
Most violent crimes happen in Guatemala between Gangs. I lived there for twelve years for a couple of months every year. I was there with my baby, now eleven-year-old daughter. Guatemala also has great luxury shopping malls, it’s just hard to get a parking spot somewhere since the malls are always full.
Every country has bad places that are more dangerous but you can safely walk around many zones in Guatemala City and surely at Pana and Atitlan or Livingston if you practice common sense. I love Guatemala, watching Turtles hatch on the volcanic beaches, or enjoying the Caribbean coast and Izabal. When you drive to the volcanic beaches you see villages where people don’t have closed houses. Just two walks and posts, Living room and kitchen half open between palms.
Antigua is where I married and it’s a great place full of colors and adventure.
Btw. Children don’t get often kidnapped. It’s a myth from years ago when the whole Guatemala international adoption program closed because a few women claimed their babies where stolen and sold to be adopted to US citizens. Three cases have been confirmed. Out of the three two wanted more money from the adoptive parents, not the child back. Instead of easy genetic testing, they closed international adoption. Instead of over 30.000 children adopted to the USA in the ten years before only 2000 kids could be placed in the ten years since in Guatemala. Guatemala has a very high orphan rate.
The risk to kidnap a child, especially a foreign child is big. If a tourist child would get stolen, the whole country would be looking, huge police search. As sad as it sounds but with all the orphans freely available it is not worth it.
And sadly in almost any country, there are cases of children being stolen and never seen again. So no matter where be careful of your kids and don’t trust strangers.
Beautiful but take precautions
I’ve been to Guatemala several times. The people are generally very friendly. We dress with very ordinary clothes and I remove all jewelry, my watch and even my glasses when in the city. Glasses are actually a sign of wealth….many cannot afford them. I have taken the colourful buses around the country as well as the slower coaches and we never had a problem. I recommend travelling early, you are more likely to be surrounded by people going to work versus criminal elements. At night we don’t generally go out. It’s a beautiful country but unfortunately the drug trade seems to me making more inroads, thanks to North American and European buyers!
Reasonably safe.
I’ve been to Guatemala many times. It is true it is not the safest country in the World and that the transit of drugs from South America to the USA is becoming a problem in Guatemala. I have never experienced any serious problems, however. I’ve been pickpocketed, though. (But so have I in India, The Netherlands and Spain)
The following statement from above is absurd, however: “One of the biggest risks in Guatemala is having your child kidnapped and then sold for adoption on the black market.” As far as I know, no tourist family has experienced something like this, ever. It did happen to some Guatemalan families in the late 80’s and early 90’s, when the adoption business was at its boom.
Chicken buses are a Russian roulette. I’d advise anybody reading this to never, ever, board one. The drivers are absolutely mad, buses rarely in tip-top condition and robberies to bus passengers not uncommon.
Just be cautious like you would normally be in any foreign country
I agree with Ray, I wouldn’t go there with my kids but as a couple it’s worth a visit. Use the ATMs inside malls or banks, not the ones on the street just to be sure. Otherwise, create a decent itinerary to make sure you check the best that Guatemala has to offer.
Everywhere I visited were perfectly fine I was traveling solo walking around at night by myself nobody bothered me. Was absolutely stunning highly recommended.
Use caution, as you would traveling to any other country, and you’ll be fine. Avoid walking around in Guatemala City (where must muggings take place, just like any other major metropolitan city in America or Europe), and stick to the tourist areas like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Tikal, the Unesco heritage site with Mayan ruins, is a must, and I felt completely safe there. You’ll see mostly Americans and European tourists at Tikal. I traveled with two young teenagers, and I never felt concerned for their safety in Antigua, Tikal, or in the Lake Atitlan village of San Juan. Your dollar will also go a long way here, as the conversion rate is fantastic. You can stay at a luxury hotel on Lake Atitlan far cheaper than a similar resort in Mexico or Puerto Rico. The best piece of advice I could give you is to hire a guide or go with a tour group. If you travel with a group, there is safety in numbers.