Crime and Safety in Guatemala
How to Enjoy a Trip to Guatemala and Stay Safe at the Same Time
Oct 17, 2009
Guatemala has a well-deserved reputation as a dangerous place. There is much poverty and corruption, and even the police don’t necessarily come to the aid of visitors. The trick is knowing where to go, where not to go and when.
Guatemala’s Borders
The border areas can be dangerous, as many con men and swindlers try and trick travelers into buying forms they don’t need or changing cash for counterfeit money or at a bad rate. Travelers arriving overland should exercise extra caution. Guatemala borders Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Belize. Many times, booking a trip from one major city to another (Guatemala City to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, for example) can cut down on the hassle as the bus driver and helper may assist travelers with questions.
Historically, customs officials in Guatemala and the nations that border it have been known to trick visitors into paying for services that should be free. New anti-corruption initiatives have put an end to most of this. Look for signs clearly stating what should be paid for or not. Some countries may have an entry fee. Ignore “helpers” offering to sell forms.
Dangerous Areas in Guatemala
Guatemala City is a dangerous place, a hub for drug trafficking and organized (and not-so-organized) crime. Be wary after dark, at the bus terminals, in the central part of the city and anywhere frequented by tourists or where groups of people congregate. As there is little to do in Guatemala City, most tourists head out for Antigua or other cities immediately upon arrival.
Other dangerous parts of Guatemala include the eastern provinces, the Quiché highlands and the southern coast.
Cultural Sensitivity and Safety in Central America
Not too long ago, there was a famous incident in a small town near Cobán where a foreign woman was lynched by an angry mob because ignorant locals thought she was trying to steal babies. As absurd as that sounds, many rural Guatemalans believe that foreigners steal babies for adoption and even for “parts.”
It’s easy to scoff at such ignorance, but visitors ignore such beliefs at their peril. Visitors to Guatemala should remember this local superstition and not get too friendly with local kids.
Cultural sensitivity is always a good thing. In some areas, taking photos of brightly-dressed locals without their permission is considered extremely rude, so be sure to ask first. Locals may get angry if someone takes photos at weddings or funerals without permission beforehand. None of these situations is likely to result in physical danger, but visitors are definitely safer when locals don’t dislike them.
Petty Theft and Crime in Guatemala
There is a lot of petty theft in Guatemala. Pickpockets and thieves are on the buses and in tourist areas, unattended purses and backpacks will disappear in a flash, and hotel staff will often pilfer cash or jewelry. This sort of theft is mostly opportunistic, so prevention is key. Valuables should not be left in the hotel, wallets should be secured, and backpacks and purses should be clipped or tied down, or kept in a lap.
Although it can be dangerous, fear should not prevent anyone from visiting Guatemala. With a little prudence and precaution, it is possible to have a perfectly safe and enjoyable trip.
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