Guatemala is a less popular destination some tourists. Indeed, this country is still too little discovered each year by tourists. Often, we hear that this country is a dangerous destination for tourists.
This is what I heard for my part when I told my entourage that I was going to go to Guatemala.
But is it true? Is Guatemala as dangerous as they say?
Guatemala: a bit of history
The history of Guatemala is rich. Indeed, the country has went through many different periods to be where it is today.
It started with the mayan period which flourished for over 2 years before the arrival of the Spanish settlers. A period followed independence before seeing the Belgian and German settlers.
Around the 1870s, Guatemala experienced a liberal era.
In the 1950s, we witnessed revolutions with a coup d'état with the help of the CIA.
Between 1960 and 1996, numerous armed conflicts took place, political assassinations, guerrillas bringing together left-wing militants in particular, massacres of the dictatorship in place etc. The civil war caused 200 deaths, 000% of which were of indigenous origin
In 2000, the extreme right regained power.
Following this, in 2015, a corruption case within the government of the country causes waves of demonstrations and leads to the resignation of President Mollina. Guatemala has been the victim of numerous corrupt practices within the government of which it remains marked today.
Today the lutte against corruption is very present in this country.
Guatemala is it dangerous?
Guatemala and crime
Guatemala is theone of the most violent countries in Latin America behind Mexico and Venezuela with around 16 people killed per day. Knowing that in 98% of cases, murders are not investigated.
One of the main components of this crime are the activities of drug trafficking, racketeering or even arms trafficking.
However, towards tourists there are generally assault or armed robbery.
Guatemala City: dangerous?
Guatemala city is the place in Guatemala that many tourists prefer to avoid. Indeed, it is the city where a big part of crime from Guatemala.
De numerous assaults or drug trafficking is happening in this city.
Even Guatemalans advise tourists avoid certain areas of the capital. In particular, there are certain areas which are prohibited or strongly discouraged for tourists by the authorities.
If you want to visit this capital, it is important to be extra vigilant and avoid going for a walk in the evening in certain corners. However, I have met tourists who have visited the city without anything happening to them.
Just know that this city is the most "dangerous" part of Guatemala and therefore be careful if you want to spend a few hours or a few days visiting it.
For my part I decided to do not venture into Guatemala City. On my arrival at the international airport I left directly for Antigua.
The rest of Guatemala: dangerous?
Guatemala is a relatively safe country for travelers who care. When you visit this wonderful country, but also when you travel anywhere in the world, you must remain vigilant and careful. Do not take unnecessary risks when visiting a foreign country.
Le Guatemala seeks to attract more and more tourists, therefore the locals are extremely nice and will do anything to make your stay a good one.
The tourist spots are generally well frequented and you will rarely find yourself alone in these places.
However, it is best to do not venture alone into small alleys or dark corners of villages from Guatemala.
For example, around Lake AtitlanWithin different villages be careful in the evening but this advice applies to all places.
Likewise, to give you examples around Lake Atitlan, concerning the ascent of the San Pedro volcano or the rise of the Indian Nose to watch a sunrise, it is not uncommon to meet "banditos" who wait for tourists at the top in order to be able to attack them. However, these facts being known, security measures have been put in place and this type of incident is less frequent. To avoid this, surround yourself with a guide or a group of people large enough to reduce the chances of aggression.
But do not get paranoid either, Guatemala is a relatively safe country for travelers unlike what we could say a few years ago.
Guatemala and natural hazards
Guatemala has on its territory 37 volcanoes of which 3 are still active. These active volcanoes represent a natural risk. Indeed, a eruption of one of the volcanoes is not excluded. The last eruption of the Fuego volcano dates from 2018 and left 110 dead and 197 missing.
Likewise, the territory is on active seismic zones, so it is possible that earthquakes may occur.
Be aware that Antigua was the capital at the time and due to numerous earthquakes it was decided to move the capital to Guatemala City.
If you are going to Guatemala it is important to be aware of these natural risks which are however "rare".
Conclusion on Guatemala: a dangerous country or not?
Although decried as an extremely dangerous country, real Guatemala is far from it.
Obviously, as everywhere the risks are present. However, having been there for a few weeks, I felt safe in this country. The inhabitants there are excessively nice and are not "interested" in your wallet or whatever. I felt a real benevolence. Often the inhabitants thank you for coming to visit their country which opens itself more and more each year to tourism.
Guatemala and some tourist spots can be dangerous. In particular, you should avoid walking alone in remote corners or at night to avoid bad encounters, but in general I felt very comfortable and safe in this beautiful country.
Similar items
Guatemala is an extraordinary destination. You will find many things to do and see ...
There are many possibilities available to you for getting around Guatemala.
It is essential not to forget certain elements when packing your suitcase for Guatemala.
If you liked this article, do not hesitate to consult these articles on Guatemala:
- 2 weeks in Guatemala
- Guatemala: is it dangerous?
- Traveling alone in Guatemala
- Antigua Guatemala: what to do?
- What budget for 2 weeks in Guatemala?
- Antigua Guatemala: where to stay?
- Flores in Guatemala: where to stay?
- Where to stay at Lake Atitlan?
- Rio Dulce & Livingston: Where to stay?
- Where to stay in Semuc Champey?
French
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish