Guatemala is a popular destination for travelers, digital nomads, students, expats and adventure tourists. The country offers spectacular destinations including Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Guatemala City and the highlands. However, Guatemala has significant security risks and safety conditions vary considerably by location.
Travelers should take precautions against theft, robbery, scams and violent crime and should check current local and government travel advisories before traveling to specific regions.
Current international travel guidance identifies crime as a significant risk in Guatemala. The U.S. Department of State currently advises travelers to reconsider travel to Guatemala and identifies several areas with particularly high risks, including San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and Villa Nueva.
Guatemala can be visited safely when travelers use appropriate precautions and stay informed about local conditions. Tourist destinations such as Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán, Tikal and other major attractions have tourist assistance programs and additional security resources.
However, tourists can still become victims of theft, robbery, scams and other crimes. Travelers should avoid displaying expensive phones, cameras, jewelry and large amounts of cash.
Crime levels vary significantly between different parts of the country. Reported risks include robbery, armed robbery, carjacking, extortion, gang activity and other violent crime.
Safety conditions change, so travelers should check current government and local guidance before visiting a particular region.
Guatemala City is a large metropolitan area with significant differences between zones. Some areas are popular with tourists and foreign residents, but no area of the city should automatically be considered completely crime-free.
The U.S. Department of State currently identifies Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva as areas where travelers should not travel because of serious security risks.
San Marcos Department currently has particularly serious security concerns. International travel guidance identifies the department as a high-risk area because of crime and criminal organizations.
Some parts of Huehuetenango have elevated security risks. Travelers should check current advisories before visiting the department and avoid areas specifically identified by authorities.
| Destination | Safety Considerations |
|---|---|
| Antigua Guatemala | Popular tourist destination with tourist assistance, but normal precautions against theft and robbery are still recommended. |
| Lake Atitlán | Popular with international visitors. Use reputable transportation and check current route advice. |
| Tikal | Major tourist attraction. Use established tour operators and follow local security guidance. |
| Guatemala City | Security varies substantially by zone. Exercise increased caution and research your destination area. |
| Quetzaltenango | Important highland city with tourism and international visitors. Take normal urban safety precautions. |
Transportation is an important part of staying safe in Guatemala. Travelers should choose reputable transportation providers and avoid unnecessary travel through isolated areas, especially after dark.
Travelers should exercise particular caution with public buses. International travel guidance reports serious security risks associated with some public bus services, including violent attacks and robberies.
For tourists, reputable private transportation, hotel transportation and established intercity tourist services can be preferable depending on the route and current security conditions.
Many foreigners live and work in Guatemala, particularly in Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlán and other areas popular with international residents.
However, expats should research neighborhoods carefully rather than assuming that an entire city or region has the same security conditions. Housing security, transportation, location and daily routines can make a significant difference.
Expats should also maintain awareness of local crime patterns and keep up to date with local security information.
Women can travel in Guatemala, but solo travelers should take additional precautions. Avoid isolated locations, especially at night, use reputable transportation and tell friends or family about your itinerary.
For remote destinations and outdoor activities, traveling with a reputable tour company or another trusted person can provide additional security.
Guatemala is famous for volcano hikes, Lake Atitlán, Mayan archaeological sites and outdoor activities. Safety depends on the destination, weather, route and operator.
Keep these numbers available during your trip. Guatemala's government identifies the following short emergency and assistance numbers:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police – Policía Nacional Civil | 110 |
| Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (CONRED) | 119 |
| Volunteer Firefighters | 122 |
| Municipal Firefighters | 123 |
| Guatemalan Red Cross | 125 |
| Tourist Assistance – ASISTUR | 1500 |
Guatemala has a dedicated tourist assistance service known as ASISTUR. It provides assistance to tourists and works with tourist police in popular destinations.
From a Guatemalan phone number, travelers can contact ASISTUR by dialing 1500. International guidance also lists +502 2290-2810 and WhatsApp at +502 5188-1819.
Guatemala should not be described as uniformly safe or unsafe. Security conditions vary substantially between regions, cities and neighborhoods.
The best approach is to assess the specific destination, transportation route and current security situation rather than relying only on national averages or general impressions.
Guatemala can be visited by tourists, but travelers should take meaningful security precautions. Crime risks vary by location, and some areas currently have significantly higher risks than popular tourist destinations.
Safety varies considerably between zones. Travelers should research their specific neighborhood, use reputable transportation and avoid areas identified by current authorities as high risk.
Antigua Guatemala is one of the country's major tourist destinations and has tourist assistance resources. Nevertheless, visitors should still protect valuables and remain alert to theft and other crime.
Lake Atitlán is a major tourist destination, but travelers should check current local security and transportation advice, particularly for road travel around the lake.
The main police emergency number is 110. Guatemala also has 122 and 123 for firefighters and emergency assistance, while tourist assistance can be reached through 1500.
Many foreigners live in Guatemala, but expats should carefully select their neighborhood, housing and transportation arrangements and maintain awareness of local security conditions.
Extra caution is recommended after dark. Avoid isolated streets and unnecessary travel through unfamiliar areas at night, and use reputable transportation.
Travel conditions and crime risks can change quickly. This page is intended as a general information guide and should not replace current advice from Guatemalan authorities, your embassy or official travel advisories.