Safe enough for a solo female traveller?
Replies: 30 - Last Post: Jan 18, 2013 1:16 PM Last Post By: enroutesiglo
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15
If you don't understand that tourists are more obvious and more frequent targets in Antigua than in the GC, then no amount of drug use is going to clear that up. Nobody said it's "safer."16
Didnt say it was safer, I said the majority of crimes reported by tourist on this forum over the years, have been issues in and around Antigua, not GC, yes GC depends where you are as well, but overall, it seems the tourist guard is down in Antigua, and are they are easy targets at night too, where as in GC, most tourist dont spend much time there, and use a taxi to get around to avoid issues, where as in Antigua, it is such a pleasant area to walk about, especially after the bars when things are desolate, and thats not including hikers assaulted on nearby volcano hikes or bike riders.Safety, is all relative.
17
#16 you said it, most intelligent people don't hang around GC.However when you say "in and around Antigua" you are including Lake Atitlan, where I wouldn't go on a bet. Also you mention "after the bars---" which means they left common sense at home as they wouldn't do the same at home.
Have to leave the town to volcano hike also.
So nothing unsafe in my favorite town as long as one doesn't do anything stupid, certainly safer than Chicago by a long shot.
18
Ray-You seem to only want to argue. I dont think tourist have issues loving around the majority of downtown area of Chicago, the nightlife as well is extremely vibrant until well after midnight, where you can walk to bars, cafes and music venues.
The amount of wealth at at any given moment in downtown Chicago, from cars, people in $5000 suits and women carrying $10,000 handbags is endless, and they no issues. Unless you are buying crack/dope in the projects or or on the far west or south side of Chicago, a place a tourist, much less a local, would never even go to, you are perfectly safe riding the trains, busses, and walking about, as long as you use common sense, desolate areas in the city where there is crime, its best to take a taxi after midnight.
19
most intelligent people don't hang around GCObviously SOMEONE doesn't like hanging out at the "intellectual" bars in Zona 1.
ncluding Lake Atitlan, where I wouldn't go on a bet.
Who would "bet" that you would go there, and why wouldn't you? This all just sounds too disconnected with reality... hey, everyone has their own boat to float. GC is a fascinating and fun place where intelligent people can be found all over the place and keeping safe is relatively easy – EOS.
20
So nothing unsafe in my favorite town...BTW, this doesn't mean Antigua, does it? Hey, I love the place, but anyone who's lived there that tourists are susceptible to purse snatchings and muggings just walking down the street. That's life in a tourist spot.
23
What is an "abslute fountain"? Is it related to absinthe bars in Antigua, because I know nothing bout that. It's true that I've never left the US, I only visit these places by robot-mounted webcam but there's value in that. I drove the vehicle around a town in GC called Zona 18 today and it looked very safe, I suggest that all intelligent tourists visit on the way form the airport.24
We are two female travellers and will be leaving next week for a 9 week trip. Can't wait.We are visiting Guatemala City, thanks to encouragement on the forums. I am looking forward to the historic centre and wonderful museums AND visiting the bar where Che Guevara liked to drink.
I am a bit leery of Antigua, and will try to keep our guard up there, due to many things I have read. But it sounds beautiful to look at.
I went to Chicago for a 3 day weekend trip and someone was shot right in front of us. We had just exited from the show at the Second City and walked about one block when we encountered the crime.
25
The area/bar where Che used to drink is a lot of fun, and has been cleaned up immense in the last 5 years.Antigua's no sweat, the problem is that people let their guard down because they feel like they've been taken out of the danger zone into some bubble, when it's just not the case. With the right amount of awareness, very few people will be in any position to pull a fast one on you.
26
That is rather at Second City, as that the average brownstone there is $1.5 Million, but like anywhere, shootings occur, NYC too. The most expensive highschool on the Midwest is right there, Latin School, about $40K a year, but 3 blocks the other direction behind Wells St bars area, is one last HUD Project, that will be torn down in a few years. I live 5 blocks LP Second City.Antigua I think overall is no brainer, just be careful at night, dont carry obvious wealth, and know where not to venture, like anywhere.
27
Just came back to this now Thorn Tree is back up.Wow. Bit surprised by the arguments over the safety of capital cities v. tourist towns. I'm not particularly interested in spending much, if any time in Guatemala City, but Antigua is somewhere I'm definitely going to go.
Are there any other solo travellers (male or female) considering going over there between November and January?
28
#24 just watch your bus driver in GC isn't shot, last time I passed through we drove past one that had been killed, crime scene tape around bus & passengers held for questioning at 09:00.No problem in Antigua if you don't leave your common sense at home.
29
Antigua will be teaming with tourist, its probably the most gringo infested town/city in all of the region...Poster, above comments are to be taken with a shot of tequila. When you get into to GC, walk out the doors from Baggage Claim and take a shuttle for $10 to Antigua, 45 minutes, later you will be dropped where ever you want, go walk the town, enjoy the markets, hit the bars, galleries and have a good time.
