Guatemala woman travellers

*Have been going to Guatemala most times alone since l991. I have always come back alive. Stay some place that is secure and don't walk alone on the streets drunk after dark. Keep secure and hidden when in public lap tops, cell phones. cameras and money. Do not wear watch,jewelry, or anything that someone might want to snatch. Never ever carry a purse. Back pack should be of the kind with a steel mesh in the fabric so cannot be slashed. Money for the day in a chest pocket under crumpled tissue. Photos at wolf calls.com. Dood place to volunteer in the hospital Hermano Perdo in Antigua. the public one not the private one by same name. This hospital aids those disabled and they really need the help. Aslo is good idea to wear nothing too short or too low cut.

Naemi - Where did you read that? Guatemala gets nearly 2 million visitors/year and I have not read anywhere that the rape rate is high. Gang-related crime is a problem but mainly in parts of large cities you wouldn't visit. Enjoy your Spanish study experience - I have been visiting Guatemala for that purpose for years including 3 times last year with 3 more visits planned for 2015. Happy trails!

Since safety questions come up a lot I'm reposting my response from a previous thread below. Obviously not everyone agrees with this list - some prefer cities and travel to party, for example - but it helps me feel safe when I travel and that's a good thing.

I travel in Central America every year. Sometimes I travel alone, sometimes with one or more of my kids and/or my husband, sometimes with a group in tow. I don't feel overly paranoid but have never had a problem and would like to keep it that way.

Here are my concessions to safety when I travel in Central America:
:: I avoid the big cities as much as possible
:: I don't "party"
:: Where recommended I take specific transportation (ex: Hedman Alas in Honduras, avoid chicken buses on the mountain runs in Guatemala, take taxis after dark)
:: I know where I am and where I'm headed and make major transitions with plenty of daylight left
:: I don't wear jewelry (not even my wedding band) and try not to flash camera equipment or money around
:: Some trips I carry a “throw down wallet” with an expired card or 2 and the day’s cash in it
:: I keep important documents and cash under my clothes (except what I need for shopping, buses, etc. for that time period) and keep close watch on my things, especially in crowded places and when I’m tired
:: I ask locals about safety in an area - evenings, hiking, etc.
:: I travel really light so I don't feel vulnerable getting my bag off and on buses, shuttles, etc.
:: I continue to build skills in Spanish

Where did you read the rape rate was high? Do you work for the tourism board of a competing country?
hopefulist gives some good advice.

If you are planning on doing language study and are also looking for housing, I recommend attending Centro Linguistico Maya in Antigua. Antigua is as safe a town as you'll find in Guatemala. There are some nice attractions in the city, and it is easy to find safe shuttles to other nice attractions in the country (i.e., $11 USD to visit Lake Atitlan). CLM will give you options of studying Spanish from 4-7 hours per day, and they will arrange housing for you with a Guatemalan family that will provide meals 3 times a day 6 days a week. The directors name is Arturo, and he's a great guy who speaks English very well and is very accommodating to students. If you choose to go that way you can arrange free shuttle service with Arturo from the airport to the school. The school also allows for volunteer opportunities with various non profits and offers free field trips to various destinations near the school twice per week as well as free Salsa lessons every Wednesday (if dancing interests you). Their website is: http://clmaya.com. There are other language school options too, but this is the one I'm most familiar with. In Antigua, you should be totally fine safety wise. Let me know if you have any more questions!

she probably read on the cover on an inquire magazine in a supermarket. i have been coming to guatemala for over 20 years and yes, it does happen but to the extent you are alking about. no worse than a large city anywhere. if you are fighteneed, stay home.

99% of tourist/travelers visiting Guatemala have a fine time and no issues. There have been random reports of rape of a tourist over the years in various areas of the country, but, in your country, how many cases of rape are there?

Crime and safety is all relative, and it should not deter you from enjoying this great country. Especially the areas most tourist enjoy for spanish immersion and exploring the culture...

Dear OP, these two women REALLY know their stuff, you're in good hands. And Paty and Hopeful, I can't tell you how nice it is to click on my first post in years and see you two not only here still but dispensing clear, thoughtful and correct advice. God Bless

Thanks for the shout out, Pedro - welcome back.

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