Is it really that dangerous?

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<hr>I read so many assault stories already.<hr></blockquote>

Good...you've been checking things out. Did you read all the assault stories that are posted on here? I really think you should scroll down and read all the assault stories that are posted daily on the Thorn Tree by people visiting Guatemala. What kind of a trend do you see in all those horrible stories here? Just go over the ones that have been posted in the past month. Pay particular attention to all the rapes and robberies in Antigua. The attacks by bandits on horseback on taxis going to Antigua from the airport are important to note. And of course the stories of the street kids in Pana setting that German woman on fire should give you some pause. Now after reading all those horrible stories from the last month, what general trend about danger in Guatemala do you see?

Homeland Security Advisory System
Current Threat Level
June 11, 2007 — The United States government national threat level Elevated, or Yellow.
The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage.
See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines.
Recommended Activities
All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately.
Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency.

In my five years here I've experienced some of the greatest times in my life and I've had the displeasure of having a few rotten times, too. For me it's been generally great!! I don't know how else to instill confidence in a traveler than to say just that. Sometimes life is bad, but for the most part it's been great for me here in Guatemala. It's really different here than my life in the U.S.A. and that's what I like about it and why I've chosen to live here. Compared to my life back in Seattle I think it might be considered a bit more dangerous here in some respects, but dammit it's so boring in the U.S.!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you come here and have a really great, wonderful and unique experience and that nothing bad happens. If something crappy happens I hope you take it as part of life in general and not blame it on "the Guatemalans."
It's easy to get around here. From hitchhiking to chicken bus to taxi to shuttle to motorcycle to two feet, etc. it's easy enough to get anywhere. For some people it's been hell to have come here as a traveler, backpacker business person or whatever. For most people it's been great. I think we can say the same about any place on the planet. Guatemala is the about the same size as a state in the United States of America in population and geographically speaking. Bad stuff happens and good stuff happens here just like in D.C., for example.

I suppose you must have already read this Thorn Tree horror story.

i have never felt threatened in guatemala. just don't do anything stupid and keep your eyes open. great country, great people.

I felt perfectly safe in Guatemala.

As in anywhere - don't go out late at night by yourself on a dark street. Try to travel with others.

The only place I avoided was Guatemala City. I'm not a big fan of cities in Latin America anyways.

Everywhere else was fine - and we covered almost every corner of the country!

Cheers,
Kay

Kay and Franks Trip to Guatemala

Besides the Capitols, as NYC Girl says, they are nobodys favorite....:(

I've spent a total of about 7 or 8 months in Guatemala and have never had a problem. Having said that, I've never felt threatened anywhere in the country except for Guatemala City. GC can be a very weird place and I definitely have gotten 'bad vibes' there on a number of occasions. I've ridden on the city buses a number of times and have seen problems almost every time. By all means, hang on to your stuff!

Always felt very safe and welcome.
Just observe the same caution you would anywhere else in the world. Don't wander alone around isolated places, especially at night (major touristy sites are ok). When you get to a city, ask your hotel about areas you should avoid going alone. Keep your valuables in an inside pocket and don't lose sight of your belongings when you're traveling on public buses. Dress conservatively and be polite but firm especially when male locals come to you. This country is not less safe than most other places in the world. Keep your guard high, but have fun!

Hey wait a minute! I'm in Guatemala right now! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Oh wait... It's beautiful! The Sun's out!! The birds are chirping and a nice breeze flitting around. Time to close this machine down, take my dogs to the lake and throw a stick around!!