security update

It doesn't sound like you did a thorough search on the Thorn Tree before posting this here. Also, any time I referred to buckets of blood, I was just kidding.

Agree with Mayaphile, if you saw all the warnings and advisaries on this website, then you also saw most of us debunking the grossly exaggerated comments. Guatemala is not 100% safe, what is? But it is well within the realm of safe enough for two women to travel. Tens of thousands of women travel in Guatemala every year. Can't be too bad, eh?

There are some things that can make your travel there even safer. If you have good sense that will help a bunch. Most all of us think we have it, but many don't. If you use good judgement, that will help a bunch, too. And check about specific security concerns along the way with other travelers, hotel staff, shuttle drivers, and expecially locals. For example, don't hike the high cliffs around Lago de Atitlan, unless and until you know a whole lot about the do's and don'ts.

Your blood running in the streets post will likely scare off a few who would have enjoyed Guatemala. A shame, that.

Buen viaje!

My daughter insists that she go to Guatemala alone this summer--nothing wrong with that--But I want to go too! I think you are going to be surprised to see how many young women are traveling around Guatemala alone or with a friend.

FYI, I drove my rental car from panajachel up to godinez last weekwhere I enjoyed some breathtaking views of the lake along the way and continued on to cocales and then to monterrico on an excellent road.E en though there is not a whole lot of traffic I was not warned nor I had any reason based on what I´ve been reading in the guatemalan papers to feel that it was risky or stupid to drive on that road.

You should have realized that Mayaphile's comment about buckets of blood was somewhat in jest. Police reports in Guatemala always list the amount of blood in liters. Try and think as you travel. Don't pick up Guate boys in the park in Antigua. Same goes for the Eurotrash selling beads in Pana. Remember that chicken buses bounce a lot so always keep the safety of your gun on while the bus is in motion. I've been going to Guat. for decades and except for the mass graves during the Civil War very little sign of violence.

Some areas of Guatemala City are dangerous. However these are not the zones a normal tourist would frequent. As to police reports: 2,600 armed attacks on city busses in the first five months of 2006 hardly need exageration. Foreigners are usually safe, particularly in areas where the people see few tourists. Guatemalans are seldom safe. I rode pretty much all over last year on my small Honda (see Blog) and met with nothing but courtesy and friendship. Be sensible and you will have a great time....

If you are not involved in a gang or in drug dealing, your odds of experiencing crime are much, much lower. Most of the violence occurs among these two groups of people. Probably most of the news you will read on the Internet will relate to Guatemala City, and then only certain areas of Guatemala City, where the said groups of people operate, as mentioned in previous posts.

I have the feeling that the situation has improved a lot lately. Of course, it's better to be cautious and use your common sense, as you would do anywhere else.

Hope you have a great trip.

If you have not yet traveled outside your home country then you may not have learned the ropes of traveling yet. If you are well traveled you may know all this but plenty of people who come here every year have not..so for THEIR benefit:

1) Buy a moneybelt before you leave home...one large enough to put your passport and credit cards in as well as your large money. It helps alot to wear it some before you come down to get used to the feel of it. Mine is second nature now living here. I wear it everywhere.THen for females, just carry a little walking around money in a bag. It is actually better to have everything in pockets if possible instead of a handbag of any sort. If you must carry a pruse then make it one you can sling around your body bandolier style and only put your comb, etc things you don't care if you lose. I have a see through mesh bag I use on chicken buses...everyone could see exactly what was inside: a comb, etc., etc...get some knowing smiles from local women who knew exactly WHY I carry a see-through bag.
f you are male, then carry a walet in a front pocket only and it is better to have two...one a throw down with some cash and a few things that look like but are not valid credit cards. There are things you can use other than a moneybelt and many like them...anything that keeps your money inside your clothes next to your body and inaccessible is a good idea. And it is better if you are carrying quite a bit of cash to break it into several stashes. THis sounds complicated but becomes second nature pretty quickly. A moneybelt feels strange at first but after a few days of wear it doesn't. ALWAYS hide your money in the markets, especially Chichi....the #1 pickpocketing market in Guatemala.

2)Ask locals about conditions where you are....most places are safe but ask before you go wandering around into areas that might not ne...a local knows and will tell you.

3)0on't close the bars late at night and then walk anywhere.....

alma is right - where to get "fake" cards? save up those fakies the card companies are always sending in the mail that are glued to their preapproved letters. [some are plastic & some heavy cardboard either way in a wallet at first glance they look like one]. i also use very old expired credit cards that are no longer valid because the bank was bot out by another & they changed their credit cards & numbers.