North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Safety and security

Crime

• Assailants generally carry guns and are prepared to use them.  Victims have been killed and injured resisting attack.
• You should avoid displaying items of value such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones. You are advised not to wear jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash.
• Consider your transport options carefully when travelling between cities or tourist sites.  There have been several armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from places such as Coban, Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan.  We advise against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US school buses) for security reasons. Private inter-city buses are generally safer, although attacks can also occur on these.  Some routes between popular tourist sites should be avoided.  See the Local Travel Section for more information.
• For shorter trips within towns and cities the safest option is to take radio or hotel taxis.  You should avoid walking in unfamiliar areas or catching local city buses or unofficial taxis. When arriving at the airport you can buy pre-paid taxi vouchers from the INGUAT Tourist Office (in the arrivals terminal).
• You should keep valuables out of sight on arrival at Guatemala City.  Carjackings and armed robberies on travellers arriving at the airport have increased.  Victims have been followed and attacked some distance from the airport. Visibly carrying a laptop bag on arrival at the airport may increase your likelihood of being targeted.
• It is safer to change money at hotels and use ATMs in shopping centres or department stores. It is wise not to withdraw too much money at one time.  There have been several armed attacks on foreigners, including a British tourist in April, after they have withdrawn money from ATMs.  You should avoid withdrawing money at night.
• Avoid travelling on your own or at night especially at border crossings or areas where there are few other people around. The risk of attack increases at night, so you are advised to travel during the day.
• You should take particular care when travelling around Guatemala City, especially in Zone 1 where many cheaper hotels are situated and several bus routes terminate. Zones 9, 10 (Zona Viva) and 14 are considered the safest areas of Guatemala City. However, the risk of violent crime exists in all zones of the city.
• You should avoid approaching or taking pictures of Guatemalan children without permission from the child’s parent or guardian.  This is particularly important advice to follow in more remote areas such as Quiche, Peten, San Marcos and Chiqimula provinces.  There has been an increase in the number of lynchings and attempted lynchings related to accusations and fears of child kidnapping for adoption or theft of vital organs.  Foreigners have become caught up in these violent reactions.
• You should be wary of persons presenting themselves as police officers. There have been reports of visitors becoming victims of theft, extortion or sexual assault by people dressed in police uniforms.
• We advise against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to unrest amongst local communities involved in land use disputes. When climbing volcanoes or walking in remote areas, it is safer to go with others and hire a guide or take part in a tour with a reputable company and only conduct this activity in daylight hours. There have been several armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya,  Agua and Acatenango volcanoes.
• You should consider purchasing the local Asistur card on arrival at the international airport (INGUAT booth, 2nd floor). The card can provide you with emergency assistance and guidance during your stay. You can also contact INGUAT (service available in English), the Guatemalan Tourist Institute on their 24 hour number (502) 2421 2810 (or 1550 in country) for security information and advice.

There continue to be armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. The most recent involving a British National was on 3 November on the road to Tikal. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead. The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Armed attacks on tourists have also taken place on minor roads around Lake Atitlan , and in particular, the road between Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro. There are frequent boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.

Car-jackings and armed hold-ups are increasingly common on the main road 'carretera Salvador' leading from Guatemala City to the border with El Salvador. The crossroads at Fraijanes, San Jose Punula an Las Luces are also focal points for express kidnappings.

We specifically recommend the use of the main Inter-American road highway between Panajachel and Solola.  To visit other tourist destinations around Lake Atitlan use the water route from Panajachel. On 5 September 2008, the local tourist support unit Asistur issued recommendations for routes to be taken when travelling in and around Solola, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan.  Please contact them for further details.

Asistur also offer an escort service for tourists groups or individuals travelling locally in the region.  Please contact them on the number above for more information regarding this service.