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The question is often asked “Is it safe to visit Guatemala?”
To that question I would respond the same way I would answer someone about traveling to New York City, Atlanta, or Paris. It is always wise to be cautious when traveling abroad. Never let curiosity take you where your senses think it is not wise to go. I love traveling to Guatemala and I will continue to do so even to the point of leading a trip of teens and adults there this August.
That being said, there is cause for added alertness since Christmas 2005. There has been a slight increase in assults on foreigners since that time. Apparently at Christmas, there was a reduction in security forces near La Aurora Airport and Zona Viva where the major hotels are located.
Hotel and business owners alike are petitioning officials to step up security for the tourist areas. They are afraid that the warnings some countries are putting out will hurt tourism to the country. Since tourism is a large source of revenue both for hotel owners and employees as well as craftsmen and artisans. As of right now, President Óscar Berger has downplayed the requests citing a 20% rise in tourism since last year at this time.
I have no plans to cease travel to Guatemala and am in fact leading a group of teens and adults there in early August. I will take into account the rise in concern by citizens and business owners. The Prensa Libre had four articles today regarding the safety of tourists in Guatemala city including an article in the editorial section. Rather than causing me not to visit, it simply is a reminder to me to keep my guard up and remain alert.
Some suggestions for safety offered by the Prensa Libre :
- Do not use electronic devices in public areas. The use of iPods, laptops, video game devices, etc. in the airport, in transportation, or in other public areas, can bring unwanted attention your way. Restrict use of these things to your hotel.
- Use credit cards and traveler’s checks as much as possible. Try and limit the amount of cash on you at all times. Never display large amounts of cash in public.
- Report crimes that have happened to you to the US Embassy and to Guatemalan authorities.
Some areas of concern for safety
- Boulevard Juan Pablo II, in the exit to the Boulevard Liberation.
- In the track that it surrounds the Obelisco. (The large traffic circle near Westin and Los Proceres.)
- The intersections of streets in zones 9 and 10.
- The area of the museums,in zone 13.
- Zone 11, by Future Tikal.
Let me be clear that in no way am I advocating staying away from Guatemala. On the contrary, I think that everyone adopting or who has adopted from Guatemala should visit the country whenever they can. However, just be aware that there are security precautions you must take when visiting. Many times we are so wrapped up in why we are there that the rest of the world seems to disappear. Be diligent and have a good time.
