While the vast majority of travelers to Guatemala have worry-free vacations, crime is indeed on the rise in Guatemala, especially in Guatemala City and Antigua. Theft is common on public transportation, especially between major cities. Armed robbery and rape are also on the rise.

Areas to Avoid:
Guatemala City’s Zone 1, where most bus terminals and discount hotels are located, is a particularly dangerous area of the capital. The Central Market is also target to more than its share of theft.

There have been reports of attacks on tourists on the Pacaya volcano in Antigua. If possible, accompany tour group or a tourist police escort. Attacks have also been reported on the trails between Lake Atitlan’s villages—once again, find a guided tour, or take a boat.

Safety and the Police:
According to WCities, in Guatemala “the police force is young, inexperienced, and under-funded, and the judicial system is weak, overcrowded, and inefficient.” Unfortunately, criminals are aware that they’re unlikely to be punished for their crimes.
Tips on Staying Safe:
# In Guatemala City and Antigua, avoid traveling at night at all costs. Even if your destination is only a couple blocks away, take a cab or tuk-tuk.
# Don’t flash any signs of wealth. Leave your jewelry at home.
# Keep all important documents and large sums of money in an underclothes money belt, or your hotel safe.
# Do not resist a mugging—that’s how most victims are injured or killed. If you are held up, cooperate fully.

Important contacts:
Security escorts and emergency services are available through the Tourist Assistance Office of INGUAT; dial 1500.
Hear current updates on Guatemala safety and security by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 elsewhere.
To contact the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, dial (502) 2-326-4000 or (502) 2-331-2354 after hours.

Here is a list of incidents against foreigners (not that many considering this for entire 2008)
http://guatemala.usembassy.gov/recent_incidents.html

I am planning my travel through guatemala starting middle of december, my flight arrive, 8.30 p.m.
whats the best, search a shuttle to antigua for the night.
Thanks for a answer

My 13 yr old girl wants to go with her church group to Guatemala City in March. Although they will be chaparoned, I am concerned with what I read about that country's violence. PLEASE give me some input on this. You many email me at raul.ferrer@att.net.

I will be extremely grateful.

Also are there any safety issues when visiting the Peten Region?

Hi there, I was just reading some of the comments and I would like to add some of my own.

I currently live in Guatemala and have done so for many many years. It is true that the crime rate has been ascending quite a lot in the past years but it is still possible to have an uneventful vacation, you just have to rely heavily on common sense. If you feel you are exposed, unsafe or else, you are probably right, so try to avoid it. Also avoid carrying large sums of money or really important documents with you, try traveling in large groups and do your homework (investigate the areas that you are visiting, the places where you are staying, the transportation you will use, etc). But I strongly suggest visiting Guatemala (Atitltán, Petén, Reu and Antigua above all) because it is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see; with impressive rain forests, Mayan ruins, Colonial ruins, natural wonders, a multi-ethnic culture, great food and beverage and the unmatchable weather.

I hope I was of service!

Portal Antigua Hotel...it is very nice and the shuttle was $20.00 US.

Sorry...I assumed you were talking about where I stayed...not so sure about where to stay there.

Hi, I've explored most of South America and am very keen to spend some time in Guatemala. The safety related to crime doesn't concern me as much as it might others because I come from South Africa and am used to being on guard. I would however be traveling with my husband and 3 year old child and I'm more nervous about the health risks of traveling with a child. So far I've read of dengue, malaria, hepatitis and a whole host of serious digestive illnesses. Does anyone have any advice on whether it is in fact safe to travel with a young child? Thanks

Windy,
I have been to Guatemala 2 times, the last time this past August. I will be returning in August 2009. You will love Chichicastenango if you love to shop.
The market is open on Thursday and Sunday. You will see the most beautiful artisan pieces from all over the country. I hope you plans include being in Antigua during that time. There are many parades and festivities for the Easter season. The trip from airport in Gua City to Chich is long, about 5 hours. The most famous hotel in Chichi is Hotel Santos Tomas which you can find if you Google. I do have an friend there who is an interpeter and guide if you need one. Good luck you will love Guatemala!

Hi my husband and i are driving fro the airport to lake atitlan. i was wondering is this a safe venture for us to make? The statistics are very alarming and i really want to avoid problems if i can.
Also does anyone know how long the drive takes?
thank you

Windy,
If you would like, Email me at Tanszyb@charter.net and I will give you the email of my friend who is a guide/interp. The market will be open on Palm Sunday I am sure. I will check to make sure.
I am happy to help. You will love Guatemala.

There are a couple of places to stay a few minutes from Guatemala airport that are reasonable 1- Airport Inn B & B and 2- 2Lunas B&B. They provide shuttle service.

Hi,
I am flying into Guatemala City, arriving alone around 9.30 pm in mid-July, then hoping to go to Antigua. By the time I leave the airport, will it be too late (or unsafe) to get a shuttle/taxi to Antigua? Do any of the hotels offer free and reliable transport? Or would it be safer to stay in a hotel near the airport? I would be very grateful if anyone can help!

oh, and I'll be staying in what my company is calling "the good part" of Guatemala City...