Guatemala

PROATUR provides 24-hour tourist assistance in Spanish and English. The tourist assistance service also provides free escort service for tourist groups or individuals and issues current advice on which routes to take. PROATUR can also be reached by e-mail at: [email protected]

National police officers may not speak English.

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in all of Latin America. Tourists have been targeted arriving at the international airport and travelling to hotels in Antigua and Guatemala City. Try to schedule your arrival at the La Aurora Airport (Guatemala City) during daylight hours. If possible, travel with a reputable tour company or use an escort from the government-run tourist service. If possible, do not travel alone, particularly at night. Avoid low-cost hotels with minimal security. Avoid walking alone after dark.

Well-armed violent street gangs are becoming a problem throughout Guatemala. Always be alert to your surroundings, especially in cities. To avoid being targeted, never display signs of affluence, and keep cash and valuables out of sight, including cell phones or other electronic equipment.

There have been reports of increased vigilante justice in rural areas, resulting in hangings of suspected child kidnappers, etc.

Intercity travel by car can be dangerous, particularly at night, due to reckless driving, poor road conditions and poor vehicle maintenance. Try to travel during daylight and in a convoy if possible. Do not travel on public buses. The Inter-American (or Pan-American) Highway (CA-1) and the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean are dangerous because of heavy traffic. Off-road travel in the remote highlands should be undertaken only after seeking advice from your embassy in Guatemala City. Always drive with car windows closed and doors locked. Roadblocks have been reported along roads leading to and from airports. Do not attempt to pass through a roadblock, even if it appears unattended.

The US dollar is the only currency freely exchanged in Guatemala.

Guatemala is at risk for forest fires, particularly between November and June. The Petén area is at highest risk. Hurricane season in Guatemala is between May-November. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Due to its location in an active seismic zone, Guatemala also experiences earthquakes. There are active volcanos in Guatemala. Always be aware of the evacuation routes and, in the case of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.

LGBTI travellers should note that although same-sex relations are legal in Guatemala, there is a social intolerance towards same-sex behaviour. Avoid public displays of affection.

Avoid all areas bordering El Salvador, Honduras and northern areas along the border with Mexico due to armed attacks due and drug-related violence.

Exercise extreme caution in Guatemala City due to violent crime, robberies, assault, rape, and carjackings.

Due to civil unrest and violent crime, always check with local authorities if considering travel to the Department of Peten (including the tourist site of Tikal) or the Department of Izabal, especially the areas of Rio Dulce, Livingston, Lake Izabal, and Puerto Barrios.

Violence related to organised crime, drug trafficking, and streets gangs occurs and has also been reported in the capital, Guatemala City, as well as in other major cities in the country. Foreigners are not usually targeted, but should remain vigilant to surroundings to avoid being caught in one of these situations.

Protests, strikes, blockades, and demonstrations occur, sometimes without warning causing disruption to traffic, utilities and public transport. These situations have become violent in the past. Travellers should minimize risk by avoiding all public gatherings and demonstrations. If foreigners choose to participate in demonstrations, this could lead to deportation and denial of future entry in Guatemala.