When I went to Guatamala 10 years ago, it was hellishly dangerous.
The chances of getting robbed at knife point were almost 100%.
I did not think travelling there was worth the risk.
I have been told that things have changed and Guatamala has become a backpackers mecca.
Does anybody have any comments about this?
If it is true I will reconsider Guatamala as a travel destination.
Mel
Reply to this Mell i will tell you in Feb08 when i have been there, its one of my many stops on my trip, i hear that it is quite safe these days, hopefully that is true.......lol
😊
Reply to this Hi Mell - I pretty much started my travels in Guatemala this year - its a fantastic country (still about my favourite) and I didn't see or hear of any problems with security. There's a pretty well trodden backpacker/tourist circuit now and if you stick to that and use commone sense you should be fine.
Definitely reconsider it!
PS - you may want to post in the Central America forum too for more replies.
Reply to this Guatemala is amazing. I spent 4 months there. It is relatively safe, with the exception of certain neighborhoods in Guatemala City. Otherwise, it is very safe...tons of backpackers and international students (for Spanish). Places worth visiting in Guatemala are: Antigua (nearby Volcan de Pacaya, Volcan de Fuego), Chichicastenango, Flores/Tikal (can do a 4 day hike from Flores to El Mirador (ancient Mayan city)) (there is an awesome hostel in Flores), Rio Dulce (awesome lodge on the river), Semuc Champey in Coban, Volcan Tajamulco, San Andres Xecul (a small Mayan village with a surreal church).
Reply to this Thanks Nacho and Mickwoly 😊
Looks like the rumours about Guatamala now being a backpackers mecca are true.
That is so reassuring.
Mell
Reply to this Mell,
I went to Guatemala 10 years ago too and I have'nt any problem. In that time the civil war was in its final moments. I have noticed that now there are some problems and the country become dangerous as a result of the gangs (many of them former military warmen). So take care of you but enjoy that beautyfull and unique country. I recomend: Antigua, Chichicastenango, Panajachel ("gringotenango") and Tikal (better than Flores to stay), you can avoid Ciudad de Guatemala.
Good luck!!
Reply to this Thanks Dany 😊
Hopefully those gangs will not be interested in tourists.
Mell
Reply to this Hi Mel
I have been living here for 2 1/2 years and have never had a problem. I would say use all the usual precautions that you would use anywhere in the world. Life is very easy here and just about anything is available. Most popular areas have tourist police and even the not so popular areas like Pacaya Volcano are fine to go to. Really worth a visit.
Cardaw
Reply to this Thanks Cardaw 😊
Guatamala is certainly going back on my to visit list, because of all the good things people are saying about it.
Mell
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