Recent reports have increased attacks on buses and tourists, with a hundred people being reportedly murdered since March 09. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/guatemala
Also been reading about reports on tourists http://guatemala.usembassy.gov/recent_incidents.html and the current dengue fever outbreak.
So just how safe is Guatemala at the moment. I'm looking at flying in there in about 3 weeks time, fly to airport and then journey to xela, to enrol on spanish course. Should I start looking elsewhere?
Advise welcome, Thanks guys.
Male late twenties, traveling alone.
Reply to this Hello Phil 😊
I think the main thing to consider is if it is in fact too dangerous to be in Guatamala or if it is just more dangerous than it used to be. I think it would be too dangerous, if most tourists who visit Guatamala are violently attacked. If it is still incidents, rather than the usual, I think you could go there but be careful. ie dont wear jewelery, walk around with valuables such as camera, wander around at night...
Check out the blogs by those who recently travelled in Guatamala, to find out if attacks are the usual these days. A list of reports condensed onto one page about the dangers would be enough to panic anybody. I have been in countries, where tourists were advised not to go. I didnt come to any harm, but I was careful while I was in those places and didnt do some of the things I would have done in places that had no such safety warning.
Mel
Reply to this Hey Phil,
I was planning on passing through Guatamala but decided last week to skip it, hearing too many dodgy things that I don't want to risk it (as a female travelling alone). From what I hear, being a guy there would definitely improve your odds!
Beside there are heaps of other places I want to see..
Reply to this
I have been travelling to Guatemala, alone and a girl, since I was 18. It is my favourite country for many reasons and yes things can happen, if you're smart about it is less likely but anyone can become a victim of the wrong time, wrong place anywhere in the world, dont let fear stop you from seeing Guatemala!
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