Volcanoes, Mayan ruins, colonial infrastructure, and unspoiled pure magnificence are a few of the issues which might be ready for you in Guatemala.
The nation might be protected if the mandatory precautions are taken. Native gang exercise and volcanic eruptions are the principle sources of concern for vacationers.
Guatemala goes via 44 large wildfires which have prompted the nation to concern a nationwide “State of Calamity.”
Learn on to study when is the perfect time to go to and what locations you need to or shouldn’t keep away from.
LATEST NEWS from Guatemala
Guatemala points a “Pure Catastrophe” alert attributable to 44 wildfires
On April 10, Guatemala needed to declare a nationwide State of Natural Disaster attributable to wildfires consuming over 44 forests throughout the nation.
Over 200 Guatemalans have been rushed to the hospital attributable to publicity to poisonous smoke coming from a burning landfill in Villa Nueva.
On April 8, President Bernardo Arévalo said that not less than 80 % of the fires had been began by folks, in keeping with official knowledge. Felony investigations have been introduced.
All colleges throughout three cities in Villa Nueva needed to shut their doorways.
The state of emergency is predicted to final not less than 30 days.
Areas to Keep away from
When in Guatemala, you might be suggested to mainly keep away from all areas after darkish. At evening, it’s when most violent crimes occur.
Having mentioned that, chorus from visiting zones 1, 3, 6, 18 and 21. There have additionally been studies of vacationers being robbed at gunpoint when mountaineering the Agua Volcano.
Criminals are additionally concentrating on some routes surrounding Lake Atitlán. Should you resolve to go mountaineering there be sure to rent an authorized information who can take you thru the most secure paths.
Don’t journey to the departments of San Marcos, Huehuetenango, Amatitlán, Chinautla, Escuintla, San José del Golfo, San Raymundo, Villa Nueva, and the municipalities of Chiquimula, Jutiapa, Zacapa attributable to crime and drug trafficking.
Crime Statistics
With a rating of 76.22 factors, crime in Guatemala is taken into account “excessive.” Learn on to find out about different vital stats relating to security on this Central American nation, in keeping with Numbeo.
| Crime stage | 76.22 | Excessive | |
| Rise in crime over the past 3 years | 61.94 | Excessive | |
| Considerations about dwelling invasions and getting your belongings stolen from your home | 52.47 | Reasonable | |
| Considerations about getting mugged or robbed | 70.24 | Excessive | |
| Considerations about getting your automobile stolen | 61.62 | Excessive | |
| Worries about getting your issues stolen out of your automobile | 69.14 | Excessive | |
| Considerations about being attacked | 54.45 | Reasonable | |
| Worries about being insulted | 36.81 | Low | |
| Considerations about being bodily attacked attributable to pores and skin shade, ethnic origin, gender, or faith | 26.03 | Low | |
| Issues with drug addicts or drug sellers | 55.82 | Reasonable | |
| Vandalism and theft | 66.68 | Excessive | |
| Assault and armed theft | 75.23 | Excessive |
Official Journey Advisories
US Journey Advisory
The US authorities ranks Guatemala as a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” nation. This implies journey to this nation is just not forbidden however additionally it is not inspired.
Guatemala is reportedly experiencing a number of instances of violent crime like killings, armed robberies, drug trafficking, gang-related crime and extra.
US personnel are extra probably to have the ability to help you when visiting Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Pacific coast areas within the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments.
When you’ve got any questions relating to your security or require pressing medical care please contact PROATUR at 1500 or +502-2290-2800. They’ve English-speaking staff.
Canada Journey Advisory
Canada advises its residents to “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting Guatemala attributable to violent crime and demonstrations.
Don’t drive on the RN-7E, CA-11, CA-12, CA-13 and PET-13 highways.
Drug-related crimes are notably prevalent on the Guatemala-Mexico and Belize borders. Thus, chorus from visiting these areas.
Security Suggestions for Guatemala
Keep on with well-liked vacationer locations and don’t journey to the areas we advocate to not journey to (see Areas to Keep away from). And observe these suggestions to take advantage of your journey to this stunning nation.
- It’s absurd to need to say this however don’t have interaction in drug trafficking. Vacationers have been caught transporting medication to Huehuetenango Division – It’s unlawful and also you don’t wish to serve time in a Guatemalan jail.
- Keep away from strolling alone or touring between cities at evening.
- Don’t exhibit your cash. Don’t make your self a goal.
- Don’t participate in political demonstrations – It’s a proper foreigners don’t have.
- The wet season which works from June to November could make roads harmful. Keep away from driving between cities throughout these months.
- Chorus from swimming within the Pacific Ocean. Currents might be extraordinarily sturdy and chances are you’ll not have the ability to get assist if wanted.
- Don’t go to non-public events with folks you simply met.
- Solely e book respected lodging and taxis.
- The Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) can give you some safety personnel in case you are participating in a bunch tour. Don’t hesitate to succeed in out to them.
- If you wish to hike the volcanoes, at all times rent an knowledgeable and licensed information who will take you thru the most secure routes that don’t seem on journey guides.
- Don’t go away your drinks unattended.
- Solely used ATMs situated inside banks.
