Are you planning a trip to Guatemala but feeling a bit nervous about safety? You're not alone! Many adventurous explorers ask themselves the same question before embarking on their journey to our lovely country. Whether you're traveling with your family, alone as a female traveler, or going solo for the first time, it's normal to feel a bit anxious about the unknown. But don't worry, we're here to help ensure safe travels in Guatemala!

Guatemala will welcome you with new experiences, a new language, new foods, warm hospitality, and new places waiting to be discovered. With a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the land of eternal spring. So keep reading for some great advice to make your upcoming holiday a success and for ensuring safety in Guatemala!

Safety in Guatemala Travel Tips

Any experienced traveler should have safety as a top priority when being away from home, as there are always situations that can go beyond your control. Researching ahead of time can help lay expectations and allows you to come prepared for smooth travels while you enjoy beautiful places and experience fascinating culture.

Some things you should keep in mind to guarantee your safety and comfort are when traveling to Guatemala are:

Planning your Arrival at Guatemala City Airport

The arrival at La Aurora International Airport may be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to go or what to do. Arranging a pick-up and drop-off from a reputable tour operator, hotel, shuttle company or hiring an authorized airport taxi will guarantee you’ll have someone waiting for you upon arrival, especially if you’re only passing through Guatemala City and heading to Antigua or another destination outside of the city. This is one of the best ways to ensure safe travels in Guatemala.

The airport is small and easy to navigate, but for your safety, it's best to follow your transportation services instructions and stay in the agreed meeting point. Some travelers will rely on Uber and other similar services, however, due to the heavy traffic of Guatemala City, it can be hard to secure a ride at the airport exit. Gas is also very expensive in Guatemala, and this makes the rates higher. So the fare you pay for a private shuttle transfer may be pretty similar to taking an Uber. This will depend on the time you arrive; if it’s not rush hour, it might be super easy for you, but you’ll know that until you arrive and so having a transfer arranged can ease things up for you upon arrival.

Food Safety in Guatemala

If you're someone who has a sensitive stomach, then you're likely to have concerns about food and water safety when traveling to Guatemala. However, it's important to note that Guatemala is a highly abundant and productive territory with plenty of fresh and locally produced fruits, vegetables, and other foods. 

To ensure that you're able to secure fresh and clean food, it's advisable to read reviews and do some research on restaurants and food venues before visiting them. This will help ensure safe travels in Guatemala, especially when it comes to your health.

While street food is a normal part of the Guatemalan diet, it's important to exercise caution if you have a sensitive stomach. You shouldn’t miss out on trying all the local, delicious food, but keep in mind you’re in a different place and street food is often highly seasoned, spicy, and deep-fried.

If you're traveling as part of an organized tour, you can avoid any food safety issues by informing tour operators, local guides or venues in advance about your dietary restrictions. This will help them point you in the direction of finding the proper meals for you and ensure safe travels in Guatemala.

The options you’ll find in Antigua Guatemala for example, will blow your mind. There are lots of great venues that cater to vegan, pescatarian, gluten free and other special diets. There are even local food tours and experiences you can join that adapt to what you need and will have your safety as top priority! 

Water Safety in Guatemala

Drinking tap water in Guatemala is not recommended due to potential health risks. However, purified drinking water is readily available in most tiendas (convenience stores and shops) and establishments. 

Additionally, carrying a reusable water bottle with you can be extremely helpful in ensuring that you have access to clean drinking water, and some venues even have garrafones (water jugs) for travelers to refill.

In an effort to reduce single-use plastic, many hotels and restaurants in Guatemala also have the remarkable Ecofiltro (clean drinking water filters) that works to provid water safety to many Guatemalan families.  

Safe Money Handling in Guatemala

The local currency in Guatemala is the quetzal (Q), and we recommend using it for purchases in local stores and markets. One US dollar (USD) is equivalent to about Q7.50, and foreign currency is not usually accepted, so stick to quetzals from the start for a safe and hassle-free trip.

When it comes to exchanging money, it's best to do so safely by avoiding the streets. Instead, head to properly identified banks in Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, Flores, or Rio Dulce to exchange dollars for quetzales at the day's exchange rate. Just make sure to present crisp, unstained, and untorn bills and a valid passport. The bank may be able to exchange $20, $50, or $100 bills depending on availability. This way, you can enjoy your trip safely without worrying about being a target for thieves or scammer who offer money exchange in the streets.

If you're paying for things in restaurants, supermarkets, or bars, you can usually pay with a card, but make sure to do so safely. We recommend only using a credit/debit card if necessary and if the establishment has a visible POS terminal. Keep in mind that some places may charge an additional fee for card use, usually ranging from 5% to 10%, so it's always best to carry cash to avoid any extra charges.

When it comes to withdrawing cash, make sure to do so safely by using ATMs located in properly identified banks. Popular areas like Antigua, Panajachel, Chichicastenango, Rio Dulce, and Flores have ATMs readily available. Make sure to carry small notes for your expenses as most establishments in Guatemala carry cash and don't always accept large bills like the Q200 or even Q100.

Safe Places to Stay in Guatemala

The options for safe places to stay in Guatemala are diverse and depend on your personal preferences. Before booking a hotel, do your research by reading reviews and examining the area to ensure you are well connected to places of interest. 

Choosing a safe hotel is essential for a worry-free trip to Guatemala. Look for hotels with 24-hour security, secure entrances, evacuation routes and safety features like in-room safes and smoke detectors. Opt for well-lit public areas and streets. Consider the hotel's amenities, such as transportation options and on-site restaurants as a plus. 

It's important to note that there are areas in Guatemala that even locals avoid, so it's best to stick to tourist areas and well-known destinations. This applies when you travel anywhere in the world. 

A fantastic option for safe accomodation in Guatemala are homestays. Not only do you get to immerse yourself in the local culture, but you also get the added benefit of having a local host to guide and support you during your stay.

But where do you find these homestays? At Etnica we got you covered! We can connect you directly with a local family who offers this service and ensures an exceptional experience. Our homestays are hand-picked for their comfort and safety, so you can have peace of mind while experiencing the real Guatemala and local hospitality. 

Safety While Sightseeing in Guatemala

With so many amazing activities and tours to choose from in Guatemala, it's important to prioritize safety when planning your adventures. When booking activities with a local travel company, make sure to choose one that's authorized by INGUAT (Guatemalan Institute of Tourism)  and has plenty of experience. Check out reviews from other customers and ask any questions you may have before making a booking to ensure peace of mind.

To make the most of your Guatemalan adventure, consider hiring a guide with experience that can support logistics, advice and local insight. Look for those tour operators who take the time to answer your questions and clearly lay out what you can expect from their services. Having guidance during your trip will allow you to enjoy it even more! 

When exploring protected areas and national parks, be sure to stick to designated trails, follow the regulations and if necessary always let your guide know if you're moving away from the group. Going off-trail can be dangerous and put you at risk for getting lost or encountering wildlife or other environmental hazards.

For high-risk activities like zip lining or paragliding, we can’t stress enough how you should do your research in advance. There are many informal businesses who scam tourists and operate without following proper regulations. Follow your instinct if you’re not entirely convinced. 

Whether you are hiking an active volcano or driving an ATV around Antigua, it’s your responsibility to listen carefully to security briefings, and make sure you understand any liability waivers that may be required. Safety should always come first!

Moving Around the Country Safely

When it comes to transportation in Guatemala, safety should be your top priority. Don't rely on unreliable public transportation or try to navigate the challenging roads on your own. Instead, hire a reputable transportation company or tour operator with experienced drivers.

Traveling at night for long distances is not recommended even for locals, so as a traveler, it's best to avoid it. Stick to authorized tourist shuttles during the day and let the experts handle the driving.

Keep in mind that Guatemala's government corruption, complex socio-political situation, and the discontent of the population often leads to  peaceful  roadblocks and protests, this can cause major delays when traveling. But don't worry, with the right planning, you can still enjoy your trip without getting stuck in traffic. When these roadblocks are communicated in advance (it’s usually this way) Tour operators and travel companies will have alternative routes planned and will communicate the options available to ensure a smooth journey and have the least disruption to your travel itinerary.

So sit back, relax, and leave the transportation to the experts. With a little bit of planning, you can explore Guatemala safely and worry-free.

Plan Ahead and Don’t Worry About Safety in Guatemala

Exploring Guatemala can be a wonderful and safe experience as long as you take the necessary precautions and plan ahead. 

At Etnica, we prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our clients who visit Guatemala. Our experienced guides and authorized transportation services ensure that you can enjoy the beauty and adventure of Guatemala without worrying about any safety concerns.

So, if you're planning a trip to Guatemala, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll help you plan your itinerary, recommend safe activities and tours, and provide reliable transportation services. Let us help you create an unforgettable and safe travel experience in Guatemala. Contact us today to start planning!