Safety Issues in Guatemala

Guatemala is a developing country with wide income disparities; it has a large proportion of indigenous population (70%) living in poor conditions, mainly in the Highlands (250km west of the capital).

The Peace Accords made an end to the thirty year civil war in 1996.

The reported incidents of mugging, assaults, or petty theft of foreigners are not worse than what happens in some large urban areas of Europe or the U.S. Like any large metropolis, Guatemala City has also its slums to be avoided by foreign visitors.

SECURITY for Tourists has been IMPROVED

Because tourism has become such an important part of the country's revenues, the government has taken pro-active steps to increase tourists's safety. Since 2003 the yearly number of foreign visitors has increased by half a million totaling over 1,400,000 tourists in 2006.

To be fair several huge improvements need to be mentioned:

1. The complete renovation of the Guatemala City Airport "La Aurora", with increased security within and around it. Entrance and arrival areas are totally separate now. "La Aurora Airport" is now the most modern airport of all Central America. Security for boarding planes is as severe as it is in the U.S.: all international carriers want passengers to arrive for check-in at the airport 3 hours before departure.
2. Installation of over 60 surveillance cameras in strategic areas of the capital, linked to a central emergency unit, equipped with the latest surveillance technology (GPS and AVL)
3. In Antigua, a package of new security measures has been implemented since July 2006, with the help of POLITUR, a special police force specialized in taking care of tourist safety. More police officers have been put on the streets, either on foot or on motorcycles, in addition to motorized vehicles.

Spa-Med-Holiday's Commitment to Security

We don't travel to risky zones. All our private transfers take place during day time. We want your holiday with us to be stress-free.

• Your daily trips by private chartered micro-bus from Antigua to Lake AMATITLAN (a 45 min. drive) happen on a safe, transited road. Besides the driver, you are going to be accompanied by our helpful escort.
• All hotels have been carefully selected as to their location and their security efforts. Your hotels in ANTIGUA are within safe walking distance from the main square.
• At your arrival at Guatemala City's Airport, you will be met by one of our friendly staff, who will escort you to your hotel.

Conclusion

Since 2003 Guatemala has increased its influx of tourists in 67%, more than any other Latin American country (according to statistics of the World Travel Organization or WTO). Guatemala is a peaceful and beautiful place, and its habitants are absolutely friendly and welcoming towards tourists. It still has many problems like in all developing countries, but at the same time it is safe enough to make your vacation rewarding for you.

We reprint here some SAFETY TIPS endorsed by Guatemala's tourist commission or INGUAT

Luggage/Documents/Valuables

1. Keep an eye on your luggage and never ask strangers to watch it for you.
2. Carry at all times a copy of your passport on you. Make sure it has your picture and date of entry to Guatemala.
3. Keep your passport, flight tickets and other valuables in the hotel`s safe.
4. Don't wear expensive jewelry or expensive look-alike fashion jewelry.
5. Keep a low profile with your video and photo cameras. Don`t wear bulky money-belts, carry rather discrete inside pouches.

Money

1. Exchange money in a bank or in your hotel, never on the street
2. While walking, keep your cash and credit cards on you, in a safe pocket, or in a small inside pouch.
3. Only carry cash for the day, as all international credit cards are accepted in Guatemala
4. If using Traveler's checks, write down the numbers on a separate sheet and keep it in a safe place.

Taxicabs

Remember that all taxi drivers must carry proper identification (placed in a visible spot and clearly stating the driver's name next to a recent photograph). In Antigua, only use the taxicabs clearly identified as such; they are located on the Central Plaza, near the Cathedral. Only use the moto-taxis or so called "Tuk-tuks" during day-time.

Parks & Beaches

1. Use pathways and marked traffic areas in parks.
2. If going on walks, form pairs or groups.
3. Don't touch or hurt animals or plants in the area.
4. At the beach, ask your hotel's front desk about safe areas. Get information on tides undertow. Make sure there's a lifeguard on duty.