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Guatemala Warnings or Dangers
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Guatemala Warnings or Dangers


Guatemala travel tips posted by real travelers and Guatemala locals.
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There have been problems in...
  • By vmcintee on August 27, 2002
  • Guatemala Page by vmcintee
  • There have been problems in Tikal with a group they call the invisibles. A few tourists have been vandalized. They have increased security in the park due to this but you should make sure you are traveling with a guide, especially when you are leaving the main area.

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    Dengue Fever
    AnnaLupilla
  • By AnnaLupilla on April 17, 2005
  • Guatemala Page by AnnaLupilla
  • This is a viral infection found throughout Central America. Thousands of cases occur each year in Guatemala. The virus is transmitted by zancudo, which bites predominantly during daytime and are usually found close to human habitations, often indoors. They set their breedings normally into artificial water containers, which are commonly used here. As a result, dengue is especially common in densely populated, urban environments, although officially it is NOT common throughout the City of Guatemala. Well, … one out of 10.000.000 zancudos me pico a mi though.
    The virus normally causes flu-like symptoms like fever, muscle aches, joint paints, headaches, nausea and vomiting, often followed by a rash. The body aches may be quite uncomfortable, but most cases usually resolve uneventfully in a few days … I had to spent three nights in Centro Médico though.
    There is no treatment for dengue fever except to take analgesics and drink plenty of fluids. Severe cases may require hospitalisation for intravenous fluids and supportive care. There is no vaccine. Protect of insect bites!!!

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    WE were told by everyone,...
    Dodin
  • By Dodin on August 25, 2002
  • Guatemala Page by Dodin
  • WE were told by everyone, including cab drivers, the Guatemala city is NOT safe. It did not feel safe.
    Antigua was diferent and quite safe. So was Flores Island. However, we were constantly told about the risks at secluded places like hiking the volcanos. Go with a reputable firm and they will contact the government for escort to the volcanos. We just trusted our gut and played it very safe, unlike other trips where we feel confident venturing everywhere.

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    Gautemala and safety
  • By adammarkle on May 16, 2007
  • Guatemala Page by adammarkle
  • Yes Gautemala is no joke and is a very violent country and is still dealing with the aftermath of a civil war. With that being said the people are incredibly warm and for the most part I felt safe the whole time I was there. I have friends that live in Gautemala city mostly in Zona Viva. As a tourist you should never never be in zone 1, 18 or 3. Locals dont go there. el gallito is in zone 3 and is one of the most violent ghettos in central america. Unless you are a social worker you really dont have any business going there being that most guatemalans don't go there unless they have to. Antigua is very very safe just don't walk home alone at night after the bars especially if you are a female. Get guides for the volcano. Get guides for the jungle. Lago Atillan is very safe just use normal common sense.

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    beware,chichicastenango market...
    cbeaujean
  • By cbeaujean on August 26, 2002
  • Guatemala Page by cbeaujean
  • beware,chichicastenango market can be also a very dangerous place (in 2001,lynching...)

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    there is no danger zone. every...
  • By feli on August 25, 2002
  • Guatemala Page by feli
  • there is no danger zone. every one in guatemala has good health. there is nothing wrong with the food my experience was so beautiful and I will go there every summmer

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    Be very careful of the FOOD! ...
  • Updated By ohmarie on August 24, 2002
  • Guatemala Page by ohmarie
  • Guatemala Warnings or Dangers
    by ohmarie
    Be very careful of the FOOD! I got extremly sick with Ameoboas! 7 of us did from the food and water, and we were told that it's unavoidable, if you have a strong stomach you might not feel the effects, but I definately will never go back because of it!

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    Photography
    jenny_lu
  • By jenny_lu on February 21, 2006
  • Guatemala Page by jenny_lu
  • Guatemala Warnings or Dangers
    by jenny_lu
    Guatemala is a beautiful country, full of color and tradition. my only close call came in a market in Chichicastenango. i was mulling on the steps of the church camera in hand. a man passed me and thought i had shot a picture of him, and became very upset with me. luckily, i hadn't taken the picture and a nearby group of guys spoke up for me when the angry man started acting out, with his machete. i understood what the man was saying and assured him i hadn't done anything, and that if i wanted to take a picture of him, i would have asked. long story short, he ended up walking away and i was a bit shaken up, and from that day on, i was very careful with my camera and who i was pointing it at. i was told that some guatemaltecos are very touchy about pictures because they have long been seen as an "ugly and common culture with beautiful artistry".

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    Climbing the Pacaya Vulcano
    peterma
  • By peterma on October 3, 2002
  • Guatemala Page by peterma
  • At the crater of the volcanoe - Guatemala
    At the crater of the volcanoe
    by peterma
    It is advised to do the trip to the pacaya vulcano near Antigua under police protection. Be sure you have protection if you book at one of the travel agents. We booked at Gran Jaguar tours in Antigua, who did promise police protection, but didn't see any police. We got 2 park guides for our little group of 3 people however.

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    Guatemala City at night...
    Vbort44
  • By Vbort44 on April 21, 2006
  • Guatemala Page by Vbort44
  • Guatemala City during the day - Guatemala
    Guatemala City during the day
    by Vbort44, 1 more photos
    If you are truly prepared and you some investigation and research before traveling to Guatemala, then there is no doubt in my mind that you have already read what I am about to recommend. DO NOT venture into Guatemala City at night!

    On our way to the Guatemala Airport, our cab-van had to make a few quick drop-offs in same relatively shady locations in Guatemala City. It was very creepy, especially in the company of a very naïve tourist who thought it would be fine to get out of the van to get some fresh air while we were parked. Needless to say, we were almost robbed. Of course, this was at night in a rather disreputable district of the city. Nonetheless, you know it is a dangerous situation when the cab driver is scared, and he’s a local!

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