Top Guatemala hotels
Cerro de la Cruz Antigua Guatemala
6 Reviews There will be tour guides wandering the parque, but they will ask for money to take you up to the cross. The tourismo police escort tourists for free 10am/3pm each day. Or better yet, walk up there...
See All 25 Warnings Or Dangers in Antigua Guatemala
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Though the Guatemaltecos are extremely kind, there are some people after your money too. When I was travelling through this country I spoke to many people who had been robbed or threatened. I think it's advisable not to look 'gringo' (rich and western)
While I've felt relatively safe in Guatemala one must always be careful. Do not flash money and generally it is best not to give the impression you are rich. I generally prefer to travel with a native and have hired a guide or driver for a day. Now the caution: a friend of mine from Guatemala had her cousin kidnapped and killed recently -- the kidnappers demanded a ransom and killed him when they received none. This might happen in London or New York City so I do not wish to 'label' Guatemala but it points out the need to always be alert.
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.
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!
Usually it is not hard to get a visa to Guatemala. Before you go it is recommended to get vaccinated, because Guatemala is a tropical Land and has a lot of Tropical forests (Malaria, etc.). When you get there: By air Try using the Airport Shuttle to your hotel, or use a taxi.Guatemala City is a large City, so you will have to take the precautions you normally take in a large city.If you can avoid eating foods which are not prepared in a good restaurant it is better, you don't know how it is made. And when you travel into the country rent your own car or go by plane or on a tourist bus offered in the hotel. The other services are not so reliable, cheap, but not reliable. You don't have to worry talking to police officers or any other official, they are not corrupt.
Be cautious of your wallet when riding on the local buses. They are generally crammed and even a nice old lady talking to about your travels may try to pull one over you (really, it happened to me!).
when driving,beware of "topes".... artificial and HIGH bumps for breaking the speed...successfully....everywhere ,without advertising....mainly near villages...
Don't change the money in the street of Guatemala City, especially in Zone 1. Stay away from the black market in Guatemala.
beware,chichicastenango market can be also a very dangerous place (in 2001,lynching...)
Not that it happens a lot but, just because your tour-guides have guns on your trip into the jugle, it doesn't mean they will use it when in trouble. Word around is that they run faster than pumas...
Palacio de Dona Leonor Antigua Guatemala
6 Reviews and 42 Opinions On a business trip we stayed at the Palace Hotel Dona Leonor. I really liked the decoration of the...
Jungle Lodge Parque Nacional Tikal
4 Reviews and 154 Opinions We stayed two nights here, choosing it because of its nearness to the ruins. The plan was to be able...
Barcelo Premium Guatemala City Guatemala City
1 Review and 198 Opinions Nice hotel in a comfortable safe neighborhood in Zone 9. An easy walk to the Los Procures Mall and...
Reviews and photos of Guatemala attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Guatemala sightseeing.
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Q: My husband and I want to go to Guatemala for 5 weeks starting the last week of March 2012. We had planned to travel all over and...
A: I have two good friends that travel to Guatemala frequently. One supports an orphanage, the other does general social work with kids in the area. Both find the...
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