What places to avoid in Guatemala?

Avoid the known crime hotspots in Guatemala City: Zones 1, 3, 6, 18 and 21. Several tourists have reported being robbed at gunpoint while climbing the volcano at Volcan de Agua and also on walking tracks throughout the country. Tourist buses and shuttle buses are occasionally robbed at gunpoint.

What are some things tourists should be careful about Guatemala?

Safety and Security

• Crime: Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens.
• Tourist groups are advised to request security escorts.
• Beware of Scams: Extortion calls and grandparent scams are common in Guatemala.

Is Guatemala safe for tourists 2021?

Guatemala is not the safest country to visit. It has extremely high crime rates, of both violent and petty crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of something wrong happening.

Is Guatemala safe right now?

Despite having a reputation for crime, Guatemala is generally safe to visit right now. There’s Tourist Police here to help you out and the Guatemalan government will do what it can to make sure that you are safe.

What are some bad things about Guatemala?

Public Security, Corruption, and Criminal Justice Violence and extortion by powerful criminal organizations remain serious problems in Guatemala. Gang-related violence is an important factor prompting people, including unaccompanied children and young adults, to leave the country.

How can I be polite in Guatemala?

Grips tend to be firm. When meeting someone for the first time, it’s customary to say, “mucho gusto” (a shortened version of “nice to meet you”). Simply saying “hola” is considered too casual. Other greetings include “buenos días” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), and “buenas noches” (good evening).

Why is Guatemala beautiful?

With cultural, natural, and urban attractions a plenty, plus colorful cities and textiles, Guatemala is a picture-perfect place to snap some epic photographs. This Central American gem is home to cities, like Antigua, that are ringed by volcanos and feature cobbled streets and neoclassical architecture.

How do you stay safe in Guatemala?

Safety Tips for Travelers Don’t flash any signs of wealth and leave valuable jewelry at home. Keep your camera in a discreet case whenever you’re not using it. Resisting a robbery or mugging can be very dangerous, so if you are held up, cooperate fully. Travelers should be vigilant, not paranoid.

Is Guatemala poor?

Poverty in Guatemala is disproportionately high for the country with the largest economy in Central America; while Guatemala had a Gross Domestic Product of $75.62 billion in 2017, it also has the second-highest level of poverty in the Americas. Since 2006, poverty has grown.

Does Guatemala require a Covid test?

All passengers 10 years of age and over arriving in Guatemala by air and land are required to obtain one of the following; A negative COVID-19 PCR or an Antigen test within 72 hours prior to check in at the airport, or arrival at the land border; or.

What does Guatemala struggle with?