Are you wondering is Antigua, Guatemala safe or not?
For anyone considering a trip to Antigua, Guatemala, you’ll be all too aware of the (unfair) reputation that exists here.
However, as I say to all travelers, especially newbie backpackers, you really need to look to come here for yourself and find out first-hand.
Let’s put all scaremongering to the side for one second and take a look at this very important point of discussion moving forward.
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Is it safe to travel to Antigua?
Like any other city in Guatemala, it’s about picking the right spots to go and visit.
Antigua is a special place because it is one of the most developed towns in Guatemala which is geared up for backpackers and travelers
With so many things to do in Antigua, you can find yourself living in a comfortable bubble if you stay here too long.
Many people make their way from Antigua to visit other more run-down parts of the country and end up even missing the comfort of Antigua.
That alone to me says a lot about the safety in Antigua!
I found that once travelers arrive here they’re more concerned about safety when getting out in the “real Guatemala”.
If you’re traveling alone you should try and keep yourself to the major tourist hubs and the most commercially busy parts of the city.
Places like Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango are relatively close-by.
This helps you to avoid the fear of whether or not Antigua, Guatemala is safe. In fact, once you leave Antigua you’ll realize just how safe it is.
Even for unexpected tourists that weren’t as inquisitive as you to even ask themselves such a question.
In short, it’s safe if you pay attention to the people and the surroundings that you pass by and into.
Safety Facts About Guatemala
Sadly, this part of Guatemala is known for being rife with corruption.
Indeed, around 60% of Hondurans and Guatemalans live life below the poverty line; almost 305 higher than most other Latin American nations.
As such, this is a place with desperation in the air.
Around 18% of the populace rely on money being sent from abroad by caring for family members.
As a woman, please try and keep this in mind; Guatemala has a homicide rate of 22 per 100,000 people, though femicide rates are even higher.
But in all honesty, as a traveler backpacking Guatemala or coming here as a regular tourist should not effect, you. Exercise some of the general safety tips for Guatemala which I will mention below and you’ll be fine.
Is Antigua Safe to Travel Alone?
Yes, it is – just be aware of any dangers that can be easily avoided.
Try and avoid going into large open spaces alone, and especially avoid things like alleyways and small rural paths.
Always try and take an obvious route to where you are going, and where possible try and take private transport.
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This will ensure you are much more likely to be able to travel around without having to worry.
As ever, you should look to take your safety seriously; if you feel unsafe, don’t travel alone.
Antigua Safety Tips
Want to try and stay safe during your journey? Keeping your trip simple and not over-complicating things will make a good start.
No need to arrive here showing off worldly possessions, for example.
Here are some general safety tips for Guatemala:
- Don’t flaunt your wealth or your fashion – it only draws attention to you.
- Avoid large crowds as much as you can – you never who awaits.
- Don’t hang around the same place for too long.
- Prepare for culture shock symptoms adapting to new towns.
- If somewhere gives you a bad feeling, trust your gut – don’t go.
- Avoid getting into ‘party mode’ in public, especially around large crowds.
- Consider where you are – poverty is rife here, so keep a low profile.
- Avoid getting into long conversations at night on the streets.
If you keep the above tips in mind, you’ll find that Antigua, Guatemala is a much safer place to visit for the most part.
Traveling Guatemala by Chicken Bus
One means of travel in Antigua, Guatemala is to go by ‘chicken bus’. These are mostly old forms of the bus, and they are likely to be old converted US school buses. Like the one below I saw on a street in Antigua.
They are often not in the best condition, and they tend to match up poorly with some of the reckless driving you will see on the roads as you travel.
As such, we avoid only taking these buses if they are relatively sparse. Try to avoid them when they are full as they are a pickpocketers paradise.
Travel Insurance for Antigua
You can never be too safe, even whilst in Antigua. Staying covered whilst traveling in Guatemala and the rest of Central America means ensuring that you have the right insurance cover.
I always recommend backpackers and travelers (no matter who you are) use World Nomads Insurance for fully comprehensive cover.
If you are due to travel soon, you can get a Get A Free Quote by clicking the link or the image above and filling out your details – that way you’ll get instant cover from the exact date that you choose.
On many occasions World Nomads has provided me with reliable insurance cover for travel in Latin America and the rest of the world.
Antigua, Guatemala: Is it Safe?
If you want to make sure that you can stay safe, then please take all of the above into account.
It will help you to make sure that you can travel safely, and you can avoid any of the usual upset or worry that might make your trip seem dangerous.
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