Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo travel experience

Guatemala was great! I visited Lake Atitlan, Antigua and Acatenango. I felt very safe as a solo female traveler even though I was there during local protests. Lake Atitlan has many towns to visit, Antigua is rich in culture and a beautiful city, and Acatenango is an unforgettable experience seeing a live volcano erupt. Lots of fun adventure to be had.

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Solo travel experience

I had a quick trip to Guatemala. I spent 2 nights in Lake Atitlan (stayed in San Pedro and visited San Juan, Santiago, and Panajachel) and 1 night in Antigua. I felt super safe and had great time.

Group travel experience

I felt super safe in Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Seemed super easy to join tours and meet people. I wouldn’t do Guatemala City solo personally, but I was just there for the night.

I felt very safe in Antigua and Flores. I didn’t take any public buses but only small shuttles with other tourists. I didn’t really leave my hotel in Guatemala City alone because I heard it wasn’t the safest.

Solo travel experience

I stayed in El Remate, Antigua, Xela, and San Pedro la Laguna. I had no issues the whole time, and I loved everywhere I stayed. I heard from multiple people that it's not a good idea to travel between towns around the lake late at night - lots of the roads are not safe.

Solo travel experience

I have been in Guatemala for 4 weeks in Flores, Semuc Champey/Lanquin, Xela, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and El Paredon. I have felt very safe. For extra peace of mind, I avoided chicken buses, especially at night time.

Solo travel experience

I've traveled solo as a female to Guatemala multiple times and never had any problems. Used common sense, and guides, and stuck to tourist areas, safe transportation, etc. I loved it there.

Solo travel experience

I went to Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Guatemala City felt safe, and had no weird vibes. From my experience people there were extremely friendly and helpful.

Solo travel experience

I traveled to Guatemala alone. I felt mostly safe, the touristy areas were okay, like Flores, Semuc Champey, and Antigua. I avoided Guatemala City, I heard very often that it is not safe, and at Lake Atitlan are some hikes that are not safe either.

Solo travel experience

I have traveled solo through Guatemala twice. It is an amazing country. Very special and so beautiful. I didn’t feel unsafe there at all, except for Guatemala City.

As a local Guatemalan and someone who travels a lot locally, I can tell that touristic areas are very safe, as long as you don't do generally dangerous stuff like walking alone at night where there are not a lot of people or going into dangerous zones in Guatemala City. You can travel in chicken buses during the daytime with no issues, I have done that all my life, just watch your belongings. You can take shuttles or private buses at night. Of course, there is violence and many other bad things just like in any other country, just try to be careful and you'll be alright.

Avoid public transportation, avoid local taxis (you're more likely to be assaulted being a woman and foreigner), and take only Uber. Do not talk to strangers on the streets, if they speak to you then say "hi" and keep moving. Dress modestly, Guatemala has a very high femicide rate. If you are going to walk around, try to stay in areas with lots of people (avoid isolated areas). I am in Guatemala City right now and I walk around quite a bit, but I only walk around in certain zones. Safety is an illusion. If something doesn't feel right then trust what you feel.

Solo travelIs it safe for a female to travel to Guatemala?

I am planning a trip to Guatemala soon. Would love any advice about traveling there and being a female, is it safe? Also recommendations for activities, restaurants, etc! Thanks in advance

Solo travelHoping you ladies can give me some advice on visiting Guatemala solo in February.

Hoping you ladies can give me some advice on visiting Guatemala solo in February. Thought I’d fly into Antigua and spend a few days - suggestions? Things to see and do, places to stay - is it safe to walk alone? (Usual precautions of course). I could stay as long as two weeks…..are there other towns and places to go? I’m more into culture than hiking but I’m active. Appreciate any and all tips....