Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Guatemala does have a high level of crime and it's recommended for solo female travelers to maintain a heightened level of caution. Particularly in major cities, it's recommended to steer clear of less populated areas, especially at night. However, if precautions are taken such as not displaying signs of wealth, using reputable transportation services, and staying in safe accommodations, it can be manageable. It is also advisable to learn some basic Spanish, as English is not widely spoken.

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 35 experiences

2.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Unsafe

Guatemala can hold potential dangers at night, particularly for solo female travelers. Walking alone at night is not highly recommended due to incidents of petty crimes like mugging and pickpocketing. There is also a possibility of more serious crimes in certain areas. It's best to use a trusted taxi service for transportation after dark or stay in populated, well-lit areas if you must venture outside. Even day travel calls for a vigilant attitude. It's best to keep low-key, avoid flashing expensive belongings, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Public transportation: Unsafe

Public transportation in Guatemala, specifically local buses, are often overcrowded and can be subject for petty theft. While major cities may have more reliable services, rural areas can be problematic. For long-distance travel, shuttle van services are recommended as they tend to be safer but often a bit more expensive. Always be mindful of your possessions and avoid travel after dark.

Street harassment: Moderate

In Guatemala, street harassment is a notable concern. This can range from cat-calling to more aggressive forms of verbal harassment. While a large number of locals are welcoming and friendly, some women reported incidents of unwanted attention and comments on the streets. As with any travel destination, it's crucial to stay aware of your surroundings and take safety precautions, especially when alone or in less crowded areas.

Petty crimes:High

Guatemala does experience a fairly high rate of petty crime, mainly in areas frequently visited by tourists. You may become a target for pickpocketing, bag snatching, and other non-violent thefts particularly in crowded markets, bus stations, or other touristic areas. While these crimes are usually non-violent, it is always recommended that you stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and avoid flashing expensive items in public.

Tap water:Unsafe

Drinking tap water in Guatemala is generally not recommended for tourists. This is due to the different sanitation systems and purification standards that may not be on par with what your system is accustomed to. Bottled or filtered water would be the safer option to avoid potential digestion issues.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 35 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4.7/5
Haley

Haley

United States

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.

Posted: November 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
Author:InstagramTiktok
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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.

Posted: October 11, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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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.

Posted: October 9, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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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.

Posted: October 7, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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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.

Posted: October 5, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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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.

Posted: October 4, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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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.

Posted: October 2, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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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.

Posted: October 1, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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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.

Posted: September 29, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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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.

Posted: September 27, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Local experiences

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.

Posted: September 25, 2023
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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.

Posted: September 21, 2023
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Meet locals in Guatemala

Marcela

Marcela

Speaking

About Me

Hello my name is Marcela I’m 26 years old. Just recently started traveling and very interested in London making friends there get to know the city and hopefully make it a permanent thing but before I want to travel around Europe. I have 4 sisters so I come from a big family which explains why I’m very social but also enjoy silence and peaceful time for myself. I’m very enthusiastic about food. Im always trying new things and like to go out for food with friends and also a beer occasionally.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇿 Belize, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇭🇳 Honduras, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Darlin

Darlin

Speaking

About Me

Hola chicas! Un gusto estar aqui! Soy muy llevadera, me gusta conocer personas y lugares nuevos! Me encanta las charlas sobre las experiencias de viajes y filosofar sobre la vida! 😎

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇿 Belize, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇨🇴 Colombia

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cristina

cristina

Speaking

About Me

Soy fotógrafa ; me gusta leer viajar , escribir e intercambiar ideas

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇪🇸 Spain

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Stay with locals in Guatemala

Mirna

Mirna

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

About me

Passionated about traveling and animals. Enjoying simple things in life and looking to meet some New friends in this path called life.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇿 Belize, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇭🇳 Honduras, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City

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Krista

Krista

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Krista. I like to meet new people and places, I like to learn about business, entrepreneurship, and culture and languages. I love to take a walk in nature, I like to dance, sing, swim, and talk haha

Countries I’ve Visited

🇸🇻 El Salvador

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Upcoming visitors to Guatemala

africa

africa

Speaking

About Me

Hello! I'm Africa and I'm from south Spain but living around the world. My passion is learn about everything and still growing 💕

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇮 Gibraltar, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇰 Denmark

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Local discussions

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

Posted: September 6, 2023
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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....

Posted: November 17, 2022
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Safety in Guatemala