Is Antigua Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Antigua, Guatemala is generally safe during the day where the streets are vibrant and bustling with locals and tourists. As anywhere, caution should be exercised, especially at night. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables hidden, avoid less-trafficked areas, and take reputable taxis. Street crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching can happen, however, serious crime against tourists is considered relatively low.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 7 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

Safety at night:Unsafe

Antigua Guatemala is generally a safe city with a low crime rate compared to other Guatemalan cities. However, like any place, it becomes a bit riskier at night. Although it is usually peaceful and safe, it's not recommendable for a female solo traveler to walk alone late at night. It's always safer to take a taxi or travel with a group during these hours. Keep in mind that streets can be deserted and poorly lit, and petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching increase during nighttime. Always be vigilant of your surroundings.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transportation in Antigua, Guatemala is fairly safe, particularly during the day. However, it can sometimes be a bit chaotic and busy. The main form of public transport is the 'chicken bus', old US school buses painted brightly. They can be crowded and are known for their fast driving. Shuttles are also commonly used among travellers due to their relative safety and convenience. However, as with anywhere, it's important to always be cautious of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your belongings as pickpocketing can occur. Night travel is generally not recommended.

Street harassment: Low

Street harassment in Antigua, Guatemala is generally low. Most locals are respectful and courteous, though occasional unwanted attention or comments may occur. However, Antigua is a popular destination and locals are accustomed to the presence of female travelers. As in any location, it is recommended to be cautious and avoid isolated areas, particularly at night.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Antigua Guatemala is generally considered safer than some other parts of the country, there are occasional instances of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and cell phone theft, particularly in crowded areas or at night. It is advisable to stay vigilant, avoid flaunting expensive items in public, and be mindful of your belongings at all times.

Tap water:Unsafe

It is generally not recommended for travelers to consume tap water in Antigua Guatemala. While the quality of the water may vary, it can contain bacteria and viruses that might cause stomach illnesses. Therefore, it is advisable to drink bottled water, ensure the seal is intact when purchased, use filtered water, or boil tap water before consumption for safety purposes.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 7 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.6/5

Solo travel experience

I never felt unsafe but didn’t go out after dark. It’s a beautiful place. So many places to see and eat in town. The museum was neat. There is the Patronato cathedral that I loved walking through. The churches off the main plaza are beautiful. Two restaurants I highly recommend are Cafe Condesa and Rincón antigüeño. Really good roasted chicken.

Posted: October 17, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Antigua is amazing. I’m a solo female traveler so I don’t really go out at night in foreign countries but I did there. I felt 100% completely safe.

Posted: September 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Antigua Guatemala is beautiful, perfect for walking, has several great spots for photography, and features some lovely ruins. The cuisine is diverse, and if you're looking for nightlife, it has that too.

Posted: September 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I highly recommend Antigua Guatemala for solo travelers and digital nomads. The sights are beautiful, there’s so much to do, lots of great food, the internet connection is reliable and the town felt very safe (even walking at night).

Posted: August 15, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I felt very safe in Antigua and loved the cafes and restaurants in that city. People were very friendly and made friends with the people in my Airbnb.

Posted: April 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I love Antigua. I’ve been there a few times to study Spanish. It’s a vibrant town. People are friendly and it’s a great base for tours to other parts of the country.

Posted: April 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was just in Antigua and the Lake area for a few weeks in June. Antigua is amazing. I did a wonderful food tour which i highly recommend its called Taste Antigua. There is a free walking tour as well that took me all around the town. Lots of Volcano hikes. Guatemala city can be a little dangerous depending on the area you stay in. I didn't spend any time there as I heard there wasn't much to do. Antigua is super safe. Locals are very friendly.

Posted: May 26, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Antigua Guatemala

Jael

Jael

Speaking

About Me

Hi!, My name is Jael and I'm interested in backpacking, solo travel, hiking, health, food & cuisine, art and culture

Countries I’ve Visited

🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal

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Estefania

Estefania

Speaking

About Me

I’m Estefania from Argentina. I’m traveling and I going to Spain on May. I love know new people and practice english. I’m really really love beaches and nature.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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Mafer

Mafer

Speaking

About Me

Hey, I'm Mafer and I'm interested in art, solo travel, swimming and culture

Countries I’ve Visited

🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇧🇪 Belgium

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Safety in Guatemala