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

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How safe is Antigua Guatemala?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Antigua Guatemala worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5
Franllely

Franllely

Costa Rica

Solo travel

It was my first time solo traveling amazing experience It’s really affordable and local food is cheap and delicious the people amazing love the culture Be ready to walk a lot in September it’s really hot Take pictures everywhere those are nice memories

Posted: August 9, 2024
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Ayla

Ayla

Netherlands

Solo travel

When you visit Antigua please do the Acetenango Vulcano hike if you can! This was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done but also the most special and most fulfilling! We saw so many eruptions and lightning and it was definitely a core memory moment. Antigua is a beautiful city surrounded by vulcano’s and for me it felt like a magical place. All the cute restaurants are so pretty with their little courtyards. I stayed at Adra hostel and Ojala hostel which I would both definitely recommend!!

Posted: June 14, 2024
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Couple travel

Beautiful place full of history. Most of the structures are colonial in this city, you can easily get to other locations like Atitlan, there is also a street market nearby where you can find a lot of locals selling handicrafts.. :)

Posted: March 16, 2024Experienced: March, 2019
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Solo travel

Guatemala is a destination abundant with natural places to explore. Throughout my trip, I felt safe even though I was travelling alone. The best experience was climbing the Volcano of Fire and Acatenango. I highly recommend it!

Posted: March 5, 2024
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Andressa

Andressa

Brazil

Solo travel

The city is extremely pretty, all cute with colonial houses. To eat I highly recommend the street food in front of Iglesia de la Merced. Everything is delicious and really cheap. During the day is always super safe and people are really friendly. During the night I did not felt as safe to walk alone too far from my accommodation, but did not have any incident.

Posted: February 21, 2024
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Solo travel

I traveled to Antigua Guatemala and it was my first solo trip. I hiked Acatenango Volcano, what a challenge, and, view but it was worth it. I felt super safe in Antigua and walked almost everywhere.

Posted: February 8, 2024
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Ames

Ames

Canada

Solo travel

I love Guatemala! I did 10 days solo! I spent most of my nights in Antigua at Somos Hostel. I walked around the markets and ate some local food. I visited a few monumental sites. I completed Acetenango volcano over night on my birthday with the best views. I went to panajchel and stayed on the island for a bit and travelled around by boat. Paddle boarding was so much fun on lake atitlan. Only thing I didnt like was that there wasnt a lot of street food around Antigua. Didnt feel all that safe in Guatemala city when I was catching my flight back home. Other than that it was so much fun!!

Posted: December 31, 2023
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Solo travel

Antigua seemed very safe. I only spent two days there, which were good for exploring the city, but I regret not adding another two for hiking up the Acatenango volcano. I heard it's amazing but also challenging.

Posted: December 25, 2023
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Solo travel

I never felt unsafe, but I didn't go out after dusk. It's a beautiful place. There are many places to visit and eat in the city. The museum was great. There is the Patronato Cathedral, which I loved to walk by. The churches in the main square are beautiful. Two restaurants I highly recommend are Cafe Condesa and Rincón Antigüeño. Really good roast chickens.

Posted: October 17, 2023
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Solo travel

Antigua is amazing. I am a solo traveling woman, so I don't really go out in the evenings abroad, but I did there. I felt 100% completely safe.

Posted: September 3, 2023
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Meet locals in Antigua Guatemala

anna

anna

About Me

heyy, i’m Anna from Germany, 20 years old an planning on being in and around Antigua in February!! i’m solo travelling but don’t want to make all these great experiences alone, so if anyone would be open to making them together, let me know!!:))

Speaking

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Estefania

Estefania

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.

Speaking

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Safety in Guatemala