Is San Antonio Palopo safe for solo female travelers?

San Antonio Palopo, like many parts of Guatemala, can be generally safe to travel if you take the necessary precautions. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. While incidents of serious crime are relatively low, petty crime like pick pocketing can occur. Tourist spots and the city center are monitored by local police to ensure safety. Local people are usually friendly and helpful to travelers.

Safety rating

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How safe is San Antonio Palopo?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

San Antonio Palopo is relatively safe at night, especially when compared to larger cities in the country. The crime rate is not very high and the locals are generally welcoming to tourists. However, it is still recommended to exercise caution, particularly when walking alone at night. It's wise to stick to well-lit and populated areas, avoid flaunting valuable items, and always remain aware of your surroundings. Use reputable transport services where possible, instead of walking.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in San Antonio Palopo is moderately safe. The most widely used form of public transport is converted minibusses known as 'chicken buses' and boats along the lake. While they are generally safe during daytime, keep in mind that overcrowding can be a common issue. As a solo female traveler, it's recommended to maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times, particularly with your belongings to prevent cases of pickpocketing or bag-snatching. Night travel is generally discouraged. Using registered taxis or arranging transportation through your accommodation is a recommended option especially when it's late.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

San Antonio Palopo in Guatemala generally maintains a peaceful atmosphere with minimal harassment reports. Though it's always crucial to remain alert, it tends to have a low-level occurrence of street harassment. The locals are usually respectful and friendly, particularly towards female visitors. The community is small and quite traditional, resulting in a sense of security. However, as in any other place, it's important to exercise usual precautions such as not walking alone late at night.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

San Antonio Palopo, a small village in Guatemala is a generally safe place for solo female travelers. Petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching and minor thefts are not commonly reported. However, as with any tourist destination, a basic level of vigilance is still recommended. Maintaining a low profile, not displaying flashy possessions and ensuring personal belongings are secure at all times can further reduce the risk. Security is often bolstered during peak tourist season.
Tap water:

Tap water:Unsafe

While the local population may consume the tap water in San Antonio Palopo, it's not advisable for tourists due to potential bacteria and different sanitation standards. It's recommended to either boil tap water, use purification tablets or stick to bottled water for consumption to avoid health risks like diarrhea or other water-borne diseases.

Is San Antonio Palopo safe to travel?

Is San Antonio Palopo safe right now?

Before your visit to San Antonio Palopo, it's essential to check travel advisories for Guatemala, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
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United States Travel AdvisoryReconsider your need to travel

The United States government advises reconsidering travel to Guatemala due to crime. Certain areas pose an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 17, 2023
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Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Guatemala. This is due to high levels of violent crime, as well as roadblocks, strikes, and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 15, 2024
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Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: November 10, 2023

Safety in Guatemala