Is Guatemala City Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Guatemala City can present significant safety challenges for solo female travelers. While many locals are friendly and welcoming, crime rates, including incidents of robbery, assault, and pickpocketing, can be high in certain areas. Travel during the day, stay in well-populated areas, avoid conspicuous displays of wealth, and always use trusted transportation services. It is also advised to learn some basic Spanish, as it can provide an advantage in uncertain situations.

Safety rating

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Guatemala City is currently ranked #18 safest place in Guatemala for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 2 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Guatemala City?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Guatemala City has its share of challenges when it comes to safety. It is not recommended for a solo female traveler to be out and about alone at night. Even in neighborhoods considered safe, it's best to avoid walking around by yourself after dark. Using a reliable taxi or rideshare service is a safer alternative for nighttime mobility. As always, take necessary precautions and stay vigilant.

Public transportation:Unsafe

Public transportation in Guatemala City can be quite unreliable and is often associated with safety issues. Buses are frequently overcrowded, and incidents of theft, pickpocketing, and occasional armed robbery have been reported. This can be more concerning for solo female travelers who are not familiar with the city. It's advisable to stay alert, keep belongings close and consider taking licensed taxis or ride-share services, especially during the night time.

Street harassment:Moderate

While exploring Guatemala City, you will most likely encounter some degree of street harassment. It is usually limited to catcalling, prolonged stares, or comments, especially in local markets and crowded areas. Always walk with confidence and avoid engaging with those who make you feel uncomfortable. The situation is not alarming, but it's important to stay aware and cautious. Local people are mostly friendly and helpful.

Petty crimes:High

In Guatemala City, petty crimes like pick-pocketing and bag-snatching are unfortunately quite common, particularly in crowded areas like markets or bus stations. It's essential that you maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times and keep your belongings secure. While the majority of interactions will be harmless, opportunistic theft does happen, which is why it's particularly important to employ usual travel precautions such as not flaunting expensive belongings, using secure, reputable transportation, and being vigiliant, especially in crowds.

Is Guatemala City worth visiting?

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Is Guatemala City safe for women?

Emily

Guatemala can be safe if youbtake certain precautions, like always having your bag close to you, never walk with your headphones or phone on display and always be aware of your surroundings. Take Uber or private rentals, because the public transport is extremely unsafe and inefficient. Never go out alone, especially during the dark, go out in groups and make sure someone knows your location.

Posted: April 21, 2025

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Ana

Depending on the area you are staying could be a little bit dangerous or not dangerous at all. My recommendation would be to stay at Zona 2, 4, 10, 14 and Cayalá. Definitely avoid areas like zone 18 and 3

Posted: December 24, 2024

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Meet locals in Guatemala City

Emily

About Me

Hi! My name is Emily and I'm 23 years old. I'm currently studying my bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology in Guatemala. But I lived about 5 years in the U.S. I love traveling and exploring new spaces as well as meeting new people :)

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Andy

About Me

Trabajaré en esta introducción... Por el momento cuento que soy Diseñadora, trabajo remoto, me gusta tomar fotos y estaré visitando Europa este año por primera vez. Me encanta tomar café, cerveza, vino y comer de todo, me gusta mucho conversar y escuchar.