“Travel Alert: U.S. Warns Adventurers About Central America’s Favorite Getaway”

Consider reconsidering your travel plans to this popular Central American destination.

The U.S. Department of State has recently released a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” caution for U.S. citizens contemplating a visit to the Central American country of Guatemala.

This caution advises those traveling to Guatemala to steer clear of specific regions due to criminal activities.

“Certain regions of Guatemala struggle with gangs, theft, carjackings, drug trafficking, and violence,” the caution states. “Local authorities may not consistently respond effectively to severe crimes, resulting in minimal arrest and conviction rates. While tourists are generally not the primary targets, they can still fall victim to opportunistic crimes.”

Several regions in Guatemala are classified under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning, denoting the gravest concerns regarding travel safety. These include the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City, and Villa Nueva.

Nonetheless, some destinations favored by tourists remain accessible to American visitors, including Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and the coastal areas in Santa Rosa and Escuintla.

The State Department recommends those who choose to travel to Guatemala observe the following precautions:

• Avoid venturing outside Guatemala City after dark due to poorly illuminated roads and a higher risk of traffic accidents.
• Engage certified tour guides and utilize chartered boats for inter-village travel when visiting Lake Atitlán.
• Refrain from swimming in the Pacific Ocean due to powerful currents.
• Never leave drinks unattended at bars and restaurants, and politely decline invitations from strangers to private gatherings.
• Opt to stay in accommodations featuring secure parking, doormen, and qualified security personnel.
• Utilize reputable taxi services such as Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro, or Uber, and only hail INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” kiosk at the airport, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers.
• Steer clear of public transportation and unofficial taxis, including “chicken buses.”
• Do not hike trails or volcanoes without a skilled local guide, as thefts can occur and assistance may be hard to come by.
• Avoid using public ATMs and refrain from wearing valuable watches or jewelry, as this can elevate the risk of theft.
• Minimize the use of cellphones in public spaces.

You can discover more ways to ensure your safety while traveling in Guatemala here.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be contacted at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a lead? Reach out to us at nj.com/tips.