Stay at Home: A Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel in Guatemala

Congratulations, you’ve decided to travel to Guatemala! You have an adventurous spirit unparalleled by that of your peers and, with any luck, the intestinal fortitude of an alley cat. You’ve come a long way and after a few months of acclimation you’re considering exploration outside the four block radius around your hostel or Spanish school. But how do you travel safely amidst the hidden dangers in this foreign land and where do you turn to for reliable health and safety information? Relax. Here at CrawlWalkTravel we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled all of the relevant tips and warnings from various real, reliable sources* and brought them together in one easy-to-read guide. So be safe and enjoy!  (read more)


From point A to B

A developing nation with a tumultuous history, Guatemala is vulnerable to natural disaster as well as prone to crime. The traveler is most susceptible during transit, so remember that travel by car, by bus, after dark, in or near the capital, south of the capital, on foot, by taxi, alone, by plane, in crowds, with valuables, in rural areas, in cities or by boat is not advisable. Here’s a few tips for securely negotiating the vibrant cities and beautiful countryside:

• Traveling between cities and towns by second-class or "chicken" bus, although less comfortable, is a terrific way to experience the authentic local flavor and a virtually guaranteed way to get pick-pocketed or maimed in a traffic accident.
  
• Many travelers and locals alike recommend travel by first class or "Pullman" buses which are more comfortable though frequently targeted for highway robbery and do not travel between most cities or adhere to any realistic schedule.
  
• There are several other available methods of transportation including shuttles, taxis and even privately owned pick-up trucks which run regular routes. All of these options are, of course, extremely unsafe.
  
• While it is unwise to travel anywhere at night, be aware that armed robbers emboldened by a weak and inefficient justice system now frequently attack in broad daylight.
  

Eat, drink and be merry


Among the most enjoyable ways to familiarize yourself with a new culture are to sample the cuisine and explore the nightlife. Featuring everything from trova music to salsa dancing and even the occasional fire show, the exotic nightlife of Guatemala is highly dangerous and should be avoided.

Instead try sampling the local fare, but remember that sub-standard sanitation practices run rampant here. Travelers should never drink the water, eat fresh fruit, fresh vegetables or from street vendors and should be wary of the food served in restaurants and cafes.

See the sites

As we’ve seen, the rich culture of Guatemala centers predominantly around a dynamic blend of violent crime, parasitic infections and various forms of dysentery. However there are also Mayan temples! If you do find yourself in the great outdoors, heed the following warnings:

• Remember that lakes and rivers are a hotbed for bacteria and parasites. It is best to reserve swimming for the coastline which is characterized by a blend of garbage, mosquitoes and dangerous undertow.
  
• A quality insect repellent containing DEET is essential to deter bites from disease hosting mosquitoes in rural areas and cities. According to Travax, The Rough Guide, and the US Center for Disease Control, for safe and effective treatment choose a brand that contains less than 30%, at least 90%, and no more than 50% DEET concentration.
  
• When traveling to popular tourist destinations it is advisable to hire a guide, but be aware that many guides work hand in hand with local bandits and may potentially increase the likelihood of robbery, or merely flee at the first sign of danger.
  
• Never swim, hike, camp, touch plants or animals.
  

Exercise caution when . . .


This favorite phrase among the health and safety set is reserved for those dangers that you will be unable to identify or prevent and are inherently involved in unavoidable activities. It is wise to exercise caution when using restrooms, choosing accommodations, interacting with locals and other travelers, taking photographs and otherwise engaging in any of the activities that have not been explicitly prohibited herein.

In case of emergency

To the well-read health and safety conscious traveler, Guatemala may seem inhospitable, but in reality this charming nation has so much more to offer than disease and violent crime. Much of the crime, for example, is non-violent. A skillful pickpocket may simply slash your pockets or a talented con artist may feign illness and surreptitiously loot whoever comes to their aid. It’s inevitable, even the most savvy of travelers will eventually let their guard down at the wrong time. Be prepared in the event of an emergency by keeping these tips in mind:

• Never travel with anything of the slightest use or value on your person and refrain from leaving belongings in your hotel or hostel.
  
• If you do fall victim to theft, it is important to report the crime immediately to the local police, who are typically young, inexperienced, under-funded, incompetent, corrupt or indifferent.
  
• If you or a fellow traveler become ill or injured during your stay, there is likely to be a doctor’s office or hospital nearby. Visiting such doctors and hospitals is not advised.

Safe travels!
There you have it! Armed with these suggestions, a liberal application of insect repellent and a pleasant disposition, you too can partially reduce the likelihood of getting mugged or pick-pocketed, dengue or yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, cholera or hepatitis, rabies, parasites, head and body lice, intestinal worms, killed, drowned or crushed by landslide. Yes, it’s just that easy, so get out there and see the world!
Oh, did I mention that there are also scorpions, fire coral and active volcanoes?


*Real, reliable sources include:

The Travax travel health report for Guatemala, The US Government travel website (travel.state.gov), The Rough Guide to Guatemala, Lonely Planet Guide to Guatemala, LonelyPlanet.com, The US Environmental Protection Agency website (www.epa.gov) and the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov/travel). And, no, I'm not joking.