I am currently in Belize traveling and I'd like to go to Guatemala and travel a bit and learn Spanish in Antigua. I've been warned heavily about how dangerous Guatemala is and that I should not be traveling there alone. Anyone have any advice? Anyone there now?
Posts: 3 | Location: Canada | Registered: January 10, 2006
I just got back from Guatemala last night. Although I was not traveling alone, I met a good many who were doing just that. Who has been telling you this?
People who act stupidly or get drunk in the wrong places are in danger anywhere they go. Just follow normal precautions, and you should be all right.
By the way, I celebrated the New Year at El Mirador and on the second night of the year, we were at Nakbé.
Thank you for your input! I have been warned by locals in Belize mostly and also travel books and government advisories. But my friend was traveling in Guatemala with a local and many other locals were warning them about buses...etc.
Posts: 3 | Location: Canada | Registered: January 10, 2006
I travelled alone in Guatemala for one week and had no problems. I travelled from Guatemala City to Antigua, hung out there, met up with a friend, went to Lago Atitlan and Chichicastenango with her, then she left, and I travelled alone back to Guatemala City by public bus...I only travelled during the day; I never left my hotel after dark, and I never walked alone away from the busy tourist areas. You should be fine if you take these precautions. Also, I experienced no harrassment from men; they were very polite and sweet. Have a great trip!
i travelled from oaxaca by bus to guatemala city, then to antiqua and then on to el salvedor....absolutely no problems but did hear that some people expreience them..everyone was very helpful and polite - i would just use common sense and not travel late at night alone as someone else just advised.......all in all a lovely experience.
Ok first off, I spent a little time in Guatemala. As a woman travelling alone, I found Guatemala to be extremely safe, especially Antigua. It was actually a highlight of my travels. I travelled the world by myself, and Guatemala was at the top of my list!!! So I think it is a brilliant idea to go to Antigua and study Spanish. But make sure u do ur research as there are a heap of Spanish schools there. So make sure u get value fo rmoney. There are also schemes for language students to live with Guatemalan families etc. I think it si a afab opportunity and I completely envy your freedom and travelling! I long to be back there and it is an amazing part of the world. Also try and go to Livingston on the Carib. side and ofcourse go and see the ruins in the north. I did not go due to bad weather (I went durign the hurricane season!!!) but I have heard it is beautiful. But as always be safe and smart and try and go in a group for the ruins or a tour, or dont go too early in the morning as I have heard it is quite deserted very earlyin the morning. So enjoy Guatemala it is so beautiful, I love C.A.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
