Is Guatemala Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2023)
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One of the most common questions I get asked on Instagram is ‘is Guatemala safe?’ especially if you want to visit as a solo female traveller. Sadly, Guatemala gets a bad rep – and it really shouldn’t. It’s one of the safest countries in Central America!
In this post, I hope to dispel any thoughts that Guatemala isn’t ‘safe’, especially for those wanting to backpack the country solo.
Throughout our time backpacking Guatemala we felt safe. Safe enough for me to walk around solo. Safe enough to walk around at night. Just as safe as I feel at home! But of course, there are some precautions you can take to just add that extra layer of security.
Most trips to Guatemala are safe, fun and trouble-free. Below are a few tips that we followed to make sure our trip to Guatemala was as successful as possible. So, let’s get started!
🇬🇹 Other Guatemala posts:
- 2 Weeks In Guatemala: Perfect Itinerary
- 15 BEST Day Trips From Antigua, Guatemala
- 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary
- BEST Hostels In Flores Guatemala For Backpackers
Is Guatemala Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice: A Summary
There’s a lot of controversy on the Internet about whether or not Guatemala is safe. For example; I read the other day that you have to have an armed guard to escort you around Tikal. What rubbish this is!
Yes, Guatemala may not have been safe years ago! But in 2023, it’s one of the safest countries in Central America for tourists and backpackers. The people are friendly, there’s plenty of backpacker hostels, tourist shuttles and you’ll meet hundreds of other travellers doing the exact same route as you.
Of course, as anywhere in the world; as a solo female traveller in Guatemala, you will have to use common sense and be vigilant. There are going to be ‘bad people‘ in every single country you visit – including your own! This is a sad fact of life, and that’s why I have some tips in this post to help you stay as safe as possible.
It’s a shame because Guatemala gets a bad rep. And it really is a beautiful country that deserves a lot more recognition. If you take anything from this post, I hope it is the courage to travel to Guatemala, whether you’re a solo traveller or not. It’s a special country – don’t let incorrect, outdated safety concerns stop you.
I highly recommend getting travel insurance if you are backpacking Guatemala or Central America. SafetyWing is the best company to cover your trip, covering both medical and travel delays, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. ➡️ You can sign up for SafetyWing here.
14 tips for staying safe as a solo traveller in Guatemala
1. Know basic Spanish
This really is the most important piece of advice when backpacking Guatemala, mainly as so many of the locals will not speak English. There will be many times when you will need to interact with others; from restaurants to public buses, buying a drink in a bar and ordering street food. It’s really important to know at least a few phrases.
If you know some basic Spanish, it will also help you out if you’re stuck with something, or need help and advice. It really is key to staying safe in Guatemala as a solo female traveller.
The app we use on a daily basis is SpanishDict. It translates more conversationally than Google Translate and gives examples of how you might need to ask or say something. It’s better than a word-for-word translation that may not actually make sense when spoken.
We did actually find that many locals in Guatemala wanted to practise their English with us. This was great – but it was helpful that we knew some basic phrases to be able to respond to them in their own language!
If you’re a solo female traveller in Guatemala, here are some helpful phrases in Spanish that you may want to screenshot!
- Please: por favor
- Thank you: gracias
- My name is…: Me llamo…
- Nice to meet you: Mucho gusto
- Yes: Si
- No: No
- What: que
- Where: donde
- Toilet: banos/bano
- Girls/ladies: mujeres or damas (look for an M or D on the toilet doors)
- Help: ayuda
- Algo mas: anything else?
Simple phrases such as ‘you’re welcome‘ will change between different Central American countries.
For example, in Guatemala, we found the locals to say ‘de nada‘ when saying you’re welcome. Then in Colombia, it was more common to say ‘con mucho gusto‘ for the same phrase! There are slight differences, but it’s easy enough to get used to.
2. Still to well-known routes and places
Like in most countries, there are areas in Guatemala that you will want to avoid for safety reasons. This is not uncommon, and even if you think of your own country, I bet there are areas that you don’t particularly like visiting as a solo female traveller.
This is one of the main reasons why I’ve written so many detailed Guatemalan route blog posts. Stick to a well-known route, and stick to areas that tourists visit!
Yes, you can go off the beaten track, but I highly, highly recommend going in a group or at least telling someone where you are going.
So, where are the safest areas in Guatemala for solo female travellers? Stick to:
- Flores and Tikal
- Semuc Champey
- Antigua
- Lake Atitlan
- El Paredon
- Quetzaltenango (aka Xela)
Not sure how to get around Guatemala safely? Check out either my 2-week itinerary or backpacking Guatemala post for more information.
3. Only use Uber or licensed taxis
Unlike El Salvador, we didn’t find the local taxi drivers to be too overwhelming or overbearing in Guatemala. There are many unlicensed taxis in El Salvador, but this was a little different in Guatemala.
Still – never get in a taxi in Guatemala that simply has the word ‘TAXI’ written on the front (usually in white marker pen or even chalk). We found these to be pretty common in El Salvador, but rarer in Guatemala. But of course, it still happens.
Taxis in Guatemala must be licensed, and are similar looking to other taxis in the world. For example, there are small, blue and white tuk-tuks in Antigua, or blue taxis.
Ubers are available in the major cities in Guatemala, such as Antigua and Lake Atitlan (although they seemed to take a while to arrive at the lake). Other areas such as Semuc Champey and Flores are so small that you will be able to walk around safely (although I recommend not walking around alone at night).
4. Use tourist shuttles to get from place to place
If you are backpacking Guatemala, use the tourist shuttles to get around. The shuttles are full of other backpackers going to the same destinations and hostels that you are! This gives total peace of mind when you’re travelling around solo.
Shuttles are easy to book. You can either book via your hostel, travel agents or online here. Regardless of who or where you book, you will more than likely be on the same shuttle. They’re just different routes to book, but all use the same shuttle companies.
Not sure how to get around Guatemala safely? Check out either my 2-week itinerary or backpacking Guatemala post for more information.
5. Only use the public buses on well-known routes during the day
Public buses in Guatemala are called ‘chicken buses’, or la camioneta in Spanish. They are known for their colourful decorations, loud music and total chaos onboard. But, they’re a cheap way to travel around the country!
But they’re not the easiest! They are hectic, with two seats usually seating four people. You’ll need to be able to speak simple Spanish to communicate that your backpack is on the roof (that’s where it is stored during the journey) and you will need to tell the driver where you want to go. Be prepared!
They also get busy – really busy. Be mindful of pickpockets – just like you would on any other busy public transport. Keep all of your valuables within eyesight – never, ever put your valuables somewhere that you can’t see them!
Most of the time, public buses in Guatemala are safe. But to be even safer, make sure you are taking a well-known route, keep your belongings close to you and use common sense.
6. Stay in hostels
Hostels are one of the best ways to stay safe as a solo female traveller in Guatemala. The reception desk is there to listen to you if you have any worries or fears, and they put your safety first. Plus, the recommended hostels in Guatemala are in safe areas and have good security measures.
As a backpacker myself, I’m a big advocate for hostels. Staying in hostels means you can make friends from day one, and there are people around you immediately.
During your stay at a hostel, you might become friends with a group of people and end up travelling around with them. Or, you might book tours and activities with the hostel, which again are always done in big, safe groups.
I highly recommend getting travel insurance if you are backpacking Guatemala or Central America. SafetyWing is the best company to cover your trip, covering both medical and travel delays, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. ➡️ You can sign up for SafetyWing here.
7. Book tours for bucket-list experiences
Whilst you can visit most of the big attractions in Guatemala alone, visiting these locations in a group is safer.
Most tours will organise transport to and from the locations, and you will be with other like-minded travellers. This gives an extra level of safety and security, especially if something goes wrong.
Our tour to Tikal was one of our favourite days of our trip, and I am so glad we didn’t visit independently!
Some of the best tours in Guatemala include:
- Antigua ATV Sunset Tour 🌅 ➡ check prices here!
- Tikal Day trip from Flores, Antigua or Guatemala City 🌳 ➡ check prices here!
- Hiking Pacaya Volcano 🌋 ➡ check prices here!
- Hiking Acatenango 🌋 ➡ check prices here!
- Authentic Guatemalan cooking class 🌽 ➡ check prices here!
- Chocolate workshop in Antigua 🍫 ➡ check prices here!
Related post: Best things to do in Antigua in 3 days
8. Keep your valuables close to you at all times
There are a number of pickpockets in Guatemala, just like any other country. Personally, I didn’t see this in Guatemala, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen!
There are accounts of phones being snatched out of people’s hands as they’re walking along the street, similar to what happens in Bali, Thailand and even London. It’s a common trick thieves use, as they can drive off quickly on their motorbikes without being caught.
Always have your iPhone in your pocket or bag, safely hidden. Don’t follow a GPS as you’re walking, as you make yourself a target. Look at your route beforehand.
iPhones and Apple products are prone to be stolen in Guatemala. This is because there aren’t any ways to buy Apple products in Guatemala (well, very few ways!) so they are worth a lot of money. This also means if you get your iPhone stolen in Guatemala, it’s going to be hard to replace.
Just be vigilant. As I said, this is no different to anywhere else in the world. Keep your belongings safe, zipped away and hidden when walking around Guatemala.
9. Know your emergency numbers
Hopefully, you will never need to use Guatemala’s emergency numbers, but just in case you do, these are the numbers you will need to dial.
🚑 Medical emergencies: 122 / 123
🚓 Police: 110 / 120
For safety reasons, always let someone know where you are when travelling to Guatemala. Check in with a family member or friend often, and let them know where you are staying.
10. Trust your gut!
If you’re backpacking Guatemala as a solo female traveller, you’ll find a lot of times you’ll need to rely on the kindness of strangers.
Luckily, the majority of Guatemalans you meet are kind, welcoming and friendly. We loved meeting some of the locals – they were so sweet and we felt totally safe with them.
However, we all know that sometimes people do not have the best intentions – again, something that’s true all over the world.
Don’t be afraid to lie. It’s way easier to get yourself out of a situation sooner rather than later.
Be rude if you have to be. Trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right.
If you’ve experienced something that makes you feel uneasy, go back to your hostel and tell someone. Phone a friend or family member. It’s ok, it happens, and prioritise getting yourself somewhere safe.
11. Always let someone know where you are, or where you’re going
Another way of staying safe in Guatemala is to always let someone know where you are. Similar to location tracking, smartphones are great at allowing anyone to track your taxi or journey. This is so important when you’re travelling alone!
But I know this can be hard when you’re backpacking in a country with a time zone completely different to your family and friends back home. And do you really want to keep bothering them with your location?
You have two choices.
A) You don’t care about ‘bothering’ them, as they love you and want to keep you safe! You ask them to keep an eye on you when you’re doing uncomfortable or long journeys. This is great!
B) If the time zone is too difficult, let someone in your hostel know where you’re going. You don’t need to tell them your life story, or what you’re doing, but if you’re visiting somewhere new (or meeting someone new!) someone should know where you are.
If you can, exchange numbers with someone at your hostel. It’s likely you won’t need to use it, but it’s an extra layer of security.
Normally, the reception staff in hostels are friendly and are there to make you feel comfortable and safe. I’ve often told hostel staff that I’m heading off to a waterfall or on a long hike, just as an extra sense of security.
12. Install an eSIM on your phone (or get a local SIM)
Whether you choose to get a local sim or an eSIM, always make sure you have data when backpacking Guatemala. This gives an extra layer of security and means you can reach out to someone if necessary.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchase. They’re great if you’re landing or crossing into a country solo, and would like to use your phone immediately. If you’re visiting Guatemala solo, I recommend checking out the eSIM packages here.
I highly recommend getting travel insurance if you are backpacking Guatemala or Central America. SafetyWing is the best company to cover your trip, covering both medical and travel delays, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. ➡️ You can sign up for SafetyWing here.
13. Always carry a portable charger
I strongly advise carrying a portable charger so you can use your mobile phone whenever needed.
Not only is this needed for directions and communication, but it’s vital that you have a phone battery in emergencies. Can you imagine that uncomfortable gut feeling whilst having a dead phone?
Portable chargers aren’t that expensive, and you can buy a tiny one that fits into your purse or pocket. It may seem annoying, but trust me, it could save your life! You can buy my favourite and most reliable portable charger here. It lasts up to 4-5 charges!
14. Be kind, friendly and SMILE!
As I previously mentioned, Guatemalans were some of the friendliest locals we met on our Central America trip. Everyone greeted us with a smile, welcomed us to the country and made us feel safe! We were regularly welcomed, asked how we were and even invited round for tea or coffee by local shopkeepers. Yes, seriously!
But this kindness works in both ways! We always went out of our way to smile, greet and even wave to locals. At the end of the day, we are in their country, and we want to respect them!
This also directly impacts how safe you will be when in Guatemala. Kindness always wins!
Useful apps for staying safe in Guatemala
- Always have a local or eSIM installed whilst travelling through Guatemala. Avoid being on buses, in taxis or walking around without any phone signal. ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here.
- Google Maps allows you to follow area maps even when you’re offline. Download some of your local areas before heading out to ensure you can travel safely on the right route at any time.
- SpanishDict: This is similar to Google Translate – but it gives more conversational terms when translating rather than direct word-for-word translations. We used it daily when travelling Central and South America.
- Shake2Safety allows users to input emergency contacts to which a message, location, audio or photo can be sent in an emergency situation. Simply shake your phone or click the unlock button 4 times to send the alert. This can also be used without wifi and when your phone is locked.
- The Circle Of Six app allows you to save 6 contacts of your choice which can be notified in just two taps if you’re in an emergency situation.
- As horrible as it sounds, One Scream works by being able to detect the scream of a panicked female. A loud siren will go off, and after 20 seconds an automated voice call and message will be sent to your emergency contacts.
Where to stay if you are a solo female backpacker in Guatemala
Staying in the best hostels, hotels or apartments in Guatemala is a great additional layer to staying safe.
I recommend staying in hostels if you are a solo female traveller (even if you get a private room), as there will be like-minded travellers and other women in the same position as you.
The best hostels to stay in when travelling around Guatemala as a solo female traveller include:
- Flores: Los Amigos
- Semuc Champey: Greengo’s
- Antigua: Somos
- El Paredon: Mellow or Swell
- Lake Atitlan: Free Cerveza
Getting around if you are a solo female backpacker in Guatemala
You can travel around Guatemala in multiple ways, depending on how much time you have, your budget and where you want to visit. The most common way for backpackers to travel around Guatemala is via tourist shuttle, but some travellers do hire a rental car or private driver.
There are public buses in Guatemala, which are cheap and inexpensive. I personally don’t recommend public buses if you are a solo female traveller in Guatemala, but this is down to you.
Is Guatemala safe for solo female travellers? FAQs
1) Is it safe to travel to Guatemala alone?
Yes! Guatemala is a safe country for solo female travellers. In bigger cities like Antigua or the small towns around Lake Atitlan, I felt totally safe walking around by myself. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of backpacker hostels for you to stay in and meet like-minded travellers.
2) Is Guatemala tourist friendly?
Yes, Guatemala is so tourist friendly! We found Guatemalans to be friendly, welcoming and kind. They went out of their way to ask us where we were from, who we were and what our home country is like. Guatemala is definitely tourist friendly if you stick to the right areas.
3) Is Guatemala safe for US tourists?
Yes, Guatemala is as safe for US tourists as for UK tourists. Obviously, stay vigilant, and remember you are in a country different to your own. Be sensible and use common sense. But yes, Guatemala is a safe country for US tourists to visit.
4) Is Antigua Guatemala safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, in fact, Antigua is where I felt the safest on our entire Guatemalan trip. I walked around solo both in the daytime and evening. It is an incredibly safe city for solo female travellers. Use common sense, be vigilant and stick to the busy streets, and you’ll be fine!
Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America
If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Is Guatemala safe for solo female travellers? In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about staying safe as a solo female traveller in Guatemala. When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
🇬🇹 Where to next?
- 2 Weeks In Guatemala: Perfect Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide
- 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary
- 15 BEST Day Trips From Antigua, Guatemala
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
