Guatemala travel advice

The Guatemalan Government has declared a 'State of Public Calamity' in the Department of Guatemala (including Guatemala City) due to increasing cases of Dengue fever.

In 2009 there were confirmed cases of Classic Dengue and Dengue Hemorragico within the country. You are advised to take additional health precautions against mosquitoes and be advised that the authorities are publically spraying a mixture of insecticide and diesel to combat the outbreak.

On 4 November 2009, a foreign tourist was shot whilst taking a taxi tour of Puerto Barrios after disembarking from a Cruise Ship. Passengers and visitors from Cruise Ships are advised to only take recognised tours from the Cruise Ships and that they confirm their tour itinerary with the boat, port authority or with the Guatemalan Tourist representatives (INGUAT and ASISTUR).

There has been a reported threat of possible kidnappings of foreign tourists in the Department of Izabal, especially in and around the towns of Puerto Barrios and Livingston, by local indigenous groups who are intent on using this as an ongoing method to draw attention to local grievances. In March 2008, four Belgian Tourists were kidnapped in Rio Dulce for this reason.

Since October 2009, there has been a slow build up of bacteria and algae in Lake Atitlan, which has resulted in a colour change in the water in some areas from clear to green/brown. Local scientific and media studies have declared that the water in the lake is no longer safe for bathing or drinking. Most local restaurants have stopped serving fish. Should you fall ill during a trip to the lake, or immediately after, you are advised to seek medical advice.

Travellers are advised against climbing the Tajumulco volcano in San Marcos or visiting the surrounding area due to unrest in local communities involved in land use disputes. There have also been several armed attacks on tourists climbing Pacaya, Agua and Acatenango volcanoes. It is advised that you only climb these, and Fuego, Santiaguito, and Tacana as part of a group with a professional guide and in daylight hours.

Guatemala is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes. During January 2010, there have been a series of earth tremors measuring above 5 on the Richter scale throughout the country.

Since March 2009 there has been an increase in violence with co-ordinated attacks on buses, which has left over a hundred dead. While foreigners and tourists are not directly targeted, you should remain vigilant at all times in urban centres and crowded public areas.

the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK advises against travel on public buses (i.e. repainted US school buses) for security reasons. There have been reports of violent muggings, including rape and assault against foreigners on these buses. Private inter-city coach services are not included in this restriction and are generally a safer alternative.

There continue to be armed attacks on tourists travelling to/from and around major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead.

The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Tourists have also been attacked on minor roads around Lake Atitlan, and in particular the road between Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro. There are frequent boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.

There has been an increase of "express kidnappings" at ATM machines, petrol station forecourts, and shopping centres and of robberies in and around the area of the airport, zone 10 and Los Proceres Boulevard. These attacks usually involve the use of firearms and are also conducted an coordinated my motor cycle riders. Caution is advised in these areas; and keep cash and valuable items out of sight.

Large demonstrations occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no notice, and can cause serious traffic and other disruptions. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and you should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.

The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public places, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel