Is it safe to travel to Guatemala in 2025? Full guide

Guatemala is a country that grabs you. As someone that runs along its cobbled streets, breathe in the air of its volcanoes, and has thoroughly researched the current situation to this end of 2025, I can tell you that the answer is not a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It is a ‘yes, but with knowledge’.

If you are traveling from the united States or Europe, it’s likely you’ve seen travel alerts level 2 or level 3. Here I will tell you the reality of what we are experiencing today, December 17, 2025, to plan your trip with confidence and realism.

What is the current situation in December of 2025?

Guatemala is closing the year with a record high: more than 2.9 million tourists that visited us this year, surpassing all the expected goals. This tells you something important: the tourist infrastructure is more robust than ever, and the country is ‘fashion’.

However, honesty is key. Today, there are two realities:

The tourist areas (Antigua, Atitlan, Tikal): Operate normally, are vibrant and very safe if you follow the basic rules.
The areas of conflict in point: Currently, there is a ‘State of Prevention’ in individual municipalities of Sololá (Nahualá and Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán) due to territorial conflicts internal. This does not affect the resort towns of Lake Atitlan as Panajachel or San Marcos, but it is vital to avoid these specific routes if you travel to Quetzaltenango.

The areas that you must visit (and how to make it safe)

1. Antigua Guatemala

It is possibly the safest place in the country. You can walk the main streets with peace of mind.

My advice: Enjoy the night life, but used Uber to get back to your hotel if it is after 10:00 PM. Not by fear, but by standard precaution.

2. Lake Atitlan

The lake is magical, but it requires logistics.

The golden rule: do Not hiking alone. Places such as ‘the Nose of The Indian’ must be visited with a local guide authorized. In addition to supporting the local economy, avoiding security incidents sometimes occur on paths and isolated.

3. Tikal and el Petén

The maya forest is peaceful. Internal flights from Guatemala City to Flores are the most safe and fast.

Research for you: Avoid the border areas with Mexico (especially in Huehuetenango and San Marcos) due to the activities of organized groups that have nothing to do with tourism, but that it is best to avoid.

Transport: How to move without risks?

This is the question I receive. Here is my verdict honest about the famous ‘Chicken Buses’ (vans):

Photo: Yes.
To travel with suitcases and technology: No.

Although they are iconic, they are not safe for the average tourist because of pickpockets and driving is very aggressive. In 2025, the best option are the shuttles, private or shared , which connect the Old with the Atitlán or Lanquín. They are inexpensive, they will live and travel with other travelers. In Guatemala City, only for use Uber or taxis application official.

Tips a ‘Pro’ of someone who lives here

I researched the most common mistakes travelers this year, and here’s how to avoid them:

Automated teller Machines (ATMs): Used only in banks and shopping centres. Prevents the teller isolated on the street to prevent the cloning of cards.
Photography and Culture: In rural areas, ask for permission, always before taking photos of people, especially children. There is a cultural sensitivity very high in this respect and is a sign of basic respect.
Health: Dengue fever and Zika are still present in low-lying areas. Use insect repellent with DEET, especially at dawn and dusk. And please, never drink tap water; bottled water is your best friend.

The Final Verdict: is it worth it?

Absolutely. Guatemala is not a theme park; it is a country alive, complex, and spectacularly beautiful. If you stay on the tourist routes, avoid travel by road at night, and you use common sense you would use in any large european city or american, you’ll have one of the best experiences of your life.

The guatemalans (clogs) we are incredibly hospitable. In 2025, the country is more ready than ever to meet you.

Safety note: Before you leave, enroll in programs such as STEP (for citizens of the usa. UU.) to receive real-time alerts on your phone.

Are you planning your route to Guatemala, and don’t know where to start? Tell me what kind of traveler you are (adventurer, cultural or luxury) and I can help you to design an itinerary safe and authentic for your stay in 2026.