is guatemala safe

Guatemala is considered to have significant safety risks due primarily to high levels of violent crime, including gang activity, robbery, carjacking, and sexual assault. The U.S. and other government travel advisories typically advise travelers to exercise a high degree of caution and reconsider travel to certain areas. Serious crime is often concentrated in specific zones, such as parts of Guatemala City and border regions, while popular tourist destinations like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal tend to be safer with proper precautions. Common safety measures include avoiding travel at night, not displaying valuables, using reputable taxis, and staying aware of surroundings. In summary, Guatemala is not broadly "safe" without caution, but many areas frequented by tourists can be visited safely by taking standard travel precautions and avoiding high-risk zones.