Keeping Safe in Antigua Guatemala: A Guide to Navigating the Sensational Town
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the name Antigua Guatemala? Possibly frequently documented petty crimes or natural disasters.
And that’s quite normal to experience these from time to time and sometimes that hinders people from exploring this beautiful town in the southern region of Guatemala. Today though, we’re helping inform you of the safety measures and fun activities you can do in this vibrant town for your next holiday!
Grasp the Beauty of Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala is a melting pot of culture and abundant natural resources. It’s surrounded by three volcanoes: Acatenango Volcano, Fuego Volcano, and Agua Volcano. Its unique location offers a tropical climate that’s great for growing crops. They shaped the landscape of the city and enhanced the quality of the land, making it possible for the city to become one of the primary producers in the region. The town primarily exports coffee, sugarcane, and bananas to name a few.
The Spaniards established this city as their capital in 1542 which kickstarted Antigua Guatemala’s prosperous history. It was once dubbed as the seat of power for the Spanish government in the 1500s and the town became a cultural, economic, educational, and political center of the empire. From the cobblestone streets that spanned from east to west to the physical monuments like Arco de Santa Catalina and Cerro De La Cruz, Antigua’s culture is a melting pot of culture and people.
Antigua Guatemala used to be the capital of Guatemala. After the 1773 earthquake, it was moved to Guatemala City, but physical reminders of their prosperous years have stayed.
It actually gained a name for itself in 1979 as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites because of the physical footprint that history left there. Within its famous grid lies its rich Spanish colonial history, reflected in its stone columns and walls that withstand natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and more.
Whichever kind of backpacker you are, there’s something for you to explore in Antigua Guatemala. As someone planning for a vacation here, you’d want to know about the safety level of the city. In this comprehensive guide, we answer your burning questions and provide you with tips to help you enjoy your stay here.
Is Antigua Guatemala safe to visit?
Yes. Despite the reputation of Guatemala as a whole, Antigua is dubbed one of the safest towns you can visit in the whole of Guatemala. This Spanish dreamscape treats tourists with care and the locals are incredibly friendly.
There aren’t many parts here that you need to be wary of, though, we do encourage you to ask the locals. They know the terrain better than you so please heed their advice.
- However, there have been reports of crimes near San Pedro Volcano so make sure to only go there when you have company and or a guide if you’re on a hike.
Is Crime High in Antigua Guatemala?
Much like every other tourist-heavy city in Guatemala, minor crime is not uncommon in Antigua, such as pickpocketing and vehicle theft.
Though, make sure to listen to the locals, and our guides, and keep your wits about you. Locals here are generally patient and kind towards outsiders which helps you feel at home in the town too.
You may not know it, but there are various ways thieves make use of diversion to get what they want from you so you have to stay alert make sure to prepare for anything.
Some Situations to Anticipate When You Visit
Like every city in the world, there are inevitable instances we can’t control. Though armed with the knowledge of possible outcomes, you can prepare. Check out some of the various situations you may find yourself in during your stay in Antigua Guatemala.
1. Petty Crime
Three of the top petty crimes you may experience here are pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams. Make sure to be vigilant, but not show it outwardly in tourist-heavy areas, markets, and busy streets, particularly near the central park (Parque Central) and during crowded events.
Scams: There are reports of scams targeting tourists, such as overcharging or misleading pricing for goods and services.
Say Goodbye to Thieves with These Tips
- Dress as Casually as Possible. - We know when traveling we want to look our best, but when you’re here, it’s best to dress down. Unless you’re hiking, please dress appropriately.
- Learn the Language. - You’ll definitely have a better experience if you learn a bit of Spanish or Mayan since communication would be easier for you. In general, though, Antigua has 22 languages which include Garífuna and Xinca. They’re two languages that the Indigenous people in the city speak.
- Know the Hotspots. - Please be extra vigilant here. Some of the prominent places where pickpocketing is prominent are in the market and Central Park. The latter is also a known place for vehicle theft.
- Keep Your Valuables Close. - You can either opt for a fanny pack or moneybelt depending on what you’re bringing outside with you. It’s better to just carry with you what you need for the day. You can opt for a sling bag that’s draped securely on your side.
- Park in the Designated Parqueo. - Lastly, please make sure the car you’re renting is parked in the right place to avoid your vehicle being stolen. Pair that with car insurance so that you’re fully protected. It’s also best to park in the public or private parqueo to avoid being stolen from.
2. Nighttime Safety Concerns
We’ll expound more on this later, but two factors as well that make it a bit sketchy to walk outside at night for tourists are:
Lack of Street Lighting: Some areas outside the central part of Antigua might not be well-lit, making them less safe to walk through at night.
Isolated Streets: Tourists are often advised not to walk alone at night, especially in quieter or less populated streets, due to the risk of mugging.
3. Issues with Transport
Public transportation is one of the best modes of transportation, though it may also be a bit dangerous. Take for instance the famous "Chicken Buses". Despite their bright and enticing colors, they can be prone to theft and pickpocketing. In some cases, they have been associated with armed robberies. But fret not, with a guide, you are less likely to have any issues.
There’s also the case of unlicensed taxis. Using unregistered taxis can be risky. It’s generally recommended to use trusted transportation services or ride-sharing apps.
4. Health and Hygiene Concerns
When you’re traveling around the town make sure to know where the source of your water is coming from. Concerns about tap water not being potable and food hygiene standards might contribute to an upset experience and we definitely don’t want you to have that.
5. Natural Disasters
Lastly, Antigua Guatemala is located near active volcanoes like Volcán de Fuego. While hiking is a fun activity here, the volcano can occasionally erupt and pose hazards. Earthquakes are also a risk in this region, though not a frequent occurrence, so make sure you have you take every precaution possible when you come to visit.
Local's Advice When Travelling Around Antigua Guatemala
Prevention is better than cure as most people say and that applies when traveling too. So here are the local’s top five tips to help you navigate your way around Antigua peacefully, safely, and delightfully.
#1 Travel in Daylight and Be Cautious at Night
When choosing to explore, it’s best to do it while the sun is out. Most tourists would be out at this time too, but at least you have company. When it gets dark, the crime rate rises so walk around with caution.
# 2 Have a Guide With You During Your Stay
Having a local guide with you not only ensures a safer experience but also gives you deeper insights into Antigua's rich history and culture that you might miss on your own. Guides are familiar with the safest routes, best spots to visit, and can help navigate language barriers, making your stay more enjoyable and stress-free.
# 3 Keep Warm, especially on Hikes
When you get to higher altitudes on hikes, the temperature gets cooler. Make sure you have a jacket to help you regulate your temperature so you don’t have to worry about hypothermia. Instead, you’ll bask in the amazing view at the top.
# 4 Take Note of Important Numbers
Since you aren’t a local, a number you can use to call authorities would be 1500. It connects you to a bilingual operator via the Tourist Assistance Office of INGUAT. You can connect to the police, fire, and ambulance department through this. Or just dial 120 and 110 for the police.
# 5 Carry Yourself with Confidence
We’re not telling you to act cocky, but we want you to calmly react to situations in a manner that doesn’t show your anxiety. Pickpockets can sense your fear and cautious demeanor so make sure you’re not giving off those vibes and become a target.
# 6 Have Emergency Funds
Lastly, we encourage you to keep your belongings near you and prepare for backup with extra funds and more to help you be prepared for the unexpected.
How do I travel around Antigua Guatemala?
You have three choices: by foot, public, or private transportation. If you want to explore the beautiful Spanish colonial monuments, take a stroll down memory lane. The town is quite walkable with cobble streets connecting everything in the town.
Or you can travel using public transportation units like Tuk-Tuks (Automatic rickshaws) or the famous chicken bus to get around. Careful with your belongings since pickpocketing still exists especially for the latter mode of travel.
Lastly, you can always hire an Uber to help you get around, or hire a private car service. Though be warned as well that sometimes, the deals could sound a bit sketchy and high priced.
The best way for you to truly enjoy your stay here would be walking and sometimes using public transportation.
Best Day Tours & Antigua Excursions With A Local Guide
Lastly, here are some of the adventures you can have with Kayak Guatemala to help you maximize your stay in Antigua.
1. Mayan Fire Ceremony With Shaman & Sacred Caves
Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience with a Mayan shaman who will introduce you to the ancient ritual of fire cleansing. This tradition dates back centuries and still exists today, but modern-day shamans perform this ritual for protection, healing, and cleansing as a way of maintaining their spiritual life.
Book Mayan Fire Ceremony With Shaman & Sacred Caves
2. Off The Beaten Path Guatemala Excursion
Right beside Antigua is the famous Lake Atitlan. Escape the commercial town and explore Guatemala’s beauty by staying at a Mayan village, and kayaking in the lake. You can also hike up San Pedro, Mirador Cerro Kaqasiiwaan, etc., rock climb, or cliff jump among beautiful Guatemalan nature.
Book Off The Beaten Path Guatemala Excursion
3. Lake Atitlan Rest & Relax Getaway: Resort Day Pass
Lastly, come visit Santa Cruz la Laguna, one of the most beautiful villages on Lake Atitlan. Stay at Los Eelementos Resort, a perfect place to relax and appreciate Atitlan’s dramatic mountains with spectacular views in all directions. The location is only accessible by boat, so tranquility, nature, and privacy are paralleled to none.
Book Lake Atitlan Rest & Relax Getaway: Resort Day Pass
About Kayak Guatemala
When we established in Lake Atitlán in 2007, kayaking was our first love. Fast forward 16 years, and today we offer a range of adventure tours and cultural experiences in Lake Atitlan and beyond. Check out our full range of tours here.
For more help with planning your trip to Lake Atitlan, check out our "Top Tours & Things To Do In Lake Atitlan" guide or our Guatemala 7-day itinerary for families.
