What is the safest Zone in guatemala City?

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Casual Traveler

From what I can tell, Zona 1 doesn't appear to be the safest area, but then again NO WHERE in the city is safe. After all it is a city and most cities in Central America are unsafe.

I've been to Guatemala twice and haven't had any problems in the city or in rural Guatemala, but I stated in a semi-guarded neighborhood in the city. I'm attaching a link from the U.S. Embassy Website about crimes against foreigners and as you can see, Zona 1 comes up several times. Including a murder of an American Tourist just last month. Basically, just use common sense and you shouldn't have a problem.

To answer your question about the safest zones, I would say that 10, 13, 14, and 15 are the safest areas and Zone 1 appears to be the most dangerous.

This is from the State Department Website: For security reasons, the U.S. Embassy does not allow U.S. government employees to stay in hotels in Zone 1 in Guatemala City and urges private travelers to avoid staying in this area. Avoid low-priced intra- and inter-city buses (recycled U.S. school buses). They are often attacked by armed robbers and are poorly maintained and dangerously driven. The use of modern inter-city buses somewhat improves security and safety.

http://guatemala.usembassy.gov/recent_incidents.html

Incubus Dreams

All I know is don't go into Zone 3 (El Gallito). The military doesn't even go in there (that's just a little exaggeration). I grew up there as a young boy but we moved after the "cartel" started taking over.

TubThumpin

Zone 1 is pretty much okay during the day, but I wouldn't want to be around there at night. Zona 10 is relatively safe, as are Zones 13, 14 and 15. Zona 9 is a commercial/business area and is also okay during the day. I would recommend you take taxis around the city and negotiate the fares beforehand. I have taken the busses and they can be pretty sketchy. Just be aware of your surroundings at all times, and be prepared to give up everything you have if robbed, its better than losing your life over your wallet. Don't take anything out with you that you are not prepared to give away if you have to.

Michael L

I live in Guatemala City. Zone 1 is one of the most dangerous areas, but it's fine to be there as long as you take some precautions:
Don't wear any visible jewelry
Don't have your camera dangling from your neck
Don't have anything dangling that makes you look like a tourist.
If you pay for something, do not take out a big roll of bills.
Just use your common sense, and nothing will happen.

CHEYENNE

Any Guatemalan zone it's safer than NYC.
I've been living in NYC for the last 20years, and sill nothing bad has happened to me.

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