Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. On 6 October. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
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) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. Central America stories, info, news, and opinion coming to you from local and expat writers in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Be vigilant of motorcyclists who weave unexpectedly across lanes of traffic and pedestrians who unexpectedly dart across roads due to the lack of defined crosswalks. Risk is higher among children,travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time. Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica. Visit the website of Guatemalasnational tourist officeand national authority responsible for road safety, or contact them viae-mail. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations. From Alaska and Hawaii, the best prices were to Guatemala City, while the cheapest place to fly from West Virginia was Madrid. Road safety and road conditions can vary greatly throughout the country. When traveling to Lake Atitln, use certified tourist providers and travel between villages on the lakeshore by chartered boat, as perimeter paths pose a serious crime risk and are not easily accessible by emergency services. Avoid raw or undercooked food. All travelers aged 10 and over must show proof of a negative Covid test (PCR or antigen) taken within three days of arrival in Guatemala. Hurricanes usually occurfrom mid-May to the end of November. Outside of that, its up to each municipality and venue to enforce rules, and many dont. There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Travelers should remain in groups, stay on principal trails leading to the Central Plaza and the Temple IV complex, and avoid remote areas of the park. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game. There are no restrictions, but if the passenger is carrying $10,000 or more, s/he will need to justify the income and the purpose, Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16 Do not take public transportation, including white car taxis. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Many cities in Guatemala, such as Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan, are at high altitude. Well its now official From January 10, 2022, youll need to prove full vaccination status to enter Guatemala as a tourist. These restrictions were intended to limit the effect of impurities in the CNG, such as hydrogen sulfide, on the structural integrity of the steel used in the manufacture of the cylinders. If you are in Guatemala you should: Observe social distancing of at least 1.5 metres. Since it is one of the countries that are open for tourism, Guatemala has put a few entry requirements in place for travelers. However, incoming visitors must be aware of a new document they must bring before arrival, called the Health Pass. They have also been subject to armed assault and sexual assault, including rape. Closely supervise children, as theyre more likely to come in contact with animals. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements. Many border posts close for lunch and at dusk. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from traveling outside the capital city at night. military installations and establishments, stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments, follow the advice of local emergency services personnel, monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation, know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks, be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip, stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts, carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator, follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation, follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders. James Dyde is the editor of centralamerica.com. Typically, two men on a motorcycle accost a pedestrian or driver stuck in traffic and demand valuables. Adequate health facilities are available in urbanized areas, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards. Riptides are common. Due to very high levels of violent crime, you should avoid non-essential travel to certain: Crimes that occur in these areas include: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent in urban and tourist areas, especially in: Crime tends to increase during the holiday seasons. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due tocrime. Seek advice from a registered travel agency if you plan off-road travel in the remote highlands of Petn to ensure youre prepared and properly equipped. Indigenous Areas: Be mindful of local traditional practices when visiting indigenous Maya communities as tensions can rise quickly and locals occasionally take the law into their own hands. If you plan on buying property, or making other investments in Guatemala, seek legal advice in Canada and in Guatemala. Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. Find out what types of insects are present where youre travelling, when theyre most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread. An official website of the United States government. Read the entire Travel Advisory. As a result, surrogacy agreements between foreign or same sex intending parents and gestational mothers are not enforced by Guatemalan courts. According to LGBTI rights groups, gay and transgender individuals often experience police abuse. Do not hail taxis on the street in Guatemala City, instead use radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo), INGUAT-approved taxis from the SAFE stand at the Guatemala City airport, or hotel taxis. We have obtained the information on this page from the Guatemalan authorities. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report.. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Guatemala. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. Laws and speed limits are often ignored, turn signals are rarely used, and passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common. Rabiesis a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. San Marcos Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test to enter or leave the country. There is a heightened security presence at the official Guatemala-Mexico border points due to increased migration flows. International Travel Restrictions All arriving passengers aged 10 or older must fulfill one of the following requirements to enter Guatemala: Present proof of having received at least two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine, or a single dose in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, over 14 days prior to travel. In Guatemala City, there are several radio taxi companies in operation: U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from using the white taxis. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. People found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs will be arrested and may serve jail time. U.S. dollars may be exchanged for local currency at most major banks. Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others. If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season: The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Most of the time, they are recycled school buses mechanically unreliable. Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy. Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 For the time period of 2022-2050, . Guatemala Covid Entry Requirements Eliminated for Travelers Entering the Country by CA Staff August 15, 2022 Guatemala, News, Travel All Guatemala Covid entry requirements are now eliminated, effective August 12, 2022. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water. Exercise a high degree of caution in Guatemala due to high levels of violent crime, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur throughout the country. In case of emergency, dial: Guatemalan authorities provide information and assistance to tourists via their ASISTUR and DISETUR programs. Pregnant women may choose to avoid or postpone travel to this country. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. In that time, Guatemala has been perhaps the most inconsistent country with its rules, chopping and changing on a regular basis. Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page, Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates, Emergency Information for American Citizens, Health Alert New Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala on or after January 10, 2022. Victims have been violently assaulted when they resisted an attack or refused to give up money or valuables. Demonstrationsoccur frequently. Nevertheless, the threat of a serious explosion is still real. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19. U.S. government personnel and their family members are prohibited from using these forms of transportation. For more information, see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada. If you enter Guatemala with a vehicle, you must comply with the deadline for leaving the country, which is indicated on the temporary importation form provided by Guatemalan customs at the port of entry. Secondary and rural roads have little to no illumination. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Health Alert New Entry Requirements for Travel to Guatemala on or after
January 10, 2022. Flash floods and mudslides are common. The spiking of drinks is a problem in tourist areas, especially in Antigua. Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. The final dose must have been administered at least two weeks before arrival in Guatemala. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve. PROATUR also provide additional security in locations frequented by tourists. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. The southwestern department of San Marcos at the Guatemala-Mexico border and the zone at the border with Belize are especially affected. There have been incidents involving deceptive police officers who commit petty crimes, while other officers have reportedly been involved in sexual assault cases. When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. Roads may become impassable and bridges may be damaged. The Guatemalan Tourist Assistance Program, PROATUR, may be able to provide additional information and can be reached by dialing 1500 or +502-2290-2800. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country. Earthquakes and tsunamiscan occur. If you travel by bus: Hotel-associated taxis and yellow cabs (taxis amarillos), which operate in Guatemala City, are considered safe. Some ATMs will accept Canadian debit cards with a four-digit PIN. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. ), Patricia Trigueros takes you toRead More A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador. In effect, the above is all that remains of the previous Guatemala Covid entry requirements in effect in some form or another since September 2020 when it reopened to travelers. Children travelling with only one parent or with a third party must travel with a notarized letter of consent from the other parent, both parents or their guardian. Local public buses, known as chicken buses, are not safe. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination. U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from traveling to/throughout the above-mentioned areas for personal travel but are permitted to travel throughout the rest of Guatemala, including tourist destinations such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitln, and Pacific coast areas in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments. You should carry an international driving permit. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Vlogging to Better Your Brand in Central America, Is Guatemala City Safe? The call center is staffed with Spanish and English speakers and can be reached 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Guatemala prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, , intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. In many areas, tap water is not potable. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Beware of strong currents, riptides, and undertows along Guatemala's Pacific coast beaches, as well as at Lake Atitlan. Not all risks are listed below. But deaths are at an all time low, even with the lack of internal restrictions. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Typhoidis a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Testing and vaccines are now a recommendation rather than a rule. These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. Risk is generally low for most travellers. 2. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Guatemalan citizens, Guatemalan residents, and diplomats accredited in Guatemala will be required to present either of the following: If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness or are suspected of having COVID-19, please postpone your trip to Guatemala. ), A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador, Guatemala about-turned and abolished all this, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Belize to have zero Covid restrictions for travelers, only Honduras and Panama still have internal restrictions with any teeth. Their emergency assistance call center staffed with Spanish and English speakers may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800. You should carry personal ID when travelling (certified. Guatemala - Scores for Women, Business and the Law 2023 Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Faith-Based Travelers:See the following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Guatemala. Guatemala has many different and firmly held local beliefs and customs. However, outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Well it's now official - From January 10, 2022, you'll need to prove full vaccination status to . Uber is also considered safe to use in Guatemala City and Antigua. Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings. Furthermore, some violations of law that occur in Guatemala are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. Guatemalas public hospitals frequently experience serious shortages of even the most basic medicines and equipment. These immigration numbers come in contrast to the previous year's figures, where Canada welcomed just 184,000 new PRs due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Visit theMinistry of Foreign Affairs website(Spanish only) orcontact the Guatemalan Embassyfor the most current visa information. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Please visit the U.S. Embassys COVID-19 information page for more information on COVID-19 in Guatemala. Road Conditions and Safety: Road hazards are common. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about, Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about. Volcn de Fuego's last . If you participate in demonstrations as a foreigner, you may face detention, deportation or denied future entry into Guatemala. Wichtiges Element des neuen Erlebnisses ist eine neue Kabinenausstattung fr die Langstreckenflotte, diese wird heute erstmals der ffentlichkeit prsentiert. Zone 18 and Villa Nueva within the Guatemala Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Sign up for email alerts as countries begin to open - choose the destinations you're interested in so you're in the know. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions, including potential COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements for countries you are transiting through. Pack atravel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres. There have been instances of narco-related homicides in this area, especially along CA-13. It is not necessary to present a negative Covid test. Some tourist service-providers build trusting relationships with female tourists and then sexually assault them. Use of radio-dispatched taxis or Uber is far safer than hailing taxis on the street. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present: To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page. Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional. https://t.co/lgVJnpsK69, Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) December 24, 2021. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, including taxi drivers. (And Which Parts Should I Visit and/or Avoid? You dont have to present both. Passengers who are neither Guatemalan citizens nor Guatemalan residents will be required to present both of the following: Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctors prescription. Read the entire Travel Advisory. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysBusiness visa: not required for stays of up to 90 daysStudent visa: required. Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Guatemala. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Coordinator of the, The request should be submitted by mail, fax, or. The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or driving at night. Immigrants. Or finding another place with no such restrictions. Support for victims of sexual assault is lacking. Falling ash may also disrupt flights at La Aurora International Airport. Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Guatemala? Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. The rule would start, but on January 3 instead. Reports of sexual assault remain high. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. Be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are prevalent in major cities and tourist sites, especially the central market and other parts of Zone 1 in Guatemala City. Several ridesharing services are also available but safety varies depending on the company. ), A Dose of Palm Trees: My Favorite Beaches in El Salvador, with all the chopping and changing of the dates, press reports said Guatemala was delaying the change (to analyze the measures, apparently). We overview the rules and offer a quick speculation as to why this is happening now. Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. In the meantime, also on December 22, Guatemalas Immigration Department updated its own entry info, without mentioning any of this. Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called PROATUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. It was almost as if everyone had forgotten and needed to be retold. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Verify this information with theForeign Representatives in Canada. The volcano is constantly active at a low level, with small gas and ash eruptions every 15 to 20 minutes. Many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for illegal adoption or sexual abuse. A common crime against foreign citizens in Guatemala is robbery of cell phones. Huehuetenango Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. In Central America, only Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama still have Covid entry requirements for travelers entering their territories. Restaurants and Bars: Open with restrictions . Its unclear if this applies also to vaccinated tourists, or if immigration agents will turn them away. They can happen throughout the country, but the Petn area is usually the most affected. Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. They have the Biden administration breathing down their neck, and theres talk of sanctions coming in the new year. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Childrens Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre. Drug-related armed attacks occur in departments close to all borders. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication. Mudslides and flooding during the May to November rainy season often kill dozens of people and close roads. They can occur on the main roads leading to Guatemala Citys La Aurora International Airport. Some volcanoes are at high altitude, with sub-zero temperatures at night. information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, National Disaster Reduction Coordination Office, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis). Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
Lock
A locked padlock
) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Some areas have increased risk. For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Guatemala, in Guatemala City, and follow the instructions. Dont photograph children and women, especially in areas with Indigenous presence. It is against the law for drivers to operate cellular phones while driving. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities). provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination. Is quarantine required to visit Guatemala? Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury. Drink boiled or bottled water. Medical facilities in Guatemala City are adequate. Several municipalities lack police presence, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. In a common scenario, an accomplice distracts the victim while an assailant slashes a bag or backpack or simply steals it. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. Guatemala travel restrictions To visit Guatemala by air or land, travelers age 12 and up must show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. Published Feb. 15, 2022 Updated March 8, 2022. It is recommended that you contact the nearestdiplomatic or consular officeof the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. Do not travel to: 6 years later, I have taken a, Join me and the@photopillsteam tomorr, New 2023 OREGON COAST ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY WORKS, Our 2023 Milky Way Calendars are ready! Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine. . Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to very high levels of violent crime: Violent crime, including homicides, is common in Guatemala. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension. Guatemala Directorate General of Migration Government of Guatemala (in Spanish). Crime:Theft, armed robbery, and carjacking are the most common crimes against U.S. citizens. They are often reckless. Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(502) 2354-0000 From Mississippi, it was to Sao Paulo; from Alabama, it was Belize . Within the Latin America and the Caribbean region, the maximum score observed is 95 (Peru). The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Guatemala. For more travel recommendations, see the travel health notice:Zika virus: Advice for travellers. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. U.S. government personnel and family members are free to travel within Guatemala City except for zone 18 and the municipality of Villa Nueva. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review without changes. Guatemala Directorate General of Migration, Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad, potential entry requirements related to yellow fever, Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada, American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents, Canadian embassies and consulates by destination, Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclonesand monsoons, Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings, https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Guatemala, municipalities in Guatemala and Escuintla departments, departments along the borders with El Salvador and Honduras, dont display signs of affluence, especially upon arrival at the airport, where travellers have been followed and robbed or carjacked en route to Guatemala City and Antigua, keep laptop computers, mobile phones and other personal electronic devices out of sight, and refrain from using them in public, ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times, carry only a copy of the identification page of your passport and enough money for the day, if threatened by robbers, do not resist: hand over your valuables and cash immediately, Avoid travelling alone, especially at night, Avoid excessive alcohol and narcotic consumption, as it can make you a more vulnerable target for criminals, Travel only through official border crossings, Cross only during the daytime and allow enough time to reach your destination or a major city before dark, pay careful attention when others are handling your cards, use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements, Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, Follow the instructions of local authorities, Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations, Avoid travelling alone, with informal guides or with strangers, even if they appear friendly and helpful, never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company, buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation, ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity, stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard, inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal, obtain detailed information on hiking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails, Dont swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas, Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas, choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance, make sure safety equipment, such as helmets and life jackets, are available and in good condition, make sure your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose, avoid challenging rivers, such as the Cahabn, Los Esclavos, Nahualate and Naranjo rivers, if you dont have previous rafting experience, mudslides and rock slides during the rainy season, which can also affect main highways in mountainous regions, the road from Guatemala City to the Atlantic Ocean (CA-9), the isolated dirt roads near Lake Atitlan, drive with car windows closed and doors locked at all times, be prepared to change your travel plans in case of roadblocks, dont go through roadblocks without stopping, even if they appear unattended, make sure the transportation provider is reputable and reliable before booking, confirm your drop-off location, because Guatemala City Council no longer allows some intercity buses to enter the city centre, Avoid boarding taxis at taxi stands or flagging taxis in the street, If using hotel taxis, request the service at the front desk and always look for the hotel logo on the car, When travelling by air, pre-arrange your pickup with your hotel prior to your arrival or use authorized airport taxis, Note the driver's name on the picture identification badges, as well as the licence number, Make sure the driver doesnt pick up other passengers along the way to your destination, Use ridesharing services from a trusted app only, Confirm the drivers identity and the licence plate before getting in the car, Enter Guatemala only through official ports of entry staffed by Guatemalan immigration officers, Use officially recognized docking and berthing facilities only.