I wouldn't be concerned. Our violent crime rate is mostly attributed to gangsters killing gangsters, or political / drug related violence. Tourists rarely get caught in that crossfire. You won't have trouble with pickpockets here like in other countries. The worst that could happen is petty theft or robbery. I'm a US born citizen with no latin roots. I've lived here for years in the city, I walk around everywhere, every day and I've never had a problem. There are places I'd tell you to stay away from, but I can't see why you'd go there in the first place. What I'm saying is, you'd have to really go out of your way to find a bad area. The bad areas don't have anything to see or do, and you don't have to go through them to get to something you want to see or do. They're mostly on the outskirts of the city. Zone 18, Zone 7, Zone 6, some parts of Zone 4, they can be risky if you don't know where you are or what you're doing. The thing is, there is no reason for you to go to those areas. There's nothing there that's interesting enough for a tourist to want to go see. That's just in the city. Outside the city in the areas that tourists visit, it's as safe as it is where you live probably.

If you're taking a week, Stay in the City for a day. There's plenty to see and do there. From there I'd go to Antigua. It's full of tourists, and for good reason. It's a nice little place. Very historic and fun. Strangely enough, if you're 17 some of the bars in Antigua may ask for an ID to get in. It's the only place in Guatemala that I can think of that will do that. The law says you have to be 18 to drink here, but it's very relaxed. Don't look for trouble and it won't find you. From Antigua I'd go to Lake Atitlan. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world. I love it. Stay in Panajachel for a night, then take a boat ferry over to San Pedro. There's a lot of kids that stay over there. It's inexpensive and very relaxed. I think you'll like it there. I think everyone hangs out at Buddah Bar. You're sure to meet people from all over the world in that little town. Also, if you want to study Spanish, San Pedro has lots of inexpensive schools to study in.

For health, make sure you bring a little sunblock. Guatemala City, Antigua and Lake Atitlan are in high elevated places. You'll be prone to burn if you're outdoors. As far as shots go, ask your doctor. I think getting a Hepatitis series may be a good idea. Malaria is not common here. Dengue Fever is a rotten sickness. It's a virus spread by mosquitoes. Again, it's not extremely common. Out of 14 million people, maybe 200 a year catch it. Bring bug spray with deet. That will do it. Stomach trouble can be a common issue. We have different bacteria here than in other countries. If you have any trouble with that, just go to a pharmacy and ask for Ciproflexacina (cipro). It's an antibiotic. It will clear up your stomach. You don't need a prescription here to get antibiotics.

Use common sense and don't be paranoid about visiting Guatemala. We've developed and changed a lot in the last 10 years. The internet makes it sound like a war zone, even our US embassy publishes ridiculous junk. I've been to places, bad areas in the US and been scared. I've never experienced that here. Our civil war gave the country a bad reputation, but the war has been over for a long time. This is a peaceful place, and I'm comfortable living here. I also own a tour company. I've operated incident free since opening my company. Don't sweat it. Have a good time.

Don't go ! I was there once a few years ago for one week. an uneventful trip but I heard some stories. Compared to Costa Rica, the crime is much higher. Then a year ago, one of my retired friends who had already been there for a one month trip, decided to take another month long trip before retiring there. He was in Guatemala City, coming back to his hotel at 10 PM from a bar and was mugged by 3 tough guys who ambushed him from an alley. He lost $400 cash to them and spent 2 days in a hospital there to heal his wounds, one a broken collar bone.

He moved up his departure and has no intentions of ever relocating there. Just a word to the wise is all. Hey, wasn't this the same country that 15 or so years ago was killing young children, removing their vital organs, and then discarding the bodies under bridges ? In the capitol yet !

Good luck with your decision.

Yes it is safe for the most part, especia the Lake Atitlan are, also Antigua, Tikal and Monterico ..... :) I Would learn spanish In Pana or San Pedro Solola .... you do not need any shots to go to Guate, just ur US Passport and $ ...... u can stay for up to 90 days, i lived in Guate off and on all my life, and i been fine, i must admit i have had my walet stolden twice on the public buses... :( so i would say only use shuttles or taxis ......

Yeah its safe, been comming to Guatemala off and on for 3 yrs now

Look this

http://www.visitguatemala.com/en (all about guatemala)

http://www.adrenalinatours.com/ (all about Guatemala Tourism)

http://visitquetzaltenango.com/ (a pretty small city of guatemal, many spanish school)

Im 17, an 11th grade in highschool, and me and some friends will go to guatemala over spring break this year. Is this a good idea? is guatemala safe? ive heard some very bad things about guatemala and im starting to reconsider the trip. Have you been to guatemala? RECENTLY? Alot can change in 5 or 10 years. how was it/is it for you? do you think its a safe place for a 17 yo american? anything you can tell me would help! in guatemala we are planning to study spanish and do touristy things (FUN lol) Thanks! :D