7 Important Guatemala Travel Tips: Is It Safe to Visit as a Family?

If you’re planning a trip to Central America and wondering, “Is Guatemala safe to visit with kids?” — you’re not alone. Safety is one of the top concerns for families considering travel to this region, especially for parents traveling solo or with young children. Before our family arrived in Guatemala, I had many of the same questions and doubts.

As a mom who often travels internationally with two little ones, I take safety seriously. Whether we’re walking city streets, navigating transportation, or accessing medical care, I want to know what to expect and how to prepare.

In this guide, I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before arriving — honest, firsthand insights into Guatemala family travel and the kind of practical Guatemala travel tips that make a big difference when you’re exploring with kids in tow.

What we found surprised us: Guatemala has been one of the most welcoming and family-friendly countries we’ve visited (and we’ve visited over 40 countries!).

From separate lines for families at banks to strangers helping me load groceries into a car, I’ve been met with kindness, helpfulness, and warmth everywhere we go.

That said, travel here still requires some street smarts — think chaotic traffic, uneven sidewalks, and a healthcare system that’s great for small issues but may not be prepared for complex emergencies.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what has felt truly safe, what situations require extra caution, and what makes Guatemala such a rewarding place to travel as a family.

Whether you’re heading to Antigua, Lake Atitlán, or beyond, here are the real-world Guatemala travel tips that will help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for the journey.

• I don’t walk around late at night, though let’s be honest — my kids and I are in bed by 7pm anyway.
• I’m aware of my surroundings.
• I keep valuables secure and stay in familiar areas.

But compared to many urban U.S. settings, I’ve felt an enormous sense of ease here.

👉 For more tips on how to stay smart and prepared abroad, check out my post about safety tips for children.
👉 And if you’re worried about medical situations, here’s important information about preparing for medical emergencies while overseas.

Things That Don’t Feel as Safe

If we’re being real, not everything feels perfectly safe — especially when it comes to infrastructure. Crossing the road here often feels like playing Frogger.

Cars don’t always slow down, crosswalks can be rare, and you have to keep a sharp eye while holding little hands tight.

Also, while we’ve had quick and affordable experiences with local healthcare — like walk-in pediatric visits and urgent care — we haven’t had to navigate any complex medical emergencies or specialist needs.

For basic care, it’s been surprisingly easy and efficient, but if you have ongoing health concerns or require specialized care, you may want to plan accordingly.

What About Concerning Travel Advisories?

One of the most common concerns I hear is about the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories for Guatemala. While it’s wise to pay attention to official guidance (and sign up for the STEP program if you’re a US citizen), it’s also important to understand the broader context behind those warnings.

Many of the safety statistics used to justify high-level alerts are influenced by specific regions, such as border zones and rural areas far from where most travelers go.

In reality, the vast majority of tourist-friendly areas in Guatemala — like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Flores — are considered very safe and have a strong presence of both local and international visitors.

We’ve felt more at ease here walking with our kids than we have in some major U.S. cities. Like any destination, Guatemala is not one-size-fits-all.

Looking beyond the headlines and focusing on region-specific advice can offer a much more accurate picture of what family travel here is really like.

• Families with young kids often get priority in public places. At the bank, I didn’t have to wait for an hour — they had a separate line just for families. Total game changer when you’ve got a wiggly toddler.
• Many restaurants and cafes have built-in playgrounds. It’s not uncommon to be sipping a smoothie while the kids swing and climb nearby.
• Babies are adored here. On our flight from San Francisco to L.A., most passengers were locked into their phones, barely looking up when my one-year-old said hi. On our flight to Guatemala City? People were waving, smiling, offering toys, and playing peek-a-boo. Strangers asked to hold him and genuinely engaged — it was like night and day.

That warm community feeling doesn’t end at the airport. We’ve had strangers help us load groceries into an Uber, carry bags up the hill to our place, offer to help put on my baby carrier, and — yes — even offer us a free ride home in the back of a pickup truck (we politely declined, but still appreciated the offer).

There’s a deep cultural value here around family, hospitality, and connection. And when you’re traveling with little ones, those small moments of help and kindness really matter.

There is also a strong worldschooling community in Guatemala with many traveling families. If you’re curious about worldschooling, read our post on what is worldschooling to learn more.

Important Travel Tips for Family Travel in Guatemala

1. What Neighborhoods Feel Safe?

We’ve felt safe throughout most of our time in Guatemala, especially in well-traveled areas like Antigua and the towns around Lake Atitlan.

These towns see a steady stream of tourists and expats, which means there’s often more local awareness and infrastructure to support families.

We personally avoid wandering far in Guatemala City, especially at night, and we typically stick to trusted transportation services when passing through.

As in any country, safety can vary street by street, so it’s worth asking locals or hotel staff for up-to-date advice.

2. Crossing the Street with Kids

If I had to name the least relaxing part of being in Guatemala with young kids, it’s crossing the road. Pedestrian right-of-way isn’t widely observed, and sidewalks can be narrow, broken, or nonexistent.

We approach every crossing like a real-life game of Frogger: adults on the outer edges, kids in the middle, and eyes in every direction.

In some towns like Antigua or Panajachel, the slower traffic makes it manageable — but in busier areas, I always recommend baby carriers and hand-holding, and staying alert at intersections.

This isn’t a reason to avoid travel here — but it’s definitely a place where parental vigilance makes a big difference.

3. Local Medical Care: What to Expect

We’ve had to access the Guatemalan medical system a few times for common family things — a fever, an upset stomach, a rash — and every time, we’ve found fast, affordable, and competent care.

Clinics are often walk-in and don’t require advance appointments. Many providers speak some English in tourist areas, and medications are easily available from local pharmacies.

That said, we haven’t needed emergency or specialty care, so I can’t speak to more complex situations. If your child has ongoing health needs, allergies, or chronic conditions, I’d recommend traveling with key medications and reviewing how to prepare for medical emergencies while overseas.

4. Transportation Safety

We use trusted shuttles, Uber (available in Guatemala City and Antigua), and local tuk-tuks or lanchas (boats) on the lake.

Car seats are not common in taxis or shuttles, so if that’s important for your family, you’ll want to bring your own.

We’ve never had an issue with drivers, though we do prefer pre-booked transport over flagging a random vehicle off the street.

For longer transfers — like to Lake Atitlán or Tikal — we often travel during the day and ask fellow families or hosts for driver recommendations.

We’ve found drivers to be friendly and accommodating, especially when they see you’re traveling with little ones.

6. Being a Visible Family

Something that’s surprised me: being a family here is often an asset. People seem to trust and welcome families — especially those with young children.

We’ve never been harassed or treated as a nuisance (as children are sometimes treated in the states). No one has scolded my baby for crying or my 6 year old for being curious.

In fact, we’ve had more kindness shown to us here than in some very “kid-friendly” cities in the U.S. Being visible — as foreigners, as parents, as people — hasn’t made us feel more vulnerable. It’s actually made us feel more connected to the local community here.

7. What number do I call in an emergency in Guatemala?

Unlike in the U.S., Guatemala does not use 911 for emergencies. Instead, different services have their own numbers. Dial 122 or 123 for fire or ambulance, and 110 for the police.

In tourist hubs like Antigua, local responders are often quick and helpful — especially the Bomberos Voluntarios, who also act as first responders.

Another excellent resource is PROATUR, Guatemala’s official tourist assistance service, which offers 24-hour emergency help and guidance in both English and Spanish. You can reach them by calling +502 2290 2810 or simply 1500 from within Guatemala.

Save these numbers in your phone before you arrive so you’re prepared, even if you never need them. Check out our post about how to prepare for medical emergencies while overseas, unfortunately we’ve learned through experience that it’s best to be prepared for the worse.

So, Is Guatemala Safe for Kids?

For our family, yes. And not only safe — it’s been joyful, welcoming, and surprisingly easy. That doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. But with smart preparation and realistic expectations, Guatemala can be a wonderful place to travel with children.

If you’re someone who loves cultural immersion, warm people, and spontaneous moments of joy — and you’re willing to hold hands tight while crossing the street — Guatemala just might be your next favorite family destination.

Did I miss your safety related question? Add it to the comments below or find me on Instagram @fullpassportfamily and I’ll answer your question!