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Safety and the Police
Personal safety is a serious problem in Guatemala, partly due to a recent nationwide rise in crime. There is little pattern to these attacks, but some areas can be considered safer than others. It's wise to register with your embassy on arrival, try to keep informed of events by reading newspapers, and avoid travelling at night.
Though relatively few tourists have any trouble, it's essential that you try to minimize the chance of becoming a victim. Petty theft and pickpocketing are likely to be your biggest worry. Theft is most common in Zona 1 and the bus stations of Guatemala City, but you should also take extra care when visiting markets popular with tourists (like Sololá and Chichicastenango) and during fiestas. Avoid wearing flashy jewellery or waving your money around. When travelling , there is actually little danger to your pack when it's on top of a bus; it's the conductor's responsibility alone to go up on the roof and collect luggage.
Muggings and violent crime are on the increase in Guatemala City. There's not too much danger in the daylight hours but don't amble around at night, especially if you don't know your way around. Stick to the main streets and use buses and taxis. There have also been a few cases of armed robbery in Antigua and attacks on tourists on the Pacaya volcano.
If you are robbed you'll have to report it to the police, which can be a very long process and may seem like little more than a symbolic gesture; however, most insurance companies will only pay up if you can produce a police statement.
Machismo is very much a part of Latin American culture, and many Guatemalan men consider it their duty to put on a bit of a show to impress the Western gringas . It's usually best to ignore any such hassle. Ladino towns and cantinas are the worst places. Indigenous society is more deferential so you're unlikely to experience any trouble in the western highlands. Homosexuality is publicly strongly frowned upon - although not theoretically illegal - so it's sensible to be discreet. There's a small gay community in Guatemala City but few clubs or public meeting places.
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