U.S. travelers should rethink heading to a popular Central American tourist destination.
The U.S. Department of State issued a “Level 3” travel advisory for Guatemala on Monday.
The advisory recommends tourists avoid visiting the country because of crime in several areas, some of which have been deemed completely off-limits.
“Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking and violence,” the advisory reads. “Local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crimes, leading to low arrest and conviction rates. While tourists are not usually targeted, they can still be victims of opportunistic crimes.”
Areas under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory include the San Marcos Department, Huehuetenango Department, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and Villa Nueva. People can still visit popular places such as Tikal, Antigua, Lake Atitlán and the Pacific coast areas in Santa Rosa and Escuintla.
Guatemala has a program called the Tourist Assistance Program (ASISTUR) that helps protect tourists in those areas. The country also has an emergency call center that serves Spanish and English speakers. Tourist groups can call and request a security escort through that center as well.
Those who choose to visit Guatemala should take the following precautions:
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