US travelers should rethink visiting this popular Central American tourist destination

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:

• Do not travel outside Guatemala City at night because of poorly lit roads and the greater chance of traffic incidents.
• Use certified tour guides and travel between villages by chartered boat when visiting Lake Atitlán.
• Do not swim in the Pacific Ocean because of strong currents.
• Never leave drinks unattended in bars and restaurants and decline invitations from strangers to private parties.
• Consider staying in hotels with secure parking, doormen and professional security staff.
• Use trusted taxi services such as Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro or Uber, and only use INGUAT-approved taxis from the “SAFE” stand at the airport, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers.
• Avoid public transport and white car taxis, as well as “chicken buses.”
• Do not hike trails or volcanoes without a qualified local guide as robberies can happen and getting help can be difficult.
• Avoid using public ATMs and do not show signs of wealth like wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Try not to use phones in public.