Safety in and around Antigua

Antigua leads you into a false sense of security. Crimes against tourists do occur so take the usual precautions. It’s not advisable to walk alone late at night, or in secluded areas during the day. Take an official-looking taxi. Tuk-tuks stop service at 9 p.m. due to security reasons. Anyone can drive a tuk-tuk but all taxi drivers are registered. Keep money, cameras and other valuables out of sight and be aware of pickpockets in camionetas and in crowded places especially during festivals.

Cerro de la Cruz, the cemetery and Volcán de Agua should only be visited with a free Tourist Police escort. Call Disetur (Tel: (502) 7934-6513/6522-24) for information.

For all volcano tours check the security arrangements before booking. In late 2009 trips to Volcán Acatenango were temporarily suspended due to a shooting incident so check the current situation with tour operators.

ASISTUR, the Tourist Assistance Office of INGUAT (Tel: (502) 2421-2810 or toll free 1500), provides escorts for tourist groups, security information and assistance to all troubled travelers. You can also call ASISTUR’s bilingual representative Luis Mich, 24-hours/seven days per week (Tel: (502) 5978-3586).

Here are some related tips to help plan your trip to Antigua: Lent in Antigua and Safety .