This is good to know. Thanks Brandon. When I was there just a few years ago it was totally safe during the day but locals said it was dangerous to walk around at night in unpopulated areas, and I knew somebody who was robbed leaving a bar at 1am.

Great tip, Brandon. Thanks!

I spent 5 months there last summer and the crime has settled down. The locals will tell you if it’s dangerous to be out but they are pretty lackadaisical about walking around now. The government realizes this is a tourist haven and they want to keep it that way.

Try Mediteraneo. The owner/chef is Italian and the food is super. I am going back to Antigua tomorrow and this will be one of the first places I go. It’s not that expensive considering the quality. 🙂

Hi Janet,
Sorry to say, as a general rule of thumb if you want to play it safe, then when you’re in a country where the water isn’t drinkable, don’t eat any produce that isn’t peeled or boiled/cooked. “If you can’t peel it or boil it, don’t eat it” is the mantra! Even places that are accustomed to dealing with tourists slip up, and you already know how unpleasant the consequences can be.

Here are some other tips to avoid various water-borne ickies: https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/dealing-parasites-guide-clean-water-around-world/
and
https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/staying-healthy-while-traveling-natural-preventions-and-cures/

Thanks for your comment, Tim! While Guatemala is still a bit dodgy in terms of safety, I think it’s a different world from the 1990’s. I’d be curious to get your comparative view if you ever return.

On the downside it had a serious crime problem then too. I was lucky but many of my friends were robbed.

Pleased I came across this article as I had slightly forgotten about Guatemala. It was amazing back then and I really enjoyed my time there too.

Hi Laudy,
Noooooooo! I was afraid of that when I noticed what little web presence they had disappeared. It’s too bad; I hope they reopen somewhere soon – the food was incredible. Thanks for letting me know.