“Curses and Chaos: Why This Caribbean Destination Should be Crossed Off Your Bucket List”
**U.S. State Department Issues Severe Travel Warning for Upcoming Cruise Destination**
As the 2025 cruise season approaches, travelers should take note of the latest updates from the U.S. State Department regarding travel warnings for certain countries and destinations on upcoming cruise itineraries. One of the countries now under a Level 3 travel warning, the highest level just below a Level 4, is Guatemala.
This news comes as several cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line, are set to visit the Pacific cruise port of Puerto Quetzal, the gateway to interior Guatemala attractions such as the colonial town of Antigua.
**Understanding the Travel Warnings**
The U.S. State Department issues country-specific travel warnings to help U.S. citizens understand the security risks in each country and provide clear advice on how to stay safe when traveling abroad. The travel warnings are set from Level 1, the lowest warning level, to Level 4, the highest level.
When a Level 3 or higher travel warning is issued for a country, the State Department wants travelers to know that there are significant safety risks in that country. While the Level 3 travel advisory does not state that U.S. citizens should not travel to the country, it does warn of serious threats and advise travelers to reevaluate their decisions about visiting destinations.
**Guatemala’s Level 3 Travel Warning**
Guatemala has been placed on a Level 3 travel advisory due to crime concerns. The advisory also states that U.S. citizens should not travel to specific areas of the country, including San Marcos Province, Huehuetenango Province, Guatemala City District 18, and Villanueva City, among others, due to high-risk crime.
The advisory notes that some areas of Guatemala experience problems with gangs, robberies, carjackings, drug trafficking, and violence. Additionally, local law enforcement may not always respond well to serious crime, resulting in lower arrest and conviction rates. While tourists are not typically targeted, they can still become victims of opportunistic crime.
**Staying Safe in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala**
Cruise ship passengers traveling to Puerto Quetzal should take the necessary precautions to stay safe. The U.S. Department of State recommends booking shore excursions directly with the cruise line and following their guidance for visiting the country.
To stay safe, passengers should follow these recommendations:
* Use a certified guide and travel between villages on a chartered boat when visiting Lake Atitlan.
* Avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean as currents and countercurrents are strong and there are few lifeguards.
* Never leave drinks unattended at bars and restaurants, and refuse invitations to private parties from strangers.
* Consider staying at a hotel with secure parking, doormen, and professional security staff.
* Use a trusted taxi service, such as Taxis Amarillo Express, Taxi Seguro, or Uber, and only use INGUAT-approved taxis at the airport “SAFE” station, hotel taxis, or vetted private drivers.
* Do not hike or climb volcanoes without a qualified local guide as muggings can occur, and help can be difficult to obtain.
* Avoid using public ATMs and do not wear signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry, and try not to use your phone in public places.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
### Q: What does a Level 3 travel warning mean?
A: Level 3 travel warnings are issued by the U.S. State Department when there are significant safety risks in a country or destination. This does not mean that U.S. citizens should not travel to the country, but rather advises travelers to reevaluate their decisions about visiting the destination.
### Q: Is it safe to visit Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala?
A: The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel warning for Guatemala due to crime concerns. To stay safe, cruise ship passengers should book shore excursions directly with the cruise line and follow the Department of State’s guidance for visiting the country.
### Q: What should I do if I’m already booked on a cruise to Guatemala?
A: If you’re already booked on a cruise to Guatemala, contact your cruise line to inquire about any changes to the itinerary and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. This includes booking shore excursions through the cruise line and following their guidance for visiting the country.
### Q: Can I still book a cruise to Guatemala now that the travel warning has been issued?
A: Yes, you can still book a cruise to Guatemala, but make sure to be aware of the Level 3 travel warning and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Consider booking a cruise that offers a flexible cancelation policy or trip insurance in case you need to cancel or interrupt your trip.
### Q: Are there any specific areas in Guatemala that I should avoid?
A: The U.S. State Department advises U.S. citizens not to travel to specific areas of Guatemala, including San Marcos Province, Huehuetenango Province, Guatemala City District 18, and Villanueva City, among others, due to high-risk crime.
### Q: Can I still enjoy the attractions in Guatemala with a Level 3 travel warning in place?
A: Yes, you can still enjoy the attractions in Guatemala, but take necessary precautions to stay safe. Use a certified guide and travel between villages on a chartered boat when visiting Lake Atitlan, and avoid swimming in the Pacific Ocean.
