I'm traveling with my husband to Guatemala (Antigua, Pana & Tikal) mid November and would like to help relieve some safety concerns that my family has. We are adults and have done some traveling in Mexico and Europe and understand the basic precautions when traveling but the bad press Guatemala has gotten over the last couple of years has some family concerned (googling Guatemala safety does not help). How is the climate now that the election is over? Are there any particular areas that have gotten worse over the last year? Any signs that things are improving? Any links or articles that I could show my family would be great.

The demonstrations that served to oust the last president were incredibly peaceful as were the 2 election days, the final 1 Sunday. I flew in Saturday and in my town on lake Atitlán, San Pedro, the only signs of the election were a few streets made pedestrian only around voting sites (mainly gradeschools) and the lines at the polls. No worries there.

The majority of violent crime is gang related and in places you won't be near. Most of the rest is crime of opportunity - leave your camera sitting on the table when you head to the counter for another scoop of ice cream and it's likely to be gone when you sit back down. I don't condone stealing but the camera is probably worth a year's wages for a family with hungry kids.

Since safety questions come up a lot I'm reposting my response from a previous thread below. Obviously not everyone agrees with this list ­- some prefer cities and travel to party, for example ­- but it helps me feel safe when I travel and that's a good thing.
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I travel in Central America every year. Sometimes I travel alone, sometimes with one or more of my kids and/or my husband, sometimes with a group in tow. I don't feel overly paranoid but have never had a problem and would like to keep it that way.
Here are my concessions to safety when I travel in Central America:
:: I avoid the big cities as much as possible
:: I don't "party"
:: Where recommended I take specific transportation (ex: Hedman Alas in Honduras, avoid chicken buses on the mountain runs in Guatemala, take taxis after dark)
:: I know where I am and where I'm headed and make major transitions with plenty of daylight left
:: I don't wear jewelry (not even my wedding band) and try not to flash camera equipment or money around :: Some trips I carry a “throw down wallet” with an expired card or 2 and the day’s cash in it
:: I keep important documents and cash under my clothes (except what I need for shopping, buses, etc. for that time period) and keep close watch on my things, especially in crowded places and when I’m tired
:: I ask locals about safety in an area ­ evenings, hiking, etc.
:: I travel really light so I don't feel vulnerable getting my bag off and on buses, shuttles, etc.
:: I continue to build skills in Spanish

The other thing I can do is share my photo site; there are links to travelogues and blogs on the main pages of the collections. Maybe showing them some photos of the places you're going will make them jealous instead of worried.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Have a great trip!

Thank you for your reply! I have read that the protests have been peaceful, glad to see that you have seen the same in person.

I just got back (a week ago) from a few weeks in Antigua. Peaceful as ever.

Hello. I travel to Guatemala every October and March with university students. I have been doing so for several years. Recently returned from a week in Pana with group of 14. I agree with the previous posters. We stayed in homestays in Pana, hiked from Godinez to San Antonio, visited Iximche (Mayan ruins), San Jorge (caves), Santiago Atitlan, and the Natural Reserve. We do not stay in Guatemala City. The majority of my group was female.

I agree entirely with hopefulist. We dress conservatively, covering our knees to be respectful of the culture. We don't carry expensive equipment or wear bling (as I would not do in my hometown of Detroit). We do not go out after dark except in a group or by tuk-tuk (three wheeled taxis) in twos. Using the same cautions that I would use traveling in Barcelona or Rome, we do just fine.

We have an absolutely incredible experience. One of my students from October just posted a youtube (Methodist University Study Abroad in Panajachel) if you would like to check it out.

Don't know how long you will be in Pana, but I have a great connection for very inexpensive local excursions and assistance if that would be helpful.

Enjoy your time on Lake Atitlan, my favorite place on Earth.