How are things in Antigua?
 

I am considering a Spanish language school in Antigua and will be traveling with my nine year old daughter. I was wondering what Antigua was like and how safe it is. The last time I was in Guatamala was eighteen years ago and I have never been to Antigua.

Thank You,
Gem

My older son was there for perhaps the 20th time in January. He has never had a problem, but he has many Guate friends and speaks fluently.
M

Thank you, Mikemeo. I am always extra cautious when traveling with my daughter.

We were in Antigua January 2005 for vacation not schooling but found the city to be safe and inviting. We saw several "tourist" police which was comforting but frankly never felt threatened in any way. We didn't walk around at night but used taxis. We used basic safe travel knowledge, always watched our belongings, wore little jewelry, carried small amts. of cash. Our Spanish is decent but not outstanding and we fared well. Absolutely loved Antigua!

Lisa in Costa Rica

I was 4 days in Antigua and never had a problem ! Just use your common sense and everything is going to be fine.
Enjoy it!

Thank you Lisa and Jele!

My boyfriend and I visited Antigua 2 years ago. As we were walking on the main street from our excellent, luxurious hotel (Panza Verde) to the center of town at about 10PM we were held up with a gun to my head by 2 young men. My boyfriend had no choice but to open his wallet and give them all he had. I am a very experienced traveler, I have been all over the world, and this was the first time I experienced anything like that.
We were told it was an unusal occurance, but it did happen.
I must say that despite this terrifying experience I loved Guatemala.
Ago

Hi, I am sorry regarding what happened to Ago however I think that common sense would have dictated to take a taxi late at night to Panza Verde which is a little at the edge of town. We stayed around the corner at La Posada del Angel and
although we walked many times going into town for dinner we made a point to take a taxi always coming back to the hotel. May be it was only a question of luck but I think common sense always helps. By the way it was very DARK going and coming back from the hotel into town.

Maybe I am particularly sensitive because I have travelled around the world and pride myself on having common sense...but we specifically asked at the hotel if it was safe to walk rather than take a taxi and they said "sure, no problem."
It was very bad luck indeed.
Please don't blame the victim.
Ago

I LOVE Antigua! There are lots of Spanish schools and it´s very common to see students in the small cafes reading a book with a dictonary at hand. The city is small and colorful, people are very friendly. Do take a cab at night, it gets very dark very fast. I would say Antigua is one of the safest cities in Guatemala, probably due to the tourist police. But as always, use common sense and don´t walk around with too much cash or valuables. Enjoy!