A friend's 18 year old is planning a trip in a few weeks, but she is quite concerned about violence in the country and how it might impact her son. We need your observations regarding safety if you have traveled recently and suggestions as to the best place to go for up-to-date and accurate information regarding this issue. The destination of his trip can be changed depending on feedback. Thank you!

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

Thank you for your reply. It is full of sound advice. He's traveling with a small group of students who are part of an established educational/cultural tour group, but even with all the organization's experience, they were recently held up on a road in rural Guatemala, a frightening experience for all. Other than trying to avoid big cities, which is impossible to do completely, given airport issues, etc., is there a part of Guatemala where you would not venture? I was in many parts of the country some years ago and found it to be one of the most interesting and engaging places I've ever visited, but I understand lots of changes have happened in the recent years, not for the better.

The area tight along the Mexican border I'd probably avoid, and parts of Guatemala City and Xela. I travel every year around Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Quiché, usually Petén, sometimes Ixil, no problems. Guess I'd also avoid whatever road that group was on when they were held up, or at least ask 1st. The Police will provide escort on any route, I've heard, if you request in advance. I've never felt the need.

With US State Department propaganda, you would think half the people in Central America get killed or at least robbed every year. I have lived in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala for a total of over 12 years. My best advice is don't do something you would not do "back home".
For example, I grew up in Los Angeles. There were lots of parts where I would not go to because I knew it wasn't safe. I have actually walked in places in Guatemala City that most people would not.
Know where you are, keeps your eyes open, have an "I am OK" attitude, don't be/act out of place and there is no reason Guatemala is any less safe than "back home".
If Lake Atitlan is on your agenda, check out http://atitlanlife.com.

Thank you! I am relaying the information real time to my friend. At this point, I think they are leaning toward allowing him to go to Guatemala. (She has learned that they are no longer taking the route where they had a problem in November.) As always, your "on the scene" info is invaluable.