Large demonstrations occasionally occur throughout Guatemala. Demonstrations can cause serious traffic disruptions, but they are usually announced in advance. Visitors are encouraged to keep informed by following the local news and consulting hotel personnel and tour guides. While most demonstrations are peaceful, some have turned violent, and travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. Care should be taken along Guatemala's beaches, where strong currents and undertow pose a serious threat to swimmers.
Signs warning of treacherous surf are rare and confined mostly to private beaches owned by hotels.
Although almost all of the 180,000 U.S. tourists who visit Guatemala annually do so without incident, the twin legacies of widespread poverty and violence combine to produce a level of crime that is a serious concern for tourists and residents alike. The safest means to visit Guatemala is through a reputable tour organization, though small tour buses are occasionally targets of crime. Tourists who explore off the beaten track and stay in budget hotels may be more susceptible to crime. In recent years, the number of violent crimes reported by U.S. citizens has increased. While the number of such crimes appears to have leveled off in 2000, there is a public perception that there has been a significant increase in criminal behavior since January 2000.