Of course, when we booked our tickets to Guatemala, everything seemed hunky-dory down there (according to the State Department, anyway). Upon our return, for curiosity’s sake, we checked again and found this:

This Public Announcement is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing serious security situation in Guatemala. This Public Announcement expires on November 3, 2005.

U.S. citizens are urged to be especially aware of safety and security concerns when traveling in Guatemala. Although the majority of travelers visit Guatemala without mishap, violent criminal activity on the highways in Guatemala continues, and the number of armed robberies on city streets and in private homes is increasing. Crimes against foreigners have included murder, rape, and armed robbery. Criminals in Guatemala are extremely opportunistic; all travelers should remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to limit risk and losses. Assailants often respond violently if they perceive resistance from their victims.

Although fewer highway robberies have been reported recently, violent criminal activity on the highways in Guatemala continues and tourists, among others, have been targeted. Buses of all categories, tour vans and private vehicles have been stopped, with drivers and passengers robbed, sometimes violently. Armed robbers have intercepted vehicles on main roads in broad daylight. Highway bandits have committed rape in the commission of robberies.

The most common highway robberies involve pickup trucks pulling up next to the victims' moving vehicle with occupants brandishing weapons, or impromptu blockades on isolated roads forcing vehicles to stop. Travel on secondary roads increases the risk of encountering a criminal roadblock; robbers have used mountain roads advantageously to stop buses, vans and cars in a variety of ways. The roads around Lake Atitlán that connect the neighboring towns have little security and visitors have been stopped and robbed.

Gangs are a growing concern, both in Guatemala City and in rural Guatemala. Gang members are often well-armed and prone to unprovoked violence. Gangs are believed to be responsible for a substantial increase in violent robberies on inter- and intra-city buses; U.S. Mission personnel are not permitted to travel on these buses. Mission personnel continue to observe heightened security precautions in Guatemala City and on the roads outside the capital city.

There is little evidence of effective investigation of these crimes or arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. The police suffer from corruption, inexperience and lack of funds, and the judicial system is weak, overworked, and inefficient. Criminals, at times armed with an impressive array of weapons, know there is little chance they will be caught and punished. In some cases, assailants have been wearing full or partial police uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles, indicating some elements of the police might be involved.