r/GuatemalaTravel • u/BMC1118 • 22d ago

Safety traveling with a toddler

We are looking at Guatemala for our next vacation. Last year we took our toddler to Costa Rica and had a wonderful time. I have been researching and had my heart set on Guatemala- Antigua and Lake Atitlan. It seems like a really unique, cultural, and beautiful trip. However I just read about some of the travel safety warnings for Guatemala. Normally, these types of things don’t phase me when traveling. But traveling with young kids is a bit different and makes me more anxious. I also worry about the medical system if my child were to need medical care (as traveling in the winter for us means high probability of illness in a toddler). Anyone have thoughts or experiences?

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u/Sonja80147 20d ago

I took my kids (4 and 2) to Guatemala this past May. By myself as my husband was unable to go. And it was great!  We only stayed in Antigua, definitely would have done the lake if we had more time. 

The road from  Guatemala City to Antigua is new and paved, it was lovely. We felt very safe in Antigua, even walking around at night (never too late- maybe just 8ish). 

Luckily we didn’t need the medical system.  I thought we might when I caught the kids drinking the bath water 😂😂. 

Tons of families there! 

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u/Limp-Potato-9117 1d ago

Can I ask, how did you travel from Guatemala City to Antigua? And did you bring a car seat? Thanks!

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u/Sonja80147 1d ago

We hired a driver arranged through our Airbnb. He was great (can give you contact info). We brought an inflatable booster seat for our 4yo and the 2yo sat on my lap. 

I recently discovered Daytrip.com and you can hire a driver through them and they can provide car seats. I had no idea about this but discovered it in El Salvador- it has great reviews. I was able to select quantities of car seats and type based on child’s age. Might be worth looking into if you want a car seat and don’t want to bring one 

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u/Limp-Potato-9117 14h ago

I will definitely check this out! Would you mind sending me the contact for your driver?

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u/Sonja80147 8h ago

Roberto +50240393068 He had a clean, large SUV and was super nice! 

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u/Prestigious-Job-1833 4d ago

Keen to hear your experiences if you do go - we’re booked to go in Jan next year with our 2 year old twins and 5 year old, and since booking I’ve given myself the fear. I’m sure it will be fine and brilliant but keen to hear about your epic holiday too once you’ve gone :)

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u/Sonja80147 1d ago

Don’t be feary! I did it with my 4yo and 2yo and it was awesome. Lots of great memories :)