Central America

Guatemala

Location

Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize.

Crime is a major problem throughout the country. Serious attacks, murder and rape have taken place. Five to six murders are committed every day in Guatemala City. Be alert at all times and do not travel alone. Turf wars between gangs are usually narcotics related. Innocent bystanders have been killed. Register with the embassy on arrival. Violent crime is rife throughout the country. Local militia groups, weapons (various, vehicle security, vehicle convoys, personal security, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications, emergency shelters.

Use bottled water.

Mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten).

Tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands.

Numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms.

Dengue fever, hepatitis A, malaria, polio, rabies, typhoid, yellow fever.
Hospital: Hospital Centro Medico, 6a Av 3-47, Zona 10, Guatemala City. Tel: 2-323555 / 342157

De-forestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution.

Car and bus-jacking have occurred on most roads. Roads on main routes are paved, but in more isolated areas 4x4 vehicles need to be used. Driving standards are poor.

Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) (5 days)
Centurion's flagship Hostile Environments and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT®) course is for people who operate world wide, particularly in areas where there may be personal health or safety concerns. It is extremely effective for "frontline" organisations.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.