Antigua, Guatemala
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Antigua.
Santa Ana is residential and cheaper than the tourist center, with a 10-15 minute walk to Parque Central. Good for budget travelers and language students, but less English and not much nightlife.
Santa Ana is southeast of the center - more residential and quieter, but still a 10-15 minute walk to Parque Central. You'll see more local life here: families at corner stores, kids in school uniforms, fewer tour groups. The neighborhood is centered around Templo de Santa Ana church. Accommodation costs less than in Centro Histórico, and restaurants charge local prices instead of tourist prices. Most people speak Spanish since fewer visitors come here, which is useful if you're in language school. The downsides are distance from the main tourist area and less English spoken. Use tuk-tuks or Uber at night - the streets get quiet and the lighting isn't as good as the colonial center. It's safe but you need to pay more attention than in the heavily policed tourist zone.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
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"Much cheaper than the center and still walkable to everything"
"Felt safe during the day but took tuk-tuks at night"
"Good for practicing Spanish since fewer tourists here"
"More authentic but you miss the cafe culture of Centro"
"Quiet neighborhood but 15 minute walk to restaurants"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Centro Histórico is where most of Antigua's tourist infrastructure is - cafes, restaurants, hostels, and Spanish schools all within walking distance. Safe during the day with visible police, but everything closes early at night. This is where most travelers stay.
Barrio de La Concepción is quieter than Centro Histórico but only five minutes from Parque Central. Historic area with boutique hotels and colonial houses. Peaceful at night but still close to restaurants and whatever nightlife exists.
Help other women stay safe in Santa Ana
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.