Guatemala City, Guatemala
Airport area with hotels in gated communities. Functional transit zone for early flights or late arrivals. Not interesting, just practical.
Zone 13 has the airport and some museums. It's for transit stays, not a destination. People with late arrivals or early departures stay here to avoid navigating the city in the dark. Hotels in gated communities sit 0.3 to 1 mile from the airport, many with free 24-hour shuttles. There's the Museum of Modern Art, National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography, Children's Museum, and Aurora Zoo. It feels like a transit zone - hotels, car rentals, basic services. No real restaurants or nightlife. Airport hotels have their own restaurants because walking around isn't safe or interesting after dark. The immediate hotel zone is reasonably safe during the day with airport security around, but don't explore. Zone 13 is purely functional - a safe overnight spot for early flights or late arrivals. You'll Uber to Zone 10 or Cayalá for anything else.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
ModerateHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
ModeratePickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
GoodDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Good"Perfect for late arrival - safe hotel right by airport"
"Nothing to do here but that's okay for a transit stay"
"Felt secure in the gated hotel compound"
"Easy airport access but took Uber to Zone 10 for dinner"
"Good stopover option but not a destination"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Creative district with galleries, cafes, and street art. Good during the day, unsafe after dark. Strictly daytime only.
Zone 10 is Guatemala City's tourist bubble - safe but expensive and lacking local character. It's the only area where walking at night is reasonable, with constant security and English-speaking staff.
Residential area with shopping centers and cheaper hotels than Zone 10. Safe but quiet at night with no nightlife. You'll need Uber to get anywhere interesting.
Help other women stay safe in Zone 13 (Airport Area)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.