Zone 16 (Cayalá)

Private development designed to be safe and walkable - shops, restaurants, fake European architecture. Expensive and artificial but you can actually relax here, which is rare in Guatemala City.

Cayalá is a completely planned development - cobblestone pedestrian streets, outdoor cafes, boutique shops, fake colonial architecture. It's designed to look like a European town square. This is the only place in Guatemala City where you can actually walk around without constant worry because it's private property with comprehensive security. Over 90 shops, 36 restaurants, parks, some housing - all built to create a safe walkable space. Families walk around in the evenings, people sit at outdoor cafes, sometimes there's live music or events in the plazas. It feels totally artificial though. This isn't Guatemala, it's a wealthy escape from the rest of the city. Everything costs a lot because it targets the upper class and expats. It's far from Zone 10 and other areas, you need Uber to get here, and there aren't hotels nearby. Good for an afternoon when you want to let your guard down and walk around safely, but not a place to stay.