Several armed attacks have taken place in 2008 on tourists travelling to/from and around major tourist sites

There have been several armed attacks in 2008 on tourists travelling to/from and around major tourist sites such as Antigua, Tikal, Peten and Lake Atitlan. You are advised to avoid the Godinez by-pass via Patzun between Guatemala City and Panajachel. You should use the Pan American Highway to Solola instead. The road between Cocales (Suchitepequez) and San Lucas Toliman (Atitlan) should also be avoided where possible. Care should also be taken on the road between Santiago and San Pedro on the shores of lake Atitlan as there have been armed attacks on this route. In addition, other minor roads around Lake Atitlan have also seen instances of armed attack against tourists. There are adequate boat services between the towns and the lakeshore, which may be a safer alternative.