Embassy of Guatemala in San Jose, Costa Rica; address De la Esquina Oeste del Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio 100 metros Sur, 50 metros Oeste…
Head of mission: Mr. Geovani René Castillo Polanco, Ambassador (as of 2024)
Head of mission: Mr. Jorge González Roesch, Honorary Consul (confirmed in the diplomatic list of Guatemala, 31 Dec 2024)
Guatemala is an appealing destination for some Costa Rican travelers due to its rich culture and diverse landscapes. Notable attractions include the ancient Mayan sites like Tikal and the colonial charm of Antigua, which attract cultural enthusiasts. With around 600,000 Costa Ricans traveling abroad annually, a portion may find Guatemala an intriguing option.
Guatemala is generally considered less safe for tourists compared to Costa Rica. According to the Global Peace Index, Guatemala ranks 115th out of 160 countries, while Costa Rica is ranked 56th. The murder rate in Guatemala is significantly higher, at 20.0 per 100,000 people, compared to Costa Rica's 11.4. Additionally, female murder rates are also higher in Guatemala (6.1) than in Costa Rica (2.2). Crime statistics from the Global Organized Crime Index further highlight the differences in safety. For instance, Guatemala scores higher in areas such as mafia presence (7.5 vs. 6.5 for Costa Rica) and state crime (7.0 vs. 1.5 for Costa Rica). While both countries face challenges with organized crime, the overall safety environment is more favorable in Costa Rica. Travelers should exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions when visiting Guatemala.