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U.S. tourist hacked to death in Guatemala

wdowns9

By wdowns9,
in Guatemala

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wdowns9

wdowns9

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We are headed that way on the NCL Spirit in December and we're considering doing something different. That is two incidents in the same area that can possibly put tourists at risk. It looks like an organized land tour is in order. You can still visit the fort via land as many of the tours drive you to the location but I agree a trip up the river would be more memorable. Having traveled throughout the world I know there is risk but many countries have open military police in hot spot areas but I did not see any police the last time I was in Santo Tomas other then the ones at the port.

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suzeqz

suzeqz

Posted
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While I agree that caution is essential, and I certainly don't mean to diminish the horrifying nature of the attack. I think a few more details about this event may be in order.

 

According to the news reports the couple were cruising on their boat in the lake. The culprits were attempting to steal the motor on the boat's dinghy when they were confronted. They then demanded money and the couple were attacked when the attackers discovered no money was to be had.

 

When I first read this I was very concerned about even traveling to Guatemala - i even thought i might stay on board that day, but once I found out these details I realized that it would be wise to join an organized tour or at least a larger group of people when traveling in Guatemala.

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Another ship trip

Another ship trip

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Posted

We were there last November (THanksgiving) and will be again this year for Thanksgiving. We did an "organized" trip from the vendors on the shore. Our boat broke down a couple hours into the trip and the 12 or so passengers were not happy. We were stranded in Livingston I believe for quite a long while and no one was helpful. While parts of the river are pretty, I never really felt safe. I will NOT be going on any trips while there this time if there is that much unrest. I never felt at ease due to the swim up kids to our boats and beggars. While it may seem cute to some, it was unnerving to see the men leer at our boat as the kids came up. Even ship's tours occasionally run into problems (many have been written about in Jamaica for example) and if their residents are aggressive, a stay in port may be what we will do there.

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wdowns9

wdowns9

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The ship docks in a working container port. There is nothing around the port with the exception of a tourist building that has goods/tours for sale. You do not want to go walking around outside the area. Guatemala is extremley poor but proud of their country. Like any other country there are problems. I recommend taking an organized tour as there are many options. The local tour companies are much cheaper than the cruiseship. Our previous trip on the NCL Sun there were no incidents and we had a great time. Will be going back on the NCL Spirit leaving NOLA on Dec7th and booked our tour with Happyfish (we used them the last time).

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wdowns9

wdowns9

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You will be plenty safe in a group and will have a memorable experience. When the ships pull out at the end of the day the local workers, taxi's, tour buses and local kids line up at the pier. They sing, dance and flash their lights/honk horns as you leave. This is one of the only ports that I've seen this done at and it just shows how much they appreciate us visiting their country.

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PCruzer

PCruzer

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My husband and I have always enjoyed the send-off the ship receives as she leaves Guatemala. I truly believe that the Guatemalans appreciate the American tourist. We have been to Santos Tomas a few times, and every time there was a fantastic good-bye send-off. There were taxi's, buses, and one time even an ambulance all honking their horns and blinking their lights. And everyone on the dock waving good-bye to us. Quite a sight!!

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nolaAlive

nolaAlive

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Just to repeat - this was NOT an incident with passengers from a cruise ship. I've been to the port before on NCL Sun and will be returning again this year on the NCL Spirit and have no hesitations.

 

IMG_0836.JPG

 

 

Yes, there is lots of poverty, but I felt perfectly safe. The people I met were some of the nicest people I have ever met anywhere.

 

Even if you decide against a tour, within the port compound is a building with vendors, internet cafe, a bar or two (try the local beer!), entertainment, and more including tours if you change your mind. All quite safe.

 

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nolaAlive

nolaAlive

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I picked up a tour at the port that went to the falls, a city tour, and more. Here are more pics from that day.

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/SantoTomas/st_1.htm

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/SantoTomas/st_2.htm

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/SantoTomas/st_3.htm

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/SantoTomas/st_4.htm

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/SantoTomas/st_5.htm

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/SantoTomas/st_6.htm

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/SantoTomas/st_7.htm

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Toyz711

Toyz711

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there are a lot of places, around the world, that sailing on your own boat...anchoring in private out-of-the-way places, may not be the best thing to do. can't compare that to cruising on a cruiseship and taken escorted tours. i have a better chance to be carjacked or shot in memphis then around santo tomas.

they have armed guards at the entrance of the ship yards (where you dock), it's a working frieght year and they don't allow just anyone in.

the ship docks next to the small guatamalan navy yards...they have 3 ships, that i saw...also guarded area.

 

loved the send-a-way, have a video in webshots....we were delayed a few minutes, the singers and dancers got tired. we got a great trumpet solo. wish we had gone to the shops/buidling on the docks...we got back in time to lunch and didn't get off the ship again.

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nolaAlive

nolaAlive

Posted
Posted
there are a lot of places, around the world, that sailing on your own boat...anchoring in private out-of-the-way places, may not be the best thing to do. can't compare that to cruising on a cruiseship and taken escorted tours. i have a better chance to be carjacked or shot in memphis then around santo tomas.

 

Ain't that the sad truth. I think we are so used to what happens in this country that we think it must be so much worse elsewhere, but that almost never is the case.

 

Of the people I know who live/cruise on private boats, a scary number have AK-47s or eq. for protection, just in case. And these are people who typically cruise the more "popular" Caribbean areas where Pirates of the C (aka drug smugglers) might be looking for an easy and disposable host carrier for their goods.

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nolaAlive

nolaAlive

Posted
Posted
I really enjoyed your pictures. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering what the picture was about some people who were standing on a platform by the water. Was it a boat ride or was it parasailing?

 

This one?

 

 

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That was where the boats to/from Livingston embarked/disembarked.

 

 

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