zona viva

You can walk around but everything is closed and lonely.Most of the things are walking distance and accesible but according to the dates everything was closed, even fast foods.

Viva means life. This place was dead! Because of that, it didn't feel really safe. I didn't see anyone who scared me, but the absence of people was just eery.

I was in the Holiday inn and my sister and decided to go for a walk. We were advised not to display money or mobile phones cause they were a target. I even did not carry a handbag. However, near the hotel, we stopped at a little grocery store. Two strange looking guys came in. One with a weird looking hoodie and the other with a pony tail. At first, I only noticed they were glancing us. I put some stuff over the counter and felt chills with the hoodie guy who was looking at a neutrogena facial soap and the other guy behind my sister. I did not want to pay and told my sister to leave immediately. The guy with the hoodie chased us until my sister had the great idea of entering a nice restaurant where we told the waiter about the guy who kept walking very fast. The other guy exited the grocery store to the other way and did not carry any groceries. I am thankful to have followed my gut instincts. Regardless the money or valuables you dont want to have a frightening experience.

I've been to a lot of countries for the past 20 years. I also have military training. I visited Italy when it was overrun by criminal gypsies, you had to keep an active eye on your wallet, and the smart avoided dark streets at night, unless you didn't mind the occasional fist fight or altercation with knife-wielding thieves (been there, done that). Same with Crete, parts of southern France, SE Asia, etc. Then add Israel during an intifada and London during The Troubles. Throw in bad parts of Chicago, Washington DC, Dallas, LA, and other dodgy parts of the US. In short, I think I've got a pretty good perspective on what is safe vs. unsafe.Here's what I observed of Zone 10 in my time in GC, which is supposed to be one of the safest areas in GC (btw, Paseo Cayala is far safer). Teaser: safe in daytime, not so much at night.NOTE #1: All Guatemalans my wife and I ran into were friendly, pleasant, and helpful, as most of the world's population is, IMHO. When the criminal element does not fear the police and actively exerts its power by preying on tourists, one would be well-advised to be extra cautious, particularly in the touristy parts of town, since tourists are big, easy targets. Our local friend, hotel concierge, and various other service staff confirmed all the below.NOTE #2: In general, have no fear during the daytime in Zone 10. All my tips below are for dusk and nighttime (except #1).1) Most places (likely all you will enter) have private security at the door, and many have more guards indoors. E.g., the Design Center (chi-chi mall near the posh Oakland Mall) had more guards visible than patrons. Guards can be anywhere from casually-dressed service staff with no obvious job to well-dressed suits with concealed pistols to bulletproof vests with shotguns. All have readily-accessible radios. These are not paper guards, like you mostly see in the US.2) These guards are wary and on alert. Even during an intifada in Israel (where guards were ever-present in full military kit with M-17s) and the troubles in London (during the trash bombings), I haven't seen such overt suspicion. If you approach a guard outdoors at night (e.g., asking the hotel doorman for directions), he is likely to radio it in before you get close. Approach a group of them, and they will stop what they were doing and fan out. And "we" were a tall, well-dressed Asian-American with a short blond wife--not the typical gang-bangers. Clearly they feel they have reason to be afraid and/or hyper-cautious.3) There are obviously safe streets at night, and there is everywhere else. A safe street is one that is well-lit without big gaps (few are, even in this zone) and well-populated, even if just a couple other pedestrians. That pretty much means the main streets bordering Zone 10 (Avenida La Reformat, Carretera Interamericana/CA-1, Diagonal 6) and a few other streets that will be obvious (14 Calle, parts of 1 and 2 Avenida, 6 Avenida, and surprisingly few others). Take a turn, e.g., down 4 Avenida, and you'll notice the difference immediately, complete with groups of male loiterers that are either curious/bored and/or sizing you up. I do not mind loiterers, but when there's a group of them smoking pot, crowding the sidewalk in a particularly poorly lit section of the street, and paying a little too much attention to the pedestrians, it would be wise to be cautious.I'd liken this to being in a bad part of any big American city (a.k.a. the parts everyone avoids), except *this* is supposed to be the safe part :).FWIW, my guidance for walking in bad parts of town is as follows. Be aware most thieves are opportunists. They will usually hit one victim per area, so they will take the time to pick a good target. All the tips below are to get them to pick someone else.- wear nothing of obvious value, including watches, jewelry, rings, and ear rings- wear a coat or jacket, because coats can hide things, and thieves don't like surprises- carry the absolute minimum, including id, credit cards, and cash--best if you only carry what you can afford to lose (meaning no passport)- avoid a purse, if at all possible, since a purse is an obvious theft target- keep your right hand free at all times (even if you're left-handed, since this is for appearance not practicality)- walk with a purpose, even if you are lost, to give the appearance of being a local (at least from a distance)- don't stop (e.g., to check your phone or map or street signs) except in a well-lit, well-populated area- glance around to give the appearance of area awareness (but don't stare at people, because this is threatening/antagonizing)- have spare cash (e.g., $20 bill) hidden somewhere, e.g., in your shoe, in case you are robbed- if you are a victim, give the thieves everything they want without delay (but not so fast that you surprise them--thieves hate surprises, as I've mentioned above)None of the above should dissuade someone from coming to GC, but what is far worse than extra caution is to have your experience of Guatemala ruined by being the victim of a crime. Let's all hope that they will eventually get the worst of the crime under control so such measures are not necessary.

This place is located in zone 10. A sort of financial district. Nice from 10 am to 3 pm. And then mayhem happens. You might be mugged. Even though there are dozens of police patrolling the area, body guards all over and also security guards at every entrance, you are on your own. So carry a minimum of Q50.00 quetzals to give to whoever turn is to mug you. And then hide away in a restaurant. No kidding. The walk will take you 30 to 60 minutes, walking around the area. Is nice but now, dangerous.

there were many restuarants here to choose from and it was a nice area to walk around compared to some other areas of the city. it felt safe and clean. but there wasnt anything else to do there

The idea behind "Zona Viva" (also known as Zone 10) in Guatemala City is that it's a lively area with lots of excitement, especially night life. But that's not really true. The "clubs" are largely empty; what little night activity exists is subdued.

They still money here, over charges on your credit card and they dont return your money they are thieves and the owner of this place just beat up a 21 year old girl over a bill dispute. this place needs to close!!!!

Not much nightlife anymore. Hard Rock Cafe closed Sunday evening. Shop was open. A couple of small bars with US sports. Lots of great restaurants and 2 shopping malls, one to be expended in the next two years. Construction going on 7 days a week! Recommended for restaurants Saul or San Martin. MeuterMedia

Just saw a report on the new in Antigua that the owner beat a 21 year old young lady with his fists and a night stick over a dispute in billing! The poor girl required 5 hours of surgery to reconstruct her face! I will avoid this place like the PLAUGE! Not safe for anyone!