Guatemala City - Post Report Question and Answers
Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, the sidewalks aren't that great. - Mar 2023
Guatemala City is a very car-centric city if you are an expat or a rich person. Walking is not advisable in much of the city, and it's downright dangerous after dark. If you can get around in a car with your disability and you stick to places that rich people go, like shopping plazas and malls, it's not that different from being in any US city (which isn't exactly a shining star of accessibility). Sidewalks, ramps, curb cuts, elevators--they all depend on where you go, but there are a lot of places where they are in use. - Oct 2022
Yes. Unless you're living in Cayala, the sidewalks (if they exist) are crumbling in many places and have many random barriers placed in the middle. Pushing a stroller requires you to be in and out of the road. Many busy streets in the city have no crosswalk and the only way across is via overpass up a steep set of stairs, and you may have to walk 1/2 mile or more out of your way to get to one. Even in Cayala, the new embassy is across a very busy street from the main housing and retail area. Although many people will technically be able to walk to work and there are a few painted crosswalks, they're not strictly obeyed and it always feels dangerous crossing the street. The embassy has been trying to negotiate for an overpass to be built to make it a bit safer to get to the new embassy compound, but I heard that they've been denied. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area will increase significantly once it opens, which will make the problems worse. - Oct 2022
Yes, there are many roads made of cobble stone, although there are sidewalks, it is heavily congested with people and traffic. - Jul 2021
Cayala is the only neighborhood that would work for someone with disabilities, but it still has cobblestones. Outside of that area, it would be very difficult to get around. - Jan 2020
I think so, yes. Cobblestone streets are common, and sidewalks are frequently narrow, slanting, and in poor repair. - Mar 2019
Yes, somewhat. City streets, sidewalks, etc., all have uneven pavement. Traffic is unforgiving for pedestrians. - Feb 2019
Yes. Sidewalks are bad, ramps are uncommon. - Jun 2015
It wouldn't be a great place to live if you are in a wheelchair as the sidewalks are either pretty torn up or non-existent and there are lots of cobblestone roads in parts of the city and in some of the more touristy places like Antigua. That being said, most buildings, including the Embassy, have elevators or ramps. - Apr 2014
Probably yes. Sidewalks are bumpy and uneven. Even though most public places, such as restaurants, shopping malls and the like are accessible, quite a few are not - including the Foreign Ministry, which is mostly impassable for wheelchair users. - Jan 2014
It wouldn't be that easy to get around, as sidewalks are uneven. - Nov 2011
There is an ample amount of wheelchair ramps, but they are very steep and short. I can't imagine how someone in a wheelchair would safely maneuver on them. But I don't think it would be impossible, especially if you live in a highrise with an elevator. - May 2010
It would be hard to get around here with physical disabilities. - Mar 2008
