Sorry I couldn't explain my previous statement (I was being called for litter-box cleaning duty).
A few years ago, there was an urban legend in Guatemala about foreigners coming to adopt Guatemalan kids to harvest organs. It was never proved, but people, especially in small towns, became extremely guarded and even hostile to tourists (anyone whose skin tone is fairer, or has lighter hair color and speaks with a slight accent). Sometime around the mid-nineties, a well-meaning lady from some European country was lynched because she wanted to photograph kids in the Western highlands.
I've been told that when you see Indian women weaving at their machines, they will get extremely upset if you photograph them. In the past, they couldn't do much other than cursing, but now that they know about digital cameras, they may ask you to delete the photograph, or to pay them a certain amount. Apparently, they became aware that their photographs were being used for commercial purposes, and, in any case, they don't like being viewed as folklore art.
Should you want to photograph anyone, make sure to ask first.
And don't be surprised if you're asked to photograph people too. I was asked to photograph two policemen in Nicaragua; also in Costa Rica, a pretty looking girl asked me to take her picture. In Guatemala, I've seen kids ask people to take their photograph. So, it varies, but to be on the safe side, try not to sneak photos of anyone.
Again, my information may be old (I haven't been there since 2001, and that was a very short trip), but I'm reporting things I've been told about by family members who live there.
Of course, as in any other country, follow the locals' advice. If they recommend you to avoid a spot, do it. Apparently, petty crime has been on the rise for a while, and some bad guys target tourists. Just be aware of your surroundings and keep your gear with you at all times, especially in high-traffic areas.
On the nice side, you'll enjoy some impressive hospitality at a language school. All the people who have gone to some, have come back with glowing praise of their host families. The Spanish spoken outside the capital city is very, very clear, and apart from a tendency to use a rare form of the second person singular (for close friends only), it's a very good model that will help you understand other varieties of Spanish in the Latin American continent.
Take care and enjoy the food too! It's not hot, unless you want it so, and for these cases, all hot ingredients are added AFTER cooking. Be prepared for a lot of black beans! 🙂
