Is it true that American visitors to Guatemala are warned not to photograph children?

It's a "real fear" because it's true. Sadly, the babies there are all too often sold. That's why the adoptions have been haulted.

Independent is correct...

The Mayans believe that capturing ones image on film is akin to stealing ones soul. And frankly if we would not accept foreigners taking pictures of American kids then common decency tells us it would be wrong to do in another country.

When we went to Guatemala and we were sightseeing no one said anything to us. And no one asked if we wanted to buy a baby either. Although the children surround you and beg for American dollars. It is very sad.

Its true for 2 reasons.

Religious and for the kidnappings &/coercions.

Mayans believe that your stealing their souls by taking a picture. I've been warned and I have heard of people getting smacked around for doing it especially in markets and churches. If you ask them usually they allow it.

Indigenous people are very kind but weary of foreigners especially when it comes to their children. Alot of babies have been kidnapped and families are being coerced into believing adoption is temporary. Many are trying to force their gov't to do something to get their children back from foreigners.

Alot of countries look at us like "selfish/selfcentered americans". As in we only care about our own needs no matter whom it affects.

The govt's are getting involved and many foreigners are trying to do private adoptions there (unsuccessfully) because the indigenous don't want to give up their children, poor or not.

"I'm going to assume the thumbs down is for speaking the truth or from desperate people that don't want to hear it"

Awwww that's really sad.

OMG... I had no idea. I am sickened that this kind of thing happens. THanks for bringing awareness to this.

My youngest son is from Guatamala. Nobody ever said not to photograph the children when we were there. Instead, woman were walking in the streets with their babies asking tourists if they wanted to buy their babies. That was 7 years ago. Maybe things are different now. Luckily, we had a nice agency based in Florida to arrange our adoption.

I don't know about Guatemala specifically, but in many cultures it's considered rude to take photos of strangers without their permission.