How safe is it to travel from Guatemala to Northern Honduras then across to Belize for a white female?

Question

I'm traveling from Guatemala City, to San Pedro Sula, across to the Bay Islands, then to Puerto Cortes to catch the Ferry up and through Belize? It will be about 6 weeks in total. How safe do you think this is for a white female traveling basically on her own?

Answer 1

Crime in these areas is the absolute worst?  Come on....  There is no crime or gangs anywhere but Honduras?  I live in Honduras and have been to all these places you want to visit.  You can get into trouble if you really want to but it is not any worse than many citys in the U.S.  Traderbo and nellie are talking straight-if you use common sense just as you would anywhere else, you will do just fine.  Don't listen to all these Doctor Dooms.

Answer 2

look i been to Guatemala and Honduras it will not be safe for you especially if traveling by your self.theres a lot of gangs in Guatemala,Honduras has just a lot of crime.look i wouldn't recommend you to go there especially if you don't speak the language

Answer 3

I travelled through Honduras for 16 days by myself and was fine (I'm also a white female).  Obviously you have to use common sense, and take precautions, but as long as you're careful you should be fine.

I'm guessing you'll be backpacking if you're going by yourself in these areas.  You'll probably meet a lot of people heading the same root as you and won't end up by yourself much anyway.  

I would avoid spending much time in San Pedro Sula, and would use the nice 'tourist' buses for transportation.   Hedman Alas is a great company that serves Honduras and at least parts of Guatemala.

Don't walk alone at night or in a deserted area - even in the day (such as a road in the middle of nowhere, or an isolated stretch of beach).  

Make sure to spend some time in Copan in Honduras (right by the border of Guatemla).  It's amazing there.  If you were planning your time for San Pedro Sula and not Copan, I'd definitely change out your time.  

I'd also advise picking up a copy of the Honduras Lonely Planet guide book.   It's very good.  And I'd recommend using the Lonely Planet Thorntree forum for some good advice from other like-minded travelers.  They have a great section for Honduras (linked below).  

Have fun and use your mind, and you'll be fine!

Answer 4

Use common sense and you'll be fine. Stick to the touristy places if you are alone. Use the upscale bus services when traveling from town to town. Dont skimp on that. In the cities, Cabs are safer than buses.

Make sure your cellphone company can work with the local companies, or just buy a local cheap cellphone or GSM chip with prepaid cards. Most US companies work in both Guate and Honduras, but check first. Most mobile phone systems are GSM not CDMA. Not sure of belize. Roaming charges might be ugly, though. When you get to a place, find out if there are cab companies with radio dispatch and get there number. Not all towns have them.

Don't venture out alone. Only locals know what part of town is safe. North coast of Honduras and Guate are iffy safetywise unless you know where and what to avoid. Find someone local to help you, if possible.

Overall you'll find most people helpful and protective of tourists. Many will volunteer to help and most will be sincere about it.

Answer 5

The only country I would really worry about is Honduras. But, you should always be cautious. I would recommend travelling with a tour group if you are not already. Or have a guide. Dress respectfully. Ignore cat calls or the like. Stay with a group or partner if you can. I say this not because of danger but just as common sense and you might get lost.

You are going to be travelling through some breath taking country. Just use your common sense and have fun.

Edit: I also forgot to mention that in Guatemala there are some people who think that people from the other countries want to steal or hurt their kids. There are stories of people nearly being killed over this. So, I would avoid close contact with kids.

Answer 6

Please! Don't go alone, I just got chills reading this. My first trip to SPS in '99 my friend *Insisted* that she and her brother meet me at the airport because of the 20 min drive - airport to SPC Notoriously Known locally. Crime in all these areas you mention is the absolute worst. These 3 Countries, it is a simple reality/fact. The increase in crime there is well known and what you don't hear would astonish you. Please find a LOCAL - Preferably a man or 2 with possibly an English speaking wife, that's 3. One Positive note, the buses that travel between Countries are superb, A/C and Always at least 1 additional man on board as Security and they Pros's. DO NOT GO IT ALONE! CLARO!  M. Swanson

Answer 7

I would think you need to travel only in the day hours. Puerto Cortes is not the safest of places to spend alot of time at. If traveling alone I reccommend you dress very,very conservative and don't venture out at night.