Is it safe to travel in Central America?

Question

If not where?

I am of East Asian decent, but I am from Canada.

Answer 1

Nicaragua has been rated the safest country in Central America by various sources. Statistics and surverys by INTERPOL, the United Nations, INCAE, the Inter-American Human Rights Institute and the Police Forces in the Americas show that statistically, Nicaragua has the lowest crime rate in Central America and one of the lowest in Latin America. Managua has also been rated the safest capital in the region, however, 40% of the crime that occurs in Nicaragua is centered in Managua. In 2005 Managua experienced a growth of 23.2% in crime, although it is the safest capital in the region, crime rates for Managua and neighboring cities have been rising over the past years. In Managua, the most common type of crime is property crime, petty theft and street crime such as robbery and mugging.

Neither Nicaragua or the city of Managua have major gang problems, in comparison to its regional neighbors. The number of gang members was estimated at 4,500 throughout the country, lower than all of its Northern neighbors in the region (excluding Belize). In 2003, the Policía Nacional de Nicaragua (National Police of Nicaragua) recognized gangs committed only 0.51% of all crimes. In 1991, there were 110 gangs in Managua, in 2001 the number of gangs reduced to 96 gangs with a total of 1,725 members. Over the next 3-4 years the number of gangs and gang members both decreased and increased. In late 2005 the number of gangs and members decreased significantly to 34 gangs and their 706 members in Managua, these represented 38% and 32% of the national total of gangs and its members.

Answer 2

yes. Always know where you are going and be sure to plan your bus route.  Take taxis between bus terminals in cities.  Be aware of what is around you (people, buildings and cars).

I have travelled around Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala alone and it was great. (yes, I'm a woman)

Answer 3

i found something that may help so you dont get tricked and fall for these games that the burglers use in nicaragua:

The Regional Security Office (RSO) at U.S. Embassy Managua reported the following:

Crime rates in Nicaragua have increased steadily over the past few years. In Managua in particular, street crime is common and economically driven violent crime is on the rise. During March and April of this year the following incidents occurred.

Hotel Robberies

On March 29, an American couple in Grenada were robbed at gunpoint in their rental home. A few days prior to the incident the couple had notified the management of a missing light fixture in the unit. At approximately 11:30 a.m. on the day of the burglary, a Nicaraguan male in his late 20s (suspect) appeared at the front gate of the property stating that he was there to replace the light. The victim escorted the individual inside, where they inspected the fixture. The victim then began to escort the suspect outside to retrieve his tools. As they neared the front door, the suspect stopped and displayed what the victim described as a .25 caliber or similar type automatic pistol and demanded money. The suspect took the victim’s wallet, extracted all of the currency and then, at the request of the victim, returned the wallet containing the victim’s identification. The suspect then departed the area on foot.

On April 4, 17 members of a U.S. missionary group were robbed at gunpoint while eating dinner at their hotel in Managua. The group was housed at a locally-owned hotel located in a transitional area not typically frequented by tourists. Four Nicaraguan males, including two armed with handguns, entered the dining area and took the group’s cell phones and cash. Two of the suspects then escorted members of the group to their hotel rooms where they took digital cameras, additional cash and iPods. The robbery lasted for approximately one hour, during which a hotel employee was able to flee and call the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP). They did not arrive, however, until after the suspects had departed. None of the victims were physically injured.

RSO Managua strongly recommends all visitors to Nicaragua utilize hotels and guest houses that have a front desk or concierge that is staffed 24 hours a day; full-time uniformed security; access control precautions; a fenced perimeter and a well lit and patrolled parking area; and rooms equipped with safes for valuables and travel documents.

Vehicular Break-Ins

In the early evening on April 21, a vehicle belonging to an American organization was broken into at a gas station in Managua. The vehicle had stopped at a gas station on Carretera Sur (South Highway), approximately two miles from U.S. Embassy Managua. When exiting the vehicle to make a purchase in the station store, a young Nicaraguan male approached the driver and offered to watch the vehicle for a fee. This offer was accepted and the vehicle's occupants entered the gas station. Upon exiting the station, they found that the individual who had offered to watch the vehicle was gone and that the rear passenger door window had been broken. A briefcase containing files and identification documents was also missing from the rear seat. The individual who had offered to watch the vehicle eventually returned to the scene. The NNP took him in for investigative purposes but were unable to confirm his direct involvement in the burglary.

RSO Managua recommends that travelers not leave valuables where they can be seen in parked vehicles and, when possible, park in a location where the vehicle can be monitored.

Estancia de Santo Domingo

Shortly after sunrise on April 5, a local resident was walking alone in Estancia de Santo Domingo, an affluent residential neighborhood in Managua where many expatriates reside, when he was surprised from behind by two subjects. One of the assailants held a gun to the victim’s head and the other told him not to turn around while they took his money and belongings. Before releasing the victim, the assailants told him to walk forward and not to turn around or they would shoot him. He complied and walked as instructed for five minutes until he encountered an embassy security patrol vehicle in the area. The incident took place during the Semana Santa holiday, when many residents travel away from Managua on vacation. The NNP detail a large number of personnel to the vacation areas at this time, reducing the police presence in the city.

On April 22 at approximately 12:30 a.m., an American was returning to his residence in Estancia de Santo Domingo. As he entered the neighborhood, he observed a group of approximately 25 teenagers in the street. The crowd was gathered around two Nicaraguan males engaged in a physical altercation, both apparently under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At least one individual in the crowd held a machete.

RSO Managua notes that events of this type have not been common in the area, but the occurrence of such a physical confrontation may lead to repeat incidents.

Answer 4

Very safe, depending on which country. Nicaragua is rated the safest country in Central America, followed by Costa Rica. Despite the low crime rates in these two countries common sense makes a difference. Don't ever go to any Latin American country flashing a rolex, expensive jewelery, or any other things of value.

China? Korea? Japan? Central America has a fair number of East Asians (mostly Chinese). Guatemala has a fair number of Koreans also. Panama has a community of over 100,000 Chinese, Nicaragua and Costa Rica both also have significant numbers of Chinese (and other asians).

Answer 5

I would say its fairly safe. I would have to disagree with Nicaragua being the safest country. I would say hands down its Costa Rica, and especially because Costa Rica has the highest education/literacy rates and offers their citizens many more options for work, their is less crime rate. From my experience in Nicaragua, we had to be in the house by sunset because it can be dangerous, especally for foreigners. However, Latin America is a lot safer than many people may think.