Safety in Central America

Throughout the second half of the 20^th century, many Central American countries were blighted by civil wars and brutal dictatorships. News stories from across the region told of Sandinistas, Zapatistas, Liberation Fronts, CIA-backed coups. El Salvador’s civil war lasted 12 years, Guatemala’s 36, and hundreds of thousands were killed, mainly from poor, indigenous communities.

Other countries, such as Honduras and Panama, never saw all-out war, but their military dictatorships ensured a constant atmosphere of fear and surveillance, with killings and disappearances commonplace. While the last of the civil wars and dictatorships ended decades ago, another threat has moved in to fill the void: drug trafficking. Colombia, Bolivia and Peru produce all of the world’s cocaine, and Central America is the land route between South America and North America, the biggest market for the drug. Drug smuggling combines with extreme poverty, human trafficking and gang warfare to create a relentless cycle of violence and political instability. This is at its worst in the ‘Northern Triangle’: El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, which between them contain many of the most crime-ridden cities in the world. Some 80 percent of cocaine destined for North America will pass thorough here.

While each country has a very different security situation, there are general, common sense guidelines which all visitors should follow, regardless of local issues.

As long as you stay away from the crime hotspots (which you will, on organised tours) the biggest risks to tourists in Central America – as with many major cities around the world – are mugging and pickpocketing. Don’t wear valuable jewellery, watches or obviously expensive clothing, and carry only the cash that you need. If you want to carry more, or a credit card as backup, we recommend a money belt – but don’t use this every time you pay for something otherwise you will be alerting people to its presence. Withdraw cash inside banks and shopping malls, rather than from ATMs on the street.

Consider whether you really need a large, attention grabbing camera, and don’t walk around staring at your phone. Many smaller towns are perfectly safe; in other towns and cities your tour guide may advise you not to walk alone at night. Always use a licensed taxi, booked through your restaurant or hotel, for example.

Thieves sometimes operate on buses, so keep valuables close. Occasionally, buses may be hijacked in dangerous areas. This is very rare though, and organised tours are likely to use tourist class coaches rather than local buses. These are much more secure (passengers may be security checked before boarding), have fewer stops and may stick to the safer toll roads, when available.