Dangerous Vacation Spots In Central America

Central America has captivated travelers for centuries with its incredible natural beauty and rich cultures. There is so much to see and do across the region, but also a lot to be aware of. Some places can be downright dangerous for foreigners and locals alike. Before you plan a trip to this fascinating corner of the world, it pays to do some research to make an informed decision on the places worth visiting and those worth skipping.

Central America has seven countries, each with its own unique geography and history. Some, like Costa Rica and Panama, are relatively peaceful and stable. Others, such as El Salvador and Nicaragua, have experienced high levels of political instability, crime, and violence that persist today. Central America also has its fair share of natural hazards, including active volcanoes and coastlines with strong riptides.

Despite the dangers, Central America has a lot to offer visitors. It would be a shame to write off the entire region due to a few precarious hotspots. As with any travel destination, there are steps you can take to feel safer when traveling. These include paying attention to your surroundings and not taking unnecessary risks. If you're planning a trip to Central America, these are potentially dangerous vacation spots to be aware of.

Although San Pedro Sula is no longer considered the murder capital of the world, it's still a pretty wild place. Drugs and guns are easily accessible, robberies and kidnappings are common, and notoriously violent gangs like Barrio 18 and MS13 have a strong presence in the city. Gang violence has caused the government to impose partial emergency measures like curfews in the city. It has also caused many residents to flee altogether.

San Pedro Sula is the second-largest city in Honduras by population. While there are some interesting things to see, like the Museo de Antropología e Historia and the Catedral de San Pedro Sula, the city is not exactly tourist-friendly. It's rare for foreigners to be targeted by gangs, but pickpocketing and muggings are a concern. If violence breaks out, there is also the risk of getting caught in the crossfire. If you want to experience Honduras, you're probably better off heading to safer spots like Roatán Island, the dive sites in Utila, or the ruins of Copan.

El Salvador has a long history of instability and violence, and the capital city of San Salvador continues to be at the center of much of it. The civil war between 1979 and 1992 left thousands of people dead, displaced, and in abject poverty. San Salvador saw a huge increase in gang violence following the war, particularly after the U.S. deported thousands of former Salvadoran refugees who had criminal records back to El Salvador. Today, the city still suffers from high levels of gang violence, drug dealing, and robberies.

The government has taken drastic measures to combat crime in San Salvador and other parts of the country. In 2022, the president of El Salvador declared a state of exception that gives the authorities the power to arrest anyone suspected of gang activity and detain them without due process. The crackdowns in San Salvador have been particularly harsh. While authorities are not outright targeting tourists, you don't want to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Prisons in San Salvador are no joke.

Nicaragua is becoming a hot travel destination thanks to its beautiful beaches, colonial towns, and mountainous regions rich with coffee plantations. Managua is the capital city, so consider exploring it for a day or two. However, travelers should be aware that the crime rate in Managua is high. Poverty is widespread, and thefts and violent crimes occur often. In 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua released an alert about increased armed robberies in Managua.

The political situation in Nicaragua can be dicey as well. In 2018, President Daniel Ortega faced a slew of anti-government protests in Managua and other prominent cities in Nicaragua. He responded by mobilizing police forces that killed more than 300 people. Since then, the government has cracked down on dissenters, jailing thousands of people who speak out publicly against the government. If you're planning a trip to Managua, it's best not to talk about politics. And don't even think about joining a protest.

Santa Ana is the second largest city in El Salvador and is renowned for its striking colonial architecture. Just outside the city are lush coffee plantations and two volcanoes, one of which has a stunning turquoise lake in its crater. It's a beautiful place to visit, but like many cities in El Salvador, Santa Ana has its fair share of issues. In fact, one of the first things many tourists notice is that armed guards seem to be on every corner.

Organized gangs are active in Santa Ana, as the city is on a major drug smuggling corridor that runs between El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. In 2022, a shootout between Barrio 18 members and local police took place just outside of Santa Ana. The good news is violent crime has been decreasing since the government imposed the state of exception to round up gang members. As a tourist, you're unlikely to be targeted by gangs. Just be mindful of petty crimes like pickpocketing.

With a population of over 3 million people, Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. There's much to see and do here, from fascinating museums to fabulous restaurants, colonial architecture, and Mayan ruins. Just don't go too far off the beaten path. Some areas of the city experience high levels of crime, including assault and armed robbery. For example, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has recommended travelers avoid zones 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 21, and 24.

Guatemala City is also prone to natural disasters. The city is located on the Ring of Fire, so it experiences numerous earthquakes. The earthquake of 1976 caused extensive damage in the city and took over 22,000 lives. Fuego and Pacaya are two of the most active volcanoes in the country, and both are located within proximity to Guatemala City. The city also experiences tropical storms. In 2010, Tropical Storm Agatha brought torrential rain that created a sinkhole nearly 200 feet deep in the northern part of the city.

Tegucigalpa is the capital city of Honduras and a bustling spot with pleasant parks, lovely old churches, and modern cafés and shops. Unfortunately, it's gotten a bad rap for its high levels of crime, including armed robbery, extortion, and homicide. Gangs such as MS13 and Barrio 18 terrorize various neighborhoods, and gang members aren't afraid to use violence to enforce their will and maintain control.

In 2022, President Xiomara Castro declared a state of emergency in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to combat gang crimes like extortion and drug trafficking. She imposed a state of exception that allows authorities to detain anyone suspected of gang activity or ties to organized crime. This decision aimed to regulate criminal activities, which had become a major threat to the safety and security of residents. Homicide rates in Tegucigalpa have dropped since the measures were put in place, but the city still has a long way to go in eradicating crime.