Avoid These Dangerous Vacation Spots When Visiting Central America
By STEPHANIE MEE
Dangerous terrains like dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and murky swamps make up the Darien Gap, a remote region on the border of Panama and Colombia.
Darien Gap
While the Darien Gap can be beautiful, the area has no roads or bridges. The terrain is treacherous, and it can be difficult to get out or even call for help in an emergency.
Criminal groups are also very active in the region, and kidnappings, robberies, and rapes are becoming more common. Despite this, thousands of migrants cross the Gap every year.
Though this city in Honduras is no longer the murder capital of the world, it still has a lot of violence that has caused many residents to flee altogether.
San Pedro Sula
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.
While it's rare for foreigners to be targeted by gangs, pickpocketing and muggings are a concern, and there is the risk of getting caught in the crossfire.
This stratovolcano lies about 10 miles from the city of Antigua in Guatemala and has regular eruptions that send ash, plumes, and lava soaring into the sky.
Volcán De Fuego
A massive eruption in June 2018 left a death toll of over 200 people, and Fuego could explode again at any time, making this one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the region.
Thrill seekers can get up close and personal with Fuego. Several tour companies, like Soy Tours, offer optional hikes that take you as close to the summit as possible.
The capital city of El Salvador is the center of a lot of instability and violence. The city suffers from high levels of gang violence, drug dealing, and robberies.
San Salvador
The government has taken drastic measures to combat crime in San Salvador, and the authorities have the power to detain anyone suspected of gang activity 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.
This Costa Rican river is completely croc-infested, so the river is a very dangerous place to swim. Locals sometimes feed the crocs, but it's highly advised against.
Tárcoles River
Driving towards Jaco on Costa Rica's Costanera (Highway 34), you can see the crocs safely from a bridge. Enterprising locals offer boat tours if you want a closer view.