What is the best way to stay safe in places like Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico?

Question

I will be traveling in central America later this month, I am worried because I have heard bad reports of bandits and tourists being robbed, does anyone know the current situation first hand?

Answer 1

I'm currently a volunteer in Guatemala and lived in Mexico as an exchange students in the past. Avoid traveling alone to unfamiliar places, specifically if the place is not a place known to tourists. Avoid traveling alone at night. Avoid being drunk and by your self. If possible travel with a guide or a group and brush up on your Spanish. If it's dark and you need to take a taxi have the restaurant or hotel call a taxi for you. Don't wear flashy jewelry. Wear a money belt, and carry a throw away wallet with some money in it. In case you do get robbed your not robbed of all your money.

Above all use common-sense and trust your gut.

I suggest you get a travel guide book. I believe Lonely Planet has a guide book for all of Central America.

For the last 7 months I've been traveling around Guatemala and I haven't been robbed.

Answer 2

As one of the previews posts states, just use common sense, try not to put yourself in situations where something unpleasant can happen.

Try to be a little extra careful in Guatemala, I´ve heard plenty of stories recently of tourists getting robbed on the highways, so do try to travel in the larger more secure buses, they aren´t that expensive and the comfort and safety are worth the price.

While visiting cities, especially at night, try not to move around alone. and if possible have the number for a radio taxi which will come pick you up wherever you are.

Also, don´t be paranoid, it´s a lot safer than people make it out to be, the media always exagerates, there are always a few bad apples as in anywhere in the world, but the majoriry of the people you´ll encounter will be friendly.

So stay safe, use your head and have a great trip.

Answer 3

I have lived and travelled through Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador alone.
Spend the extra money on the expensive buses when travelling across borders (they will wait for you to get your passport stamped).
Try to learn some Spanish so you can understand people and ask for directions.
Stay with groups (even if they don't speak english), if you find yourself alone on a street at night, turn around and find another way.

I would higly recommend Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Livingstone, Tikal and Panajachel in Guatemala. Just keep your money and passport under your clothes and take normal precautions.

Honduras has some beautiful beaches. San Pedro Sula is not the best city to hang out in (lived there for 6 months - hated it) but you need to travel through it to get to most places. Make sure to take a taxi from 1 bus terminal to another. They're all over town. The people are wonderful and I really loved touring around outside of S.P.S. and most people were happy to help.

ALWAYS BARGAIN for taxis, hotels, it's expected .

the political situation in those countries are good right now. so just take normal travel precautions. Do lots of research onliine and check out the 'Rough Guide' for Central America.

Never been to Mexico sorry. El Salvador is amazing and I loved it!

Answer 4

I've only been to Guatemala and Mexico, so I can't speak for Honduras. It's been a few years since I've been to Mexico as well, but I didn't have any trouble while I was there. I kept to populated areas and never walked alone.....especially at night.

As for Guatemala, I've been there twice in the last 12 months. Both time I stayed in Guatemala City and Antigua. As long as you use common sense you should be fine. I never even felt uncomfortable in Guatemala! It's a beautiful place and I recommend traveling there. ENJOY!

Answer 5

Best way is to not go.

The Mexican army is in open war with the drug cartels in much of Mexico. It has even spilled into the tourist areas. The drug cartels have actually targeted soldiers and killed many. Of course there are still death squads in Honduras and Guatemala. When they are willing to rape and kill nuns, it can't be good.

Answer 6

I am Mexican and I was there last Mai (a month), I saw many terrible information on TV/Newspapers, but there I did n´t see anything extreme dangerous. But you can pay attention to following points:

*Don´t go alone to anywhere.
*Ask in your hotel which areas of the city/hours are not recommended to go out.
*Distribute your money in different pockets of your cloth.
*Don´t wear very expensive cloths or jewelry.
*Try to have only pesos in your pocket.

I did like that and was very happy the whole month, I was in Mexico city (I was very nervous), but include there, when you don´t look very interesting ($), then you are ignored.

So, enjoy your trip!

Answer 7

Get you a Che Guevara T-shirt and don't wear any expensive jewelry

Answer 8

Stay in the hotel complex.