{"id":392,"date":"2019-07-06T16:25:08","date_gmt":"2019-07-06T16:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=172366"},"modified":"2019-07-06T16:25:08","modified_gmt":"2019-07-06T16:25:08","slug":"is-central-america-safe-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/2019\/07\/06\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Central America Safe to Visit?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/nomadicmatt.s3.amazonaws.com\/2019\/centralsafe1.jpg\" alt=\"The small and colorful buildings of Central America\"><br \/>\n<strong>Posted<\/strong>: 7\/6\/2019 | July 6th, 2019<\/p>\n<p>Central America is one of my favorite regions for backpacking. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/how-to-get-around-central-america\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">While it can be challenging to get around<\/a>, it also offers incredible beauty, abundant nature, picturesque beaches, and affordable prices.<\/p>\n<p>Political upheaval and civil unrest kept tourists at bay for a long time, however. But these days the area has developed into something of a hotspot for travelers, surfers, and retirees.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>Because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/central-america-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Central America<\/a> has something for everyone!<\/p>\n<p>But is it safe?<\/p>\n<p>Yes \u2014 but that doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t need to take precautions.<\/p>\n<p>In this post, I\u2019ll go over everything you need to know to stay safe and have an amazing trip in this incredibly diverse region!<\/p>\n<div class=\"nm-toc\">\n<p class=\"nm-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#one\">What Countries are in Central America?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#two\">8 Important Safety Tips for Central America<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#three\">What is the Northern Triangle? Is it Safe?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#four\">What is the Safest Country in Central America?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#five\">Is Central America Safe for Solo Travelers?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#six\">Is Central America Safe for Solo Female Travelers?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#seven\">Are Taxis Safe in Central America?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#eight\">Can You Eat the Street Food in Central America?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/#nine\">Can You Drink the Water in Central America?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<h3 a id=\"one\">What Countries are in Central America?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>There are seven countries in Central America: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/belize-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Belize<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/costa-rica-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Costa Rica<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/el-salvador-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">El Salvador<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/guatemala-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Guatemala<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/honduras-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Honduras<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/nicaragua-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nicaragua<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/panama-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Panama<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Click on the map for country guides:<\/p>\n<div class='iwm_map_canvas'>\n<div id='map_canvas_64' class='i_world_map ' class='iwm_map_canvas'>\n<div class='iwm_placeholder'><img width='32px' alt='Central America Placeholder' title='Central America' src='https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/interactive-world-maps\/imgs\/placeholder.png'><br \/>Central America<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 a id=\"two\">8 Important Safety Tips for Central America<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>While Central America is considered generally safe for traveling and backpacking, there\u2019s no denying that some precautions should be taken.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Be aware of your surroundings<\/strong> \u2013 It can be easy to stop paying attention and let your guard down. But that\u2019s when disaster strikes. Always be aware of your surroundings. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid isolated areas<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re somewhere isolated, you\u2019ll be at a greater risk for getting robbed, especially at night and in big cities. Try to stay where the crowds are. That\u2019s the best way to avoid being singled out by potential muggers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t wear flashy items<\/strong> \u2013 Petty theft is the most common threat here, so remove any jewelry or watches, and don\u2019t wave your phone around. Do your best to blend in, so you don\u2019t become a target for pickpockets.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Separate your cash<\/strong> \u2013 Keep only the money that you need for the day on you. Keep the rest locked away safely at your accommodation.<\/li>\n<li>Take taxis at night \u2013 If you need to get somewhere at night, take a taxi. It will be safer than any public transportation. Have your accommodation call the taxi for you, so you can be sure you\u2019re getting a reputable driver.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be careful on public transit<\/strong> \u2013 If you have to take public transit, keep your valuables on you and keep them well secured, especially on chicken buses (colorful, modified, and decorated buses that transport goods and people). Petty theft is common on night buses, so avoid them if you can.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t do drugs<\/strong> \u2013 The cartels here have really made life difficult for the local population. Don\u2019t support them by buying their products. Drug penalties are also harsh in the region, and you don\u2019t want to end up in jail here!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buy travel insurance<\/strong> \u2013 Travel insurance will keep you protected if you get injured or ill, are a victim of theft, or have to deal with delayed or canceled flights. It\u2019s a worthwhile investment and can save you thousands of dollars. Don\u2019t risk traveling without it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>At the end of the day, you\u2019ll just need to always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought and seems unsafe, get out of there and find a new place to stay. You have every right to remove yourself from such situations, so do what you need to do to feel safe.<\/p>\n<h3 a id=\"three\">What is the Northern Triangle? Is it Safe?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>The Northern Triangle comprises <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/guatemala-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Guatemala<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/el-salvador-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">El Salvador<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/honduras-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Honduras<\/a>. It\u2019s the region of Central America that traditionally (and currently) has the most crime and violence. This is usually concentrated in the larger cities, and particularly in specific neighborhoods. If you\u2019re going to be in the capital cities of any of these three countries, you\u2019ll want to talk to your hostel or hotel staff for the most up-to-date safety advice.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, if you\u2019re visiting tourist areas or going on nature excursions, then you won\u2019t have any issues here as long as you follow the safety advice above.<\/p>\n<h3 a id=\"four\">What is the Safest Country in Central America?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/costa-rica-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Costa Rica<\/a>, which provides safety and stability alongside incredible natural beauty. Of course, prices are also much higher and reflect the country\u2019s status as \u201cthe Switzerland of Central America.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re new to backpacking and want to start off somewhere that offers a good mix of adventure and safety, go for Costa Rica. It was the first country I ever backpacked in, and I absolutely loved it!<\/p>\n<p>In terms of safety, the next best place is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/panama-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Panama<\/a>. It\u2019s home to a growing community of expats and retirees, which is giving the country an economic boost and making it a bit more gringo friendly. That means you\u2019ll be able to get lots of great tips and suggestions (including specific, local safety tips) from the expat community while still having yourself an adventure.<\/p>\n<p>Coming in strong behind Panama is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/belize-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Belize<\/a>. It does a great job of balancing safety with plenty of things to see and do!<\/p>\n<h3 a id=\"five\">Is Central America Safe for Solo Travelers?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>Central America is quite safe for solo travelers. As long as you avoid isolated areas and don\u2019t travel alone at night, you\u2019ll be able to avoid the most common issues tourists face, such as petty crime. <\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re worried that you won\u2019t feel safe, try to join a group of other travelers or invite people from your hostel to join you when you go out. That way, you\u2019ll be able to feel safe while also getting to connect with other people.<\/p>\n<p>As a solo traveler, be sure to scan your passport and other important documents and email them to yourself in case you do happen to run into trouble.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, be sure to download offline maps and offline language apps so you can look up directions if you get lost or communicate with the locals in an emergency. If you can, try to learn some Spanish before you go too. Even a few key phrases can go a long way!<\/p>\n<h3 a id=\"six\">Is Central America Safe for Solo Female Travelers in Particular?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/female-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Solo female travelers<\/a> will need to be more on guard during their time in Central America. Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize are the safest countries in the region. If you\u2019re new solo female travel, stick to these countries.<\/p>\n<p>Outside of those three countries, I\u2019d suggest new solo female travelers stick to group travel or tours, just to be safe. However, experienced solo female travelers should be able to navigate the region without too much additional concern. <\/p>\n<p>Women should be extra careful in large cities, though, especially at night. Beyond that, as long as you follow the usual precautions, you\u2019ll be able to have an amazing time!<\/p>\n<h3 a id=\"seven\">Are Taxis Safe in Central America?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>The taxis in Central America are safe and reliable, though you\u2019ll always want to make sure you\u2019re getting in marked taxi. Never get in an unmarked car.<\/p>\n<p>During the day, you can hail a taxi from the street safely, but you\u2019ll want to be aware of the local custom, as some countries\u2019 taxis use meters and others require you to negotiate a price in advance.<\/p>\n<p>If taking a taxi at night, have your accommodation call it for you. Never hail a random taxi at night.<\/p>\n<h3 a id=\"eight\">Can You Eat the Street Food in Central America?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>You bet you can! You\u2019ll find all sorts of amazing street food stands and local restaurants in Central America, and you\u2019d be missing out if you didn\u2019t try them! Just make sure to stick to places where there are a lot of locals gathered. That\u2019s how you know the food is not only safe but delicious too!<\/p>\n<p>For the most part, you\u2019ll encounter places that sell various kinds of chicken. As long as it is fully cooked (not pink on the inside) and hasn\u2019t been in the sun all day, dive in and give it a try! A lot of food here will also be deep-fried, which will almost always be safe (just not healthy). <\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t hesitate to ask your hotel or hostel staff for street food or restaurant suggestions. They\u2019ll no doubt have some delicious \u2014 and perfectly safe \u2014 ones for you.<\/p>\n<h3 a id=\"nine\">Can You Drink the Water in Central America?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>As a general ruled you\u2019ll want to avoid the tap water in Central America, although it\u2019s likely fine in Costa Rica and Panama.<\/p>\n<p>The best way to make sure your drinking water is safe is to bring a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2K5Qg68\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Steripen<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2TwpndX\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lifestraw<\/a> for your reusable water bottle. This way you\u2019ll be able to purify the tap water so you don\u2019t get sick \u2014 and avoiding single-use plastic bottles in the process.<\/p>\n<p><center>***<\/center><\/p>\n<p>With so many affordable accommodation and transportation options, stunning landscapes, plentiful outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches, it should come as no surprise that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/central-america-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Central America<\/a> is one of the most backpacked regions of the world.<\/p>\n<p>Sure, it might get a bad rap due to its violent history and economic struggles, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s categorically unsafe. By following the tips above, you\u2019ll be able to stay safe and healthy during your next visit!<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>P.S.<\/strong> &#8211; Did you know I wrote a new book? It&#8217;s called &#8220;Ten Years a Nomad&#8221; and it&#8217;s all about the lessons I&#8217;ve learned from a life of travel. It features tons of stories and misadventures I\u2019ve never told on this blog as well! It comes out July 16th! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/ten-years-nomad-announcement\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Click here to learn more and grab your copy today!<\/a> (I&#8217;ll be going on a book tour too!)<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"single-booking\">\n<h4>Book Your Trip to Central America: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Book Your Flight<\/strong><br \/>\nFind a cheap flight by using <a href=\"http:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-3032045-12837948\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Skyscanner<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.awin1.com\/cread.php?awinmid=9904&#038;awinaffid=509047&#038;%23038;clickref=&#038;%23038;p=\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Momondo<\/a>. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Book Your Accommodation<\/strong><br \/>\nTo find the best budget accommodation, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/index.html?aid=362916\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with <a href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the most comprehensive inventory. Some of my favorite places to stay in Costa Rica:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FDirty-McNastys-Party-Hostel%2FCaye-Caulker%2F74893\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dirty McNasty<\/a> (Caye Caulker, Belize) &#8211; This is one of the biggest hostels in the country and a hub for party-goers. If you&#8217;re looking to let loose, this is the hostel for you!<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/cr\/rocking-j-39-s.en.html?aid=362916&#038;no_rooms=1&#038;%23038;group_adults=1\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rocking J&#8217;s<\/a> (Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica) &#8211; This an institution in Central America. The hostel has been there for ages and there\u2019s a beautiful white sand beach in front of it. They have nightly BBQs.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1101lHtj\/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hostelworld.com%2Fhosteldetails.php%2FNaked-Tiger-Hostel%2FSan-Juan-Del-Sur%2F49788\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Naken Tiger<\/a> (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua) &#8211; Located in San Juan del Sur, the Naked Tiger is an incredible property nestled a bit far out of town but on top of a hill with a beautiful view of the entire area. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong><br \/>\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It&#8217;s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I&#8217;ve had to use it many times in the past. I&#8217;ve been using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldnomads.com\/lovedby\/nomadic-matt?affiliate=nmts&amp;subId=brandlink&amp;affiliateTrackingId=0fe898ceef264503a88f74f4bbc7bb5b&amp;utm_source=nmts&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Affiliate&amp;utm_content=brandlink\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Nomads<\/a> for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldnomads.com\/lovedby\/nomadic-matt?affiliate=nmts&amp;subId=brandlink&amp;affiliateTrackingId=0fe898ceef264503a88f74f4bbc7bb5b&amp;utm_source=nmts&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Affiliate&amp;utm_content=brandlink\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Nomads<\/a> (for everyone below 70)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insuremytrip.com\/?linkid=GB841615\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Insure My Trip<\/a> (for those over 70)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Looking for the best companies to save money with?<\/strong><br \/>\nCheck out my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-resources\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel &#8211; and I think will help you too!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Want More Information on Central America?<\/strong><br \/>\nBe sure to visit our robust <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-guides\/central-america-travel-tips\/\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">destination guide on Central America<\/a> for even more planning tips!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/\">Is Central America Safe to Visit?<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/\">Nomadic Matt&#039;s Travel Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Posted: 7\/6\/2019 | July 6th, 2019 Central America is one of my favorite regions for backpacking. While it can be challenging to get around, it also offers incredible beauty, abundant nature, picturesque beaches, and affordable prices. Political upheaval and civil unrest kept tourists at bay for a long time, however. But these days the area [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/is-central-america-safe-to-visit\/\">Is Central America Safe to Visit?<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/\">Nomadic Matt&#8217;s Travel Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[141,44,47,142,143,144,145,146],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-392","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-belize","category-central-america","category-costa-rica","category-el-salvador","category-guatemala","category-honduras","category-nicaragua","category-panama"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=392"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":417,"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392\/revisions\/417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=392"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=392"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ourfunjourney.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=392"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}