(Updated Sep 2024)

If you’re planning a trip to anywhere in Central America, you’re undoubtedly aware that the region still has a bit of a bad reputation for safety. And this may give you pause when planning a trip there.

I admit I also had some reservations before I went traveling around Central America.

So, what’s the situation really like?

Based on my personal impressions while spending six months in Central America, but also speaking to numerous other travelers and locals about the security situation in many places, here are the key points that I found.

Is Central America safe to travel?

The stats don’t lie: crime levels are definitely higher in Central America than in many other parts of the world.

Of course, this also needs to be put into perspective, because these statistics may relate to places you might never go as a tourist. You are quite unlikely to hang out in, say, dangerous outer neighborhoods in cities. You are far more likely to do tourist things in tourist places where the safety levels are relatively higher.

While certain parts of Central America are far from a crime-free utopia, in reality you can still travel safely if you’re a responsible traveler. But it’s good to know the do’s and don’ts of travelling in this part of the world.

Here are a few tips for traveling safely in Central America.

Note: Even though it’s in North America, I will be including Mexico here, simply because it also often features in itineraries for this region and has similar safety concerns.

1. Most countries are quite safe

Central America has some known trouble-spots, but much of the region is quite safe. In fact, in several countries, I felt the situation is not all that different from other regions I’ve traveled, such as in Asia.

Based on UN crime statistics (as well as anecdotal evidence) it’s possible to make some rough distinctions between the different countries.

Firstly, Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua have good reputations for safety. There may be some places here and there where travel guides or locals tell you to be a bit more cautious, but broadly speaking these countries are known to be reasonably trouble-free. If you’re a normal responsible traveler, then these countries aren’t worth worrying too much about. Of course, take care as you would anywhere in the world, and be mindful in the big cities.

The situation in Mexico is different in each state, but all the major tourist destinations are well-protected and should give little cause for worry. Baja California, the Yucatan peninsula, and Oaxaca are especially popular places for tourists and are also especially safe. While it’s a good idea to read the official travel advisories before visiting, Mexico is quite different from how some people (especially Americans) imagine it.

Phew, okay.

These countries do require a bit of extra care though:

Guatemala has much more of a serious problem with crime. One tell-tale sign is that it’s common to see armed security outside of banks. Anecdotally, I also heard of a number of travelers getting into issues here. Certain places are known for muggings after dark (like the viewing points in Antigua). To hike around Lake Atitlan, it’s often recommended to go with a guide who knows how to avoid trouble-spots. While I didn’t find Guatemala particularly threatening — it is, in fact, my number one favorite country in Central America — it also seems like a place where you shouldn’t be a mindless idiot, so to speak. Inquire locally about safety and maintain general awareness.

Finally, El Salvador and Honduras have by far the worst crime statistics in the region. Luckily, this relates mostly to the criminal underworld and has little to do with tourists. Nevertheless, I still felt that your movement as a traveler can be more limited here. (For example, I noticed that in Copan Ruinas people wouldn’t go on the street anymore after 9 P.M. or so.) El Salvador and Honduras do have a different vibe, and I’ve personally found myself approaching these countries with more caution than others.

(2024 Update: the security situation in El Salvador has improved hugely as the government jailed all suspected gang members. Now is your chance to see El Salvador while it’s much safer than ever before.)

2. Take care in the capitals

It’s best to assume that the capital cities will be a bit rough; Guatemala City, Belize City, Managua, San Salvador, etc. all have relatively poor reputations (though Panama City has a better reputation). Take official taxis at night and stay in a hostel/hotel in a good neighborhood.

Central America’s capitals also seem pretty dirty/chaotic/stressful, so your time is often better spent in smaller cities and the countryside anyway.

I think of the capitals mostly as transit hubs rather than key tourist destinations themselves. An important exception for me is Mexico City, which I feel is extremely culturally vibrant and has so many amazing museums. But other than Mexico City, the capitals are pretty underwhelming, so I don’t think you’ll be missing too much.

3. Use common sense

You may have heard the usual advice already, but: don’t wander the streets alone drunk at night, know which areas to avoid (if any), leave your passport and valuables in a hotel safe or hostel locker, and don’t openly show off any expensive items.

If using local so-called chicken buses (converted US school buses) keep a close eye on your stuff, as these buses tend to be packed with people and luggage providing potential opportunities for theft.

Take Ubers or official taxis. It’s better to have someone call a taxi than to grab one at random, as some taxis can be sketchy.

Be sure to get some travel insurance as this will give you support in case of accidents or theft. 

4. Listen to locals

Knowledge is power! Ask the staff at your place of accommodation about the area and you will be immediately a little wiser. It will help you avoid trouble areas, but often this will also make you feel much more assured about areas that have a better reputation.

Knowing Spanish can help you raise your situational awareness and increase your ability to get help or information from locals. If you are going to spend some extended time in Central America, it pays off to learn some Spanish. This will also obviously enhance your cultural experiences — you’ll find that the locals are often very friendly and curious and want to talk to you.
 

Do you have insurance?

Travel insurance won’t in itself help you stay safe, but it can minimize the risks of travelling. With an insurance policy, you’ll be covered you for medical expenses, theft, personal liability, cancellation, and more. I recommend Heymondo, which offer flexible insurance for independent travelers with 24-hour worldwide assistance through their own app.

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5. Don’t get too paranoid

I know that by talking about safety, it’s already possible to make you worry needlessly. But what you’re no doubt going to find is that shortly after you’ve arrived in your destination, you’re going to ease into the experience. Soon you’ll wonder what you were worried about at all.

Before I first went to Central America, people just kept telling me to “be safe”, which eventually got to my head a little bit, despite the cheerful reassurances from a friend who’d already been.

Keep in mind that the people who often have the strongest opinions on the topic are the ones who have never actually been. Watching some edgy Vice documentary on the dark underbelly of some place or other will not tell you anything useful about what it’s like to travel somewhere as a tourist. 

Be sure to avoid outdated information as well. The security situation has improved a lot in many places. What an old second-hand travel guide tells you may no longer be accurate at all.

I spent about 6 months in Central America without any issues. People were very welcoming and friendly everywhere. But I do also know — through people I’ve met and the word in the travel community — that Central America isn’t exactly a crime-free utopia. Don’t be naive because serious crime does occur, and it’s obviously wise to travel in a sensible manner.

That’s probably the most balanced thing you can say on the matter. Central America may not be quite as safe or as easy as Southeast Asia or Europe, but the situation on the ground will probably be a lot better than you imagined. Make sure you’re adequately informed, but don’t let Central America scare you! It’s a truly amazing part of the world to travel.

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