Very good tips – I suspect drugs were a factor in the situation I mentioned above.

Anyone reading this should heed Rory’s advice. 🙂

Hi Brian, my 2 cents: You’re going to be fine if you keep your nose clean and keep your alcohol under control. The two biggest things that affect people’s safety in Central America are drugs and alcohol. Stay away from the drug scene and avoid excesses when you go out. You don’t want to be alone in deserted areas either (especially after dark). Additionally, set up a google alert for every country you intend to pass through between now and when you travel. This will give you a decent idea of what’s going on there and can tip you off to places and things to avoid.

Hey Brian. It can definitely seem that way from the media, but from a tourist point of view I think the reality is far more nuanced and much less alarming.

Since you asked, I have heard of one experience where a tourist was scared for his life (a guy I met in Guatemala). Though this involved a fight in a bar where the tourist chose to seriously escalate the situation. To be honest, I think he acted very irresponsibly and put himself in danger.

For tourists I believe the main issue to be wary of is petty crime.

Super info and tips about the safety in CA. I am planning a trip through and into S. America, and after some research safety seems to be my biggest concern. As an American, the news portrays this area as horrifying and a place no one should go. It seems any covered story is surrounded by death. Did you run into any experiences or people, especially tourists, who were genuinely scared for their life?

Thanks

Hey Jack. I think it’s best to drink bottled water. It’s available everywhere. No point in bringing purifiers unless you’re going to do multi-day wilderness hiking or something. If you’re going to be anywhere vaguely near civilisation, there’ll be safe bottled water around.

That’s geographically correct but as I mention elsewhere, it makes sense to group it together with Central America for travel information due to the cultural similarities and the fact that many people combine Mexico with Guatemala etc. I guess I forgot to mention that reasoning here.

Any thoughts on safety related to drinking water in Central America? Did you use a water filter, purifier, or hybrid filter/purifier? Or did you rely primarily on water bottles? I’m thinking it’s probably a good idea to invest in a water purifier that ideally filters and purifies (removes bacteria as well as potential viruses). What was your strategy for drinking water during your 6 months in Central America? Thanks for the helpful post!

Don’t think is suggested to walk as solo, be it male or female, maybe you can have a group of people to do it with you but I believe is a wonderful experience if you have everything planned out.