Safest Countries in Central America

Are you looking at the safest countries in Central America?

When you have the itch to travel to Central America, it’s difficult to know which countries are safest to visit.

Is it possible to pinpoint exactly which country is the safest?

We’re here to give you the reasons why certain countries are safer than others and an explanation as to why.

Safest Countries in Central America

Below we are going to look at each Central American country and provide you with more detailed information on each specific country.

Not only does it have some award-winning hostels, many say Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America, let’s take a look.

First of all, why would you even want to travel to Central America? What exactly does Central America hold for you?

Well, the question should be what doesn’t it have.

Is Central America Worth Visiting?

Gorgeous landscapes with white sandy beaches, culture dating back to ancient times, and biodiversity unlike anywhere else in the world.

Still not convinced?

Let’s check out where Central America is, and you can see for yourself just how important of an area it is not only to world heritage but for ecosystems that have fuelled our air with the oxygen we breathe.

Despite the culture shock we may incur, being caught up in capitalistic societies, many times we need reminding of the finer things in life.

Even the most simple things: like seeing the flora in this unique sub-continent which provides the local landmass with a wealth of outstanding natural beauty.

Where is Central America?

Central America is the area of land that most people would describe as the thin strip between Mexico and South America.

There are a few small countries, all with their own culture and distinctive charm.

All of the countries in this area have Spanish as the common tongue but may have historic or local dialects and languages.

These countries are unlike the Caribbean islands and lend themselves a culture similar to that of Mexico and South America.

Many people visit the likes of Mexico and South America for vacationing but bypass Central America for a perceived lack of safety.

However, I am here to convince you of why Central America has a stigma for being unsafe and showing you in order of safest to least safe, which countries you should visit in the near future.

Safest Countries in Central America

Let’s look at the countries in Central America that you should have on your radar if you’re in the trip planning a trip along the Gringo Trail:

Honduras

With some of the worst crime and homicide statistics in the last couple of decades, Honduras has its reputation.

However, it’s extremely safe in popular tourist areas. The Copan Ruins rely on tourist visits and never has any crime incidents.

El Salvador

This small nation on the coast of the Pacific has a large spectral range of danger and safety. Most visits are trouble-free since the statistics reflect gang activity. See this guide to safety in El Salvador to get a better idea of what to avoid as well as what to expect.

Guatemala

This is an outlier in terms of typical Central American statistics. Despite having one of the highest homicide rates in the area, it has one of the lowest rates affecting tourists. Most visits to Guatemala are trouble-free.

Nicaragua

Nicaragua has one of the lowest crime rates in Central America and receives thousands of visitors every year. As with most holiday destinations, it has its petty crime, but it has little to no issues every year.

Mexico

Technically in North America with some regions such as Chiapas spanning into Central America, Mexico is all over the board. Areas such as Guanajuato are quite dangerous at the moment, but then there are some regions that are perfectly safe for visitors.

Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Baja California Sur are frequently visited every year for their safe havens that avoid Cartel activity.

Belize

One of the smallest countries in Central America is also rife with civil unrest in certain areas. Since it’s quite a poor country, petty crime is at an all-time high.

However, Belize has police on the beat specifically to shield tourists in dangerous areas. Sticking to the nature reserves and beach areas is advisable. See this guide to Belize travel safety for more detailed info.

Panama

The streets are iffy when it comes to crime, but that’s mostly within the inner cities. When reading about safety in Panama you’ll learn that Las Tablas is one of the country’s safest places. The reality is that most visitors to Panama seek wildlife and pass through the canal.

This makes it one of the safest areas for visitors. However, the issues at the border with Colombia can be a cause for concern. Stick to the resort areas and the safe regions.

Costa Rica

This is the safest country in Central America since many visitors to this country don’t have negative experiences. Many find that the dangerous aspects of the area tend to be wildlife.

Petty crime can still happen, but those who stay vigilant will be rewarded with a perfectly safe trip.

Backpacking Central America

As you being to plan your trip you will find that backpacking Central America has never been as easy as it is currently.

Many backpackers choose to go for a trip that starts in the southern regions of Mexico and winds downwards towards Panama.

The best part about backpacking this region is the fact that there are so many bus routes and interesting places to explore that many wouldn’t find if they went for package resort holidays.

You could easily have a safe trip to Cancun to explore the Riviera Maya and get a colectivo to explore all the countries in this region.

Travel Insurance for Central America

I always recommend backpackers and travelers (no matter who you are) use World Nomads Insurance for fully comprehensive cover.

If you are due to travel soon, you can get a Get A Free Quote by clicking the link or the image above and filling out your details – that way you’ll get instant cover from the exact date that you choose.

On many occasions World Nomads has provided me with reliable insurance cover for travel in Latin America and the rest of the world.

Central America Safety FAQ’s

See these frequently asked questions about safety in Central America :

Safest Countries in Central America

I believe that Central America deserves more visitors than it gets since it has lots to give. Anyone can travel to any country in this area and fall in love with the landscape, the people, and the cuisine.

Whilst deciding which country in Central America to visit, make the necessary planning precautions in case the unfortunate happens.

Although for the most part, many British and American citizens have trouble-free experiences when traveling to Central America.

While you are still here, why not read some of the safety guides that I have compiled on each individual country before you travel?

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