Latin America is a wonderful region to explore. It is rich in culture, hosts magnificent natural reserves, and offers some of the best cuisines in the world. Social difficulties, poverty, and a high crime index continue to plague parts of the continent, leading travelers to ask: Which Latin American countries are the most dangerous to visit in 2023?
Without further ado, these are the most dangerous countries in Latin America according to Global Peace Index:
7. El Salvador 114
This nation was ranked at position 114 on the GPI.
The U.S. State Department advises citizens to reconsider travel to El Salvador due to violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault which are of concern throughout significant portions of the country.
El Salvador is a relatively safe destination at the time of this article’s publication. El Salvador is known for its gang-related crime. Nevertheless, visitors to El Salvador should be warned that while most conflicts are between gangs and the police, violence can occur anywhere in the country.
El Salvador currently reports its lowest murder rate in more than a decade, which should mean the country is safer than ever.
Be extra careful, however, as there are rumors that President Nayib Bukele is falsifying violent crime statistics.
Theft is the biggest problem in El Salvador when it comes to security. There is a high rate of theft in El Salvador, which is more likely to turn into violence than in other countries with similar theft rates. There is a problem with violence in general in El Salvador
6. Honduras 117
This nation was ranked at position 117 on the GPI.
If you join a guided tour, Honduras is a safe destination, but if you travel on your own, you may encounter security issues. Petty theft and violent robberies, which can occur at any time, are common safety issues.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are commonplace on the streets, in airports and outside hotels. Gangs often target vehicles passing through empty areas and demand items and cash from tourists.
Assault, kidnapping, rape, and murder of visitors are common forms of violent crime, as are petty thefts. In addition to these crimes, there are other security problems in Honduras, such as:
Natural disasters like earthquakes and slidesAccidents caused by poor road conditionsInjury during demonstrationsCredit card and ATM fraudSpiked food and drinksScams
5. Nicaragua 120
This nation was ranked at position 120 on the GPI.
Travelers can feel safe in Nicaragua. However, it is advisable to use common sense, just as in any other country. Despite government efforts to increase security in tourist areas, social and political unrest in the country is a serious problem.
On December 5, 2022, the United States issued a Level 3 travel warning for Nicaragua. This is mainly due to the political climate in the country and the lack of healthcare options..
Other countries, including Canada and New Zealand, have also issued Level 3 and Level 2 recommendations for travel to the region. In addition to political unrest, you could also be affected by a crime or natural disaster. Since 2018, there have been more cases of violent crimes such as armed robberies and sexual assaults.
You should also exercise caution in popular tourist destinations such as Granada, Corn Island, San Juan del Sur, and Managua. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are common in these locations.
4. Brazil 130
This nation was ranked at position 130 on the GPI.
Brazil is relatively a safe country to travel to, but you need to be much more careful than in other tourist hotspots.
Many governments advise their citizens to exercise increased caution when traveling to Brazil because of the country’s high crime rate, including muggings, kidnappings and theft.
Despite this, Brazil welcomes millions of visitors each year without incident. Travel warnings are in effect for nationals of several countries who wish to travel to Brazil. Australia advises its nationals to travel to Brazil only with great caution.
According to the World Bank, there were 22.45 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020, which is a high crime rate. Many governments have also issued travel warnings for certain regions.
3. Mexico 137
This nation was ranked at position 137 on the GPI.
Mexico is generally safe for visitors as long as they exercise reasonable caution, do their homework, and use common sense. However, there are significant regional differences in the security situation in Mexico.
The U.S. State Department has increased travel warnings due to crime in many tourist-friendly states in Mexico. In Mexico, female solo travelers may need to take extra precautions. On the other hand, Mexico receives more than 35 million tourists annually, most of whom travel there safely.
If travelers use common sense and educate themselves about the region of the country they are traveling to, Mexico is generally a safe place. Heightened travel warnings are in effect for many parts of Mexico due to crime. Therefore, it is important for visitors to Mexico to be mindful of their personal safety, keep abreast of current political issues, and take the usual precautions.
Suggested: Most dangerous cities in Mexico
2. Colombia 144
This nation was ranked at position 144 on the GPI.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to Colombia, and the vast majority of them have no problems. A small percentage of visitors become victims of crimes such as pickpocketing, drugging, and armed robbery.
The likelihood of something going wrong is greatly reduced by the wise traveler who is aware of the dangers and knows how to avoid them. Major cities are where most crimes are committed.
Knowing which areas to avoid and keeping a low profile will keep you safer, as it is often opportunistic.
Also, be aware of the risks of scopolamine and other drugs, which are more common in Colombia than in other countries, if you want to go out on dates or go to bars or clubs.
1. Venezuela 148
This nation was ranked at position 148 on the GPI.
There is a lot of poverty in the nation, which can cause some people to act in desperation. Venezuela has a substantially higher crime rate than other South American nations.
Robbery is a major worry for any visitor to Venezuela. The political climate in Venezuela is another issue related to safety. For many years, there has been unrest throughout the nation. There have been large-scale protests, and the government has a reputation for violently repressing them.
It is advised to stay away from political gatherings and demonstrations if you are visiting Venezuela. In order to be informed of any potential instability in the places you travel to, it’s also imperative to stay current with the news.
The current status of the economy in Venezuela is the final issue to think about in terms of safety. Due to the nation’s economic crisis, many essentials, including food and medicine, are in limited supply.
Suggested: Most dangerous countries in the world
The post 7 Most Dangerous Countries In Latin America In 2023, According To GPI Data appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
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By: Maria Valencia
Title: 7 Most Dangerous Countries In Latin America In 2023, According To GPI Data
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/most-dangerous-countries-in-latin-america-in-2023-according-to-gpi-data/
Published Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2023 23:15:44 +0000
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