Venezuela or Colombia

[bcc_1_2]

Yep I would never go back to Monterrey MX with the current state of things. This drug war we wage there has turned Monterrey into a very dangerous place now. I have never been to Venezuela and would be scared [snip]less to even consider it. It sounds as if statistically at least Colombia might be getting less safe as well.
Depending on what you might be looking for Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru could be worth talking about. And of course Honduras in Central America

[htown]

Yep I would never go back to Monterrey MX with the current state of things. This drug war we wage there has turned Monterrey into a very dangerous place now. I have never been to Venezuela and would be scared [snip]less to even consider it. It sounds as if statistically at least Colombia might be getting less safe as well.
Depending on what you might be looking for Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru could be worth talking about. And of course Honduras in Central America

I don't know if you mentioned Honduras as a joke.  You do realize that Honduras is more dangerous than any of the other places you mentioned, including Venezuela and Monterrey?


That being said, I'd love to visit Honduras.  I know alot of great Hondurenas here in my hometown. 

[Woody]

I don't know if you mentioned Honduras as a joke.  You do realize that Honduras is more dangerous than any of the other places you mentioned, including Venezuela and Monterrey?.

Since when? I realize Tegucigalpa can be dangerous, but you pretty much just put Honduras on the level of Juarez. Last I saw, Honduras is relatively safe. BCC wasn't kidding at all, Honduras is where his wife is from.

[htown]

http://www.seguridadjusticiaypaz.org.mx/sala-de-prensa/541-san-pedro-sula-la-ciudad-mas-violenta-del-mundo-juarez-la-segunda


According to this report, San Pedro Sula is the most dangerous city in the world with 159 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.  Tegucigalpa is in 5th place.  Caracas is in 6th and Monterrey comes in at no. 38.


If you check the article, Colombia is well represented also.


I'd definitely like to hear bcc's take on the situation, since I really would like to visit Honuras.

[Woody]

To be fair. Even the article points out that Mexican authorities are most likely manipulating the numbers to keep Juarez off the number one spot.


That said, I had no idea that Honduras had gotten so violent in the large cities.

[bcc_1_2]

My take on things is much different now than as a single guy with no family to be responsible for. I can say with Costa Rica you mainly need to worry about petty theft. Do not resist in these situations. Is Honduras a more dangerous place than say Costa Rica or Panama for violent crime... in SAP yes... Tela or La Ceiba no. Tourism to Honduras is more popular with young Europeans than Americas.
The same rules apply to Honduras as apply to Colombia. Do not go to the rough neighborhoods (even if your g/f's family is there). Do not wear flashy bling. Do not leave a drink unattended. Rarely if ever walk around outside. Call for a cab don't flag... etc.
But yes the country is poor and the USA, Canada, and Western Europe have a big demand for illegal drugs... so you can see the problem there. But problems such as kidnapping (well adultnapping at gunpoint) is a much bigger issue in Colombia. As a tourist if you do your homework and stick to the right areas (such as the mall on the nice side of town) you generally are not a target. The government and locals do not want to see Honduras in the news in a way that will scare tourists.
But a tall young white (gringo) in Columbia or Honduras is going to stick out. They will assume you are quite well off... and in my opinion it is only a matter of time until you run into a group nefarious or desperate enough to bother you.
A two week trip where you play it smart is one thing... living there full-time... hell no.

[bcc_1_2]

Remember you aren't in a gang or involved in anything drug related. So the numbers as they relate to you are different than as a local. My number one tip would be not to consume alcohol on your trip. It's hot a hell anyways... drink water.
So many people die because there is such a demand for drugs that don't have pfizer on the label. When there is no money in getting product to the USA and Europe... Central America will be a lot safer for everyone... especially locals who are more at risk of violent crime.