Hola,
I have been going backpacking to Central and South America for a number of years (usually 4-6 months at a time), and I have been to all the countries you are going to. It is not really dangerous, of course you have to apply common sense like not wearing any expensive jewellery or watches, don't dress too flashy, don't flash any money or carry large amounts of cash with you, avoid certain areas of towns after dark as you would back home, do NOT get involved in any drug transactions, not even marijuana, etc. By the way, Nicaragua is among the safest countries in Latin America. I spent 4 months in Nicaragua (mostly in San Juan del Sur) and even walked through dark alleys after midnight, and I always felt safe. However, this is something you should not do in cities like Managua.
What Colombia is concerned, my favorite country by the way, I always felt very safe. People in Colombia are very friendly and polite and you should have no problems at all. The media usually reports only the bad stuff and not the good things. Ever been to cities like Detroit, New Orleans, St. Louis, etc.? They are way more dangerous than a lot of cities in South America.
Have a great trip.
The answer depends on how sensible you are. We have travelled extensively around South and central America and never once felt unsafe. I would offer these tips:
- Do not stay out late and be drunk, that is where the majority of incidents occur
- When you arrive somewhere new, have a plan of where you are going. Don't act all confused and indecisive as thats what people are looking for
- Research the areas you stay in before going
- Don't wear or take any expensive jewellry
If you want some tips on South and Central America, check this out: http://www.worldlynomads.com/
Good luck and enjoy!
My sister went a few years ago with 3 other girls. They did it through a tour like company where they made their way and joined the group when and where they pleased. My sisters friend did the 3 month tour but my sister joined her friend about a month in, the other girl overlapped my sister by a few days and another friend went later on. They stayed in local accommodation not tourist hotels and had time away from the group but all travelling on/excursions etc were with a local.
If you are with a group you should be ok, but I wouldn't go alone just you and your partner, you are very vulnerable, tourists are very rich, even if to us you are struggling to pay, especially in poor countries and areas where there are majority locals not tourists.
Hi.
C. America and northern S. America are more dangerous.
Argentina and Uruguay should be ok. I'm from NW Argentina.
My friend and I are traveling from Nicaragua through Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Uruguay. We're only going to the northern part of Colombia and then flying down to Peru so keep that in mind.
We're going for about 6 months and people are giving us mixed reviews. I know people that have done this and have gone to more dangerous countries like Guatemala and Mexico, and my parents are saying that Nicaragua was extremely dangerous and that I'm coming home in a body bag. This seems like BS because I've done a ton of research and from what I've read/watched on YouTube the only dangerous country seems to be Colombia and the capital cities of each country we're going to.
My travel partner is a girl so that might be important to know as well.
What areas should we avoid and what do you think about us going?
