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lesd
Junior Nomad
Posts: 25
Registered: 1-12-2010
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Baja crime compared to Central American crime
I'm headed down to Guatemala,Honduras and Nicaragua for a break, and have been reading on the Internets that the crime rate is pretty high. From
reading between the lines of the state dept. reports on Mexico and C.A., the difference seems to be tourists are targeted way more in C.A. than in
Mexico.
I'll be traveling with a group of 8 people or so, and had planned to take my big 'pro' camera, but I'm starting to shy away from the big camera deal
because of all the robbery stories I am seeing.
Do any of you have first hand experience with the mood down there recently ?
The economic conditions as of late have been making things even worse from what I know.
thanks
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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| Quote: | Originally posted by lesd
I'm headed down to Guatemala,Honduras and Nicaragua for a break, and have been reading on the Internets that the crime rate is pretty high. From
reading between the lines of the state dept. reports on Mexico and C.A., the difference seems to be tourists are targeted way more in C.A. than in
Mexico.
I'll be traveling with a group of 8 people or so, and had planned to take my big 'pro' camera, but I'm starting to shy away from the big camera deal
because of all the robbery stories I am seeing.
Do any of you have first hand experience with the mood down there recently ?
The economic conditions as of late have been making things even worse from what I know.
thanks |
Guatemala...been there. It's not Mexico. Nor any of the other countries. You cannot compare the issues of each country. Each has it's own issues of
history, politics, economics, so forth.
Not bragging...I have been to many countries. Use common sense when traveling. Stay away from depress areas, stay in at night, dont dress like a
freakin rich Americana. I would say as before in this forum.....I'd be just as concerned traveling in my birth town Los Angeles, or Fresno or Redding!
[Edited on 10-27-2010 by mcfez]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3296
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
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Mood: Tranquilo
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Went to Guatemala last year, rented a car and drove all the way across the country and back (mi bonita esposa Jilliana's idea). My observations:
It's not Mexico, they don't speak Mexican but then again....neither do I.
Everyone has a gun, a big gun with bandoleers of ammo over their shoulders...no, they weren't soldiers, just guys wearing dirty jeans and tee shirts
with guns. I think they were "security guys" for the most part.
For the most part the folks there are poor, don't flaunt wealth or expensive stuff (cameras, jewelery, watches etc.) and try not to act like a tourist
(they will know anyway, can't fool them).
They don't smile and wave at everyone like they do in Mexico. You can and should smile and wave at them but don't get your feelings hurt when they
don't wave back.
Go see the Mayan ruins (Tikal etc.) a visit to Guatemala isn't complete without it. Drive the speed limit in the National Park at Tikal, they issue
you a time stamped ticket when you enter and if you get to the other end too soon they will give you crap. Just smile and say "no fumar espanol"
Guatemala is a beautiful country, it's not quite like Mexico but similar. Be smart, don't do anything that you wouldn't do while visiting any other
foreign country and you'll be fine.
Have a fun trip......dt
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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Bajatripper
Ultra Nomad
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Actually, I've always been surprised (so far) that tourists HAVEN'T been targetted in Mexico. With the Mexican government openly declaring war on the
cartels, targeting tourism seems like a no-brainer response by the cartels, hit the government where it hurts the most. Yet that hasn't happened. I've
often wondered what the difference is between Mexico and such places as Bali, Egypt, Peru, etc. But I am grateful that they have to date not resorted
to that.
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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My Mexican friends laugh and say "David, nobody is going to rob you --- the car you drive and the way you dress, they are afraid if they stop you, you
will ask them for a handout".
Like anywhere else new, I always opt for at least a modicum of security until my feet get on solid ground by looking around and asking questions. Most
of the crime occurs like it does in Mexico in cities and large towns. Pilfering and sticky fingers is a way of life for too many young people.
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Bugman
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I was in Guatemala and El Salvador in May and had no problems at all. The same common sense rules that work well in Mexico also work in most other
countries. I had a great time by the way and would go back without hesitation.
bugman
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durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
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Mood: thriving in Baja
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before I moved to MX I had a Guatemalan wokrer and I bought him a chain saw as a partingf gift (he was flying home). on the bus between Guatemala City
and his village he was nearly beaten to death and the chain saw stolen. he did not look like a tourist either.
[Edited on 10-27-2010 by durrelllrobert]
Bob Durrell
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Cardon Man
Super Nomad
Posts: 1319
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Thetis Bank
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Mood: !Al Chingaso!
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The above posters are right on. Central America ain't Mexico. But common sense goes a long way. Use it and you'll have a great time.
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
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Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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Here's a map to help you stay out of trouble
This will only help if you are traveling through Los Angeles on your way to a dangerous foreign country.
Compton, Gardena, Hawthorne...that's Freeway 110 running up the middle. It is only the blue and red areas that are controlled by heavily armed
terrorist gangs. Just be careful not to trample on their Second Amendment rights.
http://www.streetgangs.com/maps/southla_turf.html
Enjoy Central America. I LOVE Belize.
[Edited on 10-28-2010 by vgabndo]
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
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Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
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Handy Advice
I'm sure that all of those who "might" be considering a Tourist jaunt to Hawthorne, Gardena, Compton, Lawndale, Watts, Wilmington, Boyle Heights and
the like will appreciate knowing those destinations (despite the wealth of spectacular attractions there) could involve a degree of danger.
I can't count the number of people I've met on a daily basis who have been contemplating vacations in those scenic areas and need advice regarding
the best resorts and restaurants.
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Mexicorn
Senior Nomad
Posts: 772
Registered: 9-15-2009
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Ho Hum! Que nuevas gente?
La vida de crimen-
Ho Hum Boring!
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lesd
Junior Nomad
Posts: 25
Registered: 1-12-2010
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OK
FYI , I live in Los Angeles. We have about a murder a day here, and yes, that is mostly gang stuff.
Guatemala City has about 10X that, with a smaller population. ( and the homicide rate is very likely under reported there, as their police and justice
system is total crap )
The other difference is in Los Angeles, tourists are generally not targets because they don't stand out and they are not gang members. I was just on
Jury duty on a gang member-gang member murder trial, learned a few things there .
The thing that prompted me to post my initial question is the numerous posts on adventure travel sites that alerted me to the out of control sounding
crime rate in C.A. . I am trying to see if it is greatly exaggerated, and how it relates to white dudes with cameras. I don't feel like being a war
photographer on my time off, if that's what it would be like carrying my Pro gear. Slinging a $7K camera *may* be a problem.
The thing that really irked me about your post is the implied assumption that I am a goof ball American tourist that hesitates to leave the USA. Not
the case here, bro. I've been all over SE Asia and India, countries with a lot of poverty, and never had any issues with possible crime. And I'm not
talking tour bus trips with fat assed Farangs, I'm talking riding a small motorcycle in the most remote regions of Vietnam near the Chinese border, as
well as Hanoi where the traffic would blow your mind.
The concern is that reports of crime against gringos in C.A. is much much higher that those other places I've been.
-L
| Quote: | Originally posted by vgabndo
This will only help if you are traveling through Los Angeles on your way to a dangerous foreign country.
Compton, Gardena, Hawthorne...that's Freeway 110 running up the middle. It is only the blue and red areas that are controlled by heavily armed
terrorist gangs. Just be careful not to trample on their Second Amendment rights.
http://www.streetgangs.com/maps/southla_turf.html
Enjoy Central America. I LOVE Belize.
[Edited on 10-28-2010 by vgabndo] |
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Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8970
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury
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You'll be a long way from Baja...but, the experience is worth it!
| Quote: | | Originally posted by lesdI am trying to see if it is greatly exaggerated, and how it relates to white dudes with cameras. I don't feel like
being a war photographer on my time off, if that's what it would be like carrying my Pro gear. Slinging a $7K camera *may* be a problem.
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I've traveled to Central and South America numerous times over the past 4 years, and it would not be prudent to bring your expensive $7K camera -
probably more of a pain that you brought it for fear of losing it, or having it stolen.
Watch/Listen for a motorcycle in the event that you have it out on the streets - you could get held up for it at gunpoint, and the assailants will be
able to get away within seconds. That's the way Gringos get got. Being African American, I sort of halfway blend in if I dress to local standards.
But, talk with the Taxistas and don't carry your expensive gear into the barrios if you can help it.
Santa Marta del Rodadero, Colombia
Steak's cooking in Bogota
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Tbone
Nomad
Posts: 167
Registered: 2-25-2008
Location: So Cal
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
| Quote: | Originally posted by lesd
I'm headed down to Guatemala,Honduras and Nicaragua for a break, and have been reading on the Internets that the crime rate is pretty high. From
reading between the lines of the state dept. reports on Mexico and C.A., the difference seems to be tourists are targeted way more in C.A. than in
Mexico.
I'll be traveling with a group of 8 people or so, and had planned to take my big 'pro' camera, but I'm starting to shy away from the big camera deal
because of all the robbery stories I am seeing.
Do any of you have first hand experience with the mood down there recently ?
The economic conditions as of late have been making things even worse from what I know.
thanks |
Guatemala...been there. It's not Mexico. Nor any of the other countries. You cannot compare the issues of each country. Each has it's own issues of
history, politics, economics, so forth.
Not bragging...I have been to many countries. Use common sense when traveling. Stay away from depress areas, stay in at night, dont dress like a
freakin rich Americana. I would say as before in this forum.....I'd be just as concerned traveling in my birth town Los Angeles, or Fresno or Redding!
[Edited on 10-27-2010 by mcfez] |
You would be just as concerned walking around in "Redding" as you would be in Guatemala or Honduras. get real
Mas Pacifico
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Bob and jane
Nomad
Posts: 272
Registered: 3-25-2004
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I've been researching online for an upcoming trip to Guatemala. Haven't been there in 30 years. Nothing that I have read indicates high crime rates
or attacks on foreigners. Sure there is some crime and pockets are often picked. The state department is, as usual, the most alarmist site. We'll be
driving a truck with a small camper and plan on avoiding Guatemala City and taking some back roads. I always feel more comfortable in rural areas.
Haven't read anything yet to make me nervous about Guatemala.
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rob
Senior Nomad
Posts: 509
Registered: 10-19-2004
Location: Pacific Coast, BCS
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I was hoping someone would mention El Salvador in the context of this thread - have a (perverse?) hankering to go there. I saw El Salvador at the the
top of a list of the World's Most Dangerous Countries (murders per '000 pop).
You rarely see a mention of the place in the news, tourism appears to be about zero (logically), and real estate at a standstill because there appears
to be no security of property (as in the new mayor may want your lot).
Has anyone on the board been there?
rob
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Cardon Man
Super Nomad
Posts: 1319
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Thetis Bank
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Mood: !Al Chingaso!
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rob...I've been to El Salvador but just driving through to points south. The people were great for the most part, the food was good, the beer was
good, prices right...but I found myself on edge far more than I do in Mexico. Perhaps because all the friendly folks we met urged us with all
sincerity to be carefull, don't drive at night, avoid this place or that. You'll see plenty of guns too so if that makes you nervous...be warned. We
never passed through San Salvador and didn't miss it.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Tbone
| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
| Quote: | Originally posted by lesd
I'm headed down to Guatemala,Honduras and Nicaragua for a break, and have been reading on the Internets that the crime rate is pretty high. From
reading between the lines of the state dept. reports on Mexico and C.A., the difference seems to be tourists are targeted way more in C.A. than in
Mexico.
I'll be traveling with a group of 8 people or so, and had planned to take my big 'pro' camera, but I'm starting to shy away from the big camera deal
because of all the robbery stories I am seeing.
Do any of you have first hand experience with the mood down there recently ?
The economic conditions as of late have been making things even worse from what I know.
thanks |
Guatemala...been there. It's not Mexico. Nor any of the other countries. You cannot compare the issues of each country. Each has it's own issues of
history, politics, economics, so forth.
Not bragging...I have been to many countries. Use common sense when traveling. Stay away from depress areas, stay in at night, dont dress like a
freakin rich Americana. I would say as before in this forum.....I'd be just as concerned traveling in my birth town Los Angeles, or Fresno or Redding!
[Edited on 10-27-2010 by mcfez] |
You would be just as concerned walking around in "Redding" as you would be in Guatemala or Honduras. get real |
Do your homework before mouthing off.
Redding.....is the home of the Redding California Chapter of the Misfits. Should you not know who these boys are....They are hard core bikers. In
fact...they challenged the Hells Angels in the 80's and early 90's in a turf war that they basically won.
Also in Redding....number one crank (Meth) lab capital of the world (90's). Ever dealt with crank'ters ? Bikers? Well...I have ...having owned 5 night
clubs in Sacramento and San Fransisco in the 80's till 2001. Been on several "runs" with the boys, being an invited guest. Having gone to Redding on
many occasions....I wouldnt have my kid walk around at night.
No bad guys in Redding you think? Deal with a tweek that has been up for ----days-----!
Now.....stop telling me to get real.
[Edited on 10-28-2010 by mcfez]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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Bugman
Nomad
Posts: 143
Registered: 9-20-2006
Location: Escondido
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I was in El Salvador for about a week back in May of this year. The people were all very nice and I did not have a problem. However, I did spend
most of my time in more rural areas where life in general seems to be more at ease. You do see more guns and armed guards in the big cities but out
in the country I felt perfectly safe. Common sense is all you need. I would not hesitate to go back and I am very "gringo" in appearance.
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vgabndo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3461
Registered: 12-8-2003
Location: Mt. Shasta, CA
Member Is Offline
Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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No offense LESD, I'm sure you will be very well informed and take all the required precautions.
As a patriotic American, I just thoroughly resent that there are a LOT of places in the state where I was born and raised which I can't safely visit
(if I wanted for some insane reason to know what a cesspool like Compton looked like.) because the places are controlled by domestic terrorists.
Where I live, we only lock the doors when we are leaving for vacation. Around here I like to wear a bandana around my head to keep the sweat off my
glasses. In LA LA Land, that innocent act could get my brains blown out.
I recommend a radical scum-ectomy for South Central LA. If you leave that cancer untreated it'll kill you faster than breathing the air.
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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