Central America is a destination full of attractions and varying landscapes. The region is incredibly photogenic so travelers will not miss out on photo opportunities. It is full of thriving nature, friendly locals, delectable cuisine and exciting adventures. Central America is a hub for biodiversity, so it is also an ecological treasure to many. Over 20 million people visit Central America per year. And that number does not seem to be slowing down any time soon since the destination is becoming more popular.
Although Central America is a popular travel destination, to some, it has a slightly negative reputation for danger. The perceived danger for tourists has come from film depictions and political unrest. But some countries in Central America are more dangerous than others and there are plenty of safe places to visit. So, travelers should do their own research so they do not miss out on what Central America has to offer. Staying informed is a vital step to ensuring travelers enjoy safe and secure journeys abroad. To aid traveler’s plans to go abroad we have gathered the information they should know about the safest Central American countries.
Safest Countries in Central America
Generally, the top issue for tourists visiting Central America is theft. This crime happens all over the world but is more prevalent in certain places, so in safer areas there is even less to worry about. The northern Central American countries often experience more violent crime. So it is advisable for travelers to avoid visiting the countries with higher crime rates. Check out this guide with the safest Central American countries that travelers should visit.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is commonly known as Central America’s safest country. It has lower crime levels, a more stable economy and a reputation as a peaceful nation. The country also provides a high quality of life to its citizens. Costa Rica does not even have an army and the country is a democracy, so it is a pretty safe destination. It even ranks high in the Global Peace Index. In 2023, it ranked as the 39th country (out of 163 ranked countries) according to its levels of safety and security, extent of domestic or international conflict and degree of militarization.
Costa Rica’s strong safety record allows travelers to explore the country securely. So there is plenty for travelers to do while visiting. The country is known for its fantastic national parks and wildlife. Manuel Antonio National Park and Poas Volcano National Park are among the most popular conservationist areas in Costa Rica. Cave tubing, zip lining and river rafting are some of the popular activities that travelers can enjoy at the parks. Some animal lovers prefer to have as many interactions with surrounding wildlife as possible. In that case, Costa Rica is the perfect place to be since it is an industry leader in ecotourism. Travelers can expect to see sea turtles, sloths and squirrel monkeys at any moment.
Panama
Panama is considered a safe destination due to its well lit and well patrolled cities. Technically, Panama is ranked as number 68 on the Global Peace Index, so it is not as safe as Costa Rica. But it is still, relatively, one of the safest places to travel to in Central America. Although the country is certainly not crime free, there are safe areas to stay in. Boquete and Coronado are popular places to stay in Panama with high safety levels and low crime rates. The cities of Panama are considered safe, so travelers that prefer to stay in urban areas will feel comfortable.
Panama has a diverse landscape. So travelers can encounter the desert, rainforests and beaches all in one trip. The lush tropical surroundings are only a part of the country’s overall tourism appeal. Panama has delicious cuisine. Some of the popular local dishes include rondón, gaucho, carimañolas and tamales. This country is also a great destination for backpacking or other outdoor activities, since the wildlife and natural environment is robust. Travelers can snorkel, fish, scuba dive and whale watch in Panama.
Belize
Belize is a small Central American country on the east coast with a welcoming atmosphere. The destination is considered a relatively safe place to travel. Although the country experiences some crime, Belize is considered a safe place to visit. Because the country is so small, travelers will notice that it is not ranked in the Global Peace Index. But this exclusion does not mean that travelers should overlook Belize as a travel destination. As long as travelers exercise safety precautions in Belize, they are likely to have a safe and exciting trip to Central America. Some of the safest parts of Belize include Caye Caulker, Placencia and San Pedro.
Visitors of Belize can experience an authentic cultural exchange where they can tap into the history, cuisine and ecotourism of the country. Nature-based tourism is a popular way for tourists to get to know the intriguing country. For example, the eco-tourism park Inland Blue Hole and St Herman’s Cave are great places to visit. There is also a wealth of knowledge about the Mayan roots of Belize that travelers should learn. There are even countless tours that teach visitors of the rich Mayan culture and explore the Mayan ruins around the country. The most popular cultural excursion is the Altun Ha ruins, but there are plenty of adventurous activities and unique adventures in Belize.
