Safety in Central America
 

I'm looking at a trip from Mexico City to Costa Rica (car not bike) we'll be one bloke and three girls. Various reports of carjacking and rape are make certain of us jumpy?

Assuming we're not wanting to waste any time through Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua how long do we need to allow?

Is serious crime an issue on main roads? Obviously nowhere comes with guarantees but have any women travellers done this trip lately and found it OK?

Hazzler.

Hi mate,

No probs on the roads whilst I traveled through Central America. One thing that I have noticed though is that you do get a bit more respect from the locals than if you were hiking a backpack around....maybe its because most people think you are slightly mad traveling so far on a bike...

I had the same worries as you, as I know others do, but once you are on your way through you settle in to the groove of your new life and those worries dissapear.

You will have a LOT of fun, guarenteed.

Brian
http://colesyboy.tripod.com

I just got back from a 4 month solo motorcycle ride through Mexico and Central America and had no major problems. The main roads are safe and the only thing to really watch out for is other traffic and livestock that will wonder out onto the road. If you are travelling by car, be prepared for possible long waits at borders. With a bike you can always creep your way to the front, but it is more difficult with a car. The girls with you should not have any problems, but the macho latin culture exists, and many western girls told me they got cat calls and the like, but nothing serious.
Have fun

I´ll concur. 6 months there, not so much a peep of trouble (other than caused by myself). Don`t care much for big cities, so I speak for more of the rural areas. The machismo thing certainly is prevalent, but I have never seen it escalate to more than a regular nuisense. The girls will quickly learn to ignore it like the local girls. Have fun.

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Go slow, be well.

oh...and as for the time question, spend as much as you can! But don`t be so quick to throw out Guatemala, as it is a beautiful place with fantastic people. Nic was a pleasant surprise, too. I`m with you on El Salv, Honduras, though.

I've been riding sola single/female since october '03 in Mexico, central america, save for 1 month and not so much as a squeak, well while I'm on the bike anyway, (A few cat calls when off) think Colesyboy is right in saying the bike brings on some extra respect.
I´m not in the 20 30 age group anymore and that makes a difference. Had a policeman get really aggitated with me when i pulled off road in a downpour to put on dry suit, was frothing at the mouth infact, when he finally twiged i was woman, it was comical the quick turn around in attitude.
Also i had heard of how fello riders get persistant hassle at borders to use guides etc. every time i've pulled up a really firm no thank you and they disappear. I came to the conclusion that its not macho to get confrontational with a woman, unless you are out to give her other kind of grief.
And i reckomend Honduras and Nicuragua also.
Over all i have been very pleasantly surprised at the honesty and attitude of the general public in this part of the world

mareestu

I can't see you having any other problems than cat calls and the Honduran boarder.
ElSalvador is a bit moody and main land Honduras a bit dull.
Other than that Central America is fantastic!
I planned on spending about a month going from Belize to Panama city and ended up taking five times that long!
Costa Rica was my least favourite country, it has to be said!

Thank y'all for this we'll probably give it a go.