Safe In Central America?

[Beasts]

We have been doing the stupid thing and listening to the locals! All of them say that their next door neighbours are all ragamuffins and will mug and murder us, which obviously they all will! After 26 countries we are still alive!

We are in Costa Rica at the moment having just about managed to get our car out of customs and were wondering if there are some areas to avoid at the moment.

We have found these webpages for info... anyone got any other stuff?

Drive to Costa Rica | Drive to Mexico | Drive to Central America | Panamerica Highway - Guatemala
Guatemala
And this alarming one - Recent Crime Incidents Involving Foreigners - U.S. Embassy Guatemala

The Beastly Adventure - a drive around the world in a Land Rover FC 101

[mollydog]

In future I'd stay with the vehicle if possible!

Safe Travels

[AndyT]

FREE THE BEAST!!!

Hopefully the Beast is unshackled and roaming the Costa Rican countryside by now.

I have been to Guatemala twice by motorcycle now, without any trouble, including a backpack trip in a remote area. There does seem to be more crime in Guatemala, just judging by stories from other travelers there, but I still think you would have to be very unlucky to have anything bad happen. I know this isn't much help, but I do plan on going back there at some time, so I consider the risk acceptable.

I met you two at Dakar Motos in BsAS. You married yet, or still living in sin? If you make it to Texas, consider yourself invited to San Antonio.

[Martin Alexander]

Hey Beasts and Andy. We,too met at Javier's. When we were in CA we felt unsafe in La Union in El Salvador. Other than that, pretty good, except for corrupt customs here and there. Guatemala seemed fine in 2004 but have heard it is getting a bit rougher. Find out for us! By the way we abandoned the bike in Patagonia coming north from Ushuaia. Marty and Bev

[Beasts]

The Beast is about to be released.... but the port won't allow us to go into the port with a flatback (the port guys managed to drag it forwards whilst in reverse and have knackerd the gearbox.... o to have 2 wheels!) that doesn't have port insurance!!! So we have now been waiting 5 days to FREE THE BEAST!

We also had all our spare parts nicked out of the back of our hire car a few days ago so hence the question... Is Central America safe??

Thanks for all your support guys, just hoping that a giant lumbering red brick travelling through the centre of Hurrican Dean isn't going to attract too much attention and get us stopped with machine gun toting maniacs!

The Beasts
The Beastly Adventure - a drive around the world in a Land Rover FC 101

[trevor daly]

Hello Beasts,
I have checked out your web site and think that you trip is awesome.What is the reason that your truck is still in customs?
Don't worry too much about the safety issue.If you check out some stats
on crimes in U.S.cities your probably better off down there.What route are you planning to cover when you reach to U.S.???If your in the Atlanta area
you are welcome to stay with us.Take care and enjoy the rest of your trip....