5 Latin American Cities Listed as World’s Most Dangerous Places to Visit
For people who love to travel, going to less known places in Latin America is a great adventure. It is also a good way to rejuvenate and explore other cultures so travelers really set aside time just for overseas trips. However, there are Latam cities that are best avoided because of their dangerous conditions.
These cities are also awesome destinations but unfortunately, due to their high crime rates, they have been listed in the world's unsafest cities. Despite being on this list and you still want to visit such places, make sure you know the risks and it is important to take extra care.
Plan your Latam trip with caution, get to know the most dangerous Latin American cities that are also listed as the world's most violent places.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Hondura's San Pedro Sula ranks first in the world, having that spot for years. In 2014, the city recorded the most number of murder cases in a year which average 171.2 for every 100,000 natives, and this is not even a war zone.
This figure is really high that it can't even be compared to other countries' most violent cities. Drug trafficking, gang riots, illegal firearms and poverty are to be blamed for the extreme violence that grips the streets everyday.
Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas is Venezuela's capital city and it is second to Honduras in terms of the most risky places in the world. According to World Atlas, the city has a record of 115.98 murders for every 100,000 people.
The city is struggling to contain its drug-related crimes which is the root cause of the street fights and rampant thefts. Drug gangs carry out robberies and this often involved shootings too.
To be safe, hire a trusted guide and always be alert if you still insist on visiting Caracas.
Cali, Colombia
Cali is a beautiful place but because of the drug trafficking cartels and corrupt guerrillas like the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), the city is riddled with crimes. For every 100,000 people, 83 are being murdered annually.
San Salvador, El Salvador
Although San Salvador is a very small city, with only 570,000 inhabitants, 22 people are being killed daily. In fact, 2,200 people were murdered in the first half of 2015 alone.
With the existence of organized gangs, the hostilities around the city never cease. The situation is worst that violence is like an ordinary thing. With the high homicide rate, Daily Mail UK called San Salvador as the "new murder capital of the world."
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
This is Mexico's most dangerous place. It is widely known as a haven for drug traffickers. The crimes persist because offenders are not being punished. The police don't do their work properly. In fact, many of them are even hired or paid off by drug lords.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Although the city is dangerous due to its high crime rates, it is still one of Latin America's most visited cities. Travelers who are unfazed by reported dangers in the city continue to flock to Rio de Janeiro to experience its colorful culture, see the sights, watch soccer matches and visit the famous giant statue of Jesus.
As a precaution, do not wear jewelry or carry lots of money when traveling here. Avoid going to the outskirts as well.
Trips are supposed to be fun and relaxing, thereby choose your holiday destination wisely. Visit these cities only if you are sure you can handle the risks.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com