Safety in Honduras
Honduras has been bullied by the international press, declaring it the most dangerous country in the World. They have even dubbed San Pedro Sula as the “Murder Capital of the World”. These tags put a serious damper on anyone’s intention of visiting this country. Who in their right mind wants to visit a country where his chances of not getting out alive are that high?
As is the case around the World, you cannot believe everything they say, much less if it comes from the press or the state department of your country! There is no doubt that Honduras has its problems, just as any other country does. But in order to be fair, we should put things in perspective. For example, the USA has had multiple shootings and murders in schools and Universities over the last few years, and these seem to be getting worse and worse. They are also happening more and more often. The logical conclusion is that the USA is without doubt the most dangerous country in the world to attend school in! So does this mean that US parents should keep their kids at home and not send them to school? (I’m sure many kids would favor this idea!) Does this reality make university and graduate students shun the US and favor institutions in other countries for their studies? Not really does it?
In Honduras, as in any country in the World, there are dangerous neighborhoods where tourists should not show up. Generally speaking, there is no reason for a tourist to visit these neighborhoods. As a matter of fact, 100% of tourists stay away from these areas, and this is why you do not hear of tourists being attacked, robbed or murdered in Honduras. I have lived in Honduras for over 20 years, travelled throughout the country extensively, and never, never felt that my life was at risk.
So if your question is: Is it safe for me to go to Honduras? The answer is a definite yes! If the question is: Could I get into trouble in Honduras, the answer is yes again. Above all, you must use common sense during your travels. If you are planning to visit the tourist destinations in the country, like Copan Ruinas, Gracias, Lake Yojoa, Comayagua, Tela, La Ceiba, Utila, Roatan, Guanaja, Trujillo and others, you will be perfectly safe. The same can be said for the two big cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula; these should be treated just like any big city around the World, with caution, asking locals which areas are safe and which are not. As a general rule, Hondurans are pleasant, friendly, law abiding people and magnificent hosts. Honduras is also a very beautiful country with lots of charm. If you are interested in visiting the Caribbean Bay Islands, the jungle clad Caribbean coast in the mainland, or the mountainous inland, Honduras will not let you down. “Honduras, the Central America you know, the country you’ll love!”
As a final conclusion, a visit to Central America without including Honduras is a BIG mistake!
