When I was in Canada planning to hitchhike through the US some people told me not to do so because it was dangerous, then in the US, people told me not to go to mexico because it was more dangerous ; then, the same again when I went in Guatemala. then I have been in Salvador and Honduras, where almost everyone told me not to go there as it was extremely dangerous. but from my experience the huge majority of people in all those countries are some of the nicest people on earth, yes there is some small part that have more risk, but every country does, and in fact I felt much safer in mexico than in France for example.
Every single person that told me not to go to a country because it wasn’t safe, have never been to the country they talk about, they made up their mind from the images sent by the media that only share extreme story, not sure if that’s to get more view on their stories or to scare people away from going to those country. I think everyone should stop listening to what the media says and go check things out by themselves and made up their own opinion on the subject. Yes there is few part that is best to avoid in some country, but it is very easy to avoid, and once in the country you can find out where to go and where not to go, in fact it’s much easier to know the place to avoid in country like Honduras than in Europe or the US. I have hitchhiked in most country i have been and never felt any danger while doing so.
If you keep the basic safety rules like (for example, not showing off watches jewelry or any expensive stuff) and get to know the culture and talk a little bit with local people to know where to go and where not to go, it is pretty safe place to go.
Those countries are amazing to visit, they need tourism to help them develop more. When I say that, I only mean responsible tourists that think by themselves and travel in a more sustainable way. respectful tourist and Mass tourism in those country will just bring more money to huge multinational company, exploit local people and destruct the environment in these countries.
So as a conclusion, you should all go visit central america, but once there, use only local business, respect the local culture, don’t go swim with dolphin, don’t go see turtle nesting in tour groups. live like a local, and make sure you produce as little waste as possible (The treatment and recycling of garbage in these countries isn’t well developed). Even if in some part most local throw on the ground their empty plastic bottle and bags it is absolutely not ok to do the same, instead you should show the example and look for garbage bin, and when you see people doing so, if you feel comfortable enough you should explain them why they should stop doing that! there is also a huge amount of opportunities for volunteering and help some local communities.
