Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Drug wars in central america Drug wars in central america
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 May 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: london
Posts: 12
Drug wars in central america
I have come across a few articles in the british press recently concerning the drug cartels in central america. The newspapers have a favourite hobby of fear-mongering when it comes to foreign countries. I was wondering whether anyone could offer a more reasonable, and more relevant perspective?

Obviously any country has its fair share of danger if you are stupid enough to go looking, but is it really as bad as the news makes out? and apart from San Pedro, does anyone have any recommendations of places to avoid?

I plan to travel two-up with my girlfriend from Guatemala to Costa Rica in july/august. want to make sure we are not putting ourselves in more danger than necessary...!


Here are two of the articles in particular:

Central America's tiny states caught in deadly crossfire of battle with cartels | World news | The Observer

Inside San Pedro Sula – the most violent city in the world | World news | guardian.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Mexico
Posts: 338
Don't believe everything you read.
If you want me to expand on what it is really like to live in a narco hot zone, let me know.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,070
You yourself provide the basic answer in your third sentence.
I read the two articles you provide and find them to be basically a retstatement of just about every other story on the topic. Slow news day or week and the reporter wanted something to write.
Having visited Central America repeatedly the last 2 decades I can only say , like you did, that if you want to go looking for trouble you can find it. I even make San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa ,San Jose, Panama City, Guatemala City,Reynosa,Matamoros et al overnight hotel stops and I remain comfortably i n my room .
Like any large cities,anywhere, there is the caveat that you must be alert for your safety and stay away from neighbourhoods of questionable repute , be ever vigilant for street muggings, and avoid drugs and related activities.These were points of advice long before this drug war business blew up.Simply riding through parts of a city will provide some sense of how the security situation might be- is it upscale businesses , well kept residential or slummy and garbage strewn ?
Stay off the streets walking or riding after dark and you should really have no problems.
Come and enjoy your visit.
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 May 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 5
Hey man - My girlfriend and I are travelling two up on a v-strom and just arrived in Mexico yesterday after spending 8 weeks riding up from panama (before that we spent 11 months in south america). We were a bit nervous about what to expect in central. I'd say the media generally hypes things up. We didnt have any problems but always talked to the locals before heading off. Honduras felt to us the most sketchy and we were glad we pretty much bypassed it (only did 150km in honduras as we rode up the west side from nicaragua and into el salvador in a day). There were parts of guatemala where the locals strongly advised us not to ride (and even the local moto tour company) - in particular some of the roads around Lago Atitlan which are known to have regular armed hold ups (but even the guide books tell you this). Its fine to visit the lake, just ride to panajachel and take boat trips from there (dont ride the road around the lake).
Enjoy!! And really the biggest worry will be some of the local drivers!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
drugs, safety

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying a small motorbike in nicaragua and then drive it through central america. Rob1984 Central America and Mexico 12 17 Sep 2017 06:04
To Central America Tom Udulutch Ride Tales 1 5 Feb 2013 18:34
Where to visit in Central America johnrica Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 1 27 Aug 2012 19:27
Central America in July Vixonella Central America and Mexico 22 10 Jul 2012 15:42
Best way to travel central america? lelindaedwards Central America and Mexico 5 9 Jul 2012 20:02

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top