Is Puerto Rico Safe? (INSIDER Tips for 2023) - The Broke Backpacker Contact us for full details. (Insider Tips). Theres a whole range of accommodation options available in Puerto Rico. Drugs are a major problem here. At Copper Canyon, you can go zip-lining and hike on a few trails surrounded by raw natural beauty. If you are concerned about your safety, you can opt to live in a gated community. Mexico is home to one of the most awe-inspiring mountains, canyons, volcanoes, and colorful towns. A good tip to remember is if a food stall has a long line, it usually means the food is good and safe to eat. In 1993, Governor Pedro Rossell summed up government efforts by remarking, "They have . But dont expect that to happen. Puerto Rico is very safe to travel for families! Gilligans Island for a weekend trip with the family, snorkeling, and just pure fun under the sun. Unique experiences are all over the city. Wet seasons last for 7.3 months, starting from April 24 to December 1. Close, Is Puerto Rico Safe for Travel? > Were not going to lie: the drivers make it challenging. Download Historical Data Save as Image From: To: Zoom: 15 20 25 30 Per 100K Population 18.49 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2017 2020 -40 -20 0 20 Annual % Change -10.49% 2020 The Perla, which I grew up avoiding, has actually been improving, drove thru it with my mother and we were treated very well, now been hearing that a new restaurant opened and have also been seeing tourist venturing down its winding streets. My whole family loved this place and we are looking forward to coming back many more times. Mexico is also just as family-friendly and diverse when it comes to what activities you can do around the city. The roads can be super narrow, have sheer drops, and also not be in the best condition, too. A weekend evening, for example, will be very busy. The distance from Puerto Rico to the US Virgin Islands (particularly St. Thomas) is around 111.56 miles (179.5 kilometers). Are they bananas then? Plus, no language issues, no passport needed, and more than 100 flights a day from the US. Have someone in mind youre planning to use it on? Chances of finding a job are better in the tourist areas. You should also stay away from these areas: Louis Lloren Torres (a public housing complex) Pinones Parque de la Palomas. One good tip to remember is to look confident even when visiting downtown or rural areas. Crime rate is the number of crimes committed per 100,000 people.
Crime Comparison Between San Juan, Puerto Rico And Cancun, Mexico La Perla is only a couple of blocks long, with a few crappy bars and run down houses, so there's no real reason to stroll down there, but I wouldn't even worry about that in the daytime.
US Virgin Islands vs. Puerto Rico - Vacation Selector But I have been in many of the places frequented by locals and never even had a dirty look thrown my way. Weve listed the safest ones below: Luquillo is just a short ride from San Juan and offers pretty much the same cool vibes and attractions, just without the masses of tourists and pickpocketing issues. From cultural centers and ancient ruins to incredible cuisine and white-sand beaches, the better question to ask is. and not once have felt unsafe. Its actually one of the most gay-friendly Caribbean islands, with lots of gay clubs, open-minded accommodation options and an large gay clientele. Shows how much people think the problem in their community are property crimes (home broken, car theft, etc. Indices Difference Consumer Prices in Mexicoare 41.4%lowerthan in Puerto Rico(without rent) Consumer Prices Including Rent in Mexicoare 42.3%lowerthan in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. Because theyre nothing compared to the 13 Paradores found all over the island. Its just that easy. Which also leads to the next unique thing about this archipelago.
InSight Crime's 2020 Homicide Round-Up Homicide rate in Puerto Rico from 2014 to 2021 (in number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants) I lived im Puerto Rico fot almost five years, because I decided to study at the University of Puerto Ricoto get a degree and learn Spanish at the same time. I am a tough person and know how to take care of myself along with my street starts from Chicago. Thanks to rain and currents of underground rivers, you get permanent water. I mean every city in the world has dangerous areas but to say not to visit b/c of one or two bad areas good lord. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). But, heres a tiny glimpse of all the sights to see in Mexico: Note that these places arent just appreciating the view, taking a few photos, and thats it. Look for white cars with ayellowGarita or sentry box logo that says TAXI TOURISTICO on the side of them. After its mashed, other recipes call for more flavor by stuffing meat inside. Museums, shopping, clubs, bars, restaurants, CVS, Walgreens, fast food, one tends to forget they are in the Caribbean.
Mexico vs Puerto Rico Crime Stats Compared - NationMaster The information at the bus stops isnt always accurate, the buses themselves dont really run on time, and they can get crowded and stuck in traffic. There is also some petty crime and pickpocketing that might mean your money isnt as safe in Puerto Rico as youd like it to be. Mexico is located in Central America, while Puerto Rico is in the Caribbean. The surveys were conducted by numbeo.com from July, 2011 to February, 2014. I have NO problems going anywhere in PR, any more than I have in any big city in the mainland, unless it's Chicago or Detroit. Anyone can easily come up with a list of the 35 best things to do in Mexico, and that wouldnt even scratch the surface. And its an awesome place to live, as the cost of living in Puerto Rico is relatively low. Puerto Rico food is amazing! Ruins. Afull-sized travel belt stays tucked under your shirt and keeps your valuables documents, passport cash, headphones, lip balm, illicit goodies organised and on-hand for moments notice. Like use your head people. The risk of theft should be your biggest concern here, so be careful with your belongings don't be flashy with jewelry, cash, phones or cameras. Choosing restaurants where locals eat is always a cheaper option and a great way to experience culinary authenticity. Police outside of major tourist areas might not speak English, and while many locals are bilingual, Spanish is still the dominant language. Crime in Puerto Rico describes acts of violent and non-violent crime that take place within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.. To combat crime, the Puerto Rican government adopted a broad anti-crime policy referred to locally as "mano dura contra el crimen" (or simply mano dura), "iron fist against crime". Theres a perfectly good explanation for why Puerto Rico draws so many visitors every year. SOUTH CAROLINA 3,624 . There are several activities to do at each of these places. Having a few Spanish phrases so you can ask for directions will almost certainly come in handy. Puerto Ricohas a high homicide rate however this usually affects those involved in gang activity, the drug trade or both. You know what all three have in common? DEFINITION: Level of crime. NEW JERSEY 1,883 . Also, there are devastating hurricanes. Some of the best include Combate Beach and Villas Sotomayor. Nolos Morales Park and Beach is the largest public park in Puerto Rico but is largely a secret kept for locals. Vieques is easily the most rural destination in Puerto Rico, and youre likely to find farm animals roaming freely around the streets. Aside from beaches, theres also Mosquito Bay, its the brightest bioluminescent bay on this Earth. And if you have a little bit of Spanish under your belt, it should get you involved in the culture even more. .
Is It Safe to Travel to Puerto Rico? - TripSavvy Dont worry.
Crime in Puerto Rico - Wikipedia Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Puerto Rico: Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. This would be the case if you could fly directly from Mexico City International to the Luis Munoz Marin International airport. An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! So naturally, the island is pretty well equipped for family-friendly fun. 26 times more than Puerto Rico Seriously, I'm so glad I didn't read any of this nonsense before I moved here a few months ago. Pros range from simplydoing what you want to do, to actually grow as a person. As if cage diving with great white sharks wasnt unique and heart-racing enough. You dont have to believe me, or the article writer, Google the Wikipedia page that shows per capita homicide rate of cities worldwide. Large numbers of rapes go unreported. The worst thing that's happened to me in PR is slow service in a restaurant and the traffic. But its not something you need to do. For solo female travellers, Puerto Rico is actually surprisingly safe. Puerto Rico: 18.5: Guatemala: 17.5: . 3,667. Puerto Rico is a United States territory, located in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico is safe for solo travellers and its an awesome place to explore, even by yourself.
Theyll either be able to recommend a reputable company to you or just call one for you. Similarly, Mexico has unique beaches of its own, like Playa del Amor found in Nayarit, and Isla Espiritu Santo, found in Baja California Sur. The usual alternative to taxis, Uber, isnt so well established or even used that much, which is a good-ish gauge of how safe the taxis are in Puerto Rico. By marinating the whole pig in adobo, which is a blend of oregano, garlic, vinegar, pepper, and water. Choosing between Puerto Rico and Mexico is harder than it seems, doesnt it? Don't not visit the island, I had a blast and am going back in 3 weeks but more so to the west side of the island like Rincon etc. Just make sure you make your safety and security a priority, watch your surroundings and use your common sense. Crime Comparison Between Puerto Rico and Mexico For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities. Overall, Puerto Rican food is a culinary gem that tourists would surely enjoy and one that foodies will love. The likelihood of anything actually happening to you is low unless you wander (very stupidly) into the areas where narco gangs hang out. You can lounge on the beach, hike through the rainforest, explore the mountainous regions, and visit a coffee plantation. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! That said, Puerto Rico has a lower crime rate than many major US cities. Btw, this message is for "ffjsb" whoade tge first comment on this thread. They might not be the cheapest places, but definitely worth the stay make sure to check them out! Bars on the windows Well, PR is warm, and many people leave their windows open for circulation. 5 Safety Tips. Playa Mazunte boasts a quiet coastline and attracts more surfers than it does tourists. In fact, its a top destination for people with children. In 2022, the highest homicide rate among 20 Latin American and Caribbean countries surveyed was in Jamaica, with around 52.2 murders committed per 100,000 inhabitants. Privacy Policy, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. During your booking process, youll be perfectly protected through the platform, and you can check the small details on each property as well. I'll be going back in July, and I anticipate another great time. Well, its difficult to say. Find out how to stay healthy on your vacation in Puerto Rico. Tequila. 13 times more than Puerto Rico. Outside of the city ofSan Juan,however, youre not going to be able to find a taxi so easily. These family-owned hotels are just one of the many things that tourists love about Puerto Rico. But for any traveler, it ultimately depends on what youre craving for on your next vacation trip. What makes it tough to choose between the two is that both offer everything any traveler could hope for. Tourism is starting to make its way here though, so make sure to visit soon before that all changes. Puerto Rico vs United States. In the countryside, however, youll have to be careful. For bird-watching, hiking, and a historical tour all rolled into one day, you can visit Caja de Muertos. Its a pretty safe place to visit. The homicide rate registered an increase of 2.8 points compared to the . In California my vehicle was broken into twice in a two week period and my house robbed. Go up the hill to see the Cross and the Castle. Wear a money belt, dont look too much like an unsuspecting tourist and try to blend in. Puerto Rico has a vert high firearm-related homicide rate, and victims are almost always something to do with gangs.
Mexico vs. Puerto Rico | Watch ESPN Other nature-based dangers include strong currents when youre out swimming. Theisland haslargely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico inSeptember 2017. Worst case, flight times from Mexico to Puerto could take between 11 to 23 hours. San Juan is now ranked as the second deadliest city on this list with 53.5 homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants. But its important to be prepared. IDAHO 1,864 . I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. What Mexico and Puerto Rico have in common is they both share the same language. I wouldn't be caught dead in a city like those two, but I feel perfectly safe in PR. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. No scratch that. Even if you butcher the language, making an effort will still go a long way. Gang violence and hurricanes are the biggest threats to locals and tourists alike in Puerto Rico. But, just like in Chicago, most of the crimes will occur in low-rent areas that are pretty easy to avoid if you aren't trying to document island poverty. And you cant get an Uber from the airport, either. You can buy medicinal herbs, voodoo dolls, potions, and items related to witch magic and occult. Your use of this service is subject to our Do your own research. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Explore: For example, the Spanish word China in Mexico refers to the country. The Puerto Rican government put a lot of resources into tourism initiatives to encourage travelers to visit the island nation following Hurricane Maria, and will no doubt do the same following the earthquake damage in early 2020. Its also a UNESCO World Heritage site. But after the hurricane, water quality decreased in some areas after damage. Wed definitely advise caution in certain areas, e.g. And note this doesnt even include Puerto Ricos nightlife, water sports, museums, and historical excursions. The sheer number of activities available to tourists is fascinating. WithinSan Juan,of course, theres a pretty comprehensive (and cheap) bus system 50 cents per ride! And if thats not enough, you can also swim through Sian Kaans lagoons. I am a native Chicagoan and it was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time. Playa Los Cerritos, located in Baja California Sur, is yet another beautiful beach in Mexico and one of the safest swimming spots. Then again, Mexico spans a wider area of land, so there is essentially more room to build and develop resorts in the area. Here, youll find a witch market. 14,483. Enjoy your stay. You can NEVER overstate just how useful having all your most important valuables right around your waist is. Don't leave your valuables or belongings unattended and only take what you need out with you. Carjackingscan sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots. And to think, the El Yunque National Forest is already home to 200+ wildlife species, 25 waterfalls, and several hiking trails. Thanks to its shallow warm waters, Playa Norte is also perfectly safe for kids to swim in. Puerto Rico is almost as safe as Hawaii when it comes to violent crimes. If you want to make a day trip to San Juan, its the perfect place to base yourself. It has a little appearance of Tucson and Green Valley AZ with delightful neighborhoods. Natural beauty doesnt even begin to describe one of its most famous nature reserves: El Yunque. But the reality is this: tourism is very important for Puerto Rico. Check before you go. 4,291. Sunshine, beaches, mountains, lush forests, and even black sand. For those who are not aware, Old San Juan is an Island and one can see Puerto Rico from its southern shore. Sink your teeth into authentic Mexican dishes and youll notice the clear difference and gap from what youve had back home. Crime is a characteristic of all humans all over the world. Travelers will be most affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. If youre looking for great surfing, youll also find it in Playa Los Cerritos. Mainly because Puerto Rico isnt just an island. You literally must try the Puerto Rico staple of mofongo green plantain, fried pork skin, all mashed together and fried with garlic, served with meat which is an insane concoction and gives insanely delicious results. But keep in mind that hosts can review you as well. This was during Columbus second voyage to the Antilles. But there are cons, of course. The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? Rather, youd float effortlessly along the lagoons waters. Ponce is a great delight with the south suburbs excellent for retirees. In fact, these small inns of Puerto Rican paradise have become a famous choice for destination weddings. However, its quite limited so its not always easy to pick one up. Thats just basic common sense. From tacos and burritos to frituras and lechon asado, youll enjoy the wide range of culinary options in Mexico and Puerto Rico. The temperature varies from 72F and 88F, rarely is it under 69F. Theres a lot of potential danger in Puerto Rico, which is probably why youre wondering, Is Puerto Rico safe?. Christopher Columbus first discovered Puerto Rico along with the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1493. There was no need to make negative comments about Chicago or Detroitthe last being a struggling city whose trying to make it in today's trying time.
puerto rico crime rate vs chicago - sherrysdrug.com Its open-air and runs around Old San Juan,connecting it to the cruise ship terminal which is pretty handy for visitors. But its totally different when youre having it in the home court. Some may experience verbal harassment. There is, unfortunately, an unusually high murder rate in Puerto Rico, though, to do with guns. Crime levels : Level of crime. Puerto Rico is a combination of exoticism and comfort. Refraining from wearing flashy jewelry or bringing large amounts of cash on hand is common travel sense. Vegas Golden Knights vs. Winnipeg Jets (First Round Game 4) ESPN NHL.
After collapse vs. Guardians, Yankees turn to Gerrit Cole At that time, chocolate was mainly used as a ceremonial drink very much the same one used in cacao ceremonies. If thats still not enough to convince you, wait till you meet the locals. Did you know? Being able to swim with a colony of sea lions. Puerto Rico came before Mexico. And if you happen to be in Puerto Rico during peak season, consider Isla de Mona as the perfect getaway from crowds. February 2019 is my first visit to Puerto Rico. But at the same time, both are very different countries when it comes to the economy. All rights reserved. If youre looking for a change of pace or want to take a break from mountains and canyons, you can count on having a pleasant time at any of Mexicos beaches. Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. Aside from all-inclusive resorts and hotels, you can go for Paradores. Its also an island in the Antilles archipelago which lies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. While youre digesting all this info, theres one more unique quality worth mentioning about Puerto Rico.
Homicide rate in Puerto Rico 2021 | Statista These small-scale resorts are similar to country inns. More information. Traditional Puerto Rican food has a load of different ingredients. Both Puerto Rico and Mexico have picturesque beaches as well and there are a few in Puerto Rico that stand out. Most of the time you can drink the water in Puerto Rico. Even Puerto Ricos vast cuisine selection is superb. Combined with panoramic views of the city and hospitality unlike any other, tourists will feel at home staying at any Paradores. Not to worry, we have created this epic safety guidefilled with safety tips to help you travel smart. The next sections should tell you more about what youll be able to experience in Puerto Rico. Outside of that,theyre supposed to use the meter. Can you drink the tap water, and what about vaccinations before you go? Thats why weve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on safety in Puerto Rico. Inequality is rife between the different cultures that live here an ongoing issue and theres crime related to that. One of our favorite places back home is St Louis. As we mentioned before, there are definitely a few areas in Puerto Rico that tend to get quite sketchy, especially at night.
Capital Murder: 2019 Homicide Rates in Latin America's Capital Cities I recently moved to Puerto Rico on Jan 1st, 2017, and overall the experience has been awesome. And even then, data isnt enough to guarantee a countrys economic growth over the next five or ten years. Not quite. Hurricanes do hit Puerto Rico and unfortunately, when they hit, they really hit. Again: safe, but not exactly comprehensive. There are all sorts of adventures you can have on this amazing Caribbean island. Paradores are also known for their alluring surroundings and cozy amenities. Crime Comparison Between San Juan and Cancun Safety comparisons San Juan vs Cancun Crime Index (Current, By City) Sydney, Australia Cancun, Mexico Berlin, Germany Delhi, India New York, NY, United States San Juan, Puerto Rico Prague, Czech Republic London, United Kingdom Beijing, China 0 20 40 60 80 Moving to San Juan? Your money is likely to stay safe in Puerto Rico if you just pay attention. Think snorkeling, days at the beach, child-friendly museums, Puerto Ricos National Parks, and even tales of pirates. Just because Mexico is cheaper to visit, it doesnt mean Puerto Rico is expensive. Plus, no language issues, no passport needed, and more than 100 flights a day from the US. The reason why they bear the name cooking banana is because of how theyre used in the kitchen. Puerto Rico is safe, convenient, accessible, and beautiful in so many ways. The populations of the Island and of my hometown are about the same and there's a roughly equal number of murders. But its actually really okay. The local beach, Balneario de Luqillo, is considered one of the best on the island, with golden sands and great local services. And finally, in certain places be careful of animals running out into the road. Ranked 43th. At Isla Espiritu Santo, youll find red rocks and even get to swim with sea lions. Like pretty much all of Puerto Ricos public transport. Keep your belongings close to you and watch out for suspicious characters trying to get close to you. Again, this is common travel sense and can easily be avoided by exercising caution. Just be sure to keep your wits about you! The shortest flight time from Mexico to Puerto Rico, including a stopover, is seven or eight hours. Activities, excursions, and tours are also fantastic in both destinations. Plus, while swimming, you get a stunning waterfall view. The distance between Puerto Rico and Mexico is 2,155.8 miles (3,469 km).
Puerto Rico Crime Rate & Statistics 1990-2023 | MacroTrends .
PR Crime Rates - Lowest in US? Its True - Puerto Rico Forum For travelers who want a truly luxurious stay, Mexico has several options and has in fact won several awards. But its pretty damn special too.
Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, howeverthere is a risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. However, the main difference is that you have more variety in Puerto Rico. Again, thank you! Tropical islands of paradise! In 2016, the island had a murder rate of 17.8 per 100,000 people, which was higher than the average murder rate for Latin America and the Caribbean of 10.8 per 100,000 people. The Sumidero Canyon is also a great sightseeing spot, but it also includes a two-hour river cruise to see the towering canyon walls. Its actually an archipelago, meaning Puerto Rico as a whole is a group of islands. Staying in Luquillo is surprisingly affordable, especially if you consider that you wont just be getting a room, but entire apartments and condos for a super low price. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place. Puerto Rico offers a diversity of experiences from nature parks to beautiful caves and bioluminescent bays. Beaches. The same goes for restaurants in both Puerto Rico and Mexico. Old San Juan especially in the daytime is VERY colorful, Very Clean to the extreme. Just think of it this way; "It's a different ball.park with different rules." This means tourists visiting Mexico, including US citizens, have to present a valid passport upon arrival. Obviously there are places where you shouldn't be by yourself after dark. Crime rate comparison Puerto Rico vs Mexico Safety comparisons Puerto Rico vs Mexico Crime Index (Current, By Country) Mexico Puerto Rico United States China United Kingdom Russia Germany France Japan 0 20 40 60 80 Even simply going on a coffee plantation tour is exciting and fun-filled for the whole family to enjoy. Based on 0-50 contributions for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria and 82 more countries and 50-100 contributions for Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria and 24 more countries and over 100 contributions for Australia, Brazil, Canada and 17 more countries. It depends on the demand at the time. But if its comfort food youre looking for, be on the lookout for traditional Puerto Rican dishes, which are made to leave an impression on your tongue. Driving in rural areas or mountain roads is both scenic and scary! This is where gang activity goes on, which includes drug dealing and shootings. Dorado is right in the middle of Puerto Ricos North Coast. This includes the entire distillation process, and of course, again free tequila samples! Public transport in Puerto Rico is safe for the most part, however sometimes on busy buses, you will have to watch out for your belongings. largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico, Is Thailand Safe for Solo Women Travelers? So we would definitely recommend learning some. Violent crime > Rapes : The number of recorded rapes. However, Puerto Rico's murder rate was lower than that of several other . Mexico isnt just the place to see great white sharks up close. But don't be so sure. 6 times more than United States. Other comparisons Puerto Rico vs United States: Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Puerto Rico's homicide rate is higher than the U.S. but the overall crime rate in Puerto Rico is lower than average for the United States. 80% of them aredrug-related and most victims are gang members or somehow related to drug trafficking.