Is Puerto Rico Safe For Travelers?

Written By: Everest Kole

 

The question of safety in the U.S. territory Puerto Rico is a frequent one, and has a very simple answer:

 

Yes! 

 

That answer alone might be enough for some of you to click off this page and start your booking, but don’t go just yet. Keep reading to learn more about the safest and unsafest places in Puerto Rico.

Let’s begin by delivering the bad news. This is not to deter you, but to give you some insight and to help plan your trip accordingly. Puerto Rico is exceptionally safe for a place associated with the United States. Many backpackers and hikers, especially women and LGBTQ people, have had great experiences in Puerto Rico as travelers. It’s a great place for hitchhiking, and the island is very small, so it’s easy to get around. 

Let’s Get Started!

Unsafe Places In Puerto Rico:

1. Loíza. Loíza is a very small municipality that’s just a bit east of Carolina in San Juan. Loza also includes all of the playas associated with Piñones. The Playas are not dangerous during the day, though they are very busy and frequented by locals who enjoy drinking heavily, cooking on the BBQ, and playing very loud music. Loíza is also safe to travel by foot during the day. Nightfall is when it becomes dangerous to travel through both of these areas. Most of the violence that occurs is gang violence, usually drug related. Most of the time, if you are in your car or moving quickly through these areas, the gangs want nothing to do with you. It’s no more or less dangerous than walking alone in, say, NYC. There is a potential for fatalities if you were to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, which is why it’s advised to stay out of these parts from the hours of 6pm to 6am. Loíza has a crime grade of a D-. A crime occurs approximately every day, and it has a high rate of robbery. It’s recommended to not be out in these parts at night, but, otherwise, during the day, enjoy the wild, untamed beaches and coast of the Playas and get yourself some authentic Puerto Rican BBQ.

 

2. Ponce. Ponce is located on the southern shore of the island. Loíza had a higher crime grade than Ponce and is not a recommended area to stay as a tourist. According to locals, the northwest area of the municipality is definitely safer. Only about 223 crimes occur in the northwest parts of the city, as compared to 2,695 crimes per year in the southwest area. It’s a good idea to be careful when booking cheaper Airbnbs or hotels in this area, as the price might be low for a reason. Just be mindful of the area in which you are staying, and absolutely do not walk around at night.

 

3. Bayamon. Bayamon is somewhat safe and somewhat not. In the north-east part of the municipality, about 3,168 crimes are committed every year, as opposed to the southern part, which sees only around 794 cases per year. Bayamon is very large, and there are plenty of places and neighborhoods that are more residential and safer. Again, it is just recommended that you be mindful when placing your bookings in this area.

 

4. San Juan. San Juan is as dangerous as any other metropolitan area, with the highest levels of crime being drug-related and theft. There are some issues of violent crime, but these rates are much lower than in Ponce, listed above. Staying in more affluent areas like Condado and Santruce is safer than staying in places like Mirimar, Río Pedras, and the airport in Carolina. What is nice about city areas is that there are many more storefronts and people, so there is that added level of protection. Most restaurants and stores close at 10 p.m., so there really is no need to stay out past then. 

 

Safe Places in Puerto Rico:

 

1. Luquillo. Luquillo is very safe, and many tourists frequent this spot. There are lots of hotels and short-term vacation rentals right alongside the ocean. When looking at the crime grade, the D grade might be alarming, but looking deeper into it, the highest crime in the area is vandalism, and the second is drug-related crimes. For robbery and violent crimes, Luquillo has an impressive A+ grade on both accounts. While Luquillo is quite safe, it’s still not recommended to walk alone at night for long distances, and do not go to any of the Playas at night either.

 

2. Rincón. Rincón is a favorite beach town that many people know of. There is lots of surfing and very friendly locals. While it has an overall composite grade of a D+, it’s a relatively safe place to be. The most common crimes are drug and vandalism related, though there are some issues with theft. Violence is minimal in the area. This is a beautiful and great spot to have on your list to check out when you come to visit.

 

3. Cidra. This is another safe place to stay during your trip to PR. Its highest rates of crime are, as usual, drug-related crimes, but it also has a minor issue with theft. This is a very central county (think more mountains than ocean), but the central counties are much safer. This is a great option when looking for places to stay.

 

4. Toa Baja. Does staying in San Juan make you nervous? Well, this is a great alternative. This is a county right beside Dorado and very close to San Juan. Its highest crime is vandalism, and close behind are drug-related crimes. It has some issues with theft, but otherwise this is an alternative that is much safer than San Juan and not too far away!

 

Anywhere you travel, there are many different safety risks at play. Being mindful of where you are staying is extremely important, especially if you are bringing your family. The last thing you want on your amazing tropical vacation is to have something stolen, or worse, you or someone you love get hurt. Make sure you travel with protection like insurance, pepper spray, pocket knives, etc. Going more central on the island will be safer, and for any backpackers or hikers, most campgrounds and campsites available are very safe. Use your best judgment, listen to your intuition, and don’t worry too much! Get out there and enjoy the island life of Puerto Rico!