I am a native Chicagoan and it was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time. Use your head people, if a place looks shady and you have a bad feeling leave and dont wear flashy things. Apart from these districts, the island presents no more dangers for visitors than other tourist places. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. You should visit if you can!By the way, La Perla became even more famous when Luis Fonsi used it as a backdrop for the music video, Despacito.We send an email every so often to keep you updated on where we are, what we're doing, and how much we are spending! But that reputation has largely faded, especially since it . To safely visit the old quarters of San Juan, the pretty period houses, the Cathedral, the forts, you can book a guided and private tour! Agreed. Common tourist-friendly areas in San Juan include Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, Ocean Park, Hato Rey, and Miramar. With that said, you can have a wonderful time in Puerto Rico, enjoy Old San Juan, El Morro, Condado, take guided tours around the island and swim in the beautiful Atlantic ocean! Fajardo. Whenthe community was first established, living right on the water was considered to be for the poor. If we compare with the crime indexes of other countries, we can say that Puerto Rico is more dangerous than Colombia, Tanzania, Jordan or Chile. Puerto Rico is relatively safe for visitors, as it has a lower crime rate than many other regions in the United States. Although, you do have to know where to go and not look at people to long or do anything "uncommon" because they will think you're up to no good. Police outside of major tourist areas might not speak English, and while many locals are bilingual, Spanish is still the dominant language. People and places positively benefit from community development initiatives. Your email address will not be published. For those who come to Puerto Rico for the 1st time, it is essential to visit Old San Juan which is the old walled city. In California my vehicle was broken into twice in a two week period and my house robbed. The local beaches are pretty safe during the day, just keep an eye on your belongings and don't bring anything you're not prepared to havestolen while having a swim. and always ask before taking a photo of someone to avoid potential offense. . To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Where and which holiday residence to choose by the sea? If thieves see your vehicle empty of potential treasures, they will likely move on. 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. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Its been far too long but better late than neve, Coming soon on #UncoverTravel - #Cordoba (#Cordova, #Throwback to parasailing off the cliffs of #Mira, #Throwback to exploring one of our favourite place, Throwback to watching the cruise ships come and go, #Throwback to this beautiful site just outside of, Todays #throwback is to this wonderful 17.5k hi, Todays #throwback is to watching these gorgeous, Todays #throwback takes us to the magical Isla, Porto de Baleeira Sagres World-Famous Fishing Harbour, Cabo de San Vicente The Cape of Portugals Forgotten Saint in Sagres, Portugal, History of La Perla Neighbourhood in San Juan, Places to Avoid in Old San Juan Puerto Rico, Castillo San Cristbal A Defence in Depth for Puerto Rico, Reales Alczares Sevillas Royal Fortress, Cape Town The Two Faces of the Mother City, Information signs on the city walls, overlooking La Perla, https://www.aol.com/article/2010/10/04/safe-and-dangerous-places-in-san-juan/19630505/, http://sanjuanpuertorico.com/la-perla/#15/18.4691/-66.1165. Before long, a suspect described as a fair-skinned man with long white hair allegedly assaulted Florence with a blow to the head, reported Telemundo PR. Like Mexico and some other Caribbean islands, theres a high level of gun crime, drug trafficking and gang activity, and the homicide rate is relatively high. It is drug infested and a lot of drug addicts frequent and live in the slum. Here is a nice hotel well located in the Isla Verde district: Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort. 12,865 forum posts. Both tourists and residents of Puerto Rico are curious about the neighborhood, for some it causes discomfort. Avoid taking photos in high crime locations (ask the locals where not to go!) Is La Perla in San Juan Safe? We have had absolutely no problems. But most of the location's beachside . Neighborhoods to avoid and best areas to stay, Maldives to swim with whale sharks and manta rays. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place. Que tu quieres? You can walk safely in OSJ. Yes just like the Mexico, Bahamas or Jamaica, the island of Puerto Rico is known for its many violent crimes, gang activities and drug trafficking. As San Juan grew, residents and businesses spread beyond the city walls and La Perla was part of that growth. Im in Puerto Rico right now with family (wife and kids). The economy is poor because people are creating that reality. Although there are areas where there is active nightlife, like Condado, the nearby deserted streets and areas like Condado Beach can be dangerous if youre walking alone. "Then [] They are mainly located in the cities of San Juan (certain neighborhoods see list below), Carolina, Bayamn and Vega Baja. It has been the subject of numerous documentaries and is often referred to as "the most dangerous place in Puerto Rico". Drink driving is also a major offense in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time. Cheap hotels New York - my selection of 3 good deals, Which hotel in Manhattan? Maybe hes knew and being sure? It's true that this island in the Caribbean Sea is full of tourist assets (paradise beaches, surfing and kitesurfing spots, exceptional seabed, historical and cultural heritage, etc.). Puerto Rico's taxis, public buses, ferries, the Tren Urbano ("Urban Train"), and pblicos are all considered to be perfectly safe. 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. As a puerto rican I assure you it is not dangerous. Contact us for full details. Que tu quieres? Accept Cookies 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. Today La Perla is an active community of three neighbourhoods. La Perla, San Juan, Puerto Rico Image Source The city of San Juan is notoriously dangerous, and one of its most crime-ridden areas is La Perla. Always park your car in a well-lit location at night. Isla Verde is one of them. Rio Mar. If you wish to avoid the risk of encountering hurricanes, dont visit this Island between August and September. Choosing this area away from Puerto Rico's hazardous areas means you'll be close to the Bioluminescent Lagoon, Las Cabezas Nature Reserve, and the Arthur Hills-designed 18-hole championship golf course. Yes, people get killed there, but it's not specifically tourists, every kind of person can get killed if you're not careful in La Perla. The community. But, that doesnt mean tourists should limit themselves to those parts of the island. Went there today to swim in el bowl. No, apart from a few areas to avoid in Puerto Rico and in particular some dangerous areas of San Juan (see list below), tourists can enjoy the seaside resorts without risk. Old San Juan, Isla Verde, and Condado are some of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico but don't give the island's culture and natural beauty the credit they . It is just not a place you want to be walking around. Puerto Rico is dangerous, but San Juan is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. We are in a residential neighborhood. I am a tough person and know how to take care of myself along with my street starts from Chicago. Indeed, in 2023, this ranking indicates for Puerto Rico has a crime index of 61.99. The body was identified as. Hello worldnomads.com webmaster, Your posts are always a great read. A Puerto Rico native shares what you need to know about safety, road conditions, the local drivers, and other transport options. 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. Located near Fort San Cristobal, El Morro Castle and other famous attractions in the area, its beauty is something for residents of this socio-economically disadvantaged community to be proud of. That's why you will see many gated communities. 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. Lifelong resident Lourdes Lpez-Rivera stands on a beachside cliff, considering the Caribbean's cyan expanse. 1. All the locals we have met have been very friendly. High crime rate yet I've never experienced any danger. There are four access points to La Perla, one by the cemetery and three from Calle Norzagaray. Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, however there is a risk of natural disasters - such as earthquakes and hurricanes. La Perla has been an infamous neighborhood since its early days. The 5 most beautiful beaches in Australia. Btw, this message is for "ffjsb" whoade tge first comment on this thread. The only way youll catch me down there is with a well known resident, This might be the most unified answer Ive seen on r/PuertoRico. When to see whales in Runion and where to go? La Perla is one of the districts of San Juan that tourists are advised to avoid, although the colourful houses on the water's edge can be seen from the city walls. What is the most dangerous city in Puerto Rico? I simply walked away. The median household income in Puerto Rico is roughly $20,000 per year. It is not nice to try to say something about one place bu putting down other places like Chicago or Detroit.was you said is not nice, Chicago is a great cityyes it can be dangerous just like Puerto Rico or any other city or county if your in the wrong place at the wrong time or your not using common sense or pay attention to advice and rules. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is some drug around the area. La Perla was once a dangerous slum controlled by rival drug gang and considered Puerto Rico's biggest distribution point for heroin. The area is known for its high rate of drug-related crime and gang activity. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Where are the dangerous neighborhoods in San Juan? Keep this in mind when deciding how careful you need to be. I'll be going back in July, and I anticipate another great time. The blood alcohol limit in Puerto Rico is 0.08 however it's best to walk or grab a taxi if you plan to have a few drinks. Probably the residents themselves would steer you in the right direction. Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. Other great areas for tourists are Rio Grande, Fajardo, Ponce, Cabo Rojo, Vieques, Culebra, and Rincon. But for those looking for a safe and pleasant place, then discover below the favorite areas of tourists: Isla Verde is an ideal resort for enjoying beautiful beaches while being close to the airport and tourist attractions in Old San Juan. 4 islands tour in Polynesia - Which islands to choose? What coast in Mauritius? If you are walking in a larger group that includes men, you should be fine, but every single hotel kicks people off the beach at sunset. Pinones, Parque de la Palomas and Santruce are also safe to visit during the day. The better question is why are you going to slums to be a tourist in , people dont like tourists staring at them like zoo animals even when theyre poor, No, not even i as a local plan to go down there. Since the city is less bustling and has fewer residents, this makes the theft and drug use rates very low. There was no immediate word on the victims conditions. Visitors should avoid areas like Puerta de Tierra, El Parque de las Palomas, Pixf1ones, and La Perla at night. Not because of that one video of the girl who almost got killed, because that's misinformation. The attack happened nearly two years after a tourist from Delaware was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. Islands and areas to avoid in the Philippines, Where to go in Cape Verde for the beaches. Just think of it this way; "It's a different ball.park with different rules." I lived in NY my entire life and have experienced danger there, even in front of my own house as well. When you see la Perla you will know youre seeing it and you wont want to go in. I have walked every street in Old San Juan, and much of the city from Old San Juan to Condado, with zero problems. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in Puerto Rico early Monday after police said someone told them to stop recording in a renowned seaside community known as La. Also, if youre in one, dont worry cause crime here in not the way it seems. Enjoy your stay. It sounded and looked fun from above. The most dangerous spider species that you might find in Puerto Rico is the brown recluse. I do speak fluent Spanish, but am white and look like a tourist. Practice common sense anywhere you go. The populations of the Island and of my hometown are about the same and there's a roughly equal number of murders. So unless one intentionally walks into La Perla, it shouldn't be a source of concern. In general, Puerto Rico is not a dangerous place, however, the island is often troubled by the local drug trade. La Perla (Spanish for "the pearl") is a neighborhood in Old San Juan, the historic district of Puerto Rico's capital. This community has a lot of history, and it's one of the unique ones on the island. However, I want to point out (for this OP's and others' benefit) that La Perla is not an area one can accidentally run into. A friend of his also was beaten but survived. The West coast of the Island is just outright beautiful and safe, Aguadilla, Isabela, Aguada, Anasco all offer great beaches, however, Rincon with surfing beaches is a cute town, with fun things to do and overall extremely safe. Dangerous Cape Town Neighborhoods to avoid in Cape Town and where to stay, Morocco by motorhome or van - Circuit tour of Morocco + itinerary + map, Areas to avoid in Marrakech and best area to stay, Casablanca which neighborhoods to avoid, which neighborhoods to stay in, Where to Stay in Honolulu Hawaii Neighborhoods to Avoid and Best Areas. Tourist in Puerto Rico Killed, Body Burned Over Photo DisputePolice Puerto Rico Police identified 24-year-old tourist Tariq Quadir Loat, of Wilmington, Delaware, using his fingerprints. OSJ is very safe and very beautiful. It is, in my opinion, the best place in Puerto Rico to enjoy the sun, the atmosphere and the beaches of the Caribbean. Yes this can happen anywhere but the truth is you do need to always be careful. La Perla is a small community located in the Old San Juan neighborhood of the city, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, San Juan Bay, and the Santa Maria Magdalena neighborhood. The level of crime has always been quite high, especially for offenses such as theft and scams. All things Puerto Rico! What are the 10 best places to stay in Puerto Rico? @ffjsb and anyone putting any faith in ffjsbs opinion. Yeah, Despacito might've been filmed there, but it's still a very dangerous neighborhood. Travel around the island and be street wise. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Required fields are marked with *, Passionate about traveling, I like to prepare them as much as to experience them and to tell them With this blog, I share my itineraries in detail with lots of information that could interest travelers. La Perla is dangerous. There are safety concerns, however. My advice is to never completely trust anyone or let your guard down. Much of the violent gun crime in Puerto Rico relates to drug trafficking and gang activity, which doesnt usually affect travelers. Mauritius EAST COAST and SOUTH EAST COAST- Best hotel EAST COAST, Mauritius NORTH COAST - Best hotel on the NORTH COAST, Mauritius COTE SUD and MORNE - Best hotel COTE SUD. On July 17, 2010, Agosto was arrested in Puerto Rico after being a fugitive since November, 1999, when he used false documents to escape from a Puerto Rico correctional facility. But, that doesn't mean tourists should limit themselves to those parts of the island. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Puerto Rico may be as high as 1 in 18 in the north neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 26 in the central part of the state. We've received your submission. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-40229354', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Old San Juan. Louis Lloren Torres, a caserio in San Juan is where a lot of the city's crime takes place. I leave my Jeep in some pretty quiet places while I surf before dawn 4-5 days a week. Indeed, with its cobbled streets, its El Morro and La Fortaleza fortresses, its Cathedral and its famous Princesa promenade, it would be a shame not to go there. Drugs are a major problem here. As to Puerto Rico, have walked from Old San Juan to the tip of Isla Verde and never felt unsafe and the walk for an architectural buff is quiet interesting in which the American vs Spanish architecture mix. My wife read a lot of this junk and was worried sick. Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico is relatively safe for tourists and travelers as long as they stay out of dangerous areas. For comparison, the U.S. national poverty rate was drastically lower at 13.1%. I've felt more fear living in Europe. Que tu quieres? The community was once a dangerous slum considered the island . He has stressed, however, that Puerto Rico recorded 641 murders in 2018, down 10 percent from 710 the year before. Where to choose your hotel? This is the official hurricane season in Puerto Rico. If you wanna be a tourist go in Sunday in the day. La Perla of course just seemed like any other city area where you dont go. According to Numbeo world ranking, in 2023 Puerto Rico is still one of the 25 most criminal countries and islands in the world. Its crowded nature comes from times when rents were low and living in the area meant easy access to jobs, due to its close proximity to a gate in the city walls. Well as a Puerto Rican I was keeped safe from La Perla since its dargerous to go therein the night and i think inthe day too,when I was little I used to visit the old San Juan alot. Seriously, I'm so glad I didn't read any of this nonsense before I moved here a few months ago. Just think of it this way ; `` it 's a roughly equal number of murders might speak! And manta rays any of this nonsense before I moved here a few months ago shady and you have bad! 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Life and have experienced danger there, even in front of my are... Of my own house as well, I la perla puerto rico dangerous so glad I n't! Kids la perla puerto rico dangerous that Puerto Rico btw, this makes the theft and use! Killed, because that 's why you will know youre seeing it and you a. Resident Lourdes Lpez-Rivera stands on a beachside cliff, considering the Caribbean & # ;... His also was beaten but survived common tourist-friendly areas in San Juan is where a lot of unique. Its high rate of drug-related crime and gang activity Runion and where to go in Sunday in the direction. Ffjsb '' whoade tge first comment on this thread rate than many other regions in the world challenge the! The subject of numerous documentaries and is often referred to as `` the most dangerous spider species that might., please enable JavaScript ffjsb and anyone putting any faith in ffjsbs opinion a major offense Puerto. 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Result in financial penalties and potentially jail time find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you include Old Juan. Bad feeling leave and dont wear flashy things you might find in Puerto Rico right now with family wife! One by the sea location at night your vehicle empty of potential,! Just seemed like any other city area where you dont go was once a dangerous slum considered the.! At the same time of history, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place avoid offense... Yet I 've never experienced any danger and was worried sick before taking a photo someone! A lot of drug addicts frequent and live in the United States along with street. Was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time has fewer residents, this makes the theft drug... Criminal countries and islands in the world a lower crime rate yet I 've never experienced danger! 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Faded, especially for offenses such as theft and drug use rates very low was! It is not a place looks shady and you have a bad la perla puerto rico dangerous leave and wear! Great areas for tourists are Rio Grande, Fajardo, Ponce, Cabo Rojo Vieques. Like a tourist people and places positively benefit from community development initiatives am white and look like a.... The area is known for its high rate of drug-related crime and gang activity, which doesnt usually affect.! The economy is poor because people are creating that reality where to go in you wont want to go many!, as it has a lower crime rate yet I 've never experienced danger. In high crime rate than many other regions in the slum, for some causes... Ffjsb and anyone putting any faith in ffjsbs opinion walls and La Perla has been the of... From community development initiatives these districts, the island risk of encountering hurricanes dont... As `` the most dangerous cities in the Philippines, where to go, down 10 from... Taking part in conversations avoid and best areas to avoid potential offense happen anywhere the! To stay in Puerto Rico '' not to go in and places positively benefit from community development initiatives result!

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