Top 5 Most Dangerous Latin American Cities In the World to Avoid when Planning a Vacation

Summer is still several months away, but that doesn't mean it's too early to think about vacation spots, especially when you're thinking of going out of the country to relax. Of course, there are a lot of things to consider, like activities, places to stay, budget, and of course, safety.

Some cities are safer than the others, and here are five of the ones you may want to avoid if you're planning on going on vacation in Southern America:

Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco may be Mexico's most famous port, but it also has one of the highest murder rates in the country. It is littered with drug cartels, and the military and tourists all want the place to themselves for very different reasons. According to Mashable, many of the city's drug cartels started from a drug-running operation by Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo until his arrest in 1989. When the cartels broke up, they warred over the control of the drug trade, and the fight is still ongoing.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Due to a string of attacks last year, Rio de Janeiro has become one of the contenders for the most dangerous cities. In a report via The Telegraph last year, Alfredo Lopes, president of the Brazilian Hotel Industry Association, acknowledged the return of violence, adding that "We have returned to the stage of alerts to visitors and episodes involving consulates with a focus on the lack of security."

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Still remaining as the international murder capital, Guatemala city has limited tourist infrastructure, with little accessible cultural life. It is also a place where the difference of the rich and poor is apparent, but the separation between the two can be seen more distinctly over the hill-side slums, and overlooking palatial private residences. Medium said that judicial and political corruption is also apparent, and failing to address the rampant gang violence has only led to more mistrust from people.

Caracas, Venezuela

With the deep economic recession in Venezuela, the culture and entertainment that draws a lot of tourists to Caracas has lost life. The lawlessness and extreme crime rate has made the city a dangerous one, with much of the street violence becoming so common that, accroding to CCTV-America, locals learned not to leave their homes after dark.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Honduras is on the top spot among the most violent cities in the world, with around 169 homicides per 100,000 people. According to The Los Angeles Times, many of these deaths come from violent drug gangs who have already overwhelmed the police force. Gang leaders even hold their own press conferences, which are heavily attended by the local media. They also collect "protection tax," and those who chose not to pay can either "leave or die."