Dangerous Parts of Puerto Rico: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 02/04/24 •  13 min read

Table of Contents



Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island known for its lush landscapes and rich culture, unfortunately, also has spots with high crime rate.

Its capital and largest city, San Juan, is particularly noted for encompassing neighborhoods with high crime rates. Areas like La Perla, an infamous neighborhood notorious for its criminal activities, Santurce, Condado, Miramar and Louis Lloren Torres are amongst the most dangerous parts of Puerto Rico.

Additionally, areas such as Puerta De Tierra and the Convention Center area have also been identified as areas of concern. Hence it’s crucial for visitors to understand the varying levels of safety in different parts of Puerto Rico to ensure their well-being during their visit.


dangerous parts of puerto rico
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1. San Juan: The Capital and Largest City with High Crime Rates

San Juan, the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, unfortunately, ranks amongst the most dangerous in terms of crime. Notably so in specific parts such as Santurce, Condado and Miramar.

The city has both safe and less safe areas; therefore, it is essential to stay informed about which neighborhoods you venture into. However, it’s also worth noting that despite its high crime rate in some areas, San Juan is generally considered safe for tourists and has an extensive public transportation system.

2. La Perla: Infamous Neighborhood Known for Its Criminal Activities

La Perla, a neighborhood in San Juan, has a reputation as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods on the island due to its high levels of criminal activities including drug issues.

This area is particularly infamous for la perla murders, contributing significantly to Puerto Rico’s crime statistics. However, like anywhere else in the world, potential danger can change over time due to factors like increased policing or community development programs.

3. Other Dangerous Neighborhoods in San Juan: Santurce, Condado and Miramar

In addition to La Perla,, other neighborhoods such as Santurce, Condado and Miramar in San Juan are notorious for their relatively high crime rates. It is advisable to exercise caution when visiting these parts of the city.

4. Louis Lloren Torres: Another Unsafe Neighborhood in Puerto Rico

Louis Lloren Torres, another neighbourhood to be cautious of, is known for its safety concerns. Like any area with higher rates of criminal activity, vigilance and awareness are key when venturing through.

5. Additional Areas of Concern: Puerta de Tierra and the Convention Center Area

Beyond major cities and infamous neighborhoods, areas such as Puerta De Tierra and the Convention Centre Area, should be approached with caution, particularly during late hours or while alone.

6. Understanding the Varying Levels of Safety in Puerto Rico

The crime rate in Puerto Rico varies greatly depending on area with urban zones generally experiencing higher crime rates compared to other parts of this beautiful island nation.

To put things into perspective however; there also exist areas such as The Rio Mar region, which is considered one of the safest places with one of the lowest crime rates on the island. Staying informed and vigilant can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip!

dangerous parts of puerto rico


Puerto Rico is an enchanting destination with culture, history, adventure, and natural wonders that make it a must-visit place. However, like every travel destination, it has less safe areas that tourists should be aware of. Even when visiting the best day trips in Puerto Rico, it’s essential to remain cautious and well-informed about the surroundings.

In terms of high-risk areas, one should know about the parts of Puerto Rico to avoid. This knowledge will assist you in having a safe and enjoyable stay at one of the best Puerto Rican beach resorts.

The most critical thing about traveling is to ensure one’s safety. And while Puerto Rico is generally safe for tourists, knowing the dangers will help you plan better. There are several precautions to consider if you plan on going for a bioluminescent tour in Vieques or indulging in the best rum tour in Puerto Rico.

While planning your visit with safety measures already considered, don’t forget to get excited about exploring the vibrant Puerto Rican culture! The local cuisines are delightful – so why not check out some of the best restaurants known for serving authentic, top-notch Puerto Rican food in San Juan. Furthermore, don’t miss out on understanding why music is so important to Puerto Rico and be entertained by famous Puerto Rican singers .

Every travel experience comes with pros and cons. However, when you are well-prepared and aware, your journey will undoubtedly be a memorable one, filled with joy and great memories. So plan accordingly, stay alert, and dive into the beauty that is Puerto Rico!

My Personal Take about Dangerous parts of Puerto Rico

Hey there, it’s your pal Steve!

Just wanted to share something interesting with you. You see, I recently published a comprehensive article titled, “Dangerous Parts of Puerto Rico: A Comprehensive Travel Guide”. My main focus in the guide was the dangerous parts of Puerto Rico, but by no means did I don my hat as the devil’s advocate.

Words of advice, it’s important to understand that every place has its high-risk areas; yet this doesn’t overshadow all the wonderful experiences that wait unmapped. In fact, some places grow even more beautiful when we see them through their dichotomies. Now that I think about it – sharing insider details about secret beaches at Fajardo, untold stories from mellowed streets of Old San Juan, lip-smacking native recipes at roadside stalls and much more — has filled me with an overdue longing for another sun-soaked escapade underneath Puerto Rico’s ochre twilight.

By lionizing these aspects in between lines of cautionary advice; one can’t help but be ignited by an innate desire to pack their bags! Fingers crossed for your next trip being brimming with vibrant color blasts from a festive parade or woven around echoes in thousand years old caves! Let’s not backseat the bewitching aura lingering around Rincon’s long waves merely due to exaggerated apprehensions within our exploratory pursuits. Also remember — carefully planned trips never too seldom brim over authenticity dipped inspiration and joy!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dangerous parts of Puerto Rico

Before you go…

Takeaway 1: San Juan and some neighborhoods in Puerto Rico have higher crime rates

San Juan, the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities on the island. Areas like La Perla, Santurce, Condado, and Miramar are known for their relatively high crime rates. It’s important to be aware of these areas when planning your visit to Puerto Rico. However, it’s worth noting that San Juan is still considered safe overall for tourists, thanks to its extensive public transportation system and various security measures in place.

Takeaway 2: Crime rates vary greatly depending on the area

Crime rates in Puerto Rico vary greatly depending on the specific area you are in. Urban areas tend to experience higher crime rates compared to other parts of the country. Neighborhoods like Bayamon, Vega Baja, Adjuntas, Carolina, Guánica, and Rio Grande have also been identified as potentially dangerous. On the other hand, places like Rio Mar are considered much safer with lower crime rates. So it’s crucial to do your research before traveling to different parts of Puerto Rico and be aware of any potential risks.

Takeaway 3: Exercise caution but don’t write off all of Puerto Rico

While there are certain neighborhoods or areas in Puerto Rico that may have higher crime rates or a reputation for being unsafe, it doesn’t mean that you should avoid visiting the entire island. Just like anywhere else in the world, there are safer and less safe areas within each location. It’s essential to exercise common sense practices such as avoiding dimly lit or isolated areas at night and staying vigilant about personal safety at all times. By being cautious and informed about your surroundings, you can still enjoy a memorable trip to Puerto Rico while minimizing any potential risks.
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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.

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