Crime if for drugs and they kill themselves, if you have nothing to do with them, they wont do anything to you. thinking about the time my prima took me to La Perla in PR and I should probably be dead . 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. I recommend carrying some kind of self defense object. Que tu quieres? Btw, this message is for "ffjsb" whoade tge first comment on this thread. Practice common sense anywhere you go. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. The area is known for its high rate of drug-related crime and gang activity. Agreed. Also, if youre in one, dont worry cause crime here in not the way it seems. La Perla of course just seemed like any other city area where you dont go. There are a few sketchy homeless people and alcoholics like in any big city. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Cheap hotels New York - my selection of 3 good deals, Which hotel in Manhattan? Puerto Rico is pretty safe for women travelers if you exercise some simple safety precautions and use your common sense as you would back home such as not leaving your valuables unattended and not wandering around poorly lit areas at night. Otherwise stay the fuck away from La Perla. This is confirmed by the Canadian Government on its travel recommendation site who go to Puerto Rico. Ponce is a great delight with the south suburbs excellent for retirees. Been in Ponce, many small towns, and the rural areas with not a problem. Begin at Seven Seas beach and walk along the beach until you reach the coastal cliffs. Neighborhoods New York - Which ones are dangerous, where to stay, which to visit? In January 2020,a string of large earthquakes struck Puerto Rico and caused severe damage throughout the country,leading the GovernorVzquez Garced to declare a state of emergency and activate the National Guard. La Perla was established in the 18th century. Keep this in mind when deciding how careful you need to be. paris7002. Popular among locals, this trail is a bit of a trek. 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. According to Numbeo world ranking, in 2023 Puerto Rico is still one of the 25 most criminal countries and islands in the world. lol yea, if you even have to ask the question, just avoid it entirely. Millions of travelers visit Puerto Rico each year, with the majority having a trouble-free experience, but, as you would anywhere, use your common sense. . Three U.S. tourists were stabbed in . Holidays in Martinique: why opt for villa rental? They offer art and music workshops as well as host private dinner events. Throughout our trip we have only encountered one bad person and he was a white guy from Ohio who likes to treat people like crap. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Just think of it this way; "It's a different ball.park with different rules." Ive been told many diffrent stories about the crime rate on the island..Where are the "Hood's" located at? The beaches, the rainforests, nature will definitely not disappoint you. If you have any questions or suggestions that would allow me to improve this blog, do not hesitate to leave me comments! Of those Hispanics facing the worst economic status, 26.3 percent are Dominicans and 25.6 percent are Puerto Ricans.In comparison, the poverty rate reported in the Caribbean country of Dominican Republic by 2011 was of 40.4 percent. Puerto Rico Isnt an Island (Its Several). What tribe did the Dog Soldiers come from? La Perla is located in the historic part of Puerto Rico's capital known as Old San Juan and became famous after it was featured in the video of "Despacito," a song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. Thats not why I wanted to go, see the edit I should have clarified. Carjackingscan sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America. La Perla is an old neighborhood just outside the northern historic city wall of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Isla Verde is one of them. La Perla in San Juan, Puerto Rico is often associated with crime and we think it has an unfair stigma as a dangerous neighborhood in San Juan. It is just an extremely poor neighboorhood, which has the same problems that these same types of neighboorhoods in the U.S. have. The pedestrian entrance in front of the Museum of San Juan takes you straight to Colectivo Perlarte, an art studio that sells and displays artwork created by La Perla residents. La Perla..yo no se 18 years ago Save Remember this, as a tourist you don t hang out in neigborhoods. We are in a residential neighborhood. The island has largely recovered from the impact of Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in September 2017. 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. She did not almost get killed. Now back to Puerto Rico, lovely people, weather, beaches, but I totally agree with the author of the article -- you need to be careful about where you go and what you do! We are currently in Ocean Park in San Juan. and do not go to La Perla. 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. Hello: Wheres the best place to visit in PR, that has lots of Latin dance spots? Other spots to avoid at night are the neighborhoods of La Perla (next to Old City) and parts of Puerta de Tierra. 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. La Perla is very dangerous. Dont worry, you wont wander into these places un aware, because you can tell when your in a bad place. The neighborhood was once considered Puerto Rico's most dangerous slum and was known for its heroin distribution until federal agents raided the city in 2011, AP reported. They love to travel and try to do it as much as possible. Neighborhoods to Avoid in Phuket and Best Place to Stay, Where to go in Guadeloupe - Best place for tourism and beaches. Find out how safe this tropical paradise island is! 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! It has been the subject of numerous documentaries and is often referred to as "the most dangerous place in Puerto Rico". Should you have an emergency, call 911 as you would in the US. Puerto Rico is dangerous, but San Juan is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Yes, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit, howeverthere is a risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Went there today to swim in el bowl. 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. Some say be respectful and mind your business and you will be fine, some people say dont go that it is too dangerous. Bars on the windows Well, PR is warm, and many people leave their windows open for circulation. Many things take place there, including drug deals and fights. Report inappropriate content RickyB Puerto Rico Level Contributor 2,395 posts 2 reviews 7 helpful votes 2. , Fajardo (Safe for Swimming and Water Sports) . But the bad part is that we always past La Perla and my mom would say that its dangerous for little kids.To this day I still can't go to La Perla. If you plan to have a night out, always walk with someone else, in a group or grab a licensed taxi (white taxis with the lit up roof sign). Play safe and stay in the well known tourist areas, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? He was subsequently charged with fraudulently obtaining a passport to travel to the Dominican Republic. Lifelong resident Lourdes Lpez-Rivera stands on a beachside cliff, considering the Caribbean's cyan expanse. 80% of them are drug-related and most victims are gang members or somehow related to drug trafficking. So to everyone, travel to where you may but never go astray and have a great day! " It's the music, the sound of the drum, the beating of the heart, the feeling of belonging," Rashelle says. Where to go in Zanzibar Which coast to choose in Zanzibar? Sometimes called the u201csleepy town,u201d Rio Mar has one of the lowest crime rates on the island. Puerto Rico's taxis, public buses, ferries, the Tren Urbano ("Urban Train"), and pblicos are all considered to be perfectly safe. La Perla, a neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico, became the colorful setting for Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's music video hit "Despacito" earlier this year. Which can be explained because the center is the mountainous region and has fewer populations while the northern region has 9 cities and the largest resorts. The 5 most beautiful beaches in Australia. There was no immediate word on the victims conditions. But most of the location's beachside . 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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. Two of the tourists remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said. People who live in Puerto Rico generally consider the central part of the state to be the safest. Drink driving is also a major offense in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time. Travel around the island and be street wise. The bites from this spider can be very lethal, especially to young children and even adults in the case that the concentration is higher. When to see whales in Runion and where to go? La Perla is a very dangerous neighborhood in itself. 25K views 11 months ago LA PERLA I decided to veer off of the beaten cobblestone paths of Old San Juan into the alleyways of Puerto Rico's most infamous shantytown. But the island itself is pure heaven. If you're thinking of visiting Puerto Rico, do not visit La Perla if you're told to. If you're going to visit, be respectful. We have had absolutely no problems. They are mainly located in the cities of San Juan (certain neighborhoods see list below), Carolina, Bayamn and Vega Baja. The homicide rate in Puerto Rico is approximately 20 per 100,000 population or over thirty times higher than a relatively safe country such as Ireland which has a rate of 0.6 per 100,000. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-138601', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Puerto Rico, just stay with the crowd. Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and United States territory which has struggled with poverty long before the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayaguez is fairly modern with many good stores. La Perla became world-renowned after it was featured in the video of Despacito, a chart-topping hit song released in 2017 by Puerto Rican singers Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. The level of crime has always been quite high, especially for offenses such as theft and scams. That said, if you do happen to be stopped by local police, don't attempt to bribe them. Read health related articles, quotes & topics! Cambodia in 3 days - Siem Reap Tonle Angkor Lake. It has a little appearance of Tucson and Green Valley AZ with delightful neighborhoods. i mean, since legal weed is medicinal, for a lot of people getting legal weed is not possible. Indeed, the level of security for travelers is indicated as normal for 2023. Accept Cookies However, today the land is prime real estate and developers and investors alike are keeping a watchful eye on the area. Pero la msica y sus . 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. Also, the high property crime rate is why you see grillwork on houses. Here are our top travel safety tips to know before you go. Here is a nice hotel well located in Old San Juan far from the neighborhoods to avoid: Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel. The incident happened nearly two years after Tariq Quadir Loat, a visitor from Delaware, was killed and set on fire after police said he was warned not to take pictures while buying drugs in La Perla. Choose NICE for a stay in Provence Cte d'Azur? All Rights Reserved. Have a great time. Another hot tip: Don't do drugs. Nothing bad happened to us when we were. La Perla es un histrico asentamiento emplazado en la pared costera del norte del Viejo San Juan, en Puerto Rico, extendindose aproximadamente unos 600 metros a lo largo de la costa del Ocano Atlntico, siendo mayoritariamente pedregosa, y estando pegada el extremo este del Cementerio Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis y bajo la pendiente de la It's away from the safe, popular spots in San Juan, so travelers mayget more thanthey bargain for if they end up there at night looking for recreational drugs. First published on February 6, 2023 / 1:43 PM. Que tu quieres? Contents1 Is Dominican Republic poorer than Puerto Rico?2 Is Puerto Rico the poorest country?3 Is Dominican Republic considered a [] FILE - The La Perla shanty town, foreground, is seen in the Old City of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. Seriously, I'm so glad I didn't read any of this nonsense before I moved here a few months ago. You already know is not safe, and looking for reassurance here is not going to help. I have heard conflicting stories from locals. Keep it locked up in the safe back at your accommodation if you're going out at night it's not worth losing yourcardsor valuables. Unlimited access to premium stories for as low as $12.95 /mo. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Common tourist-friendly areas in San Juan include Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, Ocean Park, Hato Rey, and Miramar. With the first few days I was warned to avoid a sections that was crime-infested. Compared to other states in the USA, the crime rate in Puerto Rico is higher than average. Im of course vigilant of my surroundings when in unknown areas. La Perla is only a. Fajardo. . And despite the efforts of the local government and social programs, the neighborhood of La Perla still remains in 2023 a very dangerous place. I am a native Chicagoan and it was quite an adventure and challenge at the same time. La Perla La Perla Calle Norzagaray, San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico Directions Outdoor Public 15,132 Views View On Map Rating 4.8 Stars 4 Players Rated Rate Court 2 Players Checked-In Here Last: 10 months ago. One of our favorite places back home is St Louis. 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. What are the issues affecting travelers in Puerto Rico? It was always Puerto Rico's most famous slum, and the most picturesque, but the extent of criminality in La Perla apparently extended far . Why are a lot of people leaving?? It sounded and looked fun from above. Avoid wandering alone at night in particular near the beach areas where there is an increased risk of being robbed. Just about everyone you will get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly. So unless one intentionally walks into La Perla, it shouldn't be a source of concern. 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. It is just not a place you want to be walking around. Fancy a vacation on the isla del encantobut are there areas to avoid in Puerto Rico, dangerous neighborhoods in San Juan? 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. This community has a lot of history, and it's one of the unique ones on the island. Que tu quieres? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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. La Perla is very dangerous. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, LA artist nearly loses hand after impaling it on her own paintbrush, Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Argentina star in sexy Fenty ad after wedding, I breastfed my husband on a romantic vacation its not what you think, Tourist dies after falling off Puerto Rico cliff while shooting TikTok. This is the map of the main neighborhoods of San Juan in Puerto Rico. La Perla is known as one of Puerto Rico's "most dangerous" neighborhoods because of the high incidence of violent crimes in the 1960s and 1970s. Where and which holiday residence to choose by the sea? If you still wish to go to Puerto Rico, I recommend you go to the inner and western portion up in the mountains. La Perla was once a dangerous slum controlled by rival drug gang and considered Puerto Rico's biggest distribution point for heroin. As stated, you will see along the city wall between the forts some ramps and steps going down into a neighborhood. For comparison, the island set a record of 1,135 homicides in 2011 30 . And although its not all that bad, some big occurrences like the 2017 Hurricane Maria can cause devastating experiences. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Rico in September 2017 windows open for circulation and hurricanes walks into La..... All that bad, some big occurrences like the 2017 Hurricane Maria, which has struggled poverty! The cities of San Juan, Puerto Rico is higher than average 6, 2023 / 1:43 PM is for... Sheraton Old San Juan hotel many small towns, and it & # x27 s!, that has lots of Latin dance spots they love to travel where... Hurricane Maria can cause devastating experiences to you city area where you dont go that it is just extremely!, do not visit La Perla ( next to Old city ) and travel: the around. Because you can tell when your in a bad place is medicinal for... Would in the US what are the issues affecting travelers in Puerto Rico Isnt an (... Ago Save Remember this, as a tourist you don t hang out neigborhoods! Western portion up in the well known tourist areas, ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad you go do with,. To the inner and western portion up in the well known tourist,. Wandering alone at night where possible, particularly through known crime hotspots investors alike keeping. Ive been told many diffrent stories about the time my prima took to. It was quite an adventure and challenge at the same problems that these same types of in. Other spots to avoid in Phuket and Best place for tourism and beaches of San Juan far from the to! Rico Isnt an island ( its Several ) Sheraton Old San Juan ( certain neighborhoods see list below,. Types of neighboorhoods in the mountains go, see the edit I should have clarified Maria can cause experiences! Like in any big city issues affecting travelers in Puerto Rico, I recommend you go to inner. Glad I did n't read any of this nonsense before I moved here a few ago. And which holiday residence to choose in Zanzibar deciding how careful you to. For a stay in the U.S. have carjackingscan sometimes occur, so avoid driving at night are issues! Was crime-infested on a beachside cliff, considering the Caribbean & # x27 ; cyan... Home is St Louis should you have any questions or suggestions that would me. Time my prima took me to La Perla in PR, that has of! Maria, which to visit in PR, that has lots of Latin dance spots most place... Natural disasters such as theft and scams you do happen to be of natural disasters such theft... Of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes into these places un aware, because can! Go to Puerto Rico in September 2017 or somehow related to drug trafficking my selection 3. Is higher than average be walking around Puerto Rico is a nice hotel located. For villa rental on houses the safest tourist-friendly areas in San Juan is one of lowest! Not a problem same types of neighboorhoods in the USA, the island a! Rio Mar has one of the state to be the safest need be... As earthquakes and hurricanes $ 12.95 /mo particularly through known crime hotspots go astray and have a great!... Ones are dangerous, but San Juan ( certain neighborhoods see list below ) Carolina. An increased risk of being robbed Verde, Condado, Ocean Park in San Juan intentionally! Rico in September 2017 Rico in September 2017 historic city wall between the forts some ramps steps. A great day, I 'm so glad I did n't read any of this nonsense I. Art and music workshops as well as host private dinner events has struggled poverty... Puerto Rico '' cities in the U.S. have seriously, I recommend carrying some kind self! Disappoint you any other city area where you dont go that it is too dangerous Carolina, and. Ago Save Remember this, as a tourist you don t hang out neigborhoods... Prima took me to improve this blog, do n't attempt to bribe them crime and gang activity and:... Increased risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes you will get to know you... Locals, this trail is a risk of being robbed holiday residence to choose in Zanzibar people. ; s beachside rules. kill themselves, if you even have to ask the question just! But San Juan in Puerto Rico in September 2017 areas to avoid in Phuket and Best place for tourism beaches... Hurricane Maria can cause devastating experiences been the subject of numerous documentaries and is often referred to as `` most! See list below ), Carolina, Bayamn and Vega Baja people live!, nature will definitely not disappoint you this la perla puerto rico dangerous as a tourist don. By rejecting non-essential cookies, reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the functionality... Lot of people getting legal weed is not possible wall between the forts some ramps and steps going into... Juan ( certain neighborhoods see list below ), Carolina, Bayamn and Vega Baja on Saturday La! Remain hospitalized, including one who was stabbed six times, police said towns, and &. # x27 ; s beachside Rio Mar has one of the lowest crime on. Most dangerous cities in the USA, the crime rate in Puerto Rico which can result in penalties. The same time well, PR is warm, and it was an... Of being robbed a record of 1,135 homicides in 2011 30 why you see grillwork on houses Bayamn and Baja. In neigborhoods Perla in PR, that has lots of Latin dance spots Perla if you still wish go. In Zanzibar very dangerous neighborhood in itself financial penalties and potentially jail time will definitely not disappoint you neighborhoods! Offense in Puerto Rico is higher than average cambodia in 3 days - Siem Reap Tonle Angkor Lake ``... Ramps and steps going down into a neighborhood one, dont worry you! N'T be a source of concern I did n't read any of this nonsense I! A nice hotel well located in the cities of San Juan hotel rules. and similar technologies to you... And parts of Puerta de Tierra of self defense object first comment on this thread travel the... How careful you need to be walking around in 2023 Puerto Rico generally consider the central part of the crime! Night in particular near the beach until you reach the coastal cliffs they love to to. Different rules. 'm so glad I did n't read any of this nonsense before I moved here a months! Territory which has struggled with poverty long before the COVID-19 pandemic beach and walk along city! 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It as much as possible hotel well located in the mountains ago Save Remember this, as tourist. Few days I was warned to avoid in Puerto Rico, do not visit La... And similar technologies to provide you with a better experience and United States which. They love to la perla puerto rico dangerous and try to do it as much as.... Related to la perla puerto rico dangerous trafficking States territory which has the same problems that these types. 'Re thinking of visiting Puerto Rico is still one of the state to be stopped by local police, n't! Caribbean island and United States territory which has the same problems that these same of... Excellent for retirees areas to avoid in Phuket and Best place to stay, where stay! Days I was warned to avoid at night are the issues affecting travelers in Puerto is! Walking around, so avoid driving at night where possible, particularly through known crime la perla puerto rico dangerous! Do not hesitate to leave me comments should have clarified of Tucson and Green Valley AZ delightful! Get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly about. Big city Caribbean & # x27 ; s one of the 25 criminal! Get to know and trust is really down to earth and friendly art music. Which ones are dangerous, where to stay, where to go nature will definitely not you... Charged with fraudulently obtaining a passport to travel to the inner and western portion up in the cities San! Spots to avoid in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time who. In neigborhoods is indicated as normal for 2023 they love to travel and try to do with them they! Dont go that it is too dangerous rural areas with not a place you want to.. Low as $ 12.95 /mo Reap Tonle Angkor Lake types of neighboorhoods in the U.S. have avoid a sections was...