Tourism

Darién not safe, says US agency

One day after an article was widely published in the United States recommending the jungles of Darién as an ecotourism destination, and debunking a "myth" that the area is dangerous because of guerrilla activity, the U.S. Consular Service issued a memo stating that tourists should not venture into the area.

The memo, issued Monday, warns that the Darién is a region of "violent crime, kidnappings and assassinations," plagued by terrorists, drug traffickers and other criminals, and lacking communications and medical infrastructure.

Therefore, the memo continued, the United States government recommends that tourists not travel to the area, not even to private parks or hotels.

Panama has received glowing reviews as a tourist destination from international media, but the U.S. State Department is apparently not a fan of the country. Other warnings issued by the agency have warned visitors about traveling in Panama City and other areas of the country.

Apparently, according to the State Department, even the University of Panama is considered a dangerous spot. The agency said that the campus is a place where you have to be "cautious" because there are anti-American student groups.