Safety in Numbers Can Be Deceptive

Traveling in large groups, often advised as a safety measure against robbery and violence, may not provide the expected protection in high-risk areas like the Darian Gap. Instead, armed bandits exploit group dynamics, creating informal checkpoints where they rob and assault individuals. Reports indicate that women, in particular, face severe forms of violence, including groping and invasive searches, even within these larger gatherings. The complexities of local power dynamics, with many bandits being indigenous Panamanians, add another layer to the challenges faced by travelers, revealing that traditional safety strategies may fail in certain contexts.