WOW - one has to be brave to venture life in Central America altho US is scary enough! I know Mexicans who have experienced horror stories visiting family/living in Central America - one family in Caribbean. I know this use to be popular but only desperate JWs would be forced to do this.
Know of 2 families that have beautiful homes in Mexico -- they drive to border, park their normal car and drive into Mexico in beater/clunker. I think Puerto Vallarta might be tad safer and know family that lives there half the year and love it.