My piece of advice about safety in Latin American countries (and beyond).
May be the thread title could be changed to "safety tips for LA countries"
I think that most important of all is to go unnoticed. Of course you cannot camouflage if you are a Trump kind of guy. You know that in most Latin American countries people's skin colour is dark (brown, olive, tanned) but because of European immigration (or colonisation) lighter skin people can be found . So, many of USA people can walk along the streets unnoticed as long as you don't speak loudly AND don't look like tourist.
How not to look like tourists? No cargo trousers, no hiking shoes in downtown, no hip bag. When in Rome..., so you can check for the natives style, look at the people at the street. In Brazil flip-flops and sungas (or swim trunks), no surf shorts at the beach! No sombrero vueltiao in Colombia.
Last but not least, when at saunas with os garotos de programa or prepagos do not show that you've got too much cash on you. You don't have to buy him a drink, most natives don't. Do not pay for the most expensive room if not needed. Let them know that the first price they give you si too much, even when you can afford it. You can ask any other customer if he knows the average rate in that place.
I hope this information may be helpful for your getaway to Latin America.