Safest Countries in South America [2024]
South America, a world of immense natural splendor and millennia-old cultural legacies, draws travelers from all around the world. But, a prevailing concern about safety often overshadows its attractions.
Some nations, like Uruguay, rank prominently in global safety indices, while others such as Colombia and Venezuela are noted for their challenges. But painting the entire continent with a broad brush of insecurity is misleading. Each of its 13 countries has its unique offerings and safety profiles.
Before visiting or relocating, it’s important to understand the different dynamics and nuances of safety in each Latin American country. Let’s delve in.
Top 10 Safest Countries in South America
#10. Colombia (GPI 2.69)
Global Rank: 144/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department advises Reconsider Travel
Change in Ranking: Colombia has maintained its rank of 144th on the Global Peace Index in 2022. A nation that was once off-limits for tourists, Colombia is now rapidly becoming one of South America’s most appealing countries, especially for backpackers and adventure seekers.
How to travel to Colombia safely:
- Follow government travel advisories and be updated on regional concerns.
- Always use official taxis and avoid traveling at night.
- Be mindful of Colombia’s political climate; demonstrations can break out quickly, especially in major cities.
- Keep all valuables out of sight when traveling.
Destinations you can’t miss in Colombia:
- Medellin: Known for its eternal spring and progressive urban development.
- Cartagena: A coastal city with colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife.
- Valle de Cocora: Home to the towering wax palms.
- The Coffee Triangle: For a taste of Colombia’s famous coffee.
#9. Brazil (GPI 2.46)
Global Rank: 130/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Exercise Increased Caution
Change in Ranking: Brazil ranks as the ninth safest country in South America in 2023 and stands at 130th on the Global Peace Index. Despite its issues, Brazil boasts a rich culture, friendly locals, and numerous natural and man-made wonders.
How to travel to Brazil safely:
- Be cautious of muggers in major cities. If confronted, do not resist.
- Avoid beaches after dark.
- Stay away from favelas in cities.
- Use the metro system for transportation in cities like Rio de Janeiro, as it’s generally safer.
Destinations you can’t miss in Brazil:
- Rio de Janeiro: For its iconic beaches, mountains, and Christ the Redeemer statue.
- Chapada Diamantina National Park: A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Bonito: Known for its ecotourism, caves, and clear waters.
- Sao Paulo: A cosmopolitan city with diverse culinary offerings.
#8. Guyana (GPI 2.13)
Global Rank: 107/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Reconsider Travel
Change in Ranking: Guyana, South America’s only English-speaking country, is ranked at 107th on the 2022 Global Peace Index. This magnificent gem is often overlooked by many travelers but is slowly gaining attention.
How to travel to Guyana safely:
- Tourists should avoid displaying wealth to minimize attracting attention.
- Always heed government travel advice for specific areas.
- Keep a low profile and avoid attracting undue attention.
Destinations not to miss in Guyana:
- Kaieteur Falls: One of the country’s most impressive natural attractions.
- The Rupununi: A vast savanna offering encounters with Guyana’s thrilling wildlife.
- Georgetown: Experience the country’s colonial past and sample some of the world’s best rum.
#7. Peru (GPI 2.13)
Global Rank: 101/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Reconsider Travel
Change in Ranking: Peru witnessed a significant drop in its safety ranking, moving from 86th to 101st on the Global Peace Index due to the ongoing protests.
How to travel to Peru safely:
- Be cautious of muggings in major cities. It’s advisable not to carry your passport around.
- Stay informed about areas affected by protests.
- Only use official taxis and be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas.
Destinations you can’t miss in Peru:
- Machu Picchu: The ancient Incan city is a must-visit.
- Iquitos: A gateway into the Amazon jungle.
- Arequipa: Known as “The White City” for its striking colonial architecture.
- Gocta and Yumbilla Falls: Some of the world’s highest waterfalls.
2023 Peru Protests Update: Peru continues to see mass protests post the attempted coup by ex Peruvian, Pedro Castillo. The interim president declared a state of emergency in December 2022, leading to several casualties at the hands of the Peruvian police. Although most of Peru remains safe, major protests are localized to regions like Puno, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Paracas, and parts of Cusco. Updated insights on the evolving situation can be found in local operator Tropic Eco's articles.
#6. Ecuador (GPI 2.10)
Global Rank: 79/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Exercise Increased Caution
Change in Ranking: Ecuador is positioned as the sixth safest country in South America in the 2022 Global Peace Index and holds the 79th rank globally. With its diverse landscapes and attractions, Ecuador remains a traveler’s favorite.
How to travel to Ecuador safely
- Be wary of pickpockets and muggings. Carry minimal cash, use body pouches or hidden pockets, and leave valuable items in hotel safes.
- Female travelers should especially be cautious. Book accommodations that have received positive reviews and be wary of accepting any items from strangers, such as cigarettes, food, or drinks, as they might be laced with drugs.
- As always, avoid walking alone at night and always inform someone trustworthy about your whereabouts.
Destinations you can’t miss in Ecuador
- Galapagos Islands: Known for its unique and endemic wildlife, this is a haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
- Ecuadorian Amazon: A boat tour here can let you spot anacondas, piranhas, and pink dolphins.
- Quito and Cuenca: These cities offer beautiful historic architecture and tantalizing Ecuadorian food.
- Cascada el Pailón: Experience this magnificent waterfall from a suspension bridge for a mesmerizing view.
#5. Bolivia (GPI 2)
Global Rank: 80/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Exercise Increased Caution
Change in Ranking: Bolivia experienced the most significant improvement in its ranking between 2021 and 2022, surging from 105th to 80th, marking it as the eighth safest South American country.
How to travel to Bolivia safely:
- Tourists should be wary of opportunistic theft, especially in crowded areas.
- Always use official taxis.
- Learn basic Spanish phrases to navigate easier.
- Download maps and routes to avoid getting lost.
Destinations you can’t miss in Bolivia:
- Salar de Uyuni: The world’s largest salt flat offers breathtaking views.
- Laguna Colorada: A vast lake home to rare flamingo species.
- Cochabamba: Bolivia’s foodie capital for a taste of local cuisine.
- Rurrenabaque: A gateway to the Amazon jungle in Bolivia.
#4. Paraguay (GPI 1.94)
Global Rank: 77/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Exercise Normal Precautions
Change in Ranking: As of 2022, Paraguay is the fourth safest South American country and ranks 77th worldwide. This hidden gem offers unique experiences for those willing to explore.
How to travel to Paraguay safely
- In urban areas like Asuncion and Ciudad del Este, keep mobile phones and money hidden to deter muggings and street crime.
- Avoid walking alone at night in major cities.
- Taxis are generally considered safer than other forms of public transport.
Destinations you can’t miss in Paraguay
- Asunción: The capital city with 17th-century architecture, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Itaipú Dam: An engineering marvel you can visit from Ciudad del Este.
- Gran Chaco and Pantanal: For wildlife enthusiasts, these offer sightings of tropical birds, pumas, armadillos, and even jaguars.
- La Santisima Trinidad de Paraná: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that sheds light on Paraguay’s history.
#3. Chile (GPI 1.87)
Global Rank: 55/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Exercise Increased Caution
Change in Ranking: Chile, ranking at 55th on the 2022 Global Peace Index, is the second safest South American country. The nation has seen an influx of tourists over the past few years, especially since the protests from 2019 to 2020 have subsided.
How to travel to Chile safely
- Remain alert, especially in Santiago, due to an increase in muggings, assaults, and carjackings.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis, particularly at airports. Always book with registered providers and ask drivers for proof of reservation.
- Always keep car doors locked, especially when stopping at traffic lights in large cities.
- Watch out for pickpockets on public transport and keep valuables secure and hidden.
Destinations you can’t miss in Chile
- Santiago: A bustling city with 18th-century architecture and rich history.
- Torres del Paine National Park: Offering incredible hikes and views of Patagonia’s landscapes.
- Chepu Valley, Chiloé: A bird-watcher’s paradise.
- Pucón: Ideal for hiking, volcano ascents, and winter skiing.
- Atacama Desert: Experience its unique landscape with salt lakes, geothermal springs, and flamingos.
- Easter Island: Explore the world-renowned moai statues and dive into the local Rapa Nui culture.
#2. Argentina (GPI 1.84)
Global Rank: 69/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Exercise Normal Precautions
Change in Ranking: Argentina holds the position of the third-safest country in South America and is 69th globally according to the 2022 Global Peace Index. Tourists flock here for the vibrant Latin American culture, food, nightlife, and mesmerizing landscapes.
How to travel to Argentina safely
- Beware of distraction theft. If someone tries to engage you on the street and something feels off, decline politely and move on.
- Always be cautious of pickpockets and hand over belongings without resistance in the case of mugging.
- Make sure to check government travel advisories to be informed about safety concerns in specific regions or neighborhoods.
Destinations you can’t miss in Argentina
- Buenos Aires: The vibrant capital city with bohemian neighborhoods and delectable steakhouses.
- Perito Moreno Glacier: One of Patagonia’s most beautiful natural ice formations.
- Iguazu Falls: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a breathtaking wonder of nature.
- Córdoba: Known for its 16th-century architecture and buzzing nightlife.
- Ushuaia: Explore the world’s most southern city and nearby wildlife attractions.
#1. Uruguay (GPI 1.80)
Global Rank: 46/163
Government travel advisory: US State Department Advisory Exercise Increased Caution
Change in Ranking: Topping the list of the safest South American countries, Uruguay stands at the 46th position out of 163 nations in the 2022 Global Peace Index. This often overlooked destination is gaining popularity as travelers discover its many attractions.
How to travel to Uruguay safely
- In urban areas, be vigilant against pickpocketing, muggings, and car break-ins.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash or wearing flashy jewelry.
- Take precautions even in smaller towns and beach resorts.
- Walking alone at night is generally not advised.
Destinations you can’t miss in Uruguay
- Montevideo: The capital city, known for its cultural richness and attractions.
- Colonia del Sacramento: A UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting wineries and vineyards.
- Punta del Este: An exquisite beach resort.
- Jose Ignacio: A serene beach destination previously a fisherman’s village.
- Salto: Experience its picturesque plazas and relaxing ambiance.
Global Peace Index: Safety in Latin America
The Global Peace Index (GPI), released yearly by the nonprofit Institute for Economics and Peace, serves as a widely acknowledged barometer to gauge safety across countries.
Drawing from over 20 meticulously curated metrics, the GPI examines areas such as perceived criminality, police presence, incidence of homicides and robberies, and even terrorist activities.
For the South American context, this translates to none of its nations breaching the top quarter on the global scale, yet an admirable six feature within the top 50%.
Is the GPI the most unerring tool to gauge a nation's safety? It's debatable. While it offers valuable insights by weighing 23 distinct data points including political instability, militarisation, and ecological threats, it is not without its challenges.
Ideal assessments might also consider specialized datasets like the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, emphasizing a tourist's perspective.
Nevertheless, given the dynamism of the South American region and a world recovering from a pandemic, the GPI, flaws and all, remains one of the most reliable indices for discerning safety in Latin America currently.
The Bottom Line
In sum, South America presents a tapestry of destinations, each with its unique charm and challenges. While the Global Peace Index offers a valuable lens to gauge safety, as a traveler or an expat, you should always stay informed and exercise caution. Safe travels!
If you liked this article, you might also like our articles on the Safest Countries in the World and the Best Countries to Live in South America.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest country in South America?
According to the Global Peace Index, Uruguay ranks as the safest South America, despite robberies that placed it on the US State Department's Level 2: Exercise Caution travel advisory level.
What is the safest country in Central America and South America?
Costa Rica holds the title of the safest country in Central America and South America, ranked 38th out of 163 on the 2022 Global Peace Index (GPI). Following closely, Uruguay and Chile are positioned at 46th and 55th respectively.
Is South America safe to visit?
Yes, South America remains a worthy and in general safe destination. Despite recent protests in Peru, most tourist areas, including Machu Picchu, are largely unaffected. Standard precautions like not displaying valuables and opting for taxis during nighttime in major cities are advised. Top picks for safe travel this year are Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina.
What's important to consider about safety in Latin America?
Safety in Latin America isn't just a reflection of the crime rates. A significant portion of homicides here are gang or domestic related. Tourists are rarely targeted randomly, but risks increase in notorious areas or when displaying wealth. Civil unrest, often fueled by political or economic issues, is a primary concern. Unpredictable events, like road blockades due to political protests, can disrupt plans. Additionally, while the pandemic's impact on medical safety is waning, remember that data reliability varies across countries.
What are the unsafest countries in Latin America?
On the 2022 GPI, countries ranking lower in safety include Guyana (107th), El Salvador (114th), Honduras (117th), and Nicaragua (124th). Colombia, at 144th, might surprise some given its touristic appeal; however, its issues are region-specific. Venezuela, ranked 148th, faces significant challenges including political unrest, civil unrest, making it less advisable for travel.
What is the most stable country in South America?
Uruguay stands out as South America's stability beacon, consistently ranking at the top of the GPI for the region since 2018. Argentina also showcases a stable safety record, while Chile's rankings have varied more significantly. In addition to being some of the safest South American countries, these two countries are also economically relatively strong.
What are the most dangerous countries in South America?
The 2022 GPI identifies Venezuela as the most dangerous in South America, followed by Brazil and Colombia. Travelers are advised to exercise increased caution or reconsider plans to these areas.
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