From the peaks of the Andes, to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, from pristine sandy beaches, to vibrant cities, South America has a never ending list of things to offer.
However, it’s not uncommon to wonder, ‘is South America safe to visit?’
To put your mind at ease as you pack your bags for a trip of a lifetime, we’ve put together a list of the safest places to visit in South America, alongside some important safety tips to ensure you have a trouble-free stay.
The GPI takes into account 23 indicators, including societal safety and security, international conflict and militarisation, giving countries a score from 1-5. The lower the score, the safer the country.
Though we’re using this as a guideline to rank the countries, we want to emphasise that a high GPI does not necessarily mean that you’ll feel unsafe in a country or be in any danger as a tourist.
With that in mind, let's dig into it.
Read more: Before you start planning your trip, check out our guide on the top flight comparison websites to find the best deal on your flights.
Why trust our South America recommendations?
I’m Megan, Moonsand writer and author of this post. So why should you trust me?
As a traveller myself I’ve never appreciated generic blogs that are clearly written by people who’ve never stepped foot into a country, especially when it comes to talking about whether it feels safe.
Back in 2022 I backpacked into South America for the very first time, alongside my partner Dan. I’m not going to lie, we were a little apprehensive after reading some scare mongering blogs and a dramatic section on the government website that convinced us we would be kidnapped or return with a few less limbs.
However what we found as soon as we entered Colombia and began travelling across the continent was much different.
It was friendly, welcoming locals that helped us with directions or stopped to give us some recommendations just because they wanted to. It was beautiful cities and incredible landscapes that we couldn’t believe we were seeing with our own eyes. And to our surprise we felt safe and at home on a continent so far from our own.
In 2024, after some time exploring other parts of the world, we decided to go back to South America after falling in love with it the first time. This time we travelled to Argentina and Bolivia before slowing down and living like locals for 4 months in Peru and Ecuador.
To be completely transparent, there are a few countries on this list that we haven’t explored yet, such as Brazil or Paraguay. However, we met so many people on our travels that spent months there, or even lived there for years. When talking to our fellow travellers, and solo backpackers, we really got a feel for how safe these countries are.
With that in mind, let's dig into it.
The safest places to travel in South America
1. Argentina
GPI: 1.86
Rank: 47/163
In the past few years Argentina has been moving up the ranks, overtaking Uruguay in 2024 as the safest country in South America. This is despite continuing economic turmoil.
As soon as you step foot in Argentina, you’ll be greeted with warm, friendly locals that can’t wait to welcome you into their country and make you feel at home.
Argentina’s liberal laws create an inclusive and accepting culture, with its LGBTQ+ rights being among the highest in the world. It was actually the first Latin American country to legalise same sex marriage and the first to allow non-binary citizens to mark their gender as ‘X’ on national identity documents. Pretty cool right!
When you couple this with its rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty, there’s no surprise that Argentina is the most visited country on the continent.
However, it’s important to be mindful that Argentina is a large country, the 8th largest in the world in fact. This means that safety levels can vary between regions.
While you’ll have absolutely no issues hiking in the mountains of Patagonia, there are some safety considerations to be mindful of when exploring big cities such as the capital, Buenos Aires.
Violent crime is low but petty crime is not uncommon. Pickpocketing, mugging and distraction theft are known issues here, so it’s important to keep your valuables hidden and secure. We recommend using a money belt to avoid any incidents occurring.
In the event that you’re a victim to a mugging, it’s best not to resist. Hand over your valuables and money and visit the local police to report the incident.
Safe places to visit in Argentina:
- Visit the Paris of Latin America and the tango capital of the world, Buenos Aires.
- Go hiking in Patagonia. Head to the end of the world, Ushuaia, don’t miss El Chalten, and visit one of the only advancing glaciers on earth, Perito Moreno Glacier.
- Explore a natural wonder of the world, Iguazu Falls.
- Sip wine in Mendoza
- Enjoy the unique landscapes of Salta and Jujuy. Don’t miss Argentina’s rainbow mountain Serranias Del Hornocal.
- Admire the fourth largest salt flats in the world, Salinas Grandes
2. Uruguay
GPI: 1.89
Rank: 52/163
Though Uruguay has slipped under Argentina in the rankings, it’s still a very safe country to visit.
It may not have the sheer size and diversity of Argentina, but if you’re looking to escape the crowds, sip quality wine in a beautiful beach resort, and have an authentic cultural experience, then Uruguay may be for you.
Uruguay is a progressive, chilled out country, with liberal laws that welcome every type of traveller. It’s also up there with the most prosperous countries in South America. This stable economy makes for a secure but expensive visit, which means it’s probably one to avoid if you’re on a tight budget.
Though you should have a trouble-free visit, make sure to take extra care in big cities such as Montevideo. Pickpocketing, mugging and car-break ins can occur here, so make sure to be vigilant.
Safest places to visit in Uruguay:
- Enjoy the rich culture and bustling nightlife of Montevideo.
- Relax on gorgeous beaches, dine in the finest restaurants and experience the glamorous nightlife of Punta del Este.
- Unleash your inner cowboy in the gaucho region of Tacuarembo.
- Roam the cobbled streets of UNESCO world heritage site, Colonia del Sacramento, with stops to sip wine at Uruguay’s finest vineyards.
- Visit the laid back city of Salto.
3. Chile
GPI: 1.98
Rank: 64/163
Prior to 2020, Chile was considered the safest country in South America. Since then, increased cost of living and growing inequality here has led to civil unrest and violent protests. This, alongside the arrival of some isolated criminal gangs has pushed Chile further down the list in terms of safety.
However, you shouldn’t let this put you off as the majority of the country remains very safe for tourists.
It’s extremely uncommon to have any issues in Patagonia, the Atacama Desert or on the island of Rapa Nui, but you need to take more precaution when visiting cities such as Santiago, Valparaíso, Iquique, and Antofagasta.
Alongside petty theft and muggings, you also need to be cautious of unlicensed taxis. There have been some incidents where international tourists have been scammed of large amounts of money after accepting a ride from an unlicensed driver.
To avoid this, we recommend booking taxis in advance through your hotel or hostel rather than hailing them on the street, particularly at night. If you need a taxi on arrival at the airport, make sure to book inside the airport at a taxi desk before you enter the arrivals hall. Make sure to agree to the price before accepting the ride.
Safest places to visit in Chile:
- Hike the W-Trek through the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia.
- Visit the otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama Desert.
- Take a trip to Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, to visit one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites.
- Admire the beautiful architecture of Santiago.
- Get close to unique wildlife in the Chepu Valley.
- Don’t miss the spectacular hiking and volcanoes of Pucón.
4. Paraguay
GPI: 2.04
Rank: 74/163
If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and explore a country that hasn’t quite reached the tourist trail yet, why not head to Paraguay?
Paraguay is a safe country to visit and one that won’t break the bank, especially when compared to its neighbours Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
Watch out for the usual petty crime in the capital of Asunción. We recommend not walking here alone at night.
Safest places to visit in Paraguay:
- Spot capuchin monkeys, peccaries and coatis at Ybycuí national park.
- Enjoy adrenaline activities such as zip-lining and rappelling at Mbatoví Eco Reserve.
- Visit one of the seven engineering wonders of the world, Itaipú Dam.
- Admire the architecture, restaurants and art galleries of Asunción.
- Adventure into the Pantanal to have the opportunity to see monkeys, caiman and even jaguars!
- Explore the dry forest of Gran Chaco to spot an array of tropical birds.
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5. Bolivia
GPI: 2.01
Rank: 68/163
Bolivia has increased in safety over recent years and has become a popular country on the tourist trail.
Alongside jaw dropping natural beauty, this country is raw, authentic and full of culture. It’s also the cheapest country to travel in South America, which makes it perfect for budget travellers.
Though it’s unlikely that you’ll have any safety issues in the majority of Bolivia, you need to take some extra precautions when visiting La Paz. As with most big cities, petty crime can occur, but you need to be particularly cautious if you head up to La Paz’s highest neighbourhood El Alto.
El Alto has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and holds the country's largest market on Thursdays and Sundays so it’s definitely worth a visit. However tourists stick out like a sore thumb here and can become targets. It’s recommended to only visit during the day and preferably on a walking tour with a local guide.
Altitude sickness is one other thing that can be a risk here. Popular mountain, Huayna Potosi, is the only peak in the world where you can climb above 6000 metres with no technical training. If you plan to do this, make sure to acclimate to the altitude with a few easier hikes first. You may even want to take some altitude sickness tablets just in case.
Safest places to visit in Bolivia:
- Delve into the wild wild west of Bolivia in Tupiza.
- Take a multi day tour to the largest salt flats in the world, Salar de Uyuni. Don’t miss the red lake, Laguna Colorado along the way.
- Explore the world’s highest capital, La Paz.
- Roam the picturesque city of Sucre, Bolivia’s second (and official) capital city.
- Cycle Death Road.
- Visit Lake Titicaca.
- Go hiking in the Andes. Climb Pico Austria and Huayna Potosi.
- Wildlife spot in the Amazon Rainforest.
6. Peru
GPI: 2.18
Rank: 99/163
Due to having one of the most magical wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, Peru is a popular choice for tourists looking to visit South America.
Peru is generally very safe, though violent protests back in 2022 caused Peru to drop through the ranks. Since the country has gone back to normal, Peru is back on the rise.
Peru welcomes millions of visitors each year and most have a trouble-free stay. The main things to watch out for are petty theft and muggings. These are more common in big cities like Lima, and busy tourist areas such as Cusco.
The locals are generally friendly, but you’ll find that they are more welcoming if you get off the beaten track, as the increasing tourism and overcrowding in and around Cusco has had a big impact on the lives of people there.
Safest places to visit in Peru:
- Go sandboarding down the dunes of Huacachina, or wildlife spotting off the coast of Paracas.
- Head out on a hike or take a dip in a crystal-clear turquoise lake in Huaraz.
- Hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Don’t forget to spend some time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Visit one of three rainbow mountains.
- Enjoy the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest.
- Venture north to visit one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, Cocachimba, or make a stop at the ‘Machu Picchu of the North’, Kuelap.
- Walk the cobbled streets of Arequipa.
- Visit Lake Titicaca.
- Watch the Condors fly over at Colca Canyon.
7. Guyana
GPI: 2.29
Rank: 111/163
Guyana is made up of 80% rainforest, making it heaven for wildlife lovers. Alongside this, it’s South America’s only English-speaking country, which makes for easier navigation and communication for non-spanish speaking tourists.
Despite this, it gets a small amount of visitors when compared to other countries on this list. This means that you can benefit from smaller-scale tourism that allows you to interact more with the local people and learn their way of life.
Though it falls further down the list, Guyana is still a safe country to visit. It’s expected to get even safer in the next few years as discovery of oil off the coast is set to increase the wealth and security of the country.
As with all countries, be more cautious in the capital of Georgetown. Tourists who appear wealthy are generally targeted more, so avoid wearing expensive clothes or jewellery and keep your valuables hidden.
Make sure to do your research and avoid walking into any unsafe neighbourhoods, particularly at night.
Safest places to visit in Guyana:
- Roam around Georgetown and try some of the world’s best rum at Demerara Distillers.
- Admire the highest waterfall in the country, Kaieteur Falls. Keep a look out for the Guianan cock-of-the-rock bird while exploring the surrounding national park.
- Visit the savanna plains of Rupununi and look out for jaguar, giant anteaters and giant otters.
- Stay with the indigenous Surama community and learn traditional dances.
8. Ecuador
GPI: 2.57
Rank: 130/163
Ecuador is a magical country that has absolutely everything packed into one small country.
The GPI and tourism has been massively impacted in the past few years due a notorious gang leader escaping from prison, plummeting the country into a state of emergency, leading to an enforced mandatory curfew.
Sadly, though the curfew has now been lifted in most regions, tourism has not bounced back to normal. This has heavily impacted the economy and local businesses.
Of course there are some parts of Ecuador that you should not go to. These include Guayaquil (in particular Duran) and most of the coastline.
But don’t write off this incredible country. The rest of the country is pretty much untouched by the issues on the coast, meaning it’s still very safe. Areas such as Cotopaxi, Banos del Agua, Cuenca and the Galapagos Islands have extremely low crime rates, so we highly recommend visiting.
Safest places to visit in Ecuador:
- Meet prehistoric giant tortoises, swim with sea lions, penguins and sharks, and so much more on the Galapagos Islands.
- Visit the highest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi.
- Climb Ecuador’s highest mountain Chimborazo.
- Get your adrenaline pumping in Banos del Agua. Explore the waterfalls on a downhill bike ride, take a cable car across the river, or try out white water rafting.
- Travel deep into the Amazon Rainforest.
- Walk the picturesque streets of Cuenca.
- Dive with humpback whales off the coast of Machalilla National Park.
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9. Brazil
GPI: 2.59
Rank: 113/163
Though Brazil doesn’t have the best reputation, it’s still a very popular travel destination. Being the largest country in South America, it would be unfair to make a sweeping statement and label the whole country as unsafe.
In large cities and busy tourist areas such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, you may be more susceptible to petty crime such as pickpocketing.
Armed robberies are also not unheard of, with some being reported on the trail to the popular Christ Redeemer statue. As an extra precaution, you may want to visit with a tour.
Avoid the favelas and stick to the main streets, especially after dark, and if you plan on going to the Carnival, make sure to be extra vigilant.
Safest places to visit in Brazil:
- Be vigilant while visiting the most famous city in South America, Rio de Janeiro. If it’s your thing, make sure to visit during Carnival.
- Visit the white sand dunes and blue lagoons of the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (make sure to visit in the rainy season).
- Discover the Amazon Rainforest
- Head to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
- Hike in Chapada Diamantina National Park.
- Visit the capital of Sāo Paulo.
10. Colombia
GPI: 2.89
Rank: 146/163
Last but not least on our list of safe countries to visit in South America is Colombia.
Colombia is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming country, with some of the friendliest and most helpful people you’ll ever meet. A higher GPI means that Colombia doesn’t come without its issues, but with some extra precautions it’s unlikely that you’ll face any issues here.
Take extra care in the big cities such as Bogota, Cali and Medellin.
Medellin is a city that has been transformed from one of the most dangerous places in the world during the reign of terror caused by Pablo Escobar, to a much safer city that welcomes in tourists.
Despite this, muggings are frequent, particularly after dark in tourist areas such as Poblado. Avoid wandering the streets at night, and make sure to stay alert, not drinking too much on nights out.
Salsa capital Cali is on the list for many tourists looking for some dancing lessons and a lively night out. But make sure to stay vigilant here as being robbed at knife point is a risk.
Safest places to visit in Colombia:
- Take a trip along the Caribbean coast to Cartagena, Minca, Tayrona National Park and Palomino.
- Go to the world’s second largest carnival in Barranquilla. Make sure to keep your belongings hidden and secure as pickpocketing is rife here.
- Take a tour of Comuna 13 in Medellin.
- Climb Guatapé rock.
- Explore cobbled streets and go hiking in Jardin.
- Visit the wax palms of Cocora Valley while staying in Salento.
- Wander the otherworldly landscape of Tatacoa Desert.
- Learn salsa in Cali (but be vigilant).
Final Thoughts
Whichever country you decide to visit in South America, as long as you take the necessary precautions as you would in any country, you’ll most likely have a completely safe and trouble-free stay.
It’s important before you visit to do a little of your own research, as many factors such as political instability or natural disasters can quickly change the safety of a country.
Now it’s time to get planning, pack your bags and set off on the trip of a lifetime.
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