It is no secret to most that South America doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to safety. With everything from dangerous roads to scams and even violent drug cartels, this is a continent that requires travellers to be a bit savvy.
We constantly get asked ‘Is South America safe to travel?’ and generally our answer is yes. However, there is no disputing that some countries in South America are safer to travel than others. If you’re planning your trip and feeling a little nervous about where to go, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of the safest South American countries.
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- 💡 South America Safety Tips
- 🌆 13 Safest Cities in South America
- 🚰 Where Can You Drink Tap Water In South America?
Contents
How Did We Decide the Safest South American Countries? 🤔
In order to compile this list, we’ve used the Global Peace Index rankings for 2024 (GPI). This index is compiled based on the degree of ongoing conflict, the extent of militarisation and the level of societal safety and security.
While the GPI is a good place to start, it’s worth being aware that as with any research, it has its flaws. Safety is a hard thing to measure empirically as so much of it is based on individual experiences and the overall vibe of a place. While the Global Peace Index is far from perfect, it is the best source that we have for now.
To give you a bit of context before we dive into the safest countries in South America, as of 2024, the United Kingdom sits at 37 (score 1.703) on the Global Peace Index, the USA sits at 132 (score 2.622) and Australia comes in at number 19 (score 1.536). The most dangerous country according to the index, is Yemen which sits at position 163.
To make it easy for you to compare, all the South American countries will have their Global Peace Index ranking and score explicitly listed. Interestingly, all the South American countries listed have a better Global Peace Index ranking than the United States!
Top 6 Safest Countries in South America 🌎
Disclaimer – Safety advice changes quickly across the world and all the countries listed below still fluctuate in terms of their overall stability. What is considered a safe country today, may not be so tomorrow. Therefore, we always advise travellers to do their own research before booking a trip.
1. Argentina 🇦🇷
- Global Peace Index ranking: 47/163
- Global Peace Index score: 1.855
Argentina is the safest country in South America according to the 2024 GPI rankings. It finally claimed the crown from Uruguay after years of lagging behind.
The second-largest country in South America offers plenty for all kinds of travellers. From natural wonders to urban cityscapes, this is a country of contrast. It has a big digital nomad and expat population too, with many of the latter originally coming from the USA.
The Patagonia region is home to some of Argentina’s best hikes and the scenery is out of this world. The cities of Argentina are vibrant and colourful but there are plenty of natural places to retreat for a dose of serenity.
Whilst petty crime occurs, especially in major cities, Argentina is statistically one of the safest places in South America for visitors, including solo travellers. Hitchhiking is common, particularly in the areas around Patagonia, however, as Argentina is a Spanish-speaking country, it helps to have a basic command of the language. As with any kind of hitchhiking, always tell someone where you are going beforehand for safety reasons.
Dengue Fever is perhaps the biggest health threat to travellers in Argentina, however, this can be prevented through practising mosquito bite avoidance. For more about potential health risks and the necessary vaccines needed for South America, see this post. The plus side is that if you do get ill or injured in Argentina, the health system is of a good standard and free for everyone.
Traveller Highlights in Argentina:
- See the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier on an alternative tour. This is one of the world’s only glaciers which is not retreating!
- Learn one of the iconic South American dances, the Tango in Buenos Aires.
- Cycle through the vineyards of Mendoza and enjoy a glass of the country’s finest red. (Maybe not at the same time though!)
- Visit the ‘end of the world’. Ushuaia is the world’s most southerly city.
- Get off the beaten track and head off on a road trip out of Salta! The scenery is likely to blow your mind!
Read more about safety in Argentina in this post!
2. Uruguay 🇺🇾
- Global Peace Index ranking: 52/163
- Global Peace Index score: 1.893
Uruguay had long been ranked as the safest country in South America but all of this changed in 2024, when Argentina pipped it to the post.
Whilst an enormously popular destination by those who visit, Uruguay is still under-visited compared to its neighbours. The country is one of the smallest in South America but this doesn’t mean there is nothing to see.
Known for its friendly locals and beautiful beaches, Uruguay offers an authentic and safe destination without the crowds. There is also plentiful wildlife here which means it is a great choice for nature lovers.
Due to the geography of Uruguay, there are no real threats of sudden natural disasters. Violent crime is uncommon too, however, travellers will need to be savvy in the main cities to avoid pickpockets.
Uruguay is often touted as the ‘most chilled’ country in the whole of South America. This is, in part, thanks to the liberal laws regarding marijuana possession and gay marriage (both of which are legal).
It is one of the wealthiest countries in the region and as 96% of Uruguayans vote in democratic elections, the citizens also seem to benefit from a positive relationship with their government – something which cannot be said for many countries full stop!
If you’re looking for a stress-free and safe country to visit in South America, Uruguay is definitely your best bet! You never know, you may fall in love with it so much that you never want to leave – Uruguay is one of the best places to live in South America after all!
Traveller Highlights in Uruguay:
- If you’re brave enough, top up your tan on Playa Chihuahua, Uruguay’s nudist beach!
- Wander down the cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento.
- Head to the ‘Mercado del Puerto’ in Montevideo for a chance to try ‘parrilla’, a delicious taste of Uruguayan barbecue.
- Hike Quebrada de Los Cuervos for the chance to see rare birds and other wildlife.
- Take a dip in one of the country’s many hot springs. You deserve it after a long day of exploring!
3. Chile 🇨🇱
- Global Peace Index ranking: 64/163
- Global Peace Index score: 1.978
Chile is one of the most diverse countries on the continent which makes it an amazing destination for intrepid adventurers. Chile is (arguably*) the longest country in the world and covers 10 climatic zones! This means it really does have something for everybody.
*Some claim Brazil is longer but there is only around 100 km in it!
Whilst Chile had been voted the safest country in South America for years, their Global Peace Index status took a big hit in the 2020 rankings and is yet to recover. Previously, the country was always graded within the top 30 safest countries in the world but owing to recent civil unrest and violent protests over the increased cost of living, inequality and privatisation, they’ve been hanging around closer to 50.
Generally speaking though, Chile has a very low crime rate which makes it one of the safest South American countries to travel through. As with any kind of backpacking, common sense is advised. Don’t carry large amounts of cash on your person if you can help it and invest in a money belt or an alternative to keep your valuables out of sight. A theft-proof backpack is also a good idea and there are a bunch of gadgets to help make travel safe!
Chile has one of the highest quality of life rankings in Latin America, largely due to its modern infrastructure and internet connectivity. It also has one of the strongest healthcare systems on the continent which should be reassuring for accident-prone tourists. This doesn’t mean you should skimp out on travel insurance though!
Potentially the biggest risk factor when visiting Chile is the chance of earthquakes. This is because the country sits adjacent to the Nazca Plate, which is fast-moving and has a history of producing massive quakes. Travellers shouldn’t worry too much though as scientists are always keeping an eye on plate activity to provide warning for those in the country.
“While travelling solo through South America I was more cautious than in other places I’ve visited, but I never felt unsafe. I felt particularly relaxed in Chile and happily explored cities, the countryside and the desert worry-free. Rapa Nui (Easter Island) felt like one of the safest places I have even been! Crime against tourists is unheard of there.”
Lisa, Writer at South America Backpacker
Traveller Highlights in Chile:
- Head to Rapa Nui, one of South America’s best islands and the world’s most impressive archaeological sites.
- Visit the place considered to be the driest place on earth: the Atacama Desert. Visit the otherworldly Moon Valley and go to see the petroglyphs of Hierbas Buenas.
- Sample some hiking in Chile with the epic W trek through the magical Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. Related: 1 & 2-week Patagonia Itineraries.
- Sip on the finest Chilean wine on a vineyard tour just outside of Santiago.
- Valparaiso is one of South America’s best New Year’s Eve destinations and they put on an incredible firework display which needs to be seen to be believed!
Read more about staying safe in Chile.
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4. Bolivia 🇧🇴
- Global Peace Index ranking: 68/163
- Global Peace Index score: 2.009
Over recent years, Bolivia has continued to rise in the GPI safety rankings, first entering our shortlist in 2022 and gaining a few places in the years since.
Every year, travellers flock to Bolivia, not only because it is arguably the cheapest country in the whole of South America but also because of its incredible natural beauty. Home to the breathtaking salt flats, no trip to Bolivia is complete without a few fun photos snapped at this otherworldly destination!
Much of Bolivia is located in the Andes Mountain range which means that the trekking opportunities are great. This does come with risk though, as many cities are located far above sea level. Altitude sickness can be a problem for travellers so to stay safe, make sure you have allowed yourself the necessary time to acclimatise. Whilst some travellers say that altitude sickness pills help, these can have nasty side effects.
El Alto, close to La Paz, has a very bad reputation and travellers are encouraged to be vigilant if they visit. As with most other big cities, the majority of pickpocketing and petty crime occurs in large population centres.
When you’re in the country, don’t miss the exhilarating opportunity to cycle down Death Road. The name might be intimidating but it is honestly much safer now and it’s a must-do for backpackers. Still, make sure that your travel insurance covers you for this kind of activity – just in case!
Like many countries in South America, it is not possible to drink tap water in Bolivia and you will sometimes struggle to find free water refills. To save the planet and save yourself some dollar, invest in a filtered water bottle to remove all the nasties from your agua!
“Compared to some of the other countries I visited in South America, Bolivia generally felt very safe, with super welcoming people. The only place I visited which felt a little sketchy was La Paz, I wouldn’t want to walk alone at night there.”
Sheree, Editor at South East Asia Backpacker
Traveller Highlights of Bolivia:
- Feast on freshly caught seafood at Copacabana. These lakeside stalls offer mouthwatering dishes at bargain prices!
- Hire a car and explore Salar de Uyuni independently… or save yourself the effort and jump on a tour.
- Go sloth spotting on a day trip to Lomas de Arena. The whole of the Santa Cruz de la Sierra area is fabulous for seeing animals in the wild.
- Career down Death Road on a mountain bike. (This is only for the cycle confident and very brave!)
- Head to Rurrenabaque and embark on a jungle adventure. Always do your research to ensure that the tour company follows sustainable practices and has a good safety record. We all know what happened to Daniel Radcliffe in Jungle when he put his faith in the wrong person!
Want to Learn More? 🤓
If this round-up of South America’s most safe countries has left you pondering about other countries, check out these other articles:
– Safest Countries in Asia for Travellers
– Safest Countries in Europe for Travellers
5. Paraguay 🇵🇾
- Global Peace Index ranking: 74/163
- Global Peace Index score: 2.044
Paraguay is a country that hasn’t quite reached the mainstream in terms of its tourist numbers yet. This means it is a great place to travel as so much of the country is just waiting to be explored. The country is generally pretty safe and crime isn’t too much of an issue.
As you would expect, there is a risk of petty crime but this can usually be mitigated by taking the necessary precautions. Avoid flaunting your wealth with expensive clothes or jewellery to avoid pickpockets.
Perhaps the biggest concern for travellers visiting Paraguay is the standard of driving. Traffic accidents (particularly those involving motorcycles) are common and many locals will engage in risky road practices such as riding without a helmet or driving at night without lights. Much like Vietnam, road signs are treated as guidelines rather than instructions that need to be obeyed.
One huge bonus of visiting Paraguay is that it is not particularly expensive, especially when compared to its neighbours Brazil and Argentina. The accolade for the cheapest country in South America goes to Bolivia but Paraguay still provides a lot of bang for your buck!
Traveller Highlights of Paraguay:
- Share a cup of Yerba maté with your friends. It’s not just a drink, it’s an institution!
- To get your blood pumping, head to Eco Reserva Mbatoví. Here you can zip-line, rappel down a cliff face and even swing from hanging bridges!
- Visit the Parque Nacional Ybycuí for a bit of wildlife spotting. This national park is home to a whole range of creatures including peccaries, capuchin monkeys and even one of South America’s most amazing animals, the coati.
- The Itaipú Dam is one of the seven engineering wonders of the world and it is easy to see why. This dam produces 75% of Paraguay’s electricity!
6. Peru 🇵🇪
- Global Peace Index ranking: 99/163
- Global Peace Index score: 2.179
Whilst Peru surely does have something for every kind of traveller, it is likely to be the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu that draw first-time visitors. This is not Peru’s only archaeological wonder though, the country is full of them!
Much of Peru is located in the Andes Mountain range which means that the trekking opportunities are great. This does come with risk though, as many cities are located far above sea level. Altitude sickness can be a problem for travellers so to stay safe, make sure you have allowed yourself the necessary time to acclimatise. Whilst some travellers say that altitude sickness pills help, these can have nasty side effects.
As Peru is such a hotspot for tourists in Latin America, it is great for solo backpackers. Much like any popular destination, you can expect there to be petty crime in the big cities. In areas such as the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, it is nearly impossible to walk around as a tourist and not get offered drugs.
The Amazon Rainforest is a draw of Peru for many and lots of travellers flock to the jungle in search of spiritual enlightenment. This has meant a boom in the popularity of Ayahuasca and San Pedro ceremonies. These plant medicines have hallucinogenic properties and have long been used in far-flung corners of South America. Whilst many backpackers talk of finding themselves during a trip, the practice isn’t always safe and some have even died while consuming these drugs.
Like many countries in South America, it is not possible to drink tap water in Peru and you will struggle to find free water refills. To save the planet and save yourself some dollar, invest in a filtered water bottle to remove all the nasties from your agua!
“Contrary to the experience of many travellers I met on the road, Peru felt like one of the less safe countries I’ve visited in South America. The extreme poverty butting up against opulent areas is a juxtaposition I didn’t expect. It’s very easy to wander into the wrong areas in some Peruvian cities! Overall, I didn’t experience any real issues but there was an air of uneasiness that I didn’t feel in Peru’s neighbours.”
Tim, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
Traveller Highlights of Peru:
- Did you even go to Peru if you didn’t visit Machu Picchu?! Take on the epic Inca Trail for an authentic experience.
- Dine in some of the best restaurants in the world in Lima. The capital is the spot to be for Peruvian food lovers – definitely don’t miss our favourite dish ceviche.
- The Mountain of Colours (also known as Rainbow Mountain) has to be experienced firsthand. Check out the alternative version for fewer crowds on a guided tour from Cusco.
- Explore Huacachina and sandboard your way down one of the many dunes close to Peru’s idyllic desert oasis!
- If you’re brave enough, take a flight over the Nasca Lines and ponder over how these gigantic geoglyphs came to be!
Most Dangerous Countries in South America
It is important to note that while not all of the most tourist-friendly countries in South America made the above shortlist, they still wouldn’t be categorised as ‘no-go’ areas.
For example, Ecuador has dropped in the GPI rankings over the last couple of years, largely due to gang violence in the southern part of the country. However, plenty of tourists still visit the Galapagos and have a trouble-free trip.
According to the GPI, the most dangerous countries in South America are as follows:
Brazil 🇧🇷
- Global Peace Index ranking: 131/163
- Global Peace Index score: 2.589
Venezuela 🇻🇪
- Global Peace Index ranking: 142/163
- Global Peace Index score: 2.821
Colombia 🇨🇴
- Global Peace Index ranking: 146/163
- Global Peace Index score: 2.887
While these stats certainly offer food for thought, there is far more to what constitutes a safe country than the numbers provided by the GPI. For example, thousands of travellers flock to Colombia and although personal safety precautions are required, most people don’t encounter any issues.
“I backpacked around Colombia for 3 months and not once did I have any issues. While you should take precautions to blend in with the crowd and avoid flashing valuables, most tourist hotspots are as safe as any other. One thing – don’t use your phone on the street and always dive into a shop if you need to check directions. Stabbings are not unheard of when snatch and grabs go wrong.”
Sheree, Editor at South America Backpacker
Read more about staying safe in Colombia and the safest cities in Colombia here.
Safest South American Countries FAQ
What is the safest country in South America?
Argentina has been ranked the safest country in South America by the GPI.
What is the most dangerous country in South America?
According to the 2024 index, Colombia is the least safe country in South America.
What are the safest cities in South America?
Montevideo, Santiago and Mendoza are a few cities known for their high safety levels. Check out more of South America’s safest cities in this post.
Is South America safe to travel?
Yes! South America is a vast and varied continent, with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife and friendly people. While you will need to have your guard up in some areas, most people will have a trouble-free visit to the continent if they take the usual personal safety precautions.
While we wouldn’t discourage visiting any country based on the Global Peace Index rankings alone, if you are visiting South America for the first time, you may feel better choosing somewhere on our list.
Although being ranked as one of the safest countries in South America doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free visit, the low levels of ongoing conflict and high ratings of societal safety and security should offer some peace of mind.
While we wouldn’t discourage visiting any country based on the Global Peace Index rankings alone, if you are visiting South America for the first time, you may feel better choosing somewhere on our list.
Although being ranked as one of the safest countries in South America doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free visit, the low levels of ongoing conflict and high ratings of societal safety and security should offer some peace of mind.
Contributors:
South America Backpacker is a ‘travel diary for everyone’. This article has been written with the help of backpackers and local experts. We would like to thank…
🙏 Tim Ashdown | Writer at South America Backpacker
🙏 Lisa Barham | Writer at South America Backpacker
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
The results are different if you look at homicide rates. Uruguay, for example, has more than twice the homicide rate of the US whereas Bolivia is only slightly higher. In my opinion ‘peace index’ is a subjective statistic.
If you have Ecuador on your “safe” list, then, it is difficult to believe your info. regarding safety anywhere that you recommend.
All a person has to do is follow Facebook pages to hear from residents, & expats to know what is “truly” happening on the ground. These people live there and know first hand. Not trying to be a “downer”, however, one must do their homework.
Peace.
Hi Mich! Thanks for the comment. The rankings in this article are based on the latest Global Peace Index Report which was released in June. As it takes Vision of Humanity a year to collate this data, I think it would be fair to say they have done their homework… 😉
As someone who has visited Ecuador myself, I can say that I felt very safe during my visit, even when I was in Guayaquil. However, I agree that is always important to pay attention to the voices of people on the ground. As we note in the disclaimer within the article, safety advice can change quickly across South America and this article shouldn’t be used as your only source of information.
What is the safest country near Venezuela? I want to go there to see my friends but don’t want to risk it due to the travel warnings.
Hi Tim!
Any of Venezuela’s neighbours: Guyana, Colombia and Brazil are safe to travel to. Colombia has the biggest infrastructure for backpackers but Brazil isn’t far behind. Guyana has less of a tourist scene.
So is it possible to enter Brazil for not vaccinated?
Hi Matt. You can see the up to date travel restrictions for Brazil here: https://southamericabackpacker.com/covid19-brazil-travel-restrictions/
Do not think there is anywhere you can travel to that doesn’t want proof of double Vax and some will want booster proof as well. If the country going to doesn’t the country coming back to certainly will. Most airlines want that before going on the plane anyway.
Hi Cynthia.
Thanks for the comment!
There are a number of countries that don’t require proof of vaccination. Some don’t even require a negative COVID-19 test!
It all depends on where you’re from and the region you’re heading to. It’s worth checking with official government sources for the most up to date information 🙂
That is incorrect