1. The Republic of Uruguay
2. Chile
3. Argentina
4. Paraguay
5. Bolivia
6. Ecuador
7. Peru
8. Colombia
9. Brazil
10. Venezuela
The population of South America is varied; the region has stunning scenery and an intriguing past. However, like in any other profession, different countries may have unique safety concerns. Travelers, foreign residents, and those considering relocation to South America need to know which nations are considered the safest. The safety rankings of the countries in South America will be examined in this article, along with the variables influencing those rankings.
The Safest Countries in South America—Ranked!
1. The Republic of Uruguay
The safest country in South America is Uruguay, a tiny, hospitable nation. Halfway between Argentina and Brazil in South America, Uruguay has the highest ranking of any country in the continent, coming in at number 50 out of 163 nations analyzed by the Global Peace Index.
Uruguay’s well-known democratic stability, comprehensive social programs, and low crime rate have earned it a reputation as one of South America’s safest countries.
I had an amazing experience seeing Montevideo and other seaside towns around the country on my own as a woman. I never once felt anything other than complete safety, even when I traveled by public transportation, slept in hostels, and went on solitary walks across Montevideo.
Uruguay’s biggest attractions include the hippy beach town of Punta del Diablo, the luxurious Punta del Este with its vibrant nightlife, and the modest historical hamlet of Colonia del Sacramento, which is only a short boat journey from Buenos Aires and one of the most traveler-friendly towns in South America.
2. Chile
Chile, which ranks 58th out of 163 nations on the Global Peace Index, is often considered to be one of the safest countries in South America. Chile offers visitors a solid economy (although one that is not uniformly growing), a stable democracy, and a low crime rate.
Always travel in a responsible and safe manner, especially while visiting cities. This is true for every journey. Don’t be frightened. Apart from the odd pickpocketing, travelers in Chile report very few issues. The nation is generally rather safe.
My personal trip to Chile confirms all you’ve read and heard about its safety. My female travel partner and I had a great time traveling with comfort and safety, even when we were just meandering around large towns in the nighttime. Both men and women who travel with me have experienced similar things.
From the energetic Santiago and quaint Valparaiso (perhaps one of the nicest places in South America!) to the stunning Chilean Patagonia in the south, travelers have a lot to see in Chile. An indisputable feature of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. It has some of Patagonia’s most impressive scenery, with sharp, snow-capped peaks and pure lakes.
3. Argentina
Argentina is one of the safest nations in South America and a major tourism destination that appeals to all kinds of people. Argentina is ranked 54th out of all nations in the world for safety, making it a highly safe place to go.
However, keep in mind that Argentina has a considerably higher prevalence of small-time crimes like pickpocketing and robberies than some of the countries lower on this list. Due to data showing that it has the highest rate of robberies in all of South America, Argentina comes in at number three on our list.
This is not meant to dissuade you from traveling to Argentina. It’s just meant to be used as a teaching tool to show how hard it may be to rank whole countries based on visitor safety.
If you take the basic safety measures when traveling, you’ll be OK when visiting Argentina. Try carrying your handbag in front of you, fastening the zippers on your bag, avoiding flashing costly jewelry or technology, and sticking to the designated zones of the cities and places you’ll be going.
No matter where you choose to travel, you will be able to take advantage of all that Argentina, a large and diverse country, has to offer.
4. Paraguay
One of the safest destinations in South America is Paraguay, a landlocked country in the middle of the continent with little to no tourist traffic. Paraguay is known for its relative stability and a lower prevalence of violent crimes like assaults and robberies than some of its neighbors. It is currently ranked 68th on the Global Peace Index for this year.
In addition to being among the safest travel locations in South America, Paraguay is also reasonably priced. One of the most affordable vacation locations in South America, it provides incredible off-the-beaten-path experiences for a fraction of the price. This is the hidden gem, if there ever was one.
5. Bolivia
Bolivia is an excellent South American tourism destination that is usually generally safe for visitors. Bolivia, rated 78th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index, has improved in the areas of peace, stability, and crimes—the three areas that most commonly impact tourists.
Bolivia is the poorest country in South America, yet it does better than many other countries in the area when it comes to minor crimes like pickpocketing and robbery that might happen to visitors more frequently, as in Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. In Bolivia, I felt really safe hiking.
Although Bolivia is a large, diverse nation with much to offer travelers, the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat is a top attraction. This bizarre place is also known as the biggest mirror in the world because, during the rainy season, the water-flooded salt flat here perfectly mirrors the sky. It’s a location that you ought to visit.
Bolivia is a fantastic off-the-beaten-path travel destination that includes multiple Incan monuments, Lake Titicaca, parts of the Amazon Rainforest, and breathtaking colonial architecture.
6. Ecuador
Ecuador is ranked sixth among the countries in South America that are the safest. Although a few shocking instances of large-scale protests and political turmoil in recent years have alarmed locals and some visitors, Ecuador, which is placed 97th out of 160 countries in the Global Peace Index, has improved in many areas recently.
Taken into account, traveling to Ecuador is generally safe. I’m delighted to report that, despite visiting every region of Ecuador during the course of my more than two years there, I never encountered any dangerous circumstances and that I was always quite comfortable.
Travelers to Ecuador should exercise vigilance to avoid being targeted by pickpockets and small-time thieves. Recall that Ecuador reports far fewer robberies and small crimes than countries higher on this list (like Chile and Argentina!).
When in Ecuador, the Otavalo market, hiking the Quilotoa Loop around this stunning volcanic crater lake, and exploring Old Town Quito are some of the must-do activities. Seeing the Galapagos is unquestionably a vacation that many travelers to Ecuador must take.
7. Peru
Peru is ranked 103rd out of 163 nations in the Global Peace Index; however, its score has significantly decreased in the last several years. In the wake of the most recent election, allegations of widespread voting fraud have left the country’s political system in a more disorderly state than it has been in a long time. Although this political volatility doesn’t especially effect travelers, crime rates have recently gone up.
Peru’s low level of foreign tourism hasn’t been much impacted by these issues, despite the country’s low safety ranking in South America. In 2019, there were about 5.5 million international visitors to Peru, many of them were visiting Machu Picchu, the nation’s most famous site.
I strongly recommend that anyone considering a trip to Peru make sure they experience more of the nation than simply Cusco and Machu Picchu. There are a ton of other incredible sites to explore, even though this part of the country is distinct.
Discover Peru’s ancient cities like Arequipa, the pre-Incan ruins of Chan Chan, and the snow-capped peaks of Huaraz by venturing off the main path. You’ll be astounded by all that Peru has to offer.
8. Colombia
Colombia’s recent past could have given you the idea that it’s one of the riskier South American nations to visit, even if a lot has changed in a short amount of time. Colombia has had a 75% drop in crime from its peak in 1991, making it considerably safer and more peaceful even if the nation still faces many issues. That is really unprecedented.
Colombia saw a dramatic transformation in the 1980s and 1990s and is now developing quickly. Nonetheless, owing of the threat posed by human trafficking and the scarcity of armed insurgents, Colombia is still considered to be among the three least secure countries in South America.
Even though there are still some unsafe and violent places in Colombia, the country is becoming a more popular tourist destination due to recent increases in travel and tourism. It is important for visitors to be aware of these difficulties and to keep this in mind.
Not only is Colombia’s port of Cartagena a popular destination for backpackers and digital nomads across Latin America, but it also receives cruise ship passengers almost daily during the busiest travel season. Here you’ll find excellent places to hike across deserts and rainforests, inexpensive Caribbean island escapes, and, of course, the best coffee on the planet.
I had a great time exploring Colombia and spending two months in Medellin. Because I followed simple travel safety precautions like staying in designated cabs, keeping my valuables near, and avoiding wearing jewelry or outfits that were too dazzling, I felt safe the whole trip. Travelers should definitely consider Colombia as a vacation!
9. Brazil
Brazil’s Global Peace Index score, which was 132 out of 163 in the past, has declined, mostly due to increased rates of criminal activity. It must thus address criminal and security-related problems.
Although Brazil theoretically ranks better on the Global Peace Index than Colombia, Colombia has lower crime rates in several important places where visitors are more likely to be affected. As a result, Brazil has been removed from this list.
While planning a trip, make sure to get up-to-date local advice because there might be big differences in safety in different parts of Brazil. This is especially important to keep in mind while visiting Brazil’s larger cities, such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as some areas are frequently hazardous for tourists.
Travelers may anecdotally tell you a plethora of stories about their experiences in Brazil; some will tell you that their travels were perfectly secure, while others may mention various sorts of insecurity, such as pickpocketing. Whether you live in the safest or least secure country in the world, there are easy methods to travel securely. This serves as a gentle warning to dismiss any news that appears too wonderful to be true.
Despite Brazil’s poor ranking on our list, you should still visit. Latin America is home to the vast and diverse Amazon area, a plethora of charming and unique cities, stunning beaches, and much more. The travel to view it is totally worth it all.
10. Venezuela
Venezuela is the least safe travel destination on the continent; it has been ranked lowest among South American nations by the Global Peace Index for a number of years. Venezuela is a challenging country to visit because of its challenging combination of political uncertainty, inflation, unrest, and violent crime.
The good news is that advances in a few key areas over the past several years have lifted Venezuela’s ranking on the Global Peace Index relative to previous years. However, most visitors aren’t coming here right now because of what the country is going through.
Venezuela has a lot to offer travelers despite its numerous difficulties, including stunning beaches, tranquil jungle getaways, and the magnificent Angel Falls, which dwarf Iguazú and Niagara Falls. Hopefully, traveling to Venezuela will soon be easier and safer.
