The Safest Countries in South America
South America has gained a bit of a reputation for being a part of the world that travellers ought to avoid. And whilst some countries do present a significant risk if you visit them, there are plenty of destinations that shouldn’t be ignored just because of the reputation of their neighbours.
If you’re concerned about the safety of a holiday to South America, especially if you’re travelling solo, then your best bet is to choose to visit one of the safest countries on the continent. These destinations are well known for their lower levels of crime, welcome attitude toward tourists and limited numbers of negative incidents or experiences with travellers each year.
In this article, I share four recommendations for some of the safest countries in South America so you can plan your next trip with peace of mind.
Argentina
One of the safest countries in South America is Argentina, spread across most of the southern half of the continent. Its sprawling size might seem intimidating when it comes to planning a holiday here, but it’s undoubtedly worth a visit, especially if it’s your first time. Choose from culture, nightlife and delicious food in Buenos Aires, or head to the wilder landscapes of Argentinian Patagonia and Iguazu Falls for some unbelievable hiking opportunities.
Statistically speaking, Argentina is one of the safest places for travellers to visit without experiencing any kind of disruption to their trip. However, things like petty crime and tourist scams are still common in larger cities, so it’s still somewhere that you’ll need to exercise caution and keep your wits about you, especially when travelling solo.
If you’re looking for LGBT-friendly travel destinations then Argentina is one of the best picks for stress-free lesbian travel experiences and gay holidays where you can feel confident visiting with your partner. If you’re travelling solo, especially as a woman, you might experience some street harassment but can feel pretty confident that you won’t be in any danger, especially in the more rural areas.
Uruguay
Uruguay has had a reputation for years as being another of the safest countries to visit in South America. Often overlooked in favour of neighbouring Brazil and Argentina, it’s one of the best places to visit on the continent for an authentic experience of South American culture. It’s also one of the best places to discover luxury South America travel experiences, as Uruguay is a reasonably wealthy country with a range of high-end holiday accommodation and activity options.
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy spending time on the beach then Uruguay has a spectacular coastline dotted with resorts, or you can discover the country’s culture in the capital city Montevideo. Alternatively, why not head off the beaten track and visit Tacuarembó in the north, where Uruguayan cowboy heritage and activity offer a look at a different side of the country?
Well-developed, liberal, and with low crime statistics, Uruguay is a great destination to choose if you’re travelling solo or are just looking for a holiday where you don’t have to worry too much about encountering trouble. You’ll still need to be sensible with your belongings, walking around in the dark and avoiding any sketchier-looking areas, but it’s a country where female and LGBT+ travellers in particular tend to favour because of how safe they feel.
Uruguay Montevideo
Chile
Chile is one of the most popular countries to visit in South America, with an incredibly diverse landscape and modern infrastructure that makes it great for exploring. Spend time absorbing Latin American culture in the country’s cities and then head to the mountains, forests and fields to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.
When it comes to safe places to travel in South America, Chile is a good choice for a country that is often recommended as a relatively low-risk part of the continent. Whilst it did experience a reasonable amount of civil unrest between 2019-2020, most of this activity has died down and it is generally considered to be one of the safer countries in South America.
Things like theft, violent crime and harassment are more common in the cities in Chile, so if you’re travelling solo then you’re better off sticking to places like Chilean Patagonia and the Atacama Desert, especially if you’re female. The only other thing to be aware of is the risk of earthquakes, which is present but still pretty low.
Chile Torres del Paine
Paraguay
Paraguay is a South American country that doesn’t receive quite the same level of interest as others on the continent, which means it’s generally a more authentic and less tourist-y feeling place to visit. This is one of the things that makes it one of the safer parts of South America to visit, as travellers aren’t as likely to be targeted for being new to the country and unaware.
The small size and ‘undiscovered’ means that Paraguay is a more budget-friendly destination than the others on this list, which makes it popular amongst backpackers. It might feel a little rougher than places like Argentina, but other than the risk of pickpocketing and petty theft, you don’t face many other risks to your safety whilst you’re in the country, as long as you’re sensible.
If you’re travelling solo, especially as a woman, my best advice is to stick to the more rural areas of Paraguay and avoid the cities where you’re more likely to run into trouble. You’re much more likely to get an authentic experience of the country that way and enjoy all of its unspoiled scenery, which is ideal for a more relaxed holiday.
Paraguay bridge
Summary
Whilst South America might not be a continent that you want to pick for your first-ever solo backpacking trip, there are a range of different options if you’re looking for somewhere safe to travel. Some of the most vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural sites are found in South American countries, so it’s well worth making the trip to experience them for yourself.
