South America is a continent with a diverse population, beautiful landscapes, and a fascinating history. However, various nations may have distinct safety issues, just as in any other field. Knowing the South American countries ranked by safety is crucial information for travelers, foreign residents and those thinking about moving there. This article will look at South American countries ranked by safety as well as the factors that affect those rankings.
South American Countries Ranked By Safety
1. The Republic of Uruguay
Uruguay is a small, friendly country in South America. It is one of the South American countries ranked by safety. Uruguay, which is positioned halfway between Argentina and Brazil in South America, has the highest ranking of any South American nation at 50th out of 163 countries examined by the Global Peace Index.
Uruguay consistently ranks among the safest nations in South America because of its well-known democratic stability, inclusive social programs and low crime rate.
I had a fantastic time traveling alone as a female to Montevideo and other coastal communities across the nation. Even when I took public transit, stayed in hostels and went on solo walks around Montevideo, I never once felt anything but total safety.
The hippie beach town of Punta del Diablo, the opulent Punta del Este with its exciting nightlife, and the small historical hamlet of Colonia del Sacramento—one of the most traveler-friendly places in South America and only a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires—are some of Uruguay’s top attractions.
2. Chile
Chile is one of the South American countries ranked by safety, coming in at number 58 out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index. Travelers can feel very comfortable in Chile because of its strong (albeit uneven) economic progress, stable democracy and low crime rate.
Traveling should always be done safely and sensibly, especially in cities. This applies to all trips. Still, don’t be afraid. Travelers report very few problems in Chile, save from the sporadic pickpocketing. Overall, the country is fairly safe.
Everything you’ve read and heard about Chile’s safety has been verified by my own travel experience there. Even when strolling around major towns in the evening, my female travel companion and I had a terrific experience getting wherever we were going with ease and safety. Many of my friends who travel, both men and women, have had similar experiences.
Travelers have a lot to discover in Chile, from the vibrant Santiago and charming Valparaiso (perhaps among the best towns in South America!) to the breathtaking Chilean Patagonia in the south. An undeniable feature of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park. With its angular, snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes, it is home to some of Patagonia’s most breathtaking scenery.
3. Argentina
Argentina is a top travel destination that suits all types of travelers and it’s consistently rated as one of the safest countries in South America. Argentina is regarded as one of the South American countries ranked by safety and is ranked 54th out of all countries in the world for safety.
But bear in mind that, compared to some of the nations lower on this list, Argentina has a far greater rate of small-time crimes like pickpocketing and robberies. Argentina ranks third on this list because data indicates that it has the highest rate of robberies in all of South America.
In no way is this intended to discourage you from visiting Argentina. It is merely intended to serve as an educational tool, illustrating how difficult it can be to evaluate entire nations according to traveler safety.
You’ll be right if you follow the fundamental travel safety precautions when visiting Argentina. Try keeping your handbag in front of you, clipping the zippers on your bag shut, staying in the safe areas of the cities and areas you’ll be visiting, and, if at all possible, not flashing expensive jewelry or gadgets.
You will enjoy everything that Argentina, a vast and varied nation, has to offer, regardless of where you decide to explore.
4. Paraguay
In the center of the continent, Paraguay is a landlocked nation that receives minimal travel traffic and is among the safest places in South America to visit. Paraguay, which ranks 68th on the Global Peace Index for this year, is renowned for its relative stability and a lower rate of violent crimes such as assaults and robberies than some of its neighbors.
Paraguay is not just one of the South American countries ranked by safety; it’s also rather inexpensive. One of South America’s most reasonably priced travel destinations, it offers amazing off-the-beaten-path experiences at a fraction of the cost. If there was ever a hidden gem, this one is it.
5. Bolivia
Another fantastic South American travel destination is Bolivia, which is also a typically safe place for tourists to visit. Bolivia, which is ranked 78th out of 163 nations on the Global Peace Index, has improved results in the categories that most frequently affect travelers: peace, stability, and crimes.
Though Bolivia is the poorest nation in South America, it scores lower than many other nations in the region when it comes to small-time crimes that could affect tourists more regularly, such as pickpocketing and robbery, as in Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. As a hiker in Bolivia, I felt very secure.
Bolivia is a big, diversified country with a lot to offer tourists, but the Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat is a particular highlight for tourists. Because the water-flooded salt flat here flawlessly reflects the sky during the rainy season, this surreal location is also referred to as the largest mirror in the world. It’s a place where you really should go.
Bolivia is an amazing off-the-beaten-path tourist destination with sections of the Amazon Rainforest, Lake Titicaca, stunning colonial architecture and several Incan sites.
6. Ecuador
Rank six on our list of South American countries ranked by safety is Ecuador. Ecuador, which is ranked 97th out of 160 nations in the Global Peace Index, has improved in many areas in recent years, although residents and some tourists have been unnerved by a few startling incidents of large-scale protests and political unrest in recent years.
All things considered, Ecuador is a rather safe place to visit. After spending more than two years living in Ecuador and seeing every part of the nation, I’m happy to say that I never experienced any risky situations there and that I always felt extremely comfortable.
Tourists visiting Ecuador should use caution to stay away from small-time thieves and pickpockets. Remember that compared to nations higher on this list (like Chile and Argentina!), Ecuador reports considerably fewer robberies and minor crimes.
Some of the best things to do when visiting Ecuador are to visit the Otavalo market, hike the Quilotoa Loop around this gorgeous volcanic crater lake and explore Old Town Quito. Without a doubt, seeing the Galapagos is a must-do trip that brings a lot of tourists to Ecuador
7. Colombia
Though a lot has changed in a short period, Colombia’s recent past may have given you the impression that it is one of the riskier South American countries to visit. Even while Colombia still has numerous problems, since its high in 1991, the country has seen a 75% decrease in crime, making it much safer and more tranquil. That’s practically unheard of.
Colombia in the 1980s and 1990s underwent a significant metamorphosis and is rapidly progressing. However, Colombia continues to be regarded as one of the three least safe countries in South America because of the small number of armed guerrillas that are still active there as well as the danger associated with trafficking.
Although there are still areas of insecurity and violence in Colombia, travel and tourism have increased recently, making Colombia a more sought-after destination than ever. As a visitor, it is crucial to be aware of these challenges while bearing this in mind.
In addition to being a highly sought-after destination for digital nomads and backpackers throughout Latin America, Colombia’s port of Cartagena welcomes cruise ship passengers virtually every day during peak tourist season. Affordable Caribbean island getaways, breathtaking locations for hiking across deserts and jungles, and, of course, the greatest coffee on earth can all be found here.
My experience traveling in Colombia and living in Medellin for two months was excellent. I felt safe the entire time as I took easy travel safety measures like using marked taxis, keeping my belongings close, and not wearing flashy clothes or jewelry. I wholeheartedly recommend Colombia as a destination for travelers!
9. Brazil
Brazil, which ranks 132 out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index, has fallen in the rankings, mostly as a result of higher crime rates. As a result, it needs to deal with security and criminal issues.
In some significant locations where tourists are more likely to be affected, Colombia has lower crime statistics than Brazil, even though Brazil technically scores higher on the Global Peace Index than Colombia. Brazil has therefore been demoted from this list.
When making travel plans, be sure to seek out current, local advice as safety in Brazil can vary greatly between regions and cities. This is particularly relevant when traveling through Brazil’s bigger cities, such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where specific regions are often riskier for visitors.
Anecdotally, visitors will tell you all kinds of tales about their experiences traveling in Brazil; some would say they were completely safe, while others may describe different forms of insecurity like pickpocketing. This serves as a gentle reminder to ignore any news that seems too good to be true and to keep in mind that there are simple ways to travel safely, regardless of whether you’re in the safest or least secure country in the world.
Brazil is ranked lower on this list, but don’t let that stop you from going. The enormous and varied Amazon region, numerous exquisite and distinctive towns, breathtaking beaches, and more can all be found in Latin America. It’s all well worth the trip to see.
10. Venezuela
Venezuela, which has been ranked worst among South American countries by the Global Peace Index for several years. This country comes in last on our list of South American countries ranked by safety. Venezuela has a difficult mix of political unpredictability, inflation, protests, and violent crime, which makes visiting this country much more difficult.
The good news is that Venezuela’s standing on the Global Peace Index has improved from prior years due to improvements in a few significant areas in recent years. However, given what the nation is going through, most tourists aren’t coming here at the moment.
Despite its many challenges, Venezuela has a lot to offer tourists, such as beautiful beaches, serene rainforest retreats, and the breathtaking Angel Falls, which dwarf Niagara Falls and Iguazú. Hopefully, visiting Venezuela will become safer and simpler soon.
