The Safest Countries in South America: Your Complete Guide for 2025

Want to visit or move to South America? Discover which countries are the safest in 2025 and how to avoid risks as an expat, investor, or tourist.

Safety in South America is a common concern and should not be taken lightly. The continent is often described as dangerous and with high crime rates, especially for unwary foreigners, and to a large extent this perception is true: statistics reveal that South America is home to some of the most dangerous cities in the world.

Many countries in South America offer stunning natural wonders, a rich history, and opportunities for both leisure and business. Our friends at Sudamerica Hub have compiled this guide using data such as that provided by the Global Peace Index, which contains practical safety advice and a clearer idea of how to travel safely in the region.

Is it safe to travel to South America?

Social safety and crime rates vary from country to country depending on the political climate, differences between cities, and the effectiveness of law enforcement, so it is essential to understand the nuances of safety in a continent as diverse as South America.

Although South America’s reputation for crime is not unfounded, it is important to distinguish between the safest and most dangerous countries and to understand the factors that determine this.

Key factors:

• Political climate: The safest countries in South America share a degree of political stability and order, unlike the most dangerous countries. This translates into enhanced security measures and, in general, lower crime rates.
• Urban disparities: Crime rates depend on differences between neighborhoods within a given city or metropolitan area. One urban area may be safe, while another not far away may be drastically different. In larger countries such as Brazil or Colombia, some states may be as safe as the United States, while others would be among the most dangerous if they were independent countries.
• Local laws: The greater the police and security presence, the stricter the enforcement of laws. This leads to a reduction in violence and a safer environment. This often means that specific areas have a greater police presence, which is reflected in their safety.

City dynamics compared to regional differences

Unlike North America, Europe, or other parts of the world, Latin America, specifically South America, has greater variability between its cities. South American cities can differ greatly in terms of infrastructure, development, and urbanization, regardless of whether they are located in the same region of the country. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the geography of the country, including the distances between regions and cities, as well as the terrain and the environment in which it is located. A safe city can be just a couple of hours away from a more dangerous one.

How different neighborhoods affect safety

A common feature of South American cities is that, depending on the neighborhood you are in, even within the same city, your sense of safety can vary. As a general rule, the city center tends to be less safe than tourist and upscale areas.

It is important to be aware of the difference in crime levels from one neighborhood to another. A more upscale and touristy area may have a neighborhood just a few blocks away that is considerably more dangerous.

Safest countries in South America according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), homicide rate, and crime rate

One way to measure the safest countries in South America is by using the Global Peace Index (GPI), a comprehensive data-driven indicator that analyzes the relative safety of countries around the world. Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), this report takes into account changes in geopolitical, national, and international trends, as well as data on the level of peace in 163 countries and territories, to shed light on where peace thrives and where it is threatened.

The Global Peace Index is not a simple numerical ranking of safety, but provides information on how different countries deal with conflict, manage internal problems and, most importantly, how they protect their citizens. It serves as a compass and benchmark for navigating and understanding global dynamics related to travel, investment, and expatriation. Two other indicators we will use are the intentional homicide rate and Numbeo’s Crime Index. Both show data on the number of homicides and crimes collected from user surveys.

GPI ranking from most peaceful to least peaceful:

1 Argentina (GPI score of 1.855)

2 Uruguay (GPI score of 1.893)

3 Chile (GPI score of 1.978)

4 Bolivia (GPI score of 2.009)

5 Paraguay (GPI score of 2.044)

6 Peru (GPI score of 2.179)

7 Ecuador (GPI score of 2.572)

8 Brazil (GPI score of 2.589)

9 Venezuela (GPI score of 2.821)

10 Colombia (GPI score of 2.887)

Homicide rate from lowest to highest:

1 Bolivia

2 Peru

3 Argentina

4 Chile

5 Paraguay

6 Uruguay

7 Brazil

8 Colombia

9 Venezuela

10 Ecuador

Numbeo crime index from lowest to highest:

1 Uruguay

2 Paraguay

3 Chile

4 Colombia

5 Ecuador

6 Argentina

7 Brazil

8 Bolivia

9 Peru

10 Venezuela

It is interesting to note that the United States, considered by some to be a fairly safe country worldwide, ranks 132nd in the GPI, just below Brazil. This report, like any other, should be taken with caution, as sometimes what appears on paper differs from what happens in real time on the ground.

No index represents the whole truth, but by using multiple statistics and data, we can see a trend that places Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay as the safest countries in South America. All four are cosmopolitan countries with modern cities and economic stability with solid growth prospects. On the other hand, we see that Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil tend to occupy the bottom ranks.

Breakdown of the safest countries in South America

If safety is your main concern, choosing the safest countries in South America should be your starting point. Below, we break down the safest countries according to the GPI, providing an overview of the safest cities and also the areas to avoid.

Safety in Argentina

Argentina continues to face economic challenges, but its current political situation has brought with it a sense of hope and reform. After years of endemic political corruption, economic hardship eventually took its toll on the population, leading to instability and unrest. Since the recent election of Javier Milei in 2023, Argentina has seen improvements in crime and peace indices.

South America’s second-largest country is now also its most peaceful.

Argentina is safe throughout the country, especially in rural and outlying provinces and in the Patagonia region. A medium-sized city like Mendoza, a popular destination for wine tourism, also has low crime rates.

Argentina’s two largest cities, Buenos Aires (the capital) and Córdoba, are relatively safe by South American standards, but it is still advisable to take the usual precautions. Crime tends to be higher in the suburbs and downtown areas, especially at night. The following neighborhoods are considered the safest in Buenos Aires:

• Palermo
• Recoleta
• Belgrano
• Chacarita
• Caballito.

Rosario is considered the most violent city in the country, but violence is concentrated in the outlying neighborhoods. Argentina also stands out for having one of the lowest homicide rates in South America, with 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants according to the latest figures. In fact, even Rosario has seen a 65% drop in homicides, 20.3% in robberies, and 55.5% in shootings since Milei’s government, according to Minister Bullrich.

Safety in Uruguay

Uruguay is the smallest country on this list and the second safest, as it has always been known for its political stability, essentially acting as a buffer between Brazil and Argentina. The peaceful atmosphere contrasts with that of its neighbor across the Río de la Plata. Compared to Argentina, Uruguay is more relaxed, although it does have some lively cities.

By South American standards, as in Argentina, crime rates are low. Violent crime is rare outside a few border towns near Brazil, and petty crime is somewhat prevalent in some central neighborhoods of the capital, Montevideo.

To stay safe in Montevideo, it is best to avoid the downtown area and poorly lit, isolated streets. It is preferable to stay in the coastal tourist areas near the Rambla, which are well patrolled. Punta Carretas, Pocitos, Recoleta, Malvín, and Carrasco are safe options for accommodation in the capital.

During the summer months, with the arrival of many tourists in Uruguay, the police presence is reinforced to ensure the safety of visitors. Punta del Este is one of the towns that sees an increase in tourists during this time, along with Colonia del Sacramento, a colonial city with a rich history; both are safe and have low crime rates.

Despite fluctuations in the homicide rate in recent years, which has reached 10.6 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, the total number remains very low given Uruguay’s small population.

Safety in Chile

When it comes to the most developed countries in South America, Chile always ranks at the top of the list, including in terms of safety. The modern infrastructure of its capital, Santiago, its strong institutions, and order have been hallmarks of the country for quite some time, although there has been a slight uptick in urban crime and civil unrest, such as the protests in 2019.

The mining towns in the north and the city of Antofagasta are the main areas of violence and security deterioration in the country, as this region has experienced an increase in organized crime and drug trafficking linked to mining and border issues. There has also been conflict between the state and indigenous groups in the south of Araucanía.

Santiago suffers from a certain rate of petty crime, although violent crime only occurs in the center or southern areas. As in any other large capital city, the usual precautions should be taken to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets or muggers. The eastern part of the city is prosperous and safer, rivaling European cities in terms of quality of life.

The following neighborhoods in eastern Santiago are among the safest in Latin America:

• Las Condes
• Vitacura
• Providencia
• Barrio Golf.

Despite some localized problems, Chile continues to outperform most of South America in terms of public safety, with a homicide rate of around 4.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 4.6 in 2022. Taking into account data on violent crime trends, Chile remains one of the safest countries in South America.

Safety in Bolivia

Bolivia is the country with the largest indigenous heritage in South America. It is a landlocked country characterized by the intersection of Andean, Amazonian, and Hispanic cultures, a dynamic mix of peoples that gives it a unique charm, although the country has suffered greatly from political instability and economic stagnation.

Bolivia is not known for violence, with a homicide rate of 3 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in South America. Its main concern is potential conflicts between political factions linked to different interests in the country.

Some safe destinations in Bolivia:

• Potosí: an old mining town in the Andes, a region known for its isolated, very safe and community-oriented rural villages.
• Sucre: the former capital, considered the safest and most beautiful city in Bolivia.
• Tarija: a wine-producing and cultural city.
• Copacabana: a small tourist town on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Apart from smuggling in the border regions, the places with the highest crime rates and which should be avoided in Bolivia are the El Alto area in the capital, La Paz, and the outskirts of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where extreme caution is recommended, especially at night.

If you are staying in the capital, the safe areas are: Zona Sur, Sopocachi, and Miraflores.

Safety in Paraguay

Paraguay is for some the least attractive country in South America. It is a landlocked, politically stable, and discreet country, which may appeal to some. Despite being overshadowed by its neighbors, Paraguay’s largely rural and community-oriented culture makes it a fairly safe country: crime is unevenly distributed between the capital, Asunción, the border regions, and the isolated rural interior.

The rural areas of southern Paraguay are really safe, as are the tourist town of San Bernardino and Villarica, a cultural and academic center. Encarnación is considered the most livable city in Paraguay and is becoming increasingly popular with retirees and expatriates.

Asunción, being the largest city and the capital, has some crime in the suburbs and downtown, but it is far removed from what happens in other South American capitals or overpopulated cities.

The best and safest neighborhoods in Asunción:

• Villa Morra
• Recoleta
• Ycua Sati
• Mburucuyá

The most dangerous area of the country is located on the triple border with Brazil and Argentina, around Ciudad del Este, famous for smuggling and black markets. In 2023, the homicide rate was 6.2 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, which is a decrease from the previous year.

Safety in Peru

Known for some of South America’s most iconic tourist destinations, Peru is a country with a mixed safety situation and ranks in the middle of the table. Overall crime rates have increased due to urban crime and drug trafficking in some specific areas.

In 2023, the homicide rate was 3.2 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, and in early 2025, the largest increase on record was recorded. Political stability has also declined. In March of this year, the government declared a state of emergency in the capital, Lima, to address the rise in violent crime. The Apurímac River Valley, controlled by drug traffickers, is considered a no-go zone, and the Amazon region is less safe than other parts of the country.

The center of Peru’s tourist areas are the Cusco and Sacred Valley areas, where Machu Picchu is located, which are considered safe for tourists and have little violent crime.

Other safe places in Peru:

• Huaraz: A city that is part of the peaceful mountainous region of the Cordillera Blanca.
• Trujillo (Huanchaco beach area): The coastal area of Huanchaco is relatively safe and popular with surfers and travelers.
• Arequipa: Peru’s second largest city, known for its charm and peaceful atmosphere, is considered the safest city.
• Iquitos: Considered the gateway and capital of the Peruvian Amazon.

Lima, the capital, is where crime has increased dramatically, especially in the suburbs, so it is now essential to be vigilant and stay in tourist and coastal areas, such as Barranco and Miraflores, the two safest and most prosperous neighborhoods in the city.

Safety in Ecuador

Ecuador had always been considered a peaceful and stable country compared to its neighbors, but things have changed recently and it is important to know where not to go. In general, for tourists visiting the country, staying in rural and mountainous regions allows for a more peaceful experience than in large cities.

In 2024, Ecuador’s homicide rate reached a record high of 47 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the highest in South America, up from 13.7 in 2021. Rising violence, organized crime, and social unrest have paved the way for political instability in the country, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency on several occasions.

Although the security situation has worsened in Ecuador, there are still places with some peace and stability. Cuenca, a city nestled in the Andes, is the third largest city and remains popular with expats and retirees looking for a safe place in the country. Another safe destination is the cultural capital of Loja, a small city near the border with Peru.

The capital, Quito, has also become less safe and certain areas are best avoided. The northern and central areas of Quito are considered safer for tourists than the southern areas.

The following are considered the safest areas of Quito:

• La Carolina
• La Floresta
• La Mariscal
• Quito’s Historic Center.

Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, is the epicenter of gang conflict and violence, with the highest murder rate in South America. The province of Manabí is the main corridor for illegal trafficking, so it should be avoided or, at the very least, extreme caution should be exercised.

Safety in Brazil

Brazil, which covers almost half of South America, is a country of continental size famous for its high rates of violent crime, which are always in the local news, and has cities that feature on the list of the most dangerous in the world. The reality of the security situation is more complicated than it appears at first glance, and a less biased view is needed to consider the differences between regions, cities, and neighborhoods in Brazil.

Brazil is divided into five distinct regions: North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South, each with its own crime levels. The country’s homicide rate in 2024 was 17.9 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest in a decade, although it remains one of the highest in South America.

The South is the safest region, with cities such as Curitiba and Maringá among the safest in the country and others with high human development indices. Here you will find modern cities with strong economies, advanced infrastructure, and low crime rates.

The Midwest, a more rural and agricultural region, is also relatively safe by Brazilian standards. The capital, Brasília, is located here, along with Goiânia and Campo Grande.

Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, located in the Southeast, are the two largest cities in Brazil, where most of the population is concentrated. In both places, you should remain alert in certain neighborhoods, as crime levels vary greatly from one area to another: pickpocketing, muggings, and other minor crimes can happen anywhere in these two cities.

If you are staying in São Paulo, the safest neighborhoods are:

• Pinheiros,
• Jardim Paulista
• Moema
• Vila Mariana
• Sumaré
• Itaim Bibi
• Alphaville.

In Rio, the safest neighborhoods are:

• Leblon
• Ipanema
• Barra da Tijuca
• Jardin Botanico
• Gavea
• Lagoa
• Recreio
• Urca.

Residents tend to leave the metropolitan areas of this region during holidays to travel to the surrounding mountainous areas or smaller towns, as they offer more peace and security.

The northern and northeastern regions of the country, with capitals such as Recife, Salvador, Manaus, and Fortaleza, among others, have some of the highest rates of homicide and violent crime compared to other regions of Brazil. When visiting these regions, you will find friendly people, as in the rest of Brazil, but it is essential to remain alert, especially in the center and in poorer areas.

That said, João Pessoa and Pipa are two places in the northeast that have attracted many foreigners due to their better safety record compared to the rest of the region.

Safety in Venezuela

Venezuela is the most mysterious country in South America, due to its rather opaque society and political corruption.

The country’s stunning natural beauty is less well known to foreigners, with pristine beaches and national parks that have the potential to become popular tourist destinations.

The United States and other Western countries advise against all non-essential travel to Venezuela due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, unjustified arrests, political instability, crime, and poor healthcare. The homicide rate, which peaked in 2017, has been declining, with 26.2 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants recorded in 2024.

As in the rest of South America, there are some areas considered more stable, especially for short stays and with guides or trusted locals. The most touristy places, such as the Caribbean archipelago of Los Roques, Margarita Island, and Mérida in the Andes, are known for their tranquility and for attracting wealthy and educated Venezuelans.

The capital, Caracas, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in South America, with street crime and a general lack of security. Despite this, there are some areas where you can enjoy a greater degree of safety compared to the rest of the city.

Some of the safest neighborhoods in the capital are:

• Bello Monte
• Los Palos Grandes
• Altamira
• Chacao

Maracaibo, the country’s second largest city, has suffered the effects of economic collapse, so it is also best to avoid it. Other places to avoid are cities rich in natural resources such as Ciudad Guayana, Ciudad Bolívar, and the regions bordering Colombia.

Safety in Colombia

Colombia has always epitomized the image of South America, both good and bad, being synonymous with a great diversity of cultures and landscapes, as well as drug-related violence and gangs. This negative reputation stems from the 1980s and 1990s due to drug trafficking and armed conflict.

Since then, Colombia has made great strides, thanks to greater political stability, experiencing a cultural renaissance and becoming a hub for tourism and digital nomads. The ongoing improvements are a positive change, although the country continues to face uneven security conditions, particularly in rural areas controlled by drug trafficking and urban crime in less safe neighborhoods.

Colombia’s three largest cities are the capital, Bogotá, followed by Medellín and Cali. These cities, like other large cities in South America, have more touristy and safer neighborhoods, and other areas that can be dangerous, where street crime is common, so precautions should be taken.

The best areas to stay in Medellín are:

• Poblado
• Laureles
• Envigado.

The best areas in terms of safety in Bogotá are:

• Zona T
• Parque 93.

Some medium-sized and small cities can be quite safe in Colombia. These include Manizales, in the coffee region; Palomino, a coastal town on the Caribbean; Bucaramanga, known for its history and nature; and the culturally rich city of Envigado.

Some places in Colombia are high-risk areas, such as the border regions, the rural Pacific coast, and Cali, which is a major city. Many of these places tend to be underdeveloped, plagued by guerrilla gangs, and with a large presence of contraband. In 2024, the homicide rate in Colombia was 25.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

How to avoid danger in South America

Staying safe in South America should not be a problem if you use common sense, act intelligently, and avoid the most dangerous places.

The difference between violent crimes and minor crimes is also significant, as some places may have a higher rate of minor crimes but a lower rate of violent crimes, and vice versa. Certain areas of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela have significantly higher rates of violent crime, although more touristy areas tend to suffer more minor incidents, such as pickpocketing.

Except for Brazil and the Guianas, Spanish is the main language spoken in South America. In Brazil, the largest country in South America, Portuguese is the official language.

Knowing the language reduces communication problems and increases your sense of security when faced with uncomfortable situations. Basic safety precautions should always be taken when traveling, especially in South American cities, and learning a few key phrases in Portuguese and Spanish will help you establish a good rapport and may prove useful in an emergency.

List of essential safety measures

Here are some recommendations and safety measures to keep in mind when visiting South America:

• Find out about your destination: look for recent incidents related to crime, natural disasters, or civil unrest. Check official and unofficial recommendations to stay up to date on any warnings. Book accommodation in a safe area of the city.
• Do not draw attention to yourself: take extra precautions in the most dangerous cities, avoid drawing attention to yourself by hiding valuables and wearing flashy clothing. Do not show your cell phone in public.
• Protect your personal documents: make physical and digital copies of your passport, ID card, and visa. Use different means of payment (cash, credit cards, debit cards, and cryptocurrencies).
• What to avoid: demonstrations, large gatherings, or crowded areas that may be unstable. Avoid favelas or slums, unless you are accompanied by trusted guides.

In conclusion

We hope you have found this information useful and that you will not be blinded by fear of the unknown or by the image of the world portrayed in the news, TV series, or movies. Ultimately, by following some common sense rules, most of South America can be visited without any problems. In fact, it is not very different from how things were in Spain and other European countries 30 or 40 years ago (or how things are currently in certain neighborhoods of Barcelona or other European cities).

If you want to take a step further and decide to change your residence, keep in mind that at Denationalize.me we can help you with the paperwork in a large number of countries, also if you want to invest somewhere in South America or the world.

Because your life is yours!