The Safest Countries in South America for Tourists in 2026

South America is often associated with the Amazon rainforest, the ocean, mountains, and vibrant cities, yet many tourists are still deterred by the region’s reputation as a dangerous place to travel. In reality, the continent is home to countries with stable political situations, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and relatively low crime rates. Learn more about the safest countries in South America for travel in 2026

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Just a few years ago, many tourists associated South America primarily with crime, instability, and risky travel. However, the situation in the region is gradually changing. Countries are actively investing in tourism, improving infrastructure, strengthening security in popular tourist areas, and expanding international air service.

Today, millions of travelers visit Patagonia, the Andes, the Galápagos Islands, Argentina’s wine regions, or Uruguay’s beaches every year without any major issues. According to the Global Peace Index, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina consistently rank among the continent’s safest countries. At the same time, even in these countries, tourists are advised to follow basic safety rules: avoid dangerous areas at night, do not flaunt expensive items, and keep a close eye on personal belongings while using public transportation.

It is also important to understand that safety levels often depend not on the country as a whole, but on a specific city or neighborhood. For example, the tourist districts of Buenos Aires or Santiago may be significantly safer for travelers than certain remote areas of large cities.

That is why, before traveling to South America, you should not rely on stereotypes but rather check up-to-date information about your specific destination, transportation, neighborhoods to stay in, and local safety rules.

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Uruguay: The Most Peaceful Country in South America

Uruguay has long been considered one of the safest and most stable countries in the region. It is often called the “Switzerland of Latin America” due to its high standard of living, political stability, and relatively low crime rate compared to neighboring countries. For many tourists, Uruguay is the most comfortable place to start exploring South America.

The country’s capital, Montevideo, is known for its peaceful atmosphere, wide promenades, and safe tourist areas. Violent crimes are less common here than in many other major cities on the continent. Tourists often choose to stay in the neighborhoods of Positos, Punta Carretas, and Ciudad Vieja, which have well-developed infrastructure and are home to many cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

Among the most popular destinations are also:

- Punta del Este – the country’s main beach resort with clean beaches and modern hotels;

- Colonia del Sacramento – a charming colonial town with historic architecture;

- Punta del Diablo – a quiet resort for nature lovers and surfers.

Tourists also note the comfortable public transportation, good roads, and a relatively calm atmosphere even in the evenings. Uruguay also has a lower level of corruption than many countries in the region, which positively impacts overall safety for foreigners.

At the same time, it is not advisable to completely ignore safety rules. The most common problem for tourists is petty theft in crowded places or on beaches.

Travelers are advised to:

- Do not leave phones and bags unattended;

- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps;

- Avoid sparsely populated areas late at night;

- Keep documents and large sums of money in hotel safes.

Another feature of Uruguay is its relatively high prices. Compared to other South American countries, a vacation here can be significantly more expensive, especially during the high season on the Atlantic coast. However, many tourists believe that the comfort and safety make up for these costs.

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Chile: a stable country with one of the best infrastructures in the region

Chile regularly ranks among the safest countries in Latin America thanks to its relatively stable economy, high-quality infrastructure, and well-developed tourism sector. For many travelers, the country is also attractive because it offers a variety of completely different natural landscapes: from the Atacama Desert to the glaciers of Patagonia.

The capital, Santiago, is considered one of the most modern cities on the continent. It features a convenient metro system, well-developed public transportation, and a wide range of tourist services. The areas most comfortable for foreigners are typically Las Condes, Providencia, and Vitacura—this is where many hotels, restaurants, and business centers are located.

Among Chile’s main tourist destinations are:

- The Atacama Desert—one of the best places in the world for stargazing;

- Patagonia—a region of mountains, glaciers, and national parks;

- Valparaíso—a vibrant port city with colorful houses and street art;

- Easter Island – one of the most remote inhabited islands on the planet.

Chile also has a reputation for good roads, high-quality domestic flights, and user-friendly logistics for tourists. This is especially important for those planning independent travel without tour operators.

However, even in Chile, tourists should be cautious in major cities. Most often, travelers encounter pickpocketing on the subway, buses, or on popular tourist streets. Additionally, in recent years, the country has seen periodic protests and demonstrations, especially in downtown Santiago.

Before traveling, tourists are advised to:

- Check the current situation in areas of major cities;

- Avoid carrying valuables in plain sight;

- Avoid unlicensed taxis;

- Keep a close eye on your belongings on public transportation and at airports.

Despite these nuances, Chile remains one of the most comfortable countries in South America for independent travel, family tourism, and active recreation.

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Argentina: a comfortable country for a first visit to the continent

Argentina remains one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its combination of numerous natural sites, the European atmosphere of its cities, and relatively comfortable conditions for travelers. Despite the economic difficulties of recent years, the country continues to rank among the region’s safest destinations for tourists.

Buenos Aires traditionally attracts the most foreigners—a city with a vibrant nightlife, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving culinary scene. For accommodation, tourists most often choose the Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero districts, which are considered the safest and most comfortable for walking.

In addition to the capital, the following destinations are popular:

- Patagonia – a region known for hiking, mountains, and glaciers;

- Mendoza – the country’s main wine region;

- Iguazu Falls – one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks;

- Bariloche – a resort town with lakes and mountain scenery.

Argentina is also considered quite convenient for independent travel. The country has well-developed domestic flights, bus services, and tourist amenities. In major cities, it’s easy to find hotels of various categories, coworking spaces, English-language tours, and international restaurants.

At the same time, it is important for tourists to take the country’s economic instability into account. Due to inflation, prices can change rapidly, and there is often a significant difference between the official and unofficial exchange rates at currency exchange offices. Additionally, petty theft is common in major cities, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation.

To avoid problems while traveling, travelers are advised to:

- Avoid displaying expensive gadgets and jewelry;

- Use official currency exchange offices or bank cards;

- Avoid sparsely populated areas at night;

- Check the safety of neighborhoods in advance before booking accommodation.

Despite certain risks, Argentina remains one of the most comfortable countries for exploring South America, especially for those who want to combine nature, gastronomy, outdoor activities, and big cities in a single trip.

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Paraguay: an underrated but peaceful travel destination

Paraguay rarely makes it onto lists of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, yet many travelers consider this its greatest advantage. There are far fewer tourists here than in Brazil or Argentina, and life in many cities is calmer and slower-paced.

The country attracts visitors with its affordable prices, lush nature, and the atmosphere of a less “commercialized” South America. The capital, Asunción, doesn’t have the same tourist traffic as the region’s major metropolises, so typical tourist scams or overcrowded tourist areas are less common here.

Among the reasons why tourists are increasingly turning their attention to Paraguay:

- Lower prices for accommodation and food;

- A calmer atmosphere in the cities;

- Fewer tourists;

- A large number of natural sites and national parks.

Travelers also note the friendliness of the locals and the lack of excessive tourist noise. For those who want to experience a more authentic South America without crowds of tourists, Paraguay can be an interesting alternative to popular destinations.

However, the country has its own peculiarities. The tourism infrastructure here is less developed than in Chile or Argentina. In some regions, there may be difficulties with the English language, transportation, or online payments. Additionally, some areas near the borders are considered less safe due to smuggling and the black market.

Before traveling to Paraguay, tourists are advised to:

- Book accommodations only in safe areas;

- Use official transportation;

- Avoid traveling alone to remote border regions;

- Carry some cash, as credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

Despite the lack of mass tourism, Paraguay is gradually becoming more popular among travelers seeking quieter and less crowded destinations in South America.

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Ecuador: a country of contrasts for cautious travelers

Ecuador is often called one of the most interesting countries in South America thanks to its combination of the ocean, the Andes, colonial cities, and the Galápagos Islands. At the same time, the security situation here is more complex than in Uruguay or Chile, so it is important for tourists to plan their itinerary carefully and be selective about the regions they choose to visit.

The tourist areas of Quito, Cuenca, and parts of the mountainous regions are traditionally considered the safest for foreigners. Cuenca remains particularly popular among tourists—a peaceful city with a mild climate, colonial architecture, and a large number of foreigners who move here for extended periods.

The Galápagos Islands play a special role in Ecuador’s tourism—one of the world’s most famous natural destinations. It is here that tourists can see unique animals, volcanic landscapes, and Pacific beaches. The level of safety on the islands is usually significantly higher than in some mainland regions of the country.

Tourists in Ecuador are attracted by:

- The Galápagos Islands;

- Volcanoes and the Andes;

- Colonial cities;

- Affordable prices compared to many other countries on the continent.

However, in recent years, the country has periodically experienced security issues due to the activities of criminal groups and instability in some coastal regions. For this reason, tourists are advised to be particularly careful when choosing itineraries and to check current travel advisories before traveling.

Travelers are also advised to:

- Avoid certain areas of major cities at night;

- Do not use unlicensed taxis;

- Do not carry large amounts of cash;

- Check the situation in coastal regions in advance.

Despite certain risks, Ecuador remains very popular among tourists thanks to its nature, climate, and the opportunity to see the ocean, the jungle, and the high-altitude regions of the Andes in a single trip. The key is to choose locations wisely and follow basic safety rules.

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What do tourists need to know before traveling to South America?

Even in the safest countries of South America, tourists should take travel planning seriously. Most of the problems travelers face in the region are not related to serious crime, but to petty theft, fraud, or the tourists’ own carelessness.

It’s important to check current safety ratings before traveling, especially if your route passes through major cities or border areas. In many countries, the situation can vary significantly depending on the city or even a specific neighborhood.

One of the main tips for tourists is not to display expensive items in crowded places. Phones, cameras, and jewelry often attract the attention of pickpockets, especially on public transportation, at markets, and near popular landmarks.

Special attention should be paid to transportation. In large cities, tourists are advised to use official taxis or apps like Uber or Cabify. In some countries, it is also better to plan overnight bus trips only through trusted carriers.

Before traveling, it is also advisable to:

- Purchase travel insurance;

- Keep copies of documents on your phone and in cloud storage;

- Have multiple payment methods—a card and cash;

- Check vaccination requirements or medical recommendations for specific regions.

For many travelers, mobile internet remains a key concern. International eSIM services are available in most South American countries, and in major cities, it’s easy to purchase a local SIM card with unlimited data.

Despite stereotypes, South America can be a perfectly comfortable travel destination if you plan your route in advance, carefully choose where to stay, and follow basic safety rules.

Are you planning a trip and want to prepare without unnecessary stress? Visit World's travel guide contains key tips for travelers: rules of entry and stay, current requirements for tourists, basic safety, transportation and accommodation. Such a guide will help you quickly navigate a new country, avoid common mistakes during your trip, and plan your route taking into account practical nuances that often go unnoticed by tourists.

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