The safest countries in South America are the dream destinations for many people, not only for traveling but also for relocating.
South America is a place with the most breathtaking beauty, miraculous views, and tons of opportunities.
It is home to people who love enjoying diverse cuisine, ancient sites, adventures, and whatnot.
This continent is home to amazing picturesque landscapes, unspoiled jungles, and panoramic beaches. You will be stunned by their heavenly beauty once you visit the islands, mountains, and lively cities.
But what beauty is if you do not find yourself secure? So before visiting this astonishing beauty, you must make sure you land in one of the safest countries in South America.
List of the Safest Countries in South America
Before visiting South America, one is always concerned about how safe it is to see this great land. So, the safest countries in South America that you would want to visit on your tour are listed here:
1. Uruguay
A small country bordered by two large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay always gets suppressed because of their charms.
In terms of safety, Uruguay tops among the safest countries in South America.
This country provides one hell of an experience due to its rich history. Though it fails to attract many visitors, sometimes these small countries can present the best experience.
Having a Global Peace Index (GPI), Uruguay comes at the 35th position out of 163 countries. It is the safest and most peaceful country in South America.
Not only does it have crime rates equivalent to none, but it also has such a geographical position that the possibility of natural disasters is very low.
1.1 Go to Places in Uruguay:
• Montevideo
A visit is always incomplete if the capital city is left unexplored, so do not forget to visit the incredible capital city, Montevideo.
• Punta del Este
Don’t forget to jet-set and have a lifetime experience in Punta del Este.
• Colonia del Sacramento
For history lovers, Colonia del Sacramento is the right choice.
• Punta del Diablo
Get a lifetime hiking experience in Punta del Diablo.
• Cabo Polonio
If you are interested in exploring ocean life, you can surely spot sea lions and other ocean creatures in Cabo Polonio.
2. Chile
Known for its diverse beer culture, Chile is one of the safest countries in South America.
It is a small country, but still, it never fails to charm its visitors. Chile is internationally famous for its luscious red wines and monstrous pisco.
Regarding safety in Chile, the crime rate here is very low. Even according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), it stands in the 45th position.
If you want to spend your vacation in a peaceful environment and a place with magnificent beauty, then Chile is your best choice.
Here, the only problems one can face are getting lost while hiking in those conspicuous landscapes or the minor earthquakes that this city regularly experiences.
Major earthquakes are not often, but you can experience a few shakes during your visit. It is always preferable to have a proper, amazing map for hiking.
2.1 Much Needed to Go to Places in Chile:
• Torres Del Paine National Park
For wildlife lovers, Torres del Paine National Park is one heck of a choice.
• The Atacama Dessert
Though known as one of the driest places in the world, it still does not fail to amaze its visitors.
• Easter Island
The major attraction which history lovers would not want to miss. Rapa Nui National Park tells a ton of stories about Rapa Nui.
• Santiago
The cultural capital of Chile is something that you might never want to miss.
• Valparaíso
A town with an amazing rustic and bohemian effect will add colors to your trip. It displays one of the best fireworks in the United States on New Year’s Eve.
3. Argentina
Argentina is the country where tango (a popular dance form throughout the world) originated and is the most visited in South America.
Not only that, but it is also in the 74th position according to the Global Price Index (GPI).
Whenever you visit this incredible country, stay clear of petty crimes. Not only that, but also make sure you do not catch any dengue fever while you visit.
So please do not take any chances when it comes to hygiene, and make sure you stay more careful in the capital city of Buenos Aires.
3.1 Much Needed Go to Places in Argentina:
• Buenos Aires
For dance lovers, visiting the capital city, i.e., Buenos Aires, is a must as you will find the best tango here.
While visiting Argentina, how can one not miss one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites?
It is a must-visit national park in which you can visit the ever-growing Perito Moreno Glacier.
• Mendoza
The city filled with Art Deco architecture is something miraculous to experience.
• Valle de la Luna
This place provides you with the most magical experience, and the Moon Valley here is where dinosaurs once roamed.
4. Paraguay
Declared the heart of South America, Paraguay never fails to amaze its tourists.
It is one of the most breathtaking countries in South America. Not only that, but with a ranking of 75 according to Global Peace Index, it is one of the safest countries in South America.
Located between Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, Paraguay still provides an unforgettable experience to its visitors.
For history lovers, the capital city, Asunción, is one hell of a choice. For adventurous people, national parks and wetlands are great choices to explore.
Regarding safety, we all know it is one of the safest South American countries. But still, be aware of some petty crimes and the corrupt police.
Therefore, the overall risk of visiting Paraguay is medium.
4.1 Go to Places in Paraguay:
• Asunción
This capital city will leave you stunned as you find everything here, from history to the modern world.
• Encarnacion
The country’s wonderful city as well as the cheapest shopping place. This city, no doubt, is Paraguay’s pride.
• Saltos del Monday
If you love waterfalls as we do, this place is a must-visit as it possesses the country’s strongest waterfalls.
• Ybycuí National Park
There is no better place for a nature lover than an incredible national park. Here, you can have precious time with nature, and you can even spot some rare animals.
5. Peru
This third-largest South American country is a kind of tourist destination. It offers incredible views, magical landscapes, and rich history.
To all the people keen to visit Peru, you will be relieved to know that it is also considered one of the safest countries in South America.
Ranked at 84th position according to the Global Peace Index, it is not as safe as other countries in South America, but still, with its immense beauty, visiting here is worth it.
Therefore, whenever you visit Peru, stay clear of the petty crimes performed here. Those crimes are more likely to happen to those who are irresponsible with their belongings.
This country gives a heavenly experience to its visitors because it is situated high above sea level. Due to its location, many visitors might suffer from altitude sickness due to such a new environment.
The wildlife environment here is a major reason for the attraction of many travelers. To be safe and secure, make sure you stay clear of Peru’s border areas and take care of your belongings a little extra in Lima.
5.1 Go to Places in Peru:
• Machu Picchu
The land with tons of mystical stories and a great place to hike is Machu Picchu in Peru. Plus, it would be foolish to miss out on a visit to one of the world’s seven wonders.
• Lima
The historic center here in Lima is a UNESCO world heritage site that you will not be willing to miss.
• Barranca
Barranca City in Peru will provide an unforgettable colonial architecture experience and hillside ocean views.
• Arequipa
Arequipa is one of the great cities in Peru and something which every person would love to visit.
• Manu National Park
For people who love to experience complete wildlife adventures, the national park situated in the Amazon rainforest of Peru, Manu National Park is an amazing choice.
6. Ecuador
On the west coast of South America, with magical influence, is a country named Ecuador.
It is home to the great Galapagos island and possesses historical links to ancient Incas and unusual modern-day exports.
It also comes under the list of safest countries in South America and has a biodiverse environment.
Ranked in the 90th position according to the Global Peace Index, it might not be as safe as other South American countries, but still, it is a great choice.
The major safety issue here is safety from natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. So, make sure you are aware and updated on the preventive measures used in these natural disasters.
But still, compared with other parts of South America, it is considered one of the safest countries in South America.
Quito and Guayaquil are those places here that usually experience petty crimes, nothing major.
Better avoid places in the northern areas of Carchi and Sucumbios, which share a border with Columbia, as they experience extreme rates of major organized crimes.
6.1 Go to Places in Ecuador:
• The Galápagos Islands
It is like those places that offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here you can experience various adventurous activities which will be unforgettable to you.
• Quito
The whole city here is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also the highest capital city in the world and possesses a rich, tangible history.
• Mindo Cloud Forest
For people who love birds, Mindo cloud forest is the most promising opportunity. Here, you can find tons of bird species that you can watch.
• Cotopaxi
If you are keen to experience a hike on an active volcano, you would not want to miss visiting Cotopaxi.
Bottom Line
So, whenever you wish to visit South America, make sure you consider these safest countries in South America on your tour.
Have fun, and stay safe!
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
