Safest Countries in South America for Travelers (2026 Guide)

Uruguay has quietly become the gold standard for South America safety. The 2025 Global Peace Index puts it at 47th in the world, the highest in the region. Violent crime rates are low, Montevideo's homicide rate sits at 8 per 100,000, significantly below the continental average. The Ciudad Vieja district is policed heavily, and most street crime is limited to petty theft. Tap water is drinkable in urban areas, and the healthcare system is reliable for travelers. Locals will tell you the Rambla is the safest place for an evening walk, with families and joggers out until late.

Chile comes in strong at number two. Its GPI score is 55, and Santiago's crime rate has dropped steadily since 2023, thanks to expanded transit police and citywide CCTV. The Vitacura and Providencia neighborhoods are favorites for both expats and visitors, and the metro is considered one of the safest in Latin America. In Patagonia, cities like Punta Arenas are as quiet as small towns. Emergency numbers, such as 133 for police, are answered quickly, and hospitals like Clinica Alemana cater to international tourists.

Argentina rounds out the top three with a GPI score of 68. Buenos Aires can feel big and chaotic, but Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero are known for low crime and walkability. Mendoza, gateway to the Andes, reports fewer than 5 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 residents annually. Intercity buses are safe and comfortable; Andesmar and Via Bariloche both offer VIP seats starting at $28. The Subte metro is reliable until midnight, and taxis are regulated, use official 'radio taxis' or the BA Taxi app.

Venezuela consistently ranks as the least safe country in South America, with a GPI near the bottom globally. Caracas and Maracaibo have some of the world's highest violent crime rates. That said, a handful of areas, like Mérida and the Los Roques Archipelago, are safer for those with local contacts or on organized tours. The US State Department currently advises against all non-essential travel. If you must go, fly directly into Maiquetía airport and arrange pre-booked transfers.

Guyana is mostly peaceful in the interior, but Georgetown sees high rates of theft and armed robbery compared to other South American capitals. The safest experiences are with guided tours to Kaieteur Falls or Iwokrama Rainforest. Hotels like Pegasus and Cara Lodge in central Georgetown use private security, but you should avoid venturing out after 9 PM unless with a group. Water taxis on the Demerara River are best used during daylight.

Parts of northern and eastern Brazil, especially in and around Belém, Manaus, and Fortaleza, have seen a spike in violent crime since 2022. The safest areas are the tourist zones of Salvador’s Barra and Recife’s Boa Viagem, but always check current advisories and stick to main streets. Domestic airlines like Azul and GOL offer direct flights to the safest cities, so avoid long-distance bus travel in the north.

Travorio makes booking to the safest places in South America simple, especially if you want to pay flexibly. You can search flights from the US or Canada to Montevideo, Santiago, or Buenos Aires on airlines like LATAM, Copa, and Aerolíneas Argentinas, often with layovers under 4 hours. For hotels, Travorio’s Pay Later option lets you split your bill into four zero-interest payments with Sezzle or PayPal Pay Later if you need to spread out the cost.

If you’re into crypto, book with crypto using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or over 100 other coins. The checkout is smooth, and you’ll get instant confirmation. This is especially handy if you’re already abroad or want to lock in low exchange rates. Most hotels in Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina accept digital booking vouchers from Travorio.

Once you’ve booked, download airline and hotel apps for mobile check-in. LATAM’s app works in English and lets you pick seats for free on most international routes. Many South American airports use biometric check-in kiosks, but always carry a paper copy of your itinerary. For local transit, get a SUBE card in Buenos Aires or a Bip! card in Santiago at airport kiosks for less than $2 each.

Traveling with family or in a group? Travorio’s filters let you search by hotel safety score, neighborhood, or amenities like 24-hour reception. I booked the Dazzler by Wyndham in Montevideo for $72/night last March, and it’s walking distance from the Rambla and Ciudad Vieja. The reviews on Travorio tend to be more detailed than Booking.com or Expedia, especially for solo travelers flagging safe areas.