Safest Countries to Visit in South America in 2025 (Ranked for Beauty, Ease & Safety)
Is It Safe to Travel South America in 2025?
When I first started planning my trip, one of the biggest questions I had was:
“Is South America safe to travel?”
It’s a fair question — headlines can be dramatic, and not every country is created equal when it comes to safety, especially if you’re traveling solo or for the first time.
But after spending months exploring this incredible continent, I discovered something that guidebooks and Google searches often miss: South America is home to some of the safest, most beautiful, and traveler-friendly countries in the world — if you know where to go.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the safest countries to visit in South America in 2025, based on my experience and the latest travel updates. These destinations are not only peaceful and welcoming, but also packed with natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures.
So whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple planning a dream trip, or just trying to figure out where to go in South America without stress — this guide will help you travel smarter, safer, and with way more confidence.
| Country | Safety Level | Why It’s Safe | Personal Travel Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uruguay | 🟢 Excellent | Low crime, stable government | Montevideo felt peaceful and very safe |
| Chile | 🟢 Excellent | Safe public transport, great infrastructure | Santiago and Patagonia were easy to navigate |
| Argentina | 🟡 Moderate | Pickpockets in cities, Patagonia is calm | Keep your phone out of sight in Buenos Aires |
| Ecuador | 🟢 Safe | Friendly locals, welcoming to solo travelers | Baños and Galápagos felt very low-stress |
| Peru | 🟡 Mixed | Tourist spots are safe, cities need caution | Cusco was fine; Lima varies by neighborhood |
| Colombia | 🟡 Mixed | Major cities safe in tourist areas | Medellín metro is great, avoid sketchy zones |
| Bolivia | 🟡 Mixed | Tourist towns are calm, borders are tricky | Sucre and Uyuni felt very manageable |
| Brazil | 🔴 Use Caution | City centers can be risky, avoid favelas | Paraty was quiet, Rio felt intense |
| Venezuela | 🔴 Not Recommended | High instability, widespread crime | Skipped it entirely after local advice |
Top 5 Safest Countries to Visit in South America in 2025
When I first started planning my South America trip, safety was my biggest concern — especially as a solo traveler. After months of exploring city streets, mountain trails, and coastal towns across the continent, these are the safest South American countries I experienced firsthand.
These countries not only felt secure, but they also offered great infrastructure, friendly locals, and a relaxed pace — perfect for first-time visitors or cautious travelers.
1. Uruguay – Small, Friendly, and Surprisingly Cool
Why it’s safe: Uruguay consistently ranks as the safest country in South America. Walking through Montevideo or beach-hopping in Punta del Este, I never once felt uneasy — even after dark.
- Low crime rates, well-maintained cities, and relaxed vibes
- Great for couples, solo travelers, and digital nomads
- Public transport is clean and reliable
- Bonus: You can drink the tap water here (rare in South America!)
Perfect for: First-timers, relaxed beach lovers, anyone craving peace and quiet
2. Chile – Clean, Efficient, and Naturally Stunning
Why it’s safe: From Santiago to the wilds of Patagonia, Chile felt organized and safe. I found the metro easy to use, people helpful, and services reliable — even in small towns.
- Low violent crime rates
- Tourists are welcomed, and scams are minimal
- Great infrastructure, especially for solo or female travelers
- Perfect base for Patagonia adventures
Perfect for: Nature lovers, solo travelers, Patagonia hikers
3. Ecuador – Welcoming and Easy to Navigate
Why it’s safe: Ecuador surprised me — not just with its landscapes, but how easy it was to get around. Sure, Quito has its sketchy corners, but outside the capital, safety was rarely a concern.
- Great for backpackers and budget travelers
- Andes towns and coastal villages feel very secure
- Galápagos Islands are ultra-safe and well-managed
- Warm locals, excellent bus system
Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts, first-time backpackers, wildlife watchers
Keyword match: safest places to travel in South America, best South American countries to visit
4. Argentina – Lively Cities, Low-Risk Nature
Why it’s safe: Buenos Aires has its pickpocket zones, yes — but outside the capital? I never felt threatened. Patagonia, Mendoza, and smaller towns felt completely at ease.
- Urban caution required, but overall tourism-friendly
- Safe for solo travelers and families
- Plenty of police presence in tourist areas
- Known for its hospitality and strong tourism infrastructure
Perfect for: Culture seekers, hikers, foodies
5. Galápagos Islands – Wild, Protected, and Incredibly Safe
Why it’s safe:
Although technically part of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands deserve their own spotlight when it comes to safe travel. These UNESCO-protected islands are tightly regulated, incredibly clean, and full of friendly locals and park guides who prioritize both environmental and tourist safety.
- Strict entry controls and park rules keep things orderly
- Very low crime rate across all inhabited islands
- Ideal for families, solo travelers, and older tourists
- Well-developed infrastructure for tours, ferries, and lodging
Perfect for: Wildlife lovers, nature photographers, slow travelers
Moderate-Risk Countries in South America — Safe to Visit With Smart Travel Habits
Not every South American country is “perfectly” safe — but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them. In fact, some of the most unforgettable places I visited fall into this middle zone: safe with caution.
These countries are incredible travel destinations, filled with rich culture, jaw-dropping nature, and vibrant cities — just be a little more mindful, especially in busy areas or late at night.
Colombia — Vibrant, Beautiful, and Improving Fast
Why it’s worth visiting: Colombia has transformed over the past decade. From Cartagena’s old town to Medellín’s cable cars, this country stole my heart — and surprised me with its hospitality.
Stay safe by:
- Sticking to tourist zones in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena
- Avoiding border regions and remote rural areas
- Taking Ubers instead of hailing street taxis
Why I loved it: Coffee country views, Caribbean beaches, and street food in Bogotá. Just… wow.
Perfect for: Culture lovers, foodies, backpackers
Peru — Ancient Ruins and Tourist Infrastructure
Why it’s worth visiting: I trekked to Machu Picchu, danced in Cusco, and tried street food in Lima — Peru was one of my favorite places in South America. And while most of it felt safe, there were a few “watch-your-back” moments in big cities.
Stay safe by:
- Avoiding poorly lit streets in Lima after dark
- Using tourist buses for long-distance travel
- Watching out for bag snatchers in busy markets
Why I loved it: The Inca Trail, Sacred Valley, and fresh ceviche. Peru is magic.
Perfect for: History buffs, hikers, solo adventurers
Brazil — Beautiful But Bold
Why it’s worth visiting: Rio de Janeiro is one of the most electric cities I’ve ever stepped into. Brazil’s beaches, waterfalls, and music are unforgettable. But yes, it’s not the safest spot — and demands street smarts.
Stay safe by:
- Avoiding favelas unless on a guided tour
- Leaving valuables at your hotel
- Visiting landmarks during daylight hours only
Why I loved it: Samba in Lapa, sunsets from Sugarloaf, and island-hopping off the coast of Paraty.
Perfect for: Experienced travelers, nightlife lovers, photographers
Bolivia — Raw, Rugged, and Affordable
Why it’s worth visiting: Bolivia is a budget traveler’s dream — Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and colonial towns all blew me away. I personally felt safe in Sucre and Uyuni, but border towns and La Paz had a few tense moments.
Stay safe by:
- Avoiding bus terminals late at night
- Keeping money hidden and using cross-body bags
- Staying in hostels or hotels with solid reviews
Why I loved it: Salt flats that look like other planets, street markets, and friendly locals in small towns.
Perfect for: Budget travelers, adventure seekers, off-the-beaten-path explorers
Countries to Avoid or Visit With Caution (2025 Travel Advisory)
While South America is home to many safe and welcoming destinations, not every country is ideal for travel right now. In fact, some places face serious challenges — from political instability to crime and infrastructure issues — that make them risky, especially for first-time visitors.
This section highlights the countries that, based on current travel advisories, you should either avoid or approach with extra care.
Venezuela — Beautiful, But Not Safe for Tourists
Status: Strongly discouraged
Why: Although Venezuela boasts stunning landscapes like Angel Falls, the reality on the ground is harsh. Ongoing political unrest, hyperinflation, and widespread crime — including armed robberies and kidnappings — make it one of the most dangerous countries in South America right now.
Even seasoned travelers are avoiding it. In fact, most embassies advise against non-essential travel.
Risk level: 🔴 Very High
Instead: Consider exploring remote natural wonders like waterfalls in Brazil or Peru, which offer similar beauty with far more stability.
Paraguay — Low Crime, But Lacking Infrastructure
Status: Exercise caution
Why: Paraguay is relatively quiet when it comes to violent crime; however, the lack of tourist infrastructure can become a real issue. For example, getting help in an emergency may be difficult due to limited English, healthcare, and transit support.
Risk level: 🟠 Medium
If you go:
- Plan all routes in advance
- Stick to well-traveled areas
- Avoid city outskirts and rural roads at night
Regional Warnings: Borders and Remote Zones
Even within countries that are generally safe — like Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia — some specific regions demand caution. These include rural or border zones where law enforcement is weaker or non-existent.
For example:
- The Colombia–Venezuela border sees frequent smuggling and clashes.
- Some deep Amazon regions are beautiful but extremely remote, with no emergency support.
- The north of Argentina and south of Paraguay occasionally report armed robberies or narcotics-related crime.
Therefore, before traveling to lesser-known areas, always check:
- Your embassy’s alerts and warnings
- Travel forums like Reddit or Facebook groups for recent updates
- Sites like SafeAround or official travel.gov pages
Summary Table – Countries or Areas to Avoid in 2025
| Country/Region | Safety Rating | Concerns |
| Venezuela | 🔴 Very High | Crime, political instability, supply shortages |
| Paraguay | 🟠 Moderate | Limited infrastructure, healthcare, and guidance |
| Border Zones (e.g., Colombia–Venezuela) | 🟠 Moderate | Smuggling routes, unrest, guerrilla groups |
| Deep Amazon Areas | 🟠 Moderate | Remoteness, no quick emergency access |
Quick Reminder: Most of South America is safe if you plan smart. However, skipping high-risk areas means less stress and a better trip overall.
Next up: Would you like me to write the Final Thoughts & Safe Travel Tips Recap now — with internal linking prompts to your other blog posts?
Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Travel Smart, and See the Best of South America
South America is as rewarding as it is diverse. From the relaxed beaches of Uruguay to the pristine national parks of Chile, traveling here can be life-changing — as long as you plan smart.
I’ve personally walked the vibrant streets of Colombia, hiked Patagonia’s jagged peaks, and shared meals with locals in Ecuador. And I’ll say this: South America is safer than most headlines make it seem — especially when you know where to go and how to prepare.
So whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple planning your dream trip, or a first-time backpacker, here are a few final tips to help you explore with confidence.
Safe Travel Tips for South America (That Actually Work)
These are things I used myself — and they made all the difference.
- Blend in when possible
Avoid flashy clothes, designer gear, or big camera setups in cities. Looking like a local means fewer targets for petty theft. - Use Uber or trusted apps over taxis
Especially at night. In many countries, Uber is safer and cheaper than street cabs. - Keep digital + paper copies of your ID
I always carry one printed copy in my day bag and one digital version backed up online. - Choose accommodations with strong reviews
Read recent reviews (not just star ratings) on Booking or Hostelworld to avoid unsafe areas. - Avoid bus stations late at night
Even in safe countries like Argentina, bus terminals can be sketchy after dark. - Travel insurance isn’t optional
A stolen bag or medical emergency can happen anywhere. I always use World Nomads or SafetyWing. - Stay informed about current events
Protests, elections, or transport strikes can pop up — follow local news or use Google Alerts for your destination.
Ready to Explore?
Now that you know the safest countries to visit in South America, you’re one step closer to planning a trip that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.
And remember — it’s not about avoiding the whole continent. It’s about traveling with awareness, choosing the right places, and staying open to the magic that South America offers in every direction.
Want to go deeper?
👉 Check out my [Ultimate South America Travel Guide] or explore [Top 25 Places to Visit in South America Ranked by Cost, Safety & Beauty].
Happy travels — and stay safe out there.
