14 Safest Cities in South America For Worry Free Travel

Safety is usually the number one concern among travelers. To ease your mind (and your luggage), this article will give you a run-down of the safest cities in South America.

South America is popular with travelers for its breathtaking nature and variety. A lot of people still think it’s unsafe, which isn’t the case at all. Over the last decade, the entire continent certainly got safer.

And I know, because I have traveled to nine different South American countries. I have to say that South America is my favorite continent to visit. That is why I will share some of the safest cities in South America, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI), and what fun things you can do when you’re in the city.

1. Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay is the safest country in South America. Montevideo, its capital, is extremely calm and peaceful. It’s one of the safest cities in Latin America, which makes it great if you’re traveling solo, with your family, or just want to have a calm vacation.

So, do you plan to visit Uruguay? I can highly recommend you start in Montevideo, that’s also what we did. It’s fun to have a walking tour around the city and see the beautiful landmarks, like the Solis Theatre and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Don’t worry, the only thing risky here is falling in love with the local food. They have high-quality steaks and you can’t go wrong pairing them with Tannat wine.

If you like history, don’t skip the National Museum of Visual Arts. Head to Pocitos Beach for some relaxation, which is where many local go to because it’s close to the city center.

What are some things to do in Montevideo?:

• Explore Plaza Independencia
• Have lunch or dinner at Mercado del Puerto
• Take photos of the historical Salvo Palace

2. Santiago, Chile

If you find yourself in Chile, chances are you arrive at Santiago, Chile’s capital. You won’t think that Santiago has a population of over seven million. Why? In contrast to many other cities, it has clean public areas, reliable public transportation (which I love), and active police.

So relax. It’s a great city to walk around in. When your legs get tired, just take the metro. We took the metro the entire duration of our stay, and it’s a really easy way to get around. Explore areas like the Plaza de Armas, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palacio de La Moneda.

Some Best Things To Do in Santiago:

• Visit the Plaza de Armas
• Explore the Cerro San Cristobal
• Visit the Mercado Central for the freshest foods

3. Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas is located in Chile’s southernmost region of Magallanes and Antartica Chilena. Punta Arenas is generally safe for visitors, with petty theft being the main issue. So, keep an eye on your expensive belongings like your phone and camera gear. I haven’t heard about anyone being robbed or pickpocketed in Punta Arenas, so I’d recommend you mostly keep an eye on the breathtaking scenery.

For those who want to explore Patagonia, Punta Arenas is a great place to start. The city has several attractions like Plaza Muñoz Gamero, Palacio Sara Braun, and the Museo Regional de Magallanes.

The biggest attraction is the penguins, which you can see closely. I do recommend you book early because, in the high season, tours fill up quickly. We didn’t have time to wait for the next available tour when we visited, and the penguins was one of the main reasons we want, so I tell everyone who wants to listen about that.

And don’t forget to visit the nearby Torres del Paine National Park. It has stunning scenery and one of the best hiking trails in the world: the famous W-Trek. Just be warned: the views are so beautiful, they might take your breath away (literally, it’s a lot of hiking).

Punta Arenas also has for its delicious seafood, because it’s literally next to the sea. It’s specialty is king crab, which is very local and fresh. If you’re into seafood, I can highly recommend it.

Best Things To Do in Punta Arenas:

• Visit the Nao Victoria Museum
• Walk around Plaza Muñoz Gamero
• Explore the Parque del Estrecho de Magallanes

4. Mendoza, Argentina

In Argentina’s stunning wine country, you’ll find Mendoza. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains, it has a very friendly vibe. When I visited, I was really surprised at how green it was. There were so many pretty parks to sit down in or historic plazas to explore.

From Mendoza, you can visit famous vineyards by bike or even by bus. It’s a lot of fun biking around from vineyard to vineyard. I do have to warn you, when it’s 95°F (35°C) out, do drink a lot of water as well. Or you’ll have a terrible headache.

Mendoza focuses on community safety, which keeps it safe and makes sure visitors have a pleasant time. Mendoza does have minor crimes like fraud and burglary, but luckily, few serious crimes like murders and kidnappings. Stay alert and take basic precautions, and you can enjoy Mendoza safely.

It’s the perfect place to enjoy outdoor fun. Go on a hike, horseback riding, or raft on the Mendoza River. Plus, the city has an amazing cultural scene, with festivals and art shows.

Best Things To Do in Mendoza:

• Take a bike tour of the wineries
• Visit Plaza Independencia and the city center of Mendoza
• Go on a luxury wine tour with lunch

5. Arequipa, Peru 

Arequipa, called “The White City,” is in the desert of Peru. It’s the second-largest city in the country after Lima. The city is safe and is known for its beautiful buildings, tasty local food, and great natural views. Kick off your visit at Plaza de Armas and sample all the local dishes—your taste buds will be too busy to worry about anything else.

Even though Arequipa is one of the safest cities in South America, you should still watch out for common crimes to stay safe. Pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist spots, so keep a close eye on your stuff.

Another issue is fake taxi drivers who scam tourists. To avoid this, use only registered taxis or those arranged by your hotel or restaurant.

Best Things To Do in Arequipa:

• Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina
• Explore the Colca Canyon
• Walk around the Plaza de Armas

6. Florianopolis, Brazil

Florianopolis, Brazil, is known as one of the safest cities in South America, making it a great choice for travelers looking for a secure and fun experience.

Located on the beautiful island of Santa Catarina, this lively city offers a mix of amazing beaches, lush nature, and a busy urban area, all in a safe and welcoming setting. Think of it as the city that really wants to be your friend.

Florianopolis takes public safety seriously, so you can enjoy its clean beaches, like Joaquina and Campeche, and dive into water sports without a care. Its well-maintained parks and nature reserves, such as Lagoa do Peri and Costa da Lagoa, provide peaceful getaways in nature.

Watch out for common crimes like pickpocketing in crowded areas and use registered taxis to avoid scams. Women can feel safe during the day, but it’s a good idea to have company at night, especially at beaches and bars.

By staying alert, visitors can fully enjoy the beauty of Florianopolis, from its stunning beaches to its delicious Brazilian food.

Best Things To Do in Florianopolis:

• Go surfing with a qualified instructor
• Take a boat ride to Ilha do Campeche
• Go sandboarding at Dunas de Joaquina

7. Cuenca, Ecuador 

Cuenca is a great place to visit and the safest city for expats in South America. With only 660,000 residents, it feels less crowded for tourists—so you won’t have to elbow your way through a sea of selfie sticks!

The city has low crime and focuses on keeping people safe, so visitors can easily explore its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and rich culture.

The friendly and welcoming locals make Cuenca even more appealing. You can roam museums, marvel at beautiful cathedrals, and munch on local goodies at bustling markets, all worry-free.

Just a heads-up: while Cuenca is generally safe, it’s smart to avoid strolling alone at night in dark or empty spots. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, or grab a taxi if you need to. Safety first, adventure second!

Best Things To Do in Cuenca:

• Walking tour through the Historic Center
• Visit the Pumapungo Museum & Ruins
• Explore El Cajas National Park

8. Sucre, Bolivia

Sucre, Bolivia, is known as one of the safest cities in South America, making it a great place for travelers. It’s got less petty crime and it’s smaller and easier to navigate than the big cities, which makes it feel even safer.

Although travelers should still be careful of certain crimes like property theft and occasional assaults, following basic safety tips will help ensure a pleasant and worry-free visit.

Sucre, with its important history, rich culture, and nice weather, keeps drawing visitors who want a safe and interesting trip in Bolivia.

Best Things To Do in Sucre:

• Visit the Museo del Tesoro
• Admire the view from Recoleta
• Explore Plaza 25 de Mayo

9. Cordoba, Argentina 

Cordoba is Argentina’s second-biggest city and one of the safest in South America, making it great for travelers. It has a mix of old and new with lots of history and culture.

Visitors can safely explore its colonial buildings, interesting museums, and pretty plazas. The locals are super friendly, and the city’s safety measures make sure tourists feel welcome and have a great time.

Although small crimes like pickpocketing can happen in busy places, staying alert and keeping your things safe will help you enjoy the city fully.

Best Things To Do in Cordoba:

• Cordoba city tour
• Visit the Museo de la Memoria
• Try empanadas and locro

10. Bucaramanga, Colombia 

Bucaramanga is another Colombian city that has greatly improved over the last ten years. It has very low levels of violent crime, and you’re much less likely to get robbed here than in Bogota.

When it comes to picking a place to stay, you can’t go wrong with the popular Nuevo Sotomayor area. Just remember, when night falls, grab a taxi or an Uber to get around. And keep a close eye on your phone and valuables.

Located in the beautiful Andes Mountains, this lively city offers a mix of city life and natural beauty in a safe setting. Visitors can enjoy its lovely parks, historic plazas, and cultural sights without worry.

With friendly locals and great safety measures, Bucaramanga is a welcoming spot, making sure your visit to this city is safe and fun.

Best Things To Do in Bucaramanga:

• Visit Parque Nacional de Chicamocha
• Visit La Casa del Libro Total
• A day trip to the Heritage Town of Girón

11. Cusco, Peru

Cusco is one of the safest cities in South America, making it a great destination for travelers looking for a secure and memorable experience.

As the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco combines rich culture with beautiful scenery in a safe and welcoming setting. Visitors can enjoy its well-preserved Inca ruins, cobblestone streets, and lively markets without worry.

Cusco’s friendly people and good safety measures create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a stress-free stay in this Peruvian city.

While generally safe, be aware of street crime in certain areas like Bélen, Puente Santiago, and the Santiago district. Don’t leave valuables unattended and stay alert in busy tourist spots. Enjoy Cusco’s attractions with caution for a worry-free visit.

Best Things To Do in Cusco:

• Explore the San Blas district
• Hike the Inca trail
• Try the Peruvian cooking class

12. Medellin, Colombia

In the past twenty years, Medellin has changed from a city known for drugs to a popular tourist spot. While some crime still exists, it’s now safe enough to enjoy your visit.

The city has a metro cable system that makes getting around fun and adventurous. The cable cars also offer great views and photo opportunities of the area.

When in Medellin, be sure to visit Comuna 13 and try the street food there. For a day trip, I highly recommend going to Guatape. You can either climb the Piedra de Peñol rock or explore the town of Guatape.

Best Things To Do in Medellin:

• Visit Comuna 13 and See the Street Art
• Ride The Metrocable
• Visit Museum Pablo Escobar

13. Asunción, Paraguay 

Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, is a safe and welcoming city, making it one of the safest places in South America. Located by the Paraguay River, this city combines modern and traditional elements.

With lower crime rates than many other South American cities, Asunción gives both residents and visitors a sense of security and peace.

To stay safe, keep your belongings, including your passport and travel documents, secure. Avoid walking alone after dark and stay away from isolated or poorly lit areas at night.

Best Things To Do in Asunción:

• Discover birds and enjoy nature
• Embrace history at Casa de la Independencia
• Explore La Costanera

14. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is one of South America’s biggest cities, with over 15 million residents.

The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. Don’t miss trying asado and parrilla, some of the best meat dishes in the world.

While Buenos Aires is generally safe during the day, it’s less so at night. Violent crime is rare, but petty crime is common after dark. To stay safe at night, take taxis instead of walking. It’s also important to research the safest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires before you visit.

Best Things To Do in Buenos Aires:

• Visit Recoleta Cemetery
• Explore Palermo
• Take a Tango Lesson

Traveling in South America 

Traveling in countries like Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay is easy. The bus services there are excellent. Some of the best bus companies are Cruz del Sur (Peru), Pullman (Chile), Flechabus (Argentina), Util (Brazil), and Andesmar (Argentina).

Flying can be pricey, so many tourists rent cars instead. The roads in South America are generally in good shape. Just watch out for the more remote areas—they can be tricky to get to.

5 Expert Tips for Safe Travel in South American Cities

Here are six expert tips to travel safely in South American cities.

1. Tourist spots are full of pickpockets, so keep your stuff safe in a backpack.
2. When shopping at markets or on the streets, never accept the first price. Always try to haggle for a better deal.
3. Stay in crowds and try to blend in with locals, especially at night.
4. If you get mugged, don’t fight back. Your safety is more important than your belongings.
5. Carry only as much cash as you need.
6. Protect yourself with travel insurance like SafetyWing. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events.

Use the widget below to find the perfect policy for your needs and travel worry-free, knowing you’ve got yourself covered for any adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Safest Cities in South America 

What Is the Safest City in South America?

Montevideo, Uruguay, is often called the safest city in South America. The Global Peace Index backs this up. Montevideo has lovely beaches, great food, and a mix of old and new buildings, all in a relaxed atmosphere.

What Is the Safest Place To Live in South America?

Some South American countries and cities are safer than others. Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina are generally seen as safer places to live.

Uruguay is known for low crime rates and political stability. Chile has safe cities like Santiago and Punta Arenas. Argentina has become safer in recent years, with cities like Buenos Aires and Mendoza improving in safety.

What Is the Safest Country in South America To Visit?

Uruguay ranks high on the Global Peace Index, making it the safest country in South America to visit. It has low crime rates, a stable democracy, and a high standard of living.

Is Chile or Argentina Safer?

The Global Peace Index ranks Chile at 55 out of 163 and Argentina at 69. Both are considered relatively safe compared to other South American countries, but Chile has a slight edge in safety.

Conclusion – Safest Cities in South America

Common sense is your best buddy for avoiding trouble when you’re in a new city. Knowing the local safety tips comes next. So, do your homework and don’t forget to pack your street smarts for your South American adventure!

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