- The 11 Safest Cities in South America [ Guide]
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What are the safest cities in south americaWhat are the safest cities in south america -
Starting above the equator and stretching almost to Antarctica, South America is rooted in ancient mystery but alive with plenty to explore today. Some of the highlights are the beautiful beaches, cultural variety, and architecture that stretches back for hundreds of years.
There are places like Venezuela or Buenos Ares that you might want to avoid, at least for now, as a traveler. For example, Brazil has the seventh-highest crime rate in the world and Venezuela has the third-highest murder rate, 50 per k people. With that being said, there are a plethora of places across the continent that are very welcoming.
The three safest countries are Chile , Uruguay , and Argentina. That does not mean there are not plenty of cities in neighboring countries with just as much to offer. Montevideo is at the very bottom of the country, the last stop on the Atlantic before hitting Buenos Aires , Argentina.
This is pretty much the last bit of civilization before you hit the tip of South America and are just a hop, skip, and jump from the South Pole. In fact, it is the oldest city on the whole continent with people living there for more than three millennia. All that ancient history is one of the reasons the crime rate is so low; tourism is their main source of revenue.
The real threat doesn't come from humans but from nature as earthquakes are very common in the area. Chile is an incredibly long country with landscapes ranging from deserts to arctic plains, but a good place to start is Chile's capital, Santiago. Visitors can explore San Cristobal Hill, wander through one of the many trendy neighborhoods, or move toward the cultural side of things in Santiago's art and history museums. It is also situated conveniently close to Valparaiso on the coast, another of Chile's beautiful and safe cities.
With tourism being the main source of income for Cusco, violence against tourists is highly frowned upon and is rarely seen. As with most cities, petty theft is common, but normal precautions can significantly reduce the risk of this happening. Crime rates in Peru in general have also been dropping, making the country more attractive for travelers. Cusco is also the base for those making their way to Machu Picchu.
Besides that particular archaeological wonder, there are many more scattered around Cusco that can entertain anyone interested in Inca history and culture. Cuenca, situated in the south of Ecuador in the Andes, has a lot of the perks of Quito, the capital, without as much risk. It is generally ranked as one of the safer cities in Ecuador according to crime statistics.
Besides its safe streets, Cuenca also holds a special charm and well preserved history, and its many positive elements have led it to become a hot spot for expats seeking to settle abroad. Within the old centre, tourists should be wary of petty theft and scams, but violent crime is rare, and it is generally safe to walk around in groups after dark. To counteract the effects, drink plenty of water, eat in small quantities, avoid alcohol, or do as the locals do: place a wad of coca leaves on your cheek.
The ancient city and its immediate surroundings are chock-full of activities. Many use it as a base for visiting the nearby Inca Trail and Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley, while the city has more than enough to keep visitors occupied for a few days or more.
You can plan your visit with this Cusco itinerary. Routinely ranking among the safest urban areas on the continent, Arequipa feels like an overgrown town in the pace of life and the friendliness of its locals. Its one million citizens take pride in the architecture, cuisine, and natural setting of their city. Security in the city is mostly a non-issue. It is safe to walk around the city centre at all hours, and locals are happy to help visitors with directions and recommendations.
Because Arequipa is in an extremely dry corner of the continent, it is important to stay hydrated and to apply sunblock if outside for an extended time. Among the most stunning sillar structures are the massive Basilica Catedral de Arequipa next to the stunning Plaza de Armas, and the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. One cannot visit Arequipa without tucking into its excellent local delicacies.
Thrill-seekers should consider climbing El Misti, the towering volcano that towers over the city. For more, look at our best things to do in Arequipa. Following the Andes north to Ecuador, the pleasant city of Cuenca has earned a reputation as an excellent destination for both tourists and long-term residents and some consider it one of the best places to live in South America. The city and the surrounding metro area have , residents who enjoy the mild year-round climate, while travelers are drawn to its colonial architecture and access to the nearby Cajas National Park.
In the past couple of decades, more and more North American ex-pats have made the permanent or seasonal move to Cuenca, drawn by its security and ideal climate. In , the Cuenca Tramway was completed, spanning While the capital Quito has a mixed record when it comes to safety, Cuenca has the highest standard of living in Ecuador which keeps crime rates low.
Theft and pick-pocketing are quite rare, so visitors exercising common sense will be perfectly safe. Cuenca is one of the best cities in South America for exploring on foot, with its photogenic city centre and riverside parks. Exchange an ID or passport and return the bike by noon. Last on our list is a city in a country not usually famed for its security.
But while in the past Colombia has been in the news for the wrong reasons, safety has improved dramatically in recent years. Bucaramanga, with a metro population of 1. While Colombia has done much to clean up its security image in the past couple of decades, the largest cities in the country still have some of the higher crime rates in South America.
Bucaramanga, however, has very low rates of violent crime and far less theft and robbery than Bogota. This being Colombia, it is important to take proper precautions.
After dark, always taxi or Uber to your destination, and be discreet with phones and valuables at all times. The nation located along the western seaboard of South America is a hotspot for earthquakes so bear this in mind when planning a visit to explore the challenging wonders of Chile.
Argentina takes the third spot on this list of South America safest countries It scored an average of 1. Argentina scores well in the categories of deaths from conflict, political terror, and displaced people.
Travelers do need to note that most crimes here are in the form of petty theft, pickpocketing, and bag snatching. As the most visited country in South America to travel to, Argentina is renowned for its beautiful geography and incredible natural wonders from the largest waterfalls to the highest peaks. Its vibrant nightlife, interesting mix of history and Latin American culture, impressive wine and cuisine, and friendly locals attracts travelers from around the world.
Adventurers and solo travelers enjoy the safe environment provided by this South American nation. Speaking of adventure, here are the best songs about travel and adventure to inspire you to do just that.
No list of safe countries in South America is complete without including Paraguay. The South American nation, known for its relaxed pace and natural landscapes, has an overall score of 1. It scores well on domestic and International conflict, but not so well on UN peacekeeping funding. The country of Paraguay is generally safe, although there are a number of dangers the likes of petty crime, smuggling, violent crime, and corrupt police officers.
Rates of street crime are low even more so outside of the capital. As a tourist, basic precautionary measures need to be applied to remain away from harm. Reasons to visit this nation, often referred to as the heart of South America include its amazing national parks, natural beauty, affordable shopping, tasty street food, and interesting architecture. Located in western South America, the country scored well on military expenditure, politics terror, political instability, and domestic and international conflict.
Areas that brought its ranking down include its UN peacekeeping funding and violent demonstrations levels. It is worth noting that street crime, muggings, and thefts are a problem in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and other major cities, so it is important to be vigilant in public places. In addition, due to its location high above sea level, travelers not used to such extreme conditions can be prone to altitude sickness.
Peru is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery, ancient ruins, and outlandish cuisines. The landscapes of Peru are as varied as its food and its people. Find Amazonian swamps and sunny beaches to charming colonial cities and high altitude attractions.
Your essential checklist for moving abroad. Coming in at number 6 of South American safest countries of is Ecuador. Its overall score is 2.
The country scored well in categories such as military expenditure, weapons imports and exports, and conflicts fought. Areas of concern remain its jailed population and violent demonstrations. Its low cost of living and mild weather conditions attracts a large number of expats.
For the traveller, Ecuador is relatively safe to visit. The country may have a history of violent crime, but things have improved recently. Tourist hotspots and public transportation are places where most pickpocketing and thefts occur.
As usual, common sense and proper care is advised. This South American nation is full of incredible landscapes, history, culture, and cuisine. Its bustling capital offers a good mix of old and new while the rest of the country delights with its combination of unique customs and traditions of indigenous practices with European colonial influence. The country is world famous for its ecotourism and adventure travel opportunities.
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