10 Safest South American Countries in 2026

Uruguay, Chile, and Paraguay are among the safest countries in South America, thanks to their strong political stability, relatively low crime rates, and high quality of life. These destinations are popular with travelers, retirees, digital nomads, and families looking for a safe place to visit or relocate.  

In this guide, we rank the 10 safest South American countries using the latest Global Peace Index data, alongside insights from the Global Intelligence Unit by Global Citizen Solutions, to help you find the safest destinations across the continent, along with travel tips and more.  

Key Takeaways on Safest South American Countries

Uruguay is the safest country in South America according to the 2026 Global Peace Index, followed by Costa Rica, Chile, Paraguay, and Argentina.  

The rankings combine Global Peace Index data with geopolitical analysis, government travel advisories, and insights from the Global Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions to provide a full view of safety and residency options. 

Most safety risks involve petty theft, scams, or localized crime rather than violent crime, especially in popular tourist destinations.  

Countries such as Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, and Argentina are popular with retirees, expats, digital nomads, and families because of their stability, quality of life, and well-developed infrastructure.  

Checking official travel advisories and following local safety advice can help you travel confidently, even in countries where safety varies by region. 

We evaluate the safest countries in South America by combining internationally recognized safety indices with our own geopolitical and mobility analysis.  

Our rankings draw on data from the Global Peace Index (GPI), published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), together with insights from various reports produced by the Global Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions.  

We also consider additional government and travel risk data to provide a well-rounded assessment for travelers, retirees, expats, and global citizens. 

10. Ecuador 

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 135th globally.  
• Homicide rate: Over 45 per 100,000 people, driven by organized crime and cartel violence.  
• Political stability: Low, with frequent states of emergency linked to prison riots and gang activity. 

Ecuador is among the safer South American countries. Parts of the mainland still experience gang violence linked to transnational drug trafficking, but many of the country’s most popular tourist destinations remain safe.

The Galápagos Islands are among the safest places in South America because of  strict visitor controls and very low crime rates. On the mainland, Cuenca is known for its low homicide rate, well-preserved historic center, walkable neighborhoods, and large expat community, while Baños de Agua Santa is a well-monitored adventure tourism center with a visible community police presence.

Travelers should avoid border regions and stay within established tourist areas, particularly in the Andean Highlands. 

9. Brazil

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 124th globally.  
• Homicide rate: Around 19 per 100,000 people, with the safest regions found in southern Brazil.  
• Political stability: Moderate, supported by stable democratic institutions despite political polarization. 

Brazil’s safety varies depending on where you travel. Although some major citie experience gang activity and street crime, many destinations in the south have a much lower risk profile. Florianópolis is one of Brazil’s safest cities, with lower crime rates than many other urban centers, well-maintained beaches, and a strong police presence in popular tourist areas.  

Gramado and Canela are smaller mountain towns with lower crime rates than Brazil’s major cities, well-lit pedestrian areas, and busy town centers that are regularly patrolled, so they are popular destinations for families and tourists.  

Visitors should avoid entering favelas without an authorized guide and stay alert for pickpocketing in busy cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Brazil has also been steadily attracting foreign investment through the Brazil residency by investment program, with investment options in real estate or Brazilian companies.  

8. Guyana 

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 103rd globally 
• Homicide rate: Approximately 15 per 100,000 people, with most crime concentrated in Georgetown.  
• Political stability: Moderate, although border tensions with Venezuela continue to influence the security landscape 

Guyana is peaceful outside of parts of its capital, Georgetown, where petty crime such as muggings and pickpocketing is more common. 

Travelers looking to explore Guyana’s national parks, mountains, and natural landscapes will find these areas safe to visit, particularly in the Iwokrama Rainforest and Rupununi Savannah, where eco-lodges operate within carefully managed conservation areas.

Those staying in Georgetown should consider neighborhoods like Prashad Nagar and Lamaha Gardens, which are regarded as the city’s safest residential districts.  

7. Peru

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 107th globally.  
• Homicide rate: Approximately 4 to 5 per 100,000 people, making violent crime relatively uncommon for tourists.  
• Political stability: Low to moderate due to recurring protests, political changes, and occasional civil unrest. 

Peru continues to attract millions of visitors each year because of its world-famous attractions such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and the historic city of Cusco.  

Popular destinations, including Cusco’s Historic Center, San Blas, Miraflores, Barranco, and Arequipa, benefit from a visible police presence, established tourism infrastructure, and well-developed visitor services, so they are among the country’s safest places to explore. While violent crime is relatively uncommon in these areas, travelers should remain aware of petty theft in busy markets and public transport.  

It’s also worth checking local travel updates before your trip, as political demonstrations and road blockades can occasionally disrupt transport to well-known attractions. 

6. Bolivia 

• Global Peace Index 2023: 97th globally.
• Homicide rate: Around 14 per 100,000 (lower in tourist regions).
• Political stability: Moderate. Some protests have occurred in recent years.
• Key safe areas: Galápagos Islands, Cuenca, Quito’s historic center.

Bolivia has one of the region’s lowest homicide rates, making violent crime relatively uncommon for visitors. Instead, the biggest travel disruptions are peaceful political demonstrations and road blockades that can delay transport across the country. Popular destinations such as Sucre, Lake Titicaca, and Salar de Uyuni remain well-established tourist destinations, where most visitors travel with organized tours or reliable local operators. Checking travel updates and allowing flexibility in your itinerary are the best ways to enjoy Bolivia safely. 

5. Argentina

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 72nd globally.  
• Homicide rate: Approximately 4.3 per 100,000 people, although petty theft has increased in larger cities.  
• Political stability: Moderate, with strong democratic institutions despite ongoing economic reforms and localized protests. 

Argentina remains one of South America’s safest countries for travelers because it has relatively low levels of violent crime and a well-established tourism industry. Most visits are trouble-free, with the main risk being petty theft, particularly in busy areas of Buenos Aires, where pickpocketing and motorcycle phone snatching can occur.  

Popular destinations such as Mendoza, Bariloche, El Calafate, and Ushuaia experience far lower crime levels than Buenos Aires. These cities are easy to explore on foot, attract large numbers of domestic and international tourists, and have visible police patrols in their busiest visitor areas. 

4. Paraguay 

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 64th globally.  
• Homicide rate: Around 6.2 per 100,000 people, with low levels of violent crime affecting visitors.  
• Political stability: High, supported by a stable domestic environment and minimal civil unrest. 

Paraguay is considered one of South America’s safer countries. Violent crime against visitors is relatively uncommon, and most reported incidents involve petty theft instead of serious offenses.  

Expats and retirees are drawn to neighborhoods such as Villa Morra and Las Lomas in Asunción, which offer modern amenities, international schools, private healthcare, and a visible police presence. Paraguay also attracts retirees and long-term residents through the Paraguay Independent Means Visa, which grants interested applicants with stable passive income a straightforward route to residency. 

3. Chile 

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 52nd globally
• Homicide rate: Around 4.5 per 100,000 people, with strong policing in major cities and tourist areas  
• Political stability: High, backed by transparent institutions, modern infrastructure, and effective law enforcement

Chile ranks among the safest countries in South America because it has maintained low violent crime rates, reliable emergency services, and popular tourist destinations that are well connected by road, air, and public transport.  

While petty theft can occur on public transport and in busy areas of Santiago, incidents involving tourists are usually limited to pickpocketing and nothing violent. Travelers looking for a quieter experience often head to destinations such as Puerto Varas, Frutillar, and San Pedro de Atacama, where tourism is well established and crime rates are lower than in the capital.  

Whether you’re hiking in Patagonia, exploring the Lake District, or visiting the Atacama Desert, Chile has well-maintained roads, reliable domestic transport, and one of the region’s most developed tourism networks. 

2. Costa Rica

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 54th globally and consistently among the safest countries in Latin America  
• Homicide rate: Around 12 per 100,000 people, primarily linked to localized drug trafficking routes.  
• Political stability: Exceptionally high, supported by a long-standing democracy and the absence of a standing military 

Although Costa Rica is located in Central America, it is often included in regional safety comparisons because of its low crime rates, political stability, and strong focus on sustainable tourism. Popular destinations such as La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio are known for their well-protected national parks, eco-tourism, and family-friendly atmosphere. 

 Costa Rica is also a favorite among remote workers because of  its Digital Nomad Visa, and it ranks 20th on the Global Citizen Solutions Digital Nomad Index. While petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas, most visitors experience few safety issues by following standard travel precautions. 

1. Uruguay 

• Global Peace Index 2026: Ranked 43rd globally, making it the safest country in South America 
• Homicide rate: Approximately 8 per 100,000 people, with violent crime rarely affecting tourists or expats 
• Political stability: Exceptionally high thanks to transparent governance, low corruption, a strong social safety net, and a reliable rule of law 

Uruguay is the safest country in South America, with low violent crime rates, a high quality of life, and a reputation for political and economic stability. Visitors can comfortably explore destinations such as Montevideo, Punta del Este, and Colonia del Sacramento, which are known for their walkable neighborhoods, beaches, and historic attractions. Uruguay is also a leading destination for remote workers, ranking 3rd on the Global Citizen Solutions Digital Nomad Index, while retirees are drawn to its excellent healthcare system and low-paced lifestyle. For those looking to relocate, the Uruguay Independent Means Visa (Residencia para Medios de Vida Propios) provides a pathway to residency for applicants with a stable passive income earned outside Uruguay. 

• Get an eSIM before you land: Having a working data connection the second you step off the plane is your #1 safety tool. It allows you to track your location, book verified rides, and translate in real-time. 
• Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me to download maps of your destination cities. Cell service can drop unexpectedly, especially in mountain regions or remote areas. 
• Keep your phone secure: Avoid walking with your phone out in your hand. Step inside a shop or café if you need to check directions or send a text. 
• Carry crisp, unmarked US Dollars: In countries like Ecuador which uses USD and Peru, merchants are incredibly picky. They will refuse bills with the slightest tear, crease, or ink mark. 
• Keep backup debit cards: Use digital cards for ATMs, but always carry 2 to 3 backup physical cards from different banks. Keep them stored in different places maybe one in your wallet, one in your locked luggage. 
• Avoid large bills: Stick to $10 and $20 bills. Many local vendors and taxi drivers will not have change for a $50 or $100 bill. 
• Arrive early at airports: Give yourself at least 3 hours for domestic and international flights in South American airports. Lines can be chaotic and unpredictable.