Safest South American Countries in 2025? Here’s the Data

Looking to explore South America without stress? These are the 5 safest South American countries to visit in 2025—based on real data, not vibes.

South America is not exactly known for easing your mother’s anxiety. Say you’re planning a trip to Colombia, and suddenly everyone becomes a geopolitical analyst. But the truth is, the idea that the whole continent is “dangerous” is both outdated and misleading. Yes, some regions still come with a flashing red warning sign, but others? Safer than parts of the U.S., statistically speaking.

So if you’re looking to explore the Andes, sip Malbec, or finally see what Patagonia looks like in real life, this guide will save you hours of doomscrolling through Reddit threads and travel forums. Based on last year’s data—because that’s the freshest we’ve got—we’ve ranked the five safest South American countries for 2025 travelers, using actual numbers: crime rates, Global Peace Index, travel advisories, and health system metrics like the Global Health Security Index.

1. Uruguay: South America’s Quiet Overachiever

Uruguay has always flown under the radar. In 2024, it was ranked the most peaceful country in South America by the Global Peace Index and had the lowest homicide rate in the region: just 3.5 per 100,000, according to UNODC data. For comparison, that’s less than half the rate in the U.S.

Montevideo, the capital, consistently scores low on the Numbeo crime index and high in overall quality of life. Street crime exists, yes, but it’s mostly petty stuff, and rare outside major tourist zones. The U.S. State Department classifies Uruguay as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, the safest possible ranking.

And safety isn’t Uruguay’s only flex. The country has one of the most stable democracies on the continent, and its healthcare system ranks among the best in Latin America. According to the Global Health Security Index, Uruguay scores 49.8/100, well above the regional average. You won’t find armed guards in shopping malls or razor wire around hotels. What you will find: clean beaches, gaucho culture, and a level of chill that borders on meditative.

Best for: solo travelers, couples, digital nomads, anyone who hates chaos.

2. Chile: Stability at the End of the World

If Uruguay is the introvert of South America, Chile is the straight-A overachiever with a Patagonia fleece and a fully charged power bank. Stretching from the Atacama Desert to the icy fjords of Tierra del Fuego, Chile has a geography that makes risk-averse travelers drool and stats to back it up.

According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Chile ranks second in South America for safety and 58th globally, just behind Uruguay. Its homicide rate sits at 4.4 per 100,000, well below the Latin American average. Santiago and other major cities have petty crime issues (like any capital), but violent crime targeting tourists remains rare. Even the U.S. State Department places Chile at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, mostly due to occasional protests, and not street-level violence.

Chile also performs surprisingly well on the health and infrastructure side. It’s ranked among the top in Latin America in the Global Health Security Index, with a score of 58.4/100, meaning if you eat one bad empanada, you’ll survive. Transportation is efficient, roads are excellent, and domestic flights make Patagonia accessible without a three-day odyssey.

Santiago’s air pollution and occasional unrest might keep it from scoring a perfect 10, but if you’re looking for a country where you can hike glaciers one week and sip Carménère the next, with minimal safety concerns, Chile should be high on your list.

Best for: nature lovers, solo hikers, landscape junkies, anyone chasing the ends of the Earth.

3. Argentina: Chaotic Economy, Surprisingly Safe Streets

Let’s get this out of the way: Argentina’s economy is a mess. Always has been, probably always will be. But safety-wise? It might surprise you. While headlines focus on currency collapses and IMF drama, Argentina consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in South America for travelers.

In the Global Peace Index 2024, Argentina comes in third for the region, behind only Uruguay and Chile. Its homicide rate is 4.7 per 100,000, lower than Brazil, Colombia, or Mexico. Petty theft is common in cities like Buenos Aires—yes, keep your phone out of your back pocket—but violent crime against tourists remains relatively rare.

The U.S. State Department lists Argentina as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, putting it in the same category as countries like France or Japan. Not bad for a place where your taxi driver might quote you the exchange rate and political theory in one sentence.

From a healthcare standpoint, Argentina also holds its own. The Global Health Security Index gives it 54.3/100, slightly below Chile but above most of the region. Private hospitals in Buenos Aires are excellent, and pharmacies are everywhere, even in rural areas.

So yes, inflation might make dinner cost $5 one day and $3 the next, but your physical safety? Pretty stable. Just avoid flaunting tech, watch your bag in crowded areas, and don’t accept “free gifts” from strangers in La Boca.

4. Paraguay: Low Profile, Low Risk

You probably haven’t heard anyone say “I’m vacationing in Paraguay” lately, and that’s kind of the point. This landlocked country rarely makes travel lists, which helps keep it off the radar of the kind of chaos that tends to follow mass tourism. Quiet, friendly, and stubbornly simple, Paraguay might just be South America’s most overlooked safe bet.

According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Paraguay ranks 4th in South America for safety. Its intentional homicide rate is around 5.7 per 100,000, still well below the regional average and significantly safer than neighbors like Brazil or Bolivia. Most crime reported by tourists falls into the “annoying but survivable” category: scams, minor theft, or that one overly curious guy at the market.

The U.S. State Department currently places Paraguay at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, largely due to organized crime in rural border zones, but not tourist cities like Asunción or Encarnación. If you’re not planning to wander into smuggling corridors or remote jungle routes, you’re probably fine.

Healthcare is modest but improving. The Global Health Security Index gives Paraguay a score of 42.1/100. It’s not exactly Switzerland, but for basic care and travel-related issues, it gets the job done. Paraguay’s real safety advantage? Its chill pace.

Best for: slow travelers, off-the-grid types, culture seekers, introverts on sabbatical.

5. Peru: Adventure Without (Too Much) Risk

Peru walks a fine line: it’s one of the most visited countries in South America, and also one of the most misunderstood in terms of safety. Yes, protests flare up. Yes, tourists occasionally get stuck somewhere scenic for “a few extra days.” But for the most part, Peru is safe, especially if you know what you’re doing and where you’re going.

On the Global Peace Index 2024, Peru ranks 5th regionally, placing just behind Paraguay. The homicide rate is 7.8 per 100,000, slightly higher than its safer neighbors but still far below the Latin American average. Most tourist incidents involve scams or petty theft in hotspots like Lima and Cusco, rather than violent crime.

The U.S. State Department assigns Peru a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, mostly due to occasional civil unrest and crime in specific areas like the Peruvian Amazon or northern border regions. Machu Picchu? Absolutely fine.

In terms of healthcare, Peru scores 47.8/100 on the Global Health Security Index, which puts it right in the middle of the South American pack. Bigger cities like Lima offer solid medical infrastructure, while rural areas require more planning and travel insurance with evacuation coverage (seriously, buy it).

Peru is still very much worth visiting: ancient ruins, surreal landscapes, wild biodiversity, and a tourism infrastructure that knows how to handle crowds. Just don’t be reckless. Use registered guides, stay up to date on local news, and keep that passport zipped deep inside your pack.

Best for: bucket-listers, hikers, history nerds, adventure travelers who read the fine print.

Staying Safe While Traveling South America

Knowing the safest South American countries is only part of the story. What really makes a trip safe is how you move through it. A well-ranked destination won’t save you from bad decisions, just like a riskier one doesn’t guarantee trouble. The trick is staying aware, adapting fast, and not relying on Instagram DMs for travel advice.

Here’s what actually helps:

• Check real-time alerts via the U.S. State Department’s STEP program. It’s free and updates you if things go sideways.
• Use apps like Rome2Rio or Moovit for safe, verified transport routes.
• Stick to official taxis or ride apps, especially at airports or bus terminals.
• Know the local emergency number (it’s not 911).
• And get travel insurance with medical evacuation, no matter how healthy or lucky you think you are.

Also? Don’t skip the boring stuff: register your trip, scan your documents, share your itinerary. You’ll thank yourself if your phone dies or your bag gets “mysteriously” lighter.

In short: safety isn’t static. But with the right prep, these truly are the safest South American countries can visit. Big on adventure, culture, food, and landscapes, low on drama.

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