Adventurous travelers flock to Latin America to enjoy its vibrant culture, fascinating history, natural wonders and fantastic cuisine, to name a few highlights. Encompassing Mexico, Central America, South America, and parts of the Caribbean, Latin America offers a rich tapestry of unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Still, some travelers choose to miss out on Latin America’s many attractions, citing concerns about safety. Some are based on myths, stereotypes, and hearsay; others are, in fact, valid: There are dangerous areas in every country, but if you do your homework, keep calm should unexpected situations arise, behave respectfully, and travel with a trustworthy tour company, you can fully embrace everything that Latin America has to offer—without any uneasiness. Ready to take the plunge? Here are the top 10 safest Latin American countries to visit.
Note: All of these destinations rank above the USA, Turkey, and Venezuela in terms of their Global Peace Index (GPI), an annual report that measures the world’s most peaceful nations and regions.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
For the most part, this archipelago of 19 islands in the Pacific Ocean is extremely isolated and unpopulated. Located 620 miles off the coast of continental Ecuador, the Galapagos sits at the confluence of three ocean currents, resulting in one of the world’s most incredible marine ecosystems. Its untouched beauty and wildlife (including marine iguanas, sea lions, and Galapagos tortoises) make it a magnet for nature lovers (and anyone with a pulse). Its unique plant and animal life inspired 19th-century naturalist Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
Flying is the only way to get here from the mainland. Crime is nearly nonexistent. While Ecuador is also among the safest countries to visit in South America, it’s experienced civil unrest in recent years, so monitor its travel advisory status before departure.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica holds first place as the safest country in Central America and the Caribbean on the Global Peace Index (GPI). Blessed with tropical temperatures and pristine beaches, including Guanacaste, along the Pacific (aka the “Gold Coast”) Costa Rica is a paradise for surfers and sun worshippers. But kayakers, zipliners, rafters, and other outdoor adventurers also find lots to love thanks to its magnificent mountain ranges, hiking trails, hot springs, and numerous rivers, streams, and waterfalls. And if volcanoes are high on your list, don’t miss Arenal Volcano National Park, the site of the namesake active stratovolcano.
Theft is the most typical crime against tourists. Keep your belongings tucked away, then relax in this tropical wonderland.
Panama
Considered one of the safest Central American countries to travel to, Panama offers the perfect combination of relaxation, sophistication, and adventure. What’s on tap? A treasure trove of rainforests, including the biologically diverse Chagres National Park, tropical beaches along the Pacific Ocean (check out Santa Clara and Farallón), and on the Caribbean side (San Blas Islands), plus that world-famous engineering marvel, The Panama Canal. It’s also home to cosmopolitan Panama City, boasting a rainforest within its city limits.
Whether you want to surf, hike or indulge in Afro-Caribbean cuisine, you can enjoy it all with no limitations.
The Amazon
The Amazon isn’t a country, per se—it’s a vast region known as a biome, spread across eight countries (Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Suriname, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Guyana) and one of France’s overseas territories (French Guiana). They all share the Amazon rainforest, the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystem, with about 60% contained within Brazil’s borders. Whatever is on your wishlist—eyeballing parrots and howler monkeys, night hikes among nocturnal tree frogs, or swimming with the pink river dolphins—go with an experienced guide or certified tour operator. Though one of the safest regions in Latin America, the Amazon is also isolated and sparsely inhabited.
A secure way to explore the jungles and the waterways? Take a river cruise.
Chile
One of the safest countries in South America, Chile offers travelers a wealth of experiences. Long and narrow, with proximity to the Pacific Ocean, as well as neighboring Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, it’s home to Patagonia’s expansive Torres del Paine National Park, a hiker and trekker’s paradise; the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth; and over 2,000 volcanoes. And when you need a break from snowboarding, skiing, surfing or taking selfies in front of glaciers, there’s no shortage of wineries and pisco distilleries to explore.
Pickpocketing can be a concern, especially in Santiago, but if you use common sense, and stay with your tour group, you’ll be in the clear.
Here are some of the best tours in Chile.
Uruguay
Uruguay is the second safest country in South America and the Caribbean on the Global Peace Index, It’s also South America’s second-smallest country, making it the ideal size for full immersion. But you won’t be alone. Head to the stunning beaches along the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic coastline (like the resort town of Punta del Este) where throngs of tourists, including Argentinian and Brazilian visitors, enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, swimming, fishing and boating. Experience Gaucho culture in rural parts and the historic sites of Montevideo, plus the mountains and native woodlands—and don’t overlook Uruguay’s hot springs area.
Oh, and the wine and food are spectacular, plus the locals are friendly, so chill and ponder which activity to do next.
Paraguay
Paraguay is another South American country that might not be on your travel radar—but it should be. Landlocked between Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia, this country of subtropical forests and sprawling savannas delivers a bona fide South American experience. From Chaco Lodge, a forest reserve with a salt lake famed for its flamingos, and the splendiferous Monday Waterfall, to the Koi and Chorori Hills made of sandstone, natural wonders abound. History buffs can also get their fill of churches, monuments, museums and colonial architecture.
Paraguay is full of surprises, plus it’s among the safest South American countries for tourists.
Argentina
Argentina ranks as the third safest country in Latin America and the Caribbean on the Global Peace Index. It’s also the eighth-largest country in the world and the second-largest country in South America. This diverse behemoth hits all the high notes for adventurers, from rafting, waterskiing, windsurfing and kayaking in the reservoirs of Mendoza at the foot of the Andes to chasing waterfalls, specifically the semi-circular Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Explore the wine-making provinces of Mendoza and San Juan, the breathtaking Patagonian coast beaches and the tango clubs in Buenos Aires—there’s truly something for everyone here.
So pack your swimsuits and hiking gear—and don’t forget your dancing shoes.
Peru
In the realm of ancient culture and ruins, Peru, South America’s third-largest country, is an absolute goldmine, home to the world-renowned Machu Picchu, a citadel of palaces and monuments constructed by the Inca Empire, at the top of the Andes; Kuelap, a pre-Hispanic stone structure atop a mountain; and Caral, the birthplace of Andean culture, to name a few awe-inspiring sights. And when you’ve maxed out on Peru’s greatest archeological discoveries, take thee to seaside Lima, where you can catch a wave, go paragliding, or indulge in top-flight gastronomy.
Peru is one of the safest South American countries to visit. Though theft occasionally happens, crimes against foreigners are extremely rare.
Nicaragua
Outdoor sports and natural beauty lure adventurers to this Central American country, where the list of activities is neverending: you can hike to the top of the Mombacho volcano, sail to Solentiname, a nature-filled archipelago, snorkel in the turquoise waters of Pearl Cays, and surf the waves at Colorado Beach. The perfect bookend: A bike tour of the Spanish colonial city of Grenada.
Nicaragua has experienced political turmoil for several years, but it’s held onto its Global Peace Index footing. To stay safe, check its travel advisory status before departure, exercise caution, and visit with a reputable tour company.
TOURING TIP: While these might be some of the safest Latin American countries, like every other country in the world, travel should always be done with safety in mind. Do your research before you travel, behave responsibly, and always remain aware of your surroundings. Considering traveling with a professional tour company if you are concerned about safety–and that goes for travel in any country, not just in Latin America.
