Traveling to South America has plenty of appeal to attract many types of tourists. The continent has at times had a questionable reputation, but continues to be a hub for both travelers and expats.
Before planning and setting out on your trip to South America, be sure to get to know more about your destination’s safety level for visitors and temporary residents. To help, Travel Noire has put together a list of the safest countries in South America for travelers who want to take a quick trip or plan on embarking on an extended stay.
Which Countries Are Safest for Tourist Travel?
Safety is an issue that should be taken seriously when traveling abroad. This is particularly true when visiting somewhere new and unfamiliar. The community of a chosen destination can really make or break the entire experience of a trip. While some parts of South America are deemed dangerous, there are also plenty of safe countries that could be perfect for that next travel destination experience.
Uruguay
Uruguay’s culture is very calm since it is a relatively small country with a small population. It is known as a very friendly country for foreigners and even has a fairly simple route for obtaining residency. Uruguay is considered one of the safest countries to visit in all of Latin America and has one of the lowest crime rates too. To accommodate travelers, it is common for tours and excursions to include professional tour guides and transportation. Community is incredibly important here, so travelers feel welcome and usually want to make a trip back. Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and is a great representation of its inviting culture. The capital makes for a great destination spot for first-time visitors who want a feel for this country and its communities.
Chile
Chile is a country on the western edge of South America and is filled with natural beauty. In fact, the most popular tourist attraction in Chile is the Torres Del Paine National Park, which has crystal clear lakes, sprawling vineyards and icy glaciers (and many other things to see). To the north is the driest desert in the world, Atacama. Santiago is the capital city of Chile and is a great place to stay for those that want to be around central areas. The vibrant city is a growing metropolitan area, but navigating it is manageable with sensible travel precautions.
Argentina
Argentina is a country in the southern half of South America and is the second largest country in South America (after Brazil). The country is a popular tourist destination for backpackers because of its natural landscapes. Argentina is home to the Andes Mountains, Pampas Grasslands and Iguazu Falls, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy taking road trips and indulging in the best Malbec wine in the world (Mendoza, Argentina is the wine capital of the world). Argentina is such a warm and welcoming country that it is considered one of the safest to travel to in Latin America.
South America’s Safest Countries for Digital Nomads and Expats
Remote work has been on the rise ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and it does not seem to be letting up. The days of rushing out of the house to sit in traffic are over. Now, remote workers and expats can travel all over the world while also making corporate, freelance or entrepreneurial money. Being able to switch your background (not just in zoom meetings) either periodically or on a whim is the new norm. So, it is completely understandable that remote workers have flocked to tropical and diverse countries that offer digital nomad visas with little fuss, like these options in South America.
Brazil
Brazil has an active digital nomad community that stays connected. Florianópolis (or Floripa) is one of the safest places to stay in Brazil and is popular with remote workers who want to network with people who work in the same capacity. As the world’s largest exporter of coffee, this country is full of coffee shops and is therefore very familiar with remote work culture. Brazil may be slightly expensive in comparison to other countries, but it also offers long-term accommodations that are actually quite cost-effective for expats. The internet speed can be dodgy since Brazil is technically a third world country, but if travelers check with their accommodation and co-working spaces, there should not be an issue.
Colombia
Colombia offers metropolitan cities and beautiful beaches, at a fraction of the cost (compared to Western countries). With one of the best healthcare programs in the world, it is no mystery why Colombia is a hotspot for expats. Medellín, Colombia is a great city for remote work and attracts tourists from all over the world with its year round warm weather. For travelers who opt to live and work in areas temporarily, this city is a great option. The country of Colombia is very affordable and has a thriving coffee shop scene, which remote workers will appreciate. There are programs that offer co-working spaces and accommodation that are not hard to come by and the cost of living is low.
Peru
Peru has plenty of biodiversity that expats can enjoy, like jungles, mountains and coastal beaches, but also has historical importance due to its ancient ruins. Logistically, it is important to note that the country does not offer a digital nomad visa but there are options for remote work. As one of the largest cities in South America and the capital of Peru, Lima is a great option for a home base. Peru is an affordable country to live in, but to have access to the best internet service, safe neighborhoods and nice accommodations travelers may need to pay a bit extra. Lima, Peru is one of the top cities for digital nomads who want to experience historical sites, culinary excellence and beautiful landscapes.
