Countries to avoid in Latin America: where shouldn’t you travel?

Does your insurance cover kidnapping? An absurd question? Not if you're planning to traverse Latin America, a continent of striking contrasts where enchanting Argentina exists alongside crisis-stricken Venezuela, ranked among the most dangerous countries in the world.

When I talk about traveling in South America, the question of safety immediately arises, and for good reason. As a female traveler, I've learned the hard way that usual precautions aren't always enough on this continent of a thousand faces.

Between Colombia known for its cartels, Brazil with its alarming homicide rates, and Ecuador with its zones of political instability, which destinations truly deserve their notorious reputation? And which ones, like peaceful Uruguay or welcoming Chile, offer instead a safe and unforgettable experience?

General overview of safety in Latin America

The South American continent is vast and heterogeneous in terms of safety. Some countries display extremely high crime rates, while others offer relatively safe travel conditions. Countries like Venezuela or Colombia rank among the most dangerous, while Uruguay and Chile are cited as safer destinations.

During my travels, I've noticed that the main risks for tourists include snatch thefts. The crime rate in certain major cities like Caracas or Rio de Janeiro is particularly concerning.

Why are some countries more advised against than others? Several factors:

Political instability
Poverty
Presence of drug cartels and armed groups
Failing infrastructure
Health risks and deficient healthcare systems

Drug trafficking also strongly influences the level of safety. Drug routes traverse Colombia, Bolivia, and certain regions of Peru, creating particularly dangerous zones.

List of the most dangerous countries in Latin America

Venezuela: instability and high crime

Venezuela unfortunately occupies first place in the ranking of dangerous countries in South America. Caracas, the capital, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. This isn't new: when I stayed there between 1998 and 2000, it was already among high-risk cities. However, Venezuela is a vast country, and not all regions are exposed in the same way. During that time, I spent several long stays on Margarita Island, far from the capital's tumult, where the atmosphere was much more serene.

Today, the situation at the borders with Colombia and Brazil is particularly volatile. I've met several travelers who were victims of assaults while attempting to cross these zones. Between hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and a record crime rate, it's a country I strongly advise against.

Ecuador: recent rise in violence

Ecuador, once considered a haven of peace, has experienced a rapid deterioration in its safety in recent years. I went there in 2021, and even then, I noticed concerning changes compared to my previous trip in 2015.

Guayaquil has become the epicenter of this growing violence. Territorial struggles between drug cartels have transformed previously touristy areas into battlefields. Even in Quito, I felt a new tension.

Despite these threats, certain regions like Cuenca or the Galapagos remain relatively tranquil. However, I advise extreme vigilance if you're considering a trip to Ecuador in the current context.

Colombia: persistent risks despite progress

Homicide rates in Colombia from 2014 to 2024 (number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants) - Source: Statista.com

Colombia occupies a paradoxical place in this ranking. On one hand, I spent three wonderful months there in 2022 without encountering major problems. On the other hand, certain regions of the country remain extremely dangerous.

The border regions with Venezuela and certain rural areas where armed groups still operate are to be absolutely avoided. The Chocó department and certain parts of Cauca are particularly problematic.

Despite these risks, Colombia can be visited safely if you stay within established tourist circuits. Bogotá, Medellín, the coffee region, and Cartagena offer beautiful experiences while observing certain safety rules.

Brazil: urban crime and risk zones

Brazil presents a complex safety profile. Large metropolises like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo experience high crime rates. During my stay in Rio, I witnessed several assaults in broad daylight, even in tourist zones.

The favelas, although some are "pacified," remain high-risk zones. Snatch thefts are frequent - I actually lost my phone this way in Salvador de Bahia despite my vigilance.

Despite these main risks, Brazil remains a fascinating destination that can be visited with greater caution. I loved my stays in Florianopolis and in the state of Minas Gerais, where I felt much safer.

Specific risks for tourists

Crime and kidnappings

Crime targeting tourists takes different forms. Express kidnappings represent a serious risk in certain countries like Venezuela where victims are held for short periods for cash withdrawals, have become common, even in formerly safe neighborhoods. And, to a lesser extent, Ecuador and Colombia.

Sophisticated scams are also common. In Bogotá, I almost fell into the trap of the "scopolamine powder," a substance that can make the victim suggestible. Fortunately, I had been warned and refused any drinks from unreliable sources.

In some isolated regions, assaults against female travelers are high. I always avoided traveling alone at night and favored well-secured accommodations.

Health risks and tropical diseases

Health risks are a major concern. During my travels, I contracted dengue in Brazil, an experience I wouldn't wish on anyone. This disease is endemic in many countries of the region.

Malaria remains present in Amazonian areas. Yellow fever constitutes also a danger in certain regions, and I had to get vaccinated before entering several countries. Moreover, it is essential to check your vaccines before any departure, as some are mandatory or strongly recommended depending on the destination.

Traveler's diarrhea is another frequent inconvenience, often caused by food or water contamination. I learned to always carry oral rehydration solutions and to be vigilant about what I consume.

Altitude represents another health challenge, particularly in the Andes. In La Paz, Bolivia, I suffered from altitude sickness for several days despite my caution.

Natural disasters and areas to avoid

South America is subject to various dangerous natural phenomena. The Andean region is highly seismic. During my stay in Lima, I experienced a 5.8 magnitude earthquake - a terrifying experience.

Active volcanoes also represent a danger, particularly in Ecuador and Chile. Seasonal floods regularly affect the Amazon and certain coastal regions.

I strongly advise consulting weather forecasts and geological alerts before visiting certain regions.

Safest countries to visit in South America

Fortunately, some countries offer travel conditions comparable to those in Europe in terms of safety.

Uruguay: stability and low crime

This country is undoubtedly the most secure country in South America according to my experience. I spent a month there in 2019 and was impressed by its political and social stability.

Montevideo certainly has some neighborhoods to avoid at night, but overall, I felt safe even walking alone in the evening. Small coastal towns like Punta del Este or Colonia del Sacramento are particularly peaceful.

The political stability of this country is remarkable, and Uruguayans are generally welcoming toward foreign visitors.

Chile: safe destinations for travelers

Chile is also among the safest countries in South America, despite some recent social tensions. I made three trips there, the last in 2023, and always appreciated the general level of safety.

Santiago is a relatively quiet capital where transportation infrastructure works efficiently. Southern cities like Puerto Varas or Pucón offer exceptional safety conditions.

Natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, constitute the main disadvantage in Chile, but I was impressed by the country's preparation for these events.

Argentina: recommended areas for tourism

Argentina presents a contrasting safety profile, but certain regions offer very favorable conditions for female travelers. Buenos Aires can be visited safely if one avoids certain peripheral neighborhoods. The main problems are pickpocketing, and financial scams related to the country's chronic economic instability.

The regions of Patagonia like Bariloche, El Calafate, and Ushuaia present exceptional safety levels. I hiked alone there for several days without ever feeling in danger.

Costa Rica: ideal for a first solo trip

Okay, it's not South America, but Central America. But I couldn't recommend this country, which is a real favorite.

Costa Rica is an ideal destination for a first solo trip, with a welcoming population and a good level of safety.

Between paradise beaches, volcanoes, and tropical forests, I fell in love with this exceptional nature. Easy to explore, I promise you a serene and unforgettable adventure.

Tips and precautions for safe travel

Preparations before departure - Whatever your destination, good preparation limits problems. Consult official advice, subscribe to travel insurance and check your vaccines in advance. A medical kit and copies of your documents are essential. Learning some basics in Spanish or Portuguese can also be very useful.

Behaviors to adopt - Being discreet and avoiding night travel limits risks. I only use official transport applications and always keep my bag in front of me. Sober clothing and a discreet wallet underclothing reduce temptations. For withdrawals, I prefer ATMs in banks or shopping centers.

Resources and contacts in case of emergency - In each country visited, I immediately save important numbers in my phone: from the embassy or consulate and local emergency services.

Conclusion: traveling informed is traveling safely

Become a member of NomadSister and access the map to see if there is a host in the country you are about to visit.

South America definitely deserves to be explored, despite the risks that some countries present. The key to a successful trip lies in preparation and information. As a female traveler, I have learned that caution is not synonymous with paranoia, but with wisdom.

I encourage all female travelers to get information from reliable sources and to carefully prepare their itinerary, favoring secure areas.

Importance of checking your destination before leaving

As I often tell my friends who hesitate to leave: the problem is not so much in the destination as in the lack of preparation. Hence, the importance of consulting official and updated sources on the security and health situation of the country or countries you want to visit or even just pass through.

Political contexts, levels of crime, health risks (such as mosquito-borne diseases) and environmental conditions can vary considerably from one country to another, or even from one region to another within the same country.

Traveling informed is traveling safely, and it's the best guarantee to fully experience the wonders that South America has to offer.

From your country of origin, you can access the official website of your government, which provides specific recommendations for its citizens. These guidelines take into account diplomatic relations, bilateral agreements, and the experiences of travelers from your nationality in each destination.

These official websites provide information on high-risk areas in South America. They offer detailed recommendations and advice for each destination, including recommended vigilance levels, areas to avoid, and precautions to take for safe travel.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) also provides an official website accessible from your country of origin. It contains essential information on travelers' health and safety, as well as current health recommendations and potential alerts.

Before you travel, it is strongly advised to consult these official sources to obtain up-to-date and relevant information for your destination.

About the Author

A graphic web designer and photographer by passion, I have a genuine love for travel. My extended stays in Latin America, particularly in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, have fueled my appreciation for discovery and meaningful encounters. Writing allows me to share these emotionally rich and enlightening experiences while prolonging the joy of reliving each journey.
Maria Orea
https://wp-creative.fr

ADVENTURE| ROAD TRIP| TRAVEL

Maria

Traveler

15 Mars 2025

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