When summer hits and you start hunting for a solid escape, looking at government travel warnings can totally kill the vibe. Much of South America has some pretty strict alerts right now.
Even spots that used to be a total breeze to visit, like Chile, are dealing with a spike in street crime and protests.
But don’t cancel your vacation plans just yet. There are 5 spots down south that currently hold the absolute safest rating from the U.S. State Department: Level 1.
A Level 1 rating means these places are generally peaceful and secure. Of course, no trip is bulletproof, and everywhere has its quirks.
To give you a better idea of what these places are really like without sounding like a government manual, here’s the on-the-ground reality for all 5 destinations.
1. Argentina
When you think of South America, Argentina is usually at the top of the list.
Right now, the government is keeping things stable, making it the safest independent country on the continent to visit this summer. The streets of Buenos Aires are buzzing with life, amazing steak dinners, and late-night tango.
You can walk around enjoying the incredible European-style architecture without feeling on edge.
- What to watch out for: Your biggest headache here is sneaky pickpockets. In wealthy tourist spots like Buenos Aires, thieves work in teams using distraction tricks. A classic move is the “mustard trick.” Someone will accidentally spill coffee or mustard on your shirt. While they pretend to help you wipe it off, their partner grabs your bag and disappears.
- Where to avoid: Skip the city of Rosario. The U.S. government marks it as a dangerous Level 2 zone because of heavy drug gang violence.
- What Travlers Are Saying: Using our real-time Safety Index, traveler votes currently give Argentina an 85/100. Been recently? Help other travelers by voting below:
2. Paraguay
Paraguay doesn’t usually make the front cover of travel magazines, but it is totally underrated. Tucked right in the heart of South America, the central and southern parts of this country are incredibly welcoming.
The locals are famous for their hospitality, and the country has a great relationship with the United States, recently pushing for more tourism. It is an amazing place to experience authentic local culture without fighting massive crowds of tourists.
- What to watch out for: In the capital city of Asunción, you just need to keep your phone in your pocket. The main problem is the “motochorro”—armed thieves riding together on motorcycles. They snatch bags in heavy traffic and zoom away before anyone can react.
- Where to avoid: Stay far away from the northeast border next to Brazil. This area is a severe Level 2 threat zone. Massive smuggling gangs run the roads here, and U.S. government workers aren’t even allowed to visit without special permission.
- What Travlers Are Saying: Traveler votes currently give Paraguay an 83/100. Been recently? Help other travelers by voting below:
3. Suriname
If you want a truly unique adventure, Suriname is the place. It is a solid democracy with zero terror threats, making it a very peaceful spot to land.
The capital city, Paramaribo, is a fascinating mix of cultures where you can see beautiful wooden colonial buildings sitting right next to the massive Amazon rainforest. It has a super laid-back, easy-going vibe.
- What to watch out for: The dangers here aren’t really about crime; they are about health. The hospitals don’t meet U.S. standards, and ambulances are almost impossible to find outside the city. Worse, local hospitals operate on a strict cash-only basis. They will demand cash upfront before they treat you, and they do not take regular U.S. health insurance.
- Pro tip: Avoid walking in the Palm Garden park after dark. And if you want to explore the deep Amazon jungle, hire a trusted tour guide. The dirt roads are rough, and you are entirely on your own out there.
- What Travlers Are Saying: Traveler votes currently give Suriname an 85/100. Been recently? Help other travelers by voting below:
4. French Guiana
French Guiana is a wild mix of dense Amazon jungle and modern European rules.
Because it is actually an overseas piece of France sitting right in South America, it runs on strict French laws.
That means you get European-level safety—you don’t have to worry about corrupt police or sketchy legal traps. You can explore amazing nature reserves or even watch a rocket launch at the local space center.
- What to watch out for: Violent crime against tourists is incredibly rare. The real problem here is the labor strikes. When local workers get angry, they block the main roads and completely shut down the international airport. It can totally trap you and wreck your travel plans if you aren’t prepared.
- Health rule: Because of the hot, tropical jungle weather, you are legally required to show proof of a Yellow Fever vaccine before they will let you into the country.
- What Travlers Are Saying: Traveler votes currently give French Guiana an 85/100. Been recently? Help other travelers by voting below:
5. The Falkland Islands
Floating way out in the remote South Atlantic Ocean, this British territory is rugged, stunning, and packed with penguins. It is easily the safest piece of land in the whole region.
Violent crime basically does not exist, and you could probably leave your wallet on a park bench and find it right there the next day. But its extreme isolation means you have to be ready for its history and strict rules.
- What to watch out for: The only real danger here is leftover history. Because of a war fought back in 1982, there are still live landmines hidden in some remote fields. Don’t panic, though—the dangerous spots are completely blocked off with barbed wire and marked with bright red warning signs. Just don’t jump any fences!
- Entry rules: Because this place is so isolated with very few doctors, they are super strict at customs. Before they let you in, you must prove you have a return ticket, plenty of money, and special medical insurance that will fly you out in an emergency.
Which one is your perfect South American getaway? Take this quiz to find out!
Question 1 of 4
What’s your ideal setting?
Question 2 of 4
What is your preferred activity?
Question 3 of 4
What travel quirk can you handle?
Final Question
What’s your biggest travel flex?
Argentina
The Cultural Powerhouse
Pro Tip: Keep your guard up in wealthy tourist spots in Buenos Aires, as teams of thieves love using distraction tactics like the “mustard trick.”
Paraguay
The Hidden Heart
Pro Tip: In the capital of Asunción, keep your phone in your pocket to avoid “motochorros” (motorcycle thieves) in heavy traffic.
Suriname
The Unique Adventure
Pro Tip: Ensure you buy premium travel medical insurance! Local hospitals demand cash upfront and do not meet U.S. standards.
French Guiana
The European Jungle
Pro Tip: You are legally required to show proof of a Yellow Fever vaccine to enter, and watch out for occasional labor strikes that can block roads.
The Falkland Islands
The Remote Sanctuary
Pro Tip: Customs is incredibly strict—you must prove you have a return ticket, plenty of money, and special medical evacuation insurance before they’ll let you in.
Extra Safety Tip:
If you are heading to any of these spots, take two minutes to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the local embassy knows you are there.
Also, since standard health insurance won’t help you in places like Suriname, buying extra travel insurance that covers emergency medical flights is the smartest thing you can do before you pack your bags.
