Latin America is a beautiful region to explore. It is rich in culture, home to beautiful nature reserves and offers some of the best cuisines in the world.
Social problems, poverty and a high crime index continue to plague parts of the continent, leaving travelers wondering: which Latin American countries are the most dangerous to visit in 2024?
GPI MAP: most dangerous countries in Latin America
Without further ado, these are the eight most dangerous countries in Latin America, according to Global Peace Index:
8. Peru – 123
This country was at position 123 on the GPI.
Although Peru is a fascinating destination with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, it can pose safety challenges for tourists. One of the main concerns is petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in busy tourist areas and public transport hubs. Tourists may also encounter scams and fraud, such as overpriced services or fake tour operators.
In some regions, especially remote areas and border regions, there may be issues related to civil unrest, protests or strikes, which may occasionally disrupt travel plans and pose potential risks to the safety of tourists.
Altitude sickness can affect visitors in higher altitude locations such as Cusco or Arequipa, so acclimatization is crucial before undertaking any physical activities.
In addition, in certain neighborhoods of large cities such as Lima, cases of petty crime and drug-related problems can occur.
7. El Salvador – 122
This country was at position 122 on the GPI.
The U.S. State Department is advising citizens to reconsider travel to El Salvador due to violent crime, including armed robbery, murder and sexual assault, which is raising concerns in many parts of the country.
El Salvador is a relatively safe destination at the time of publishing this article. El Salvador is known for its gang-related crime. Nevertheless, visitors to El Salvador should be warned that while most conflicts occur between gangs and police, violence can occur anywhere in the country.
El Salvador is currently reporting its lowest homicide rate in more than a decade, which should mean the country is safer than ever.
Latest news from El Salvador:
March 16: The government of El Salvador has stepped up its efforts to combat gang violence by transferring an additional amount 2,000 suspected gang members to a maximum security prison in the country.
6. Honduras – 123
This country was at position 123 on the GPI.
If you go on a guided tour, Honduras is a safe destination, but if you travel alone you may encounter safety issues. Petty thefts and violent robberies, which can happen at any time, are common security problems.
Pickpocketing and handbag snatching are commonplace on the streets, at airports and outside hotels. Gangs often target vehicles driving through empty areas and demand items and cash from tourists.
Sexual assault, kidnapping, rape and murder of visitors are common forms of violent crime, as are petty thefts. In addition to these crimes, there are other security problems in Honduras, such as:
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes and landslides
- Accidents caused by poor road conditions
- Injury during demonstrations
- Credit card and ATM fraud
- Spike food and drink
- Scam
5. Nicaragua – 123
This country was at position 123 on the GPI.
Travelers can feel safe in Nicaragua. However, as in any other country, it is advisable to use your common sense. Despite government efforts to increase security in tourist areas, social and political unrest in the country is a serious problem.
The United States has issued a Level 3 travel warning for Nicaragua. This is mainly due to the political climate in the country and the lack of healthcare options.
Other countries, including Canada and New Zealand, have also issued Level 3 and Level 2 recommendations for travel to the region. In addition to political unrest, you may also be affected by a crime or a natural disaster. Since 2018, there have been more cases of violent crimes, such as armed robberies and sexual violence.
Latest news from Nicaragua:
January 16, 2024: The US updated its travel advisory for Nicaragua
The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Nicaragua on January 11, 2024, maintaining Level 3: Travel Reconsideration status. This update highlighted concerns about unlawful detentions, limited access to health care and arbitrary law enforcement in Nicaragua. The advisory specifically noted that the Nicaraguan government and law enforcement are targeting those perceived as opponents of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. Reported issues include restricted movement, searching of personal devices, and targeting of different groups and individuals for political reasons.
4. Brazil – 132
This country was at position 132 on the GPI.
Brazil is a relatively safe country to travel to, but you have to be much more careful than in other tourist hotspots.
Many governments advise their citizens to be extra careful when traveling to Brazil due to the country’s high crime rate, including robberies, kidnappings and theft.
Despite this, Brazil welcomes millions of visitors every year without incident. Travel warnings are in effect for nationals of several countries wishing to travel to Brazil. Australia advises its nationals to travel to Brazil only with great caution.
According to the World Bank, there were 22.45 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020, which is a high crime rate. Many governments have also issued travel warnings for certain regions.
3. Mexico – 136
This country was at position 136 on the GPI.
Mexico is generally safe for visitors as long as they exercise reasonable caution, do their homework, and use common sense. However, there are significant regional differences in the security situation in Mexico.
The U.S. State Department has increased travel warnings due to crime in many tourist-friendly states in Mexico. In Mexico, female solo travelers may need to take extra precautions. On the other hand, Mexico receives more than 35 million tourists annually, most of whom travel there safely.
If travelers use common sense and educate themselves about the region of the country they are traveling to, Mexico is generally a safe place. Due to crime, increased travel warnings are in effect in many parts of Mexico. Therefore, it is important that visitors to Mexico consider their personal safety, stay informed on current political issues and take the usual precautions.
Suggested: Most dangerous cities in Mexico
2. Venezuela – 140
This country was at position 140 on the GPI.
There is a lot of poverty in the country, which can cause some people to act in despair. Venezuela has a significantly higher crime rate than other South American countries.
Theft is a major concern for any visitor to Venezuela. The political climate in Venezuela is another issue related to security. There has been unrest throughout the country for years. There have been large-scale protests and the government has a reputation for suppressing them with violence.
It is advised to stay away from political gatherings and demonstrations when visiting Venezuela. To stay aware of possible instability in the places you travel to, it is also imperative to stay on top of the news.
The current status of the economy in Venezuela is the last issue we need to consider in terms of security. Due to the country’s economic crisis, many essential necessities, including food and medicine, are in short supply.
Latest news from Venezuela:
Mar. 15: According to both the United States and a report from Insight Crime, there has been a significant expansion of illegal crop growing and processing laboratories under the rule of Nicolás Maduro.
Suggested: The most dangerous countries in the world
1. Colombia – 140
This country was at position 140 on the GPI.
Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists travel to Colombia, and the vast majority of them have no problems. A small percentage of visitors fall victim to crimes such as pickpocketing, drugging and armed robbery.
The chance of something going wrong is greatly reduced by the wise traveler who is aware of the dangers and knows how to avoid them. Most crimes are committed in the big cities.
Knowing which areas to avoid and remaining inconspicuous will keep you safer, as this is often opportunistic.
Latest news from Colombia:
The latest travel advisory for Colombia, issued on January 2, 2024, advises travelers to reconsider travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. Specific regions such as Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Norte de Santander and the Colombia-Venezuela border are marked as higher risk areas, and travelers are advised not to visit them.
The opinion underlines the widespread nature of violent crime and organized criminal activity, as well as the potential risks from terrorist groups and civil demonstrations, which could disrupt transport and public services. For detailed information, please refer to the travel advice on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here.
