5 of the safest South American countries to visit this summer according to US officials

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When summer rolls around and you start looking for a solid escape, checking out government travel warnings can completely kill the mood. Much of South America is currently under pretty strict warnings.

Even places that used to be easy to visit, like Chile, are experiencing a spike in street crime and protests.

But don’t cancel your vacation plans just yet. There are five places in the South that currently have the absolute safest rating from the U.S. Department of State: Level 1.

A Level 1 rating means that these places are generally quiet and safe. Of course, no journey is bulletproof, and there are quirks everywhere.

To give you a better idea of ​​what these places are really like, without sounding like a government manual, here are the realities on the ground for all five 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 steady, making it the safest independent country on the continent to visit this summer. The streets of Buenos Aires are bustling with life, great steak dinners and late night tango.

You can walk around and enjoy the incredible European-style architecture without feeling tense.

• What to pay attention to: 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 accidentally spills coffee or mustard on your shirt. While they pretend to help you wipe it off, their partner takes your bag and disappears.
• Where to avoid: Skip the city of Rosario. The US government labels it dangerous Level 2 zone due to the violence of heavy drug gangs.
• What travelers say: 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 does not normally make the front page of travel magazines, but is completely underestimated. Tucked in the heart of South America, the central and southern parts of this country are incredibly hospitable.

The locals are known for their hospitality, and the country has a good relationship with the United States, recently pushing for more tourism. It’s a great place to experience authentic local culture without having to battle huge crowds of tourists.

• What to pay attention to: In the capital Asunción, all you have to do is keep your phone in your pocket. The biggest problem is the ‘motochorro’: armed thieves who ride together on motorcycles. They grab bags in heavy traffic and zoom away before anyone can react.
• Where to avoid: Stay far away from the northeastern border next to Brazil. This area is a serious one Level 2 threat zone. Huge smuggling gangs run the roads here, and US government employees are not even allowed to enter without special permission.
• What travelers say: 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 without any terrorist threat, making it a very peaceful place to land.

The capital, Paramaribo, is a fascinating mix of cultures where you can see beautiful wooden colonial buildings standing right next to the enormous Amazon rainforest. It has a super relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

• What to pay attention to: The dangers here aren’t really about crime; they are about health. The hospitals do not meet American standards and ambulances are virtually impossible to find outside the city. Even worse, local hospitals operate strictly on a cash-only basis. They will demand cash upfront before treating you, and they don’t take regular US health insurance.
• Pro tip: Avoid walking in Palm Garden Park after dark. And if you want to explore the deep Amazon jungle, hire a trusted guide. The unpaved roads are rough and you are completely alone there.
• What travelers say: 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 part of France located in the middle of South America, it is subject to strict French laws.

This means that you get security at European level; you don’t have to worry about corrupt police or vague legal traps. You can explore amazing natural areas or even attend a rocket launch at the local space center.

• What to pay attention to: Violent crimes against tourists are incredibly rare. The real problem here is the strikes. When local workers get angry, they block the main roads and shut down the international airport completely. It can completely trap you and ruin your travel plans if you are not prepared.
• Health rule: Due to the hot, tropical jungle weather, you are legally required to show proof of one Vaccine against yellow fever before they let you into the country.
• What travelers say: Traveler votes currently give French Guiana an 85/100. Been recently? Help other travelers by voting below:

5. The Falkland Islands

Far out in the remote South Atlantic Ocean, this British territory is rugged, breathtaking and teeming with penguins. It is by far the safest piece of land in the entire region.

Violent crime basically doesn’t exist, and you could probably leave your wallet on a park bench and find it there the next day. But the extreme isolation means you have to be prepared for history and strict rules.

• What to pay attention to: The only real danger here is the remaining history. As a result of a war fought in 1982, live landmines are still hidden in some remote areas. But don’t panic: the dangerous places are completely cordoned off with barbed wire and marked with bright red warning signs. Just don’t jump fences!
• Access rules: Because this place is so isolated and there are very few doctors, they are super strict with customs. Before they let you in, you have to prove that you have a return ticket, enough money and special health insurance that will allow you to fly out in an emergency.

Which is your perfect South American holiday? Take this quiz to find out!

Extra safety tip:

If you’re going to one of these places, take two minutes to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so that the local embassy knows you are there.

Since standard health insurance won’t help you in countries like Suriname, buying additional travel insurance that covers emergency medical flights is the smartest thing you can do before packing your bags.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our editor-in-chief and writer. After years of reading, writing, and obsessing about travel (while traveling as often as possible, of course!), he wants to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.