last edited Dec 11, 2019
Health and Safety in South America
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal weight. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Precautions
There’s a clear divide between countries like Chile or Uruguay, which are broadly similar to Europe in terms of safety, and others that are far less stable and require extra caution.
Health-wise, malaria and dengue are common in Amazonian regions, while altitude sickness can be an issue in the Andes. Geologically, the entire Andean range is a seismic zone, and flooding risks are widespread across much of the continent.
Beyond that, crime and localized socio-political conflicts are the biggest concerns for travelers. Theft, muggings, assaults, and scams are frequent in Andean countries and cities like Rio or Caracas. Add to that recurring internal political tensions (Bolivia, Venezuela), border disputes (Colombia and its neighbors), or lingering insurgent movements (Colombia, Peru), and it’s wise to stay alert when traveling and going about your business.
Health
Illnesses
Health risks vary by location:
- Andean regions: At high altitudes, malaria, dengue, and other parasitic diseases disappear. Instead, altitude sickness is the main concern.
- Amazonian regions: As expected, malaria and dengue are common in the Amazonian areas of different countries. Beyond mosquito prevention, anti-malarial treatment is recommended. The yellow fever vaccine may also be useful for the Amazon.
- Argentina and neighbors: While isolated cases of malaria, dengue, and even yellow fever have been reported near Argentina’s northern borders, the risks remain low to very low.
Hygiene
Conditions vary by location and type of stay, but good personal and food hygiene is always advised. Avoid tap water and any food that doesn’t appear fresh.
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Again, there’s a divide between countries like Chile or Uruguay, which are broadly similar to Europe, and others that are far less safe.
Pickpocketing, muggings, and scams (including fake police, as in Bolivia), or even "express kidnappings" like in Peru, are common. Attacks on buses or private vehicles also occur, such as in Ecuador. Violent assaults are frequent in cities like Caracas (one of the worst on the continent) or, to a lesser extent, Rio. In short, stay alert when moving around and going about your business.
Be cautious with drugs. Even if local production is well-known (if not officially recognized), consumption is not tolerated. Being a foreigner doesn’t grant you leniency—in some countries, it may even work against you. Never cross borders with drugs, even in tiny amounts.
For road safety, the situation and precautions are broadly similar to those in Central America.
Political Risks
South America has so far been spared from international terrorism. However, locally, the situation differs in some countries.
Among the safest destinations in this regard are Argentina (with some caveats), Chile, Uruguay, the Guianas, Paraguay, and to some extent Brazil. Elsewhere, you may encounter recurring internal political tensions (Bolivia, especially Venezuela), occasional border disputes (Venezuela-Colombia, Colombia-Ecuador), or the presence of guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, or drug traffickers. In the latter category, Colombia still requires caution—even if the situation has improved, it’s essential to check the current conditions before moving between regions.
As for Peru, while the Shining Path has nearly disappeared, armed groups linked to drug traffickers still operate in the central part of the country, restricting—or at least heavily limiting—travel in certain valleys.
Climate and Nature
- Andean regions: The entire Andean range is highly seismic, with active volcanoes in several countries. Flooding and landslides are also possible during the rainy season. Additionally, be mindful of climate variations and avoid getting lost in desert areas. Altitude sickness can also be a serious issue above 3,500–4,000 meters.
- Elsewhere: Flooding during certain times of the year is the main concern. Semi-desert areas in Argentina or Paraguay also require some caution. As for the Amazon rainforest, since visits are usually guided, its "dangers" are significantly reduced for travelers.
Animals
- Andean regions: The high altitude limits wildlife, so there are no major concerns. Just watch out for stray dogs, which may carry rabies.
- Elsewhere: The Amazon region poses the most risks. Beyond mosquitoes (which transmit malaria, dengue, and other diseases), the rainforest is home to many species that can be dangerous to humans. However, since visits are typically guided, the risk of dangerous encounters is minimized.