The most dangerous cities in South America

To calculate crime rate, the number of reported crimes (such as homicides, robberies, assaults, and property crimes) in a particular area and time frame is divided by the population of that area and then multiplied by a chosen multiplier (e.g. 100,000). This formula provides a standardized measure for evaluating crime levels across regions. With this established, let's look at the most dangerous cities in South America.

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24. Cuenca, Ecuador -

Cuenca has a Crime Index of 46.0. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, nonetheless, while exploring be cautious with personal belongings.

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23. Florianópolis, Brazil -

Florianópolis has a Crime Index of 46.8. It's famous for its beaches and outdoor activities, but taking regular safety precautions is key to enjoying a secure and safe visit.

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22. Medellín, Colombia -

Medellín has a Crime Index of 53.3. While exploring, being aware of local advice and staying in well-traveled areas is recommended. Medellín is known for its checkered past, however, it has quickly turned into a modern city.

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21. Montevideo, Uruguay -

Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, has a Crime Index of 56.5. Practicing standard safety measures is advisable during your stay. Pay close attention to pickpockets, and stay out of areas that are off the beaten path.

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20. Asunción, Paraguay -

Asunción, Paraguay's capital, has seen a rise in crime, with a Crime Index rate of 57.2. Violent crimes like armed robberies, burglaries, and carjackings are increasing, along with pickpocketing and muggings in crowded areas. While culturally vibrant, the city requires caution, especially at night.

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19. Brasília, Brazil -

Brazil's capital city of Brasília is known for its modernist style of architecture, however, it notoriously has a Crime Index of 58.6. Visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly in less frequented areas. It's also essential to be very aware of taxis and ensure you're taking a taxi that is registered and licensed.

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18. Belo Horizonte, Brazil -

The vibrant city of Belo Horizonte has a Crime Index of 59.7. Staying in well-traveled areas and avoiding risks can ensure you enjoy your experience here.

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17. Curitiba, Brazil -

Curitiba has a Crime Index of 61.2. It's known for its innovative urban planning and green spaces, but locals advise not wandering the streets at night.

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16. Córdoba, Argentina -

Córdoba, with its colonial-styled architecture and growing student population, has unfortunately grown a reputation as being on the unsafe side. Córdoba has a Crime Index of 61.6. Travelers should remain vigilant in crowded areas to enhance their safety.

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15. Quito, Ecuador -

Ecuador's capital Quito is a beautiful city nestled in the Andes mountain range. However, Quito has become increasingly unsafe in recent years, with a Crime Index of 63.1.

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14. Buenos Aires, Argentina -

Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, has a Crime Index of 63.1. Keep your wit about you when in crowded places and avoid scams at every opportunity.

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13. Santiago, Chile -

Santiago, Chile's capital, has a Crime Index of 63.9. Consider hiring a travel guide, and use common sense when in unfamiliar areas.

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12. Campinas, Brazil -

The university and technology city of Campinas has a Crime Index of 65.7. Travelers should always be alert and ensure they take care of their belongings.

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11. Bogotá, Colombia -

Colombia's capital Bogotá has a Crime Index of 66.4. This city filled with history has plenty to offer visitors, however, one should always be aware of the surroundings.

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10. São Paulo, Brazil -

Brazil's largest city faces a Crime Index of 70.1. It's a bustling metropolis with diverse attractions, but it's advised you hire a local tour guide who will make sure you have a wonderful stay and avoid the areas that may get you into trouble.

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9. Lima, Peru -

The Peruvian capital has been struggling with crime and has a Crime Index of 70.1. Travelers should exercise caution, particularly in crowded places.

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8. Porto Alegre, Brazil -

Porto Alegre, situated in southern Brazil, has a Crime Index of 70.7. Known for its cultural events and culinary delights, the city has much to offer. But staying aware of your surroundings is advised to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere securely.

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7. Cali, Colombia -

Cali faces a Crime Index of 71.3. It's renowned for its salsa music and dance. But while enjoying the rhythm of the city, it's vital that you keep your belongings secure and avoid unfamiliar areas.

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6. Guayaquil, Ecuador -

Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil, has a Crime Index of 74.4. As a major port city, it offers glimpses of Ecuador's coastal culture. But stay aware of your surroundings and make sure to keep a firm grip on your personal belongings.

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5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -

Rio de Janeiro, famous for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is plagued by a high Crime Index of 75.3. While the city offers unparalleled beauty, it's essential to be vigilant when exploring.

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5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -

Despite its challenges, Rio remains a popular tourist destination, with many visitors enjoying its iconic attractions, from Copacabana Beach to Christ the Redeemer.

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4. Fortaleza, Brazil -

Fortaleza, a coastal city in Brazil, grapples with a Crime Index of 75.7. While its beautiful beaches and vibrant street life are something to enjoy, it's crucial to be aware of the safety situation.

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4. Fortaleza, Brazil -

Fortaleza's tourism industry strives to provide enjoyable experiences, but visitors should remain aware, especially after dark.

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3. Recife, Brazil -

The coastal city of Recife faces a Crime Index of 75.7. Recife has a beautiful mix of historical sites and modern attractions.

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3. Recife, Brazil -

Recife attracts travelers from all around Brazil and abroad. However, safety concerns exist, so it's advisable to stay informed and make use of travel guides.

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2. Salvador, Brazil -

Salvador, in Brazil, ranks among the most dangerous in South America, with a Crime Index of 76.8.

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2. Salvador, Brazil -

Known for its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage and colorful festivals, Salvador is a city of contrasts. Travelers are drawn to its unique culture but must also be aware of safety concerns.

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1. Caracas, Venezuela -

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, unfortunately, tops the list as South America's most dangerous city. With a staggering Crime Index of 81.4, safety is a major concern.

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1. Caracas, Venezuela -

While Caracas boasts a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, the city has struggled with high crime rates and socioeconomic challenges, making it vital for residents and travelers to exercise caution.

Sources: (Numbeo)

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Crime rates -

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24. Cuenca, Ecuador -

Cuenca has a Crime Index of 46.0. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, nonetheless, while exploring be cautious with personal belongings.

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23. Florianópolis, Brazil -

Florianópolis has a Crime Index of 46.8. It's famous for its beaches and outdoor activities, but taking regular safety precautions is key to enjoying a secure and safe visit.

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22. Medellín, Colombia -

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21. Montevideo, Uruguay -

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20. Asunción, Paraguay -

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19. Brasília, Brazil -

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18. Belo Horizonte, Brazil -

The vibrant city of Belo Horizonte has a Crime Index of 59.7. Staying in well-traveled areas and avoiding risks can ensure you enjoy your experience here.

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17. Curitiba, Brazil -

Curitiba has a Crime Index of 61.2. It's known for its innovative urban planning and green spaces, but locals advise not wandering the streets at night.

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16. Córdoba, Argentina -

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15. Quito, Ecuador -

Ecuador's capital Quito is a beautiful city nestled in the Andes mountain range. However, Quito has become increasingly unsafe in recent years, with a Crime Index of 63.1.

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14. Buenos Aires, Argentina -

Buenos Aires, Argentina's capital, has a Crime Index of 63.1. Keep your wit about you when in crowded places and avoid scams at every opportunity.

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13. Santiago, Chile -

Santiago, Chile's capital, has a Crime Index of 63.9. Consider hiring a travel guide, and use common sense when in unfamiliar areas.

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12. Campinas, Brazil -

The university and technology city of Campinas has a Crime Index of 65.7. Travelers should always be alert and ensure they take care of their belongings.

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11. Bogotá, Colombia -

Colombia's capital Bogotá has a Crime Index of 66.4. This city filled with history has plenty to offer visitors, however, one should always be aware of the surroundings.

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10. São Paulo, Brazil -

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9. Lima, Peru -

The Peruvian capital has been struggling with crime and has a Crime Index of 70.1. Travelers should exercise caution, particularly in crowded places.

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8. Porto Alegre, Brazil -

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7. Cali, Colombia -

Cali faces a Crime Index of 71.3. It's renowned for its salsa music and dance. But while enjoying the rhythm of the city, it's vital that you keep your belongings secure and avoid unfamiliar areas.

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6. Guayaquil, Ecuador -

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5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -

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5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -

Despite its challenges, Rio remains a popular tourist destination, with many visitors enjoying its iconic attractions, from Copacabana Beach to Christ the Redeemer.

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4. Fortaleza, Brazil -

Fortaleza, a coastal city in Brazil, grapples with a Crime Index of 75.7. While its beautiful beaches and vibrant street life are something to enjoy, it's crucial to be aware of the safety situation.

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4. Fortaleza, Brazil -

Fortaleza's tourism industry strives to provide enjoyable experiences, but visitors should remain aware, especially after dark.

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3. Recife, Brazil -

The coastal city of Recife faces a Crime Index of 75.7. Recife has a beautiful mix of historical sites and modern attractions.

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3. Recife, Brazil -

Recife attracts travelers from all around Brazil and abroad. However, safety concerns exist, so it's advisable to stay informed and make use of travel guides.

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2. Salvador, Brazil -

Salvador, in Brazil, ranks among the most dangerous in South America, with a Crime Index of 76.8.

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2. Salvador, Brazil -

Known for its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage and colorful festivals, Salvador is a city of contrasts. Travelers are drawn to its unique culture but must also be aware of safety concerns.

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1. Caracas, Venezuela -

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, unfortunately, tops the list as South America's most dangerous city. With a staggering Crime Index of 81.4, safety is a major concern.

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1. Caracas, Venezuela -

Sources: (Numbeo)

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The most dangerous cities in South America

These cities require caution

04/03/25 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Safety

South America has long dazzled us with its beautiful climate, delicious food, rich history, and musical rhythm. Travelers are often desperate to visit many of the major cities in South America, however, not all South American cities are safe. In this gallery, we'll unpack the most dangerous cities in South America, so you can make an informed decision on whether you'd like to book your next vacation to these destinations.

Click on to discover the most dangerous cities in South America.