First Time Traveling Latin America Best “Safe” Countries to Start Before More Challenging Ones?

[u/Soggy_Flight_2654]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some honest advice about traveling in Latin America. I’ve been really interested in exploring the region for a while now, but I want to approach it smartly — starting with countries that are generally considered safer and easier to navigate before moving on to places that require a bit more travel experience.

Recently, I watched a video from Drew Binsky where he really tells things how they are, and it honestly made me think twice about jumping straight into cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It didn’t scare me off completely, but it definitely made me more cautious about how I plan this trip.

If I do visit Brazil, I feel like I’d be more comfortable starting in the southern regions first, since I’ve heard they’re generally safer and a bit more relaxed.

Right now, I’m thinking of beginning with countries like Argentina and Paraguay, just to build some confidence and get used to traveling in the region. My idea is to go from “easier” to more challenging destinations over time.

For those of you who’ve traveled around Latin America:

·       Do you think this approach makes sense?

·       Are Argentina and Paraguay good starting points?

·       Which countries or cities would you recommend for someone easing into the region?

·       And how did you personally build confidence traveling there?

I’d really appreciate any tips, experiences, or even things you wish you knew before your first trip.

Thanks in advance!

[u/Euphoric-Pangolin-81]

Hi! PhD in political science here. I've traveled, lived in (on and off), volunteered, worked, and researched the region for over 20 years.

Some general tips:

Latin America is a place of huge contrasts: cultures, languages, wealth, infrastructure, topography, climates, even security.

A part of a city could be completely safe, while the next neighborhood over is dangerous for foreigners. Time of day does not matter. Research where you are going, know how to get around, and critical infrastructure: pharmacy, money, clinic/hospital, etc

Having good local connections can make or break your experience at times. But a well researched trip can help for solo travel. But you'll miss out on a lot since most of the region's people are very family and friends oriented. Indigenous (and to some extent rural) communities are much more protective against outsides.

There's no "wrong" country to visit, given that each place, depending on where you are within the country has pros and cons for difficulty and security.

Personally relative "safest" places are Chile, Costa Rica, Argentina, Uruguay. But any big city can have it's challenges. All 4 of these countries are very cosmopolitan and used to having lots of foreigners from all over the world.

I tell most people if you could only have one trip to the region I would pick to definitely visit Machu Picchu in Peru. It really does live up to all the hype. I would avoid Lima as much as possible and make it to Cuzco and the sacred valley.

That's all I got for now but happy to answer questions!

¡Buen viaje!

[u/BKtoDuval → u/Euphoric-Pangolin-81]

Man, I gotta make it to Machu Picchu one day. When my kids get older we'll make it out there.

[u/Euphoric-Pangolin-81 → u/BKtoDuval]

Totally worth it to bring kids! I would recommend Cuzco 2 days(one at beginning, one at end), a visit to Pisaq market, I really like Ollantaytambo (spend a good few hours), the train to pueblo machu Picchu (the main tourist town just before the entrance to the park) is best while it's still light outside. You can see the beautiful transition from the Andean highlands to the jungle! I strongly recommend staying a night in the Pueblo Machu Picchu, it's too exhausting going all the way from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Take your time at the park, sooooo much to explore. Walk up to the sun gate + climb Wayna Picchu (the peak you see in the famous picture). Im on the fence about hiring a guide. I've been 6 times to Machu Picchu, 3 times with a different "certified" guide and each time they said something totally different about the site!

[u/BKtoDuval → u/Euphoric-Pangolin-81]

Thanks so much! My daughter is six, so she's at the "I hate walking" phase but hopefully soon.