Traveling through Latin America can be one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences in your life—but like anywhere in the world, it comes with challenges. From bustling cities to remote rainforests, this continent offers incredible diversity, but also requires smart and informed travel decisions.
Yes, Latin America is safe for travelers who stay alert, respect local customs, and avoid obvious risk areas—just as you would when visiting parts of Europe or North America. It’s also true that some regions face economic hardship and social inequality, and being aware of this helps you better understand how to travel respectfully and responsibly.
In this guide, we’ll give you practical tips on staying healthy, safe, and confident during your trip—so you can focus on what matters: enjoying Latin America’s rich cultures, nature, and people.
Petty theft is most common when it comes to crime. On the street, in buses, in bars, it can happen. Definitely be aware of that. All over Latin America.
But, also know that the majority of people you will encounter will keep an eye on you when you approach them with a friendly attitude. And especially when you interact with them, buy something from them or show interest in what they are doing.
And if some trustworthy person gives you security advice about the area and its people, believe it.
Still, narco and gang criminality exists, but usually doesn’t involve travelers.
What travelers have to look out for is pick-pocketing, scams or getting involuntarily drugged in order to get robbed, or in a worst case scenario, sexually assaulted.
Well, there is not much you can do. Out of our own experience, try to save yourself! Unharmed!!! No phone, wallet or camera is more important than your own life!
A common assault is 2 guys on a motorcycle trying to rob you, mostly in deserted or less touristy areas. So stay in a public area and take safe rides back to the hotel.
In any case, if you get robbed, hand everything over and shut up! Nobody needs to know about those emergency 20 Dollars in a belt, shoe or boxers.
Everything else is definitely replaceable.
Well, this is a huge topic here and should not be taken lightly. The sun around the equator is extremely strong!
No matter where you are, in the Andes, the Amazon basin or somewhere on land or sea in the Galapagos islands, the sun is a serious threat.
UV Indexes are high on a daily basis, not to compare with the Mediterranean Sea during July.
Even on cloudy or rainy days it is extremely important to use sunscreen on all body parts that are exposed. Put it on right in the morning and don’t forget to reapply it regularly. Additionally, wear a hat with a wide brim and wear long sleeves and pants.
A sunburn can be really severe here and can easily ruin an otherwise perfect trip!
We would always advise you to use SPF50 (reef-safe brands of course).
And, whenever possible, seek shelter in the shade.
So, what to do against them? Use repellent!
There’s natural options you should consider first in order to protect the environment.
If there’s no way around, only then use repellent that usually carries ingredients like DEET or Icaridin. These are highly effective, but also not environmentally friendly, and also can irritate the skin. DEET for example, when getting into your eyes, can be a real hassle for a couple of hours.
But, mosquitos are aggressive as well. So just know your weapons. And use them wisely!
Soroche, as the altitude sickness is called here, is another serious thing to keep in mind when traveling the high Andes. It usually appears above 2500m (8200ft).
In cities like Quito, Riobamba or Cuenca, you are already on altitudes between 2450m and 3000m (8000ft-9850ft).
The symptoms are different for everyone: Anything from headache, feeling sick, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, amongst others.
So, when you arrive in Quito for example, take it easy for the first few days. Take light walks, stay hydrated, get used to the altitude before going to higher grounds and do those fantastic hikes in the avenue of the volcanoes.
In any case, if the altitude sickness hits you hard, always descend from the mountain!
Don’t drink it! Always go for water coolers to fill up your bottle, or buy bottled water.
Yes, in some places the tap water is safe to drink, and I usually do it in newer buildings in Quito, Guayaquil or Cuenca since I live in Ecuador and I imagine I know when it’s safe for me.
But for travelers, especially when you have a weaker stomach in general, it’s just not worth the risk of dealing with an upset belly when you’re only in the country for a couple of weeks or so.
Well, this is not a serious safety threat, but a little information about it might improve your mental stability.
In most Latin American countries, it is still polite to arrive a little late for dates, appointments, and meetings.
Don’t take it personally and don’t leave, the person you are meeting with will come eventually. It is best to arrive a little late yourself.
For me, it took quite some time to adjust to that, but at some point I got somehow over my usual overly punctual nature.
