Is Neuquen Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

The natural beauty, the history, and the weather in Neuquen, Argentina are some reasons that travelers visit the area.

The culture, the myths and legends, and the opportunities for adventure are some things that draw visitors to Neuquen.

Neuquen is the capital city of the Neuquen province.

It is in the northern part of Patagonia.

The city and province are at the confluence of the Limay and the Neuquen rivers.

The province was home to indigenous peoples until the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the 16th century.

Outlaw gangs fought across the area for dominance during the 19th century.

Neuquen later came under the Argentine influence.

The discovery of oil fields, the development of fertile land for agricultural growth, and a new railroad helped to modernize Neuquen.

Argentina has many areas where there are safety issues.

Travelers need to learn whether Neuquen, Argentina is a safe place before they book their trip.

Warnings & Dangers in Neuquen

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Neuquen is a safer area than some other locations in Argentina. There are some safety risks for travelers, but they mostly involve issues such as petty theft. Travelers can learn about the safety risks and exercise caution to improve their chances of having a memorable experience when visiting Neuquen, Argentina.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Visitors to Neuquen have several safe public transport options. Be sure to use only reputable public transport companies. Travelers often use a taxi service to get from the airport to their hotel or to visit the sites. Contact a licensed taxi service. Avoid drivers who offer a ride, claiming to be from a taxi company. Neuquen has nice bus transportation for getting from the airport to the downtown area, or other destinations. One bus stops outside the airport about every 40 minutes. Ask an airport employee how to purchase a bus card, which you need to pay for your bus fare. Take a train ride from the airport to Neuquen, which is about a 20-minute trip. The train connects to other nearby areas. Book a private car service to pick you up at the airport.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets target travelers throughout much of Argentina, including in Neuquen. Some crimes have increased over the past few years in Neuquén, but not at the same rate that they have increased in larger areas. Travelers still need to take precautions to avoid becoming pickpocket victims.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a risk of several types of natural disasters in the Neuquen area. A magnitude 6.6 earthquake rocked the province in 2023. A rare, naturally acidic river in Neuquen, Argentina was the subject of analysis by researchers in 2020. The Río Agrio was studied and determined to have acidic bacteria and several other organisms. The Río Agrio River is affected by the still-active Copahue Volcano. The volcano erupted last in 2018.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and robberies do not occur in Neuquén as often as they do in many other areas of Argentina. Travelers should still be aware of their surroundings. Stay away from deserted areas to reduce the risk of becoming a mugging victim.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorist activities have plagued Argentina. Neuquen does not see the level of terrorism that occurs in some other areas. Several terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Hamas operate in some parts of Argentina. Check local reports and the U.S. Department of State site to get information on terrorist activity in the Neuquen province.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Scams are common in Neuquen if travelers are not aware of them. Several taxi scams occur in the province. One scam is that a taxi driver pretends that the taxi broke down. The driver explains that he is calling another taxi. The second taxi arrives, but both taxi drivers demand payment. Another scam occurs when a “handler” at the airport accepts the fare for the ride. The taxi driver also demands payment at the end of the ride. Travelers who fall for the picture scam are conned by local people. A local person asks you to take their picture and then lets the camera fall to the ground as you hand it back to them. The camera owner claims that you broke their camera and demands that you pay for it. Do not take pictures of Neuquen residents who ask you to use their camera.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women travelers who visit Neuquen, Argentina are not as much at risk of becoming crime victims as they are in larger cities. Many women feel safe when they visit Neuquen. Stay with friends or your group. Do not visit the sites alone.

TAP WATER RISK: HIGH

Drink bottled water when visiting Neuquen. Many areas of Argentina that are outside the big cities have had long-term water safety issues. Water codes or laws are often not enforced in some areas. Elevated levels of minerals, pollution, and organisms such as E. coli are some issues with water safety in Argentina.

Safest Places to Visit in Neuquen

Seeing native communities who preserve their ancient traditions, and walking around protected areas close to the Andes Mountains are some safe options for travelers who visit Neuquen.

Go hiking or biking through the natural environment of the city.

Adventurers who like a challenge can climb up to the snowy peaks of the Lanín Volcano.

People who have an adventurous spirit but do not want to participate in climbing will likely enjoy visiting the spectacular Nahuel Huapi National Park.

Gaze at the turquoise waters, view the glacial lakes, go rafting, or paragliding in this oldest protected area of Argentina.

Watch for the mythical aquatic creature that allegedly lives in the lake waters.

Visit a museum, go on an archaeological tour, or just sit back and enjoy the paradise feel of Neuquen, Argentina.

Places to Avoid in Neuquen

Many areas of Argentina have experienced civil unrest in recent years.

People often mistrust the government or become angry over the lack of resources such as safe drinking water.

Travelers who go to Neuquen should avoid areas where there are protests or large groups of people gathering on the streets.

Gender-based violence is an issue.

Women who travel to Neuquén should avoid exploring the city alone.

Walking tours provide a safer option for women and girls visiting Neuquen.

Stay away from unfamiliar areas.

Avoid going to bars alone.

Scams targeting tourists in Neuquen, Argentina often occur at bars.

People who visit bars should go with friends who are traveling with them or members of their tour group.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Neuquen

So... How Safe Is Neuquen Really?

Neuquen, Argentina does have its share of crime and other safety risks.

The crime rate is much lower than in many other areas of Argentina.

Numbeo performed a crime comparison between Neuquen and Buenos Aires.

The results show a striking difference in the types of crime and the statistics used in the comparison.

Property crimes are the most prevalent crimes that occur in Neuquen, Argentina.

Yet the number of property crimes that occur in Neuquen is about one-third of the property crimes that occur each year in Buenos Aires.

Violent crimes also occur at a much lower rate in Neuquen, compared to Buenos Aires.

Travelers decrease their chances of becoming a victim of a crime when visiting Neuquen if they take precautions and stay aware of their surroundings.

How Does Neuquen Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Private citizens of the U.S. do not need a visa to visit Neuquen for 90 days or less. Travelers who plan to visit other countries on a cruise ship need to check the visa requirements for those countries.

Currency

The currency in Argentina is the Argentine peso. Do not exchange currency at local shops or with people on the street who offer to help you exchange currency. The currency that you receive will likely be counterfeit. Exchange currency at a bank, hotel, or the currency exchange office.

Weather

The warm summer weather in December, January, and February provides an opportunity to enjoy Neuquen. People who want to ski likely want to travel to Neuquén during the winter months of June through August. Pack lightweight clothes when visiting in the summer, where temperatures can get into the low to mid-90s. Travelers who visit Neuquen during the spring should pack both lighter-weight clothing and clothing for colder weather. Temperatures can vary during the spring months from September through November.

Airports

Neuquen Presidente Peron International Airport is in Neuquen. The airport operates domestic flights to several locations in Argentina. Travelers have several transportation options to get to the city. Book a taxi from a licensed taxi company. Take the bus from the airport to the city center. Some travelers prefer to book a ride with a private transfer company.

Travel Insurance

U.S. citizens who travel to Neuquen should purchase travel insurance. The U.S. Department of State urges travelers who visit Argentina to have supplemental and evacuation insurance.

Neuquen Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Argentina - Safety by City