Chile is a country on South America’s western edge. It is long and narrow in shape
The World Bank states that as of 2021, the country had a population of 19,212,362 residents.
Furthermore, the country saw an international homicide rate of 4.8 per 100,000 residents in 2020, 120,335 burglaries committed in 2020, and 139.7 car theft cases per 100,000 residents.
In 2018, the country saw a total of 12,214 assault cases being reported and 639 cases of robberies during 2020.
Overall, the country has a very low crime rate, making it one of the safer countries in Latin America.
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10 Safest Cities in Chile
1. Santiago de Chile
Santiago de Chile is the capital of Chile and also the largest city.
The country is well known as one of the world’s great wine producers, and if you plan to visit Santiago de Chile, you should try out some of the local wines.
Santiago de Chile has many fascinating museums and great restaurants with authentic cuisine.
The city has a population of approximately 9 million residents.
The city is relatively safe if you are vigilant, as you should be in any foreign city.
One significant fact about Santiago de Chile is that it is, for the most part, free from political corruption.
There is a medium risk of becoming a victim of crime in this city.
Pickpockets, scams, and muggings are of concern.
Other concerns are flooding from heavy rains and air pollution.
But apart from that, you are pretty safe here.
There are various job opportunities in Santiago de Chile, as many big employers call the city home.
There has been a travel advisory for the city in 2022, highlighting that several protest actions are occurring in this city.
2. La Serena
La Serena is the capital of the Coquimbo region and is six hours to the north of Santiago.
The city is known for its neo-colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.
The beaches make this one of the top tourist destinations during summer when its population doubles.
The city has a very low crime index of approximately 28 and a high safety index of 72 out of 100. Both property crime and violent crime rank very low in this city.
However, there is a concern that crime has been rising for the past three years.
This city is safe to travel alone during the day and evening.
This is the leading city in travel and tourism.
Due to the market growth, many residents from Santiago invest in a second property here.
3. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a town located in the Colchagua Valley in Central Chile.
The town is very famous for its surrounding wineries and colonial architecture.
The city has a relatively low crime rate.
Citizens are warm and welcoming, and visitors are safe for the most part.
For the most part, Santa Cruz is a safe city to travel to.
However, the city does still experience its fair share of crime, including petty crime.
Reasonable caution should be exercised when traveling in this city.
It’s safe to walk around in the city at night.
There are a lot of people who live on the streets, but they are harmless.
Most crime occurs on crowded beaches when locals and tourists become intoxicated.
Like most cities, some areas could be considered problem areas.
The city has a strong police presence; most importantly, tourists can rest assured that they are safe in Santa Cruz.
4. Valparaiso and Viña del Mar
Valparaiso is situated on the coast of Chile and is a port city.
What makes this city so unique is the colorful clifftop homes.
Valparaiso and Viña del Mar are two populated communes situated next to each other.
These two cities are relatively safe and offer many great amenities.
These two cities are often mistaken for one big city.
They are both significant tourist attractions in Chile and share a public transportation system.
This area boasts a Mediterranean climate, and the job market in these two cities is booming.
Especially in the tourism, fishing, mining, and import/export sectors.
These cities, for the most part, are very safe.
However, particular areas should be avoided.
The downtown area and surrounding areas are the safest.
As you move out and away from this area, it becomes more questionable.
In these areas, there is a higher possibility of becoming a victim of a crime such as robberies or muggings.
5. Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is located in the south of Chile in the Llanquihue Province.
Two significant volcanoes form part of the backdrop of the city: Osorno Volcano and Calbuco Volcano.
This colonial town lies on the shores of the Lago Llanquihue. It is the biggest lake in Chile.
The crime rate is very low. This includes violent crime and property crime.
Even petty crime is low in the lake-side city.
There is no risk of pickpockets, and rude taxi drivers don’t exist here.
The city is made up primarily of tourists and families during the summertime.
The city hosts many tourists annually and is a prime travel destination.
6. Villa Alemana
Villa Alemana is a city in Chile’s Zona Central.
This is one of the safest cities in Chile.
The city has a crime index of 39 out of 100 and a safety index of 62 out of 100.
Travelers in this city need not worry about daytime travel as it’s incredibly safe.
However, traveling at night is not advised as it is very dangerous, and you will likely become a crime victim.
Property crime threats are moderate in the city, but assault and armed robbery cases are very low.
On a side note, there is a moderate risk of running into some shady characters that deal drugs on the streets.
But, apart from that, the city is relatively safe.
7. Valdivia
Valdivia is an industrial and commercial city in the south of Chile.
This city is famous for a few things, including its German beer, university, and unique culture.
The city has made it onto the list as a moderately safe city.
However, crime has increased over the past three years.
The city experiences moderate levels of violent and property crimes such as robberies, assault, theft, vandalism, corruption, and bribery.
Tourists should be very safe and moderately safe at night when walking around the day.
Always exercise caution when traveling in a foreign country.
8. Pucón
Pucón is a city in Chile’s central region close to the Lake District.
The backdrop to the city is a snow-capped volcano named Villarrica volcano.
It is the adventure and tourism hub of Chile and is considered to be a high-end tourist destination.
The town is widely known for the wooden and delicate flowers that are made and displayed all over the town.
This town is a dream destination for those that love the outdoors and adventure.
For the most part, the city is safe.
However, there are increased crime levels during the summer months when tourism also increases.
There have been reports of muggings and robberies aimed at tourists.
These cases are not violent.
They are primarily, for now, break-ins.
There is a police presence in the area, but very few officers speak English.
9. Pichilemu
Pichilemu is a coastal resort town located in southwest Chile.
The town has some of the best surfing spots, black sandy beaches, and cliffs.
The city is a very popular tourist destination.
There is a laid-back atmosphere in the city all year long.
The area is very family-friendly, with a low crime index.
It offers excellent schooling, a moderate climate, friendly locals, great food, and unforgettable memories.
The city features many different kinds of coffee shops and is nomad-friendly.
There are very few reports of violence, property, or petty crime in the area.
10. Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is located near the southernmost region of Chile in the Patagonia region.
The city is also known as “the city of the red roofs” due to the red roofs of many buildings.
The climate is pretty cold here, and the wind can get intense.
The city is characterized by its colonial European-style buildings.
The city is a mere 1400 km from Antarctica.
There are low levels of violent crime and property crime in the area.
However, petty crime is quite prevalent in the area.
Pickpocketing is an especially big concern, and you should always ensure that you keep your valuables out of sight and do not flaunt wealth.
Visitors should take reasonable precautions during the evening and never travel alone.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Chile
- Read up about any travel scams that you may encounter in this country. It’s better to be prepared.
- Never take unnecessary risks.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Keep road safety in mind at all times.
- Always make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving the hotel.
Chile Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Chile Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What language is spoken in Chile?
Many locals speak English, but not all.
Apart from that, it’s Spanish.
Is Chile a family-friendly destination?
Absolutely.
Many destinations in Chile are family-friendly.
What currency is used in Chile?
The Chilean peso.
I don’t think Valparaiso is safe
I’ve lived in Chile for a few years, and I can definitely vouch for the safety of cities like Valdivia and Punta Arenas. It’s nice to see them recognized here—it’s a great country to explore with peace of mind!
One of my bucket lists is a trip to Chile, and this list is super helpful! It’s great to know which cities are the safest, especially since I’ll be traveling solo. Now I know where to prioritize on my itinerary.