The Safest Countries to Visit in South America

You’d be hard-pressed to find a safer location than a remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,000km (620mi) from mainland Ecuador. Crime is virtually non-existent on the Galápagos Islands, where the animal population far outweighs the number of people. As long as you respect local wildlife, most animals (and humans) are perfectly friendly. On this five-day cruise around the islands, you’ll meet giant tortoises, sleepy sea lions and the tiny Galápagos penguin. Accommodation includes a dreamy glamping site in the Santa Cruz highlands and a lovely hotel on San Cristóbal Island.

Home to a stretch of the Andes mountains and part of the Amazon rainforest, not to mention a 2,000km (1,240mi) coastline, it’s no surprise that Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Active volcanoes mean there’s always a chance of earthquakes and eruptions, but this is a rare occurrence, and there are plenty of procedures in place for when natural disasters loom. In fact, on this exclusive eight-day trip, you’ll travel right through the Avenue of Volcanoes and get to check out bottle-green crater lakes. Whitewater rafting in the Amazon, cycling the Baños Waterfall Route and horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park also feature on the epic, action-packed itinerary.

While Brazil might not have the best reputation when it comes to crime, don’t let that put you off visiting. Applying common sense while travelling – such as only using licensed taxis and keeping your valuables in your hotel – should leave you free to explore the natural wonders and sultry streets of this captivating country. The safest way to explore Brazil in on a small-group trip, so why not book your spot on our nine-day itinerary starting in spectacular Sao Paulo and ending on the golden beaches of Rio, with a soul-soothing escape on the coastal paradise of Paraty Bay sandwiched in between.