Chile is one of South America’s most stable, developed and orderly countries, and its star attractions — the Atacama Desert, Patagonia and Torres del Paine, the Lake District, Chiloé and Easter Island — are wonderfully safe places to travel. In recent years street crime in the bigger cities has risen, which is why the US State Department now rates Chile Level 2 — “Exercise Increased Caution.” It’s nothing to be anxious about; it simply means treating Santiago and a couple of other cities with normal big-city awareness. Here’s the practical picture.
Outside the cities, very. The wilderness and small-town highlights that draw most visitors are calm and welcoming, and Chile’s infrastructure and emergency services are among the best in the region. The crime that pushed the advisory up is concentrated in urban areas — chiefly Santiago and Valparaíso — and is mostly opportunistic theft, with a smaller rise in violent crime that rarely touches tourists following a normal itinerary.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the everyday risks, especially in central Santiago, on the metro, around bus stations, in markets, and at busy viewpoints in Valparaíso. The usual habits keep you clear of almost all of it:
Chile has a strong tradition of public protest, and large demonstrations flare up periodically in Santiago — typically around Plaza Baquedano (Plaza Italia) — and other cities, sometimes with little notice. They can disrupt the metro and road traffic. They’re not aimed at visitors, but it’s wise to avoid them entirely, keep a little flexibility in your plans, and follow your guide’s or hotel’s advice on the day.
Use a ride-hailing app (Uber, Cabify and DiDi all operate) or have your hotel book a taxi rather than flagging one on the street. If you’re renting a car, be aware that “portonazos” (carjackings and break-ins at stops or driveways) have increased in and around Santiago — keep doors locked and valuables out of sight, and never leave bags visible in a parked car. On a guided trip this is simply handled for you.
Chile’s landscapes deserve as much respect as its cities. In the Atacama, some excursions climb above 4,000 m, so altitude can be felt — acclimatise and hydrate. Patagonian weather changes fast, so layer up and heed park guidance on trails. And the high-altitude and far-southern sun is fierce: strong sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses go a long way.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Santiago and major cities, though many visitors prefer bottled in the north where it’s heavily mineralised. The emergency numbers are 133 for police (Carabineros) and 131 for an ambulance. As always, travel with comprehensive medical insurance — and check it covers any high-altitude or trekking activities on your itinerary.
A guided trip takes the small frictions off your plate. On every South America Travel itinerary we arrange your transport, transfers and hotels, and you’re with professional local guides who know each city and region first-hand — which areas to enjoy, which to skip, and how to keep moving smoothly if a demonstration or closure crops up. It’s the most relaxed way to experience Chile end to end.
For official updates, US citizens can enrol in the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and review the Chile travel advisory; UK travellers can check the FCDO’s Chile advice.
Ready to see Chile from the Atacama to Patagonia with the logistics handled? Browse our Chile tours and travel with confidence.
