The Top 12 Most Dangerous Cities in South America

The world has dangerous cities all over, and knowing which areas pose an element of danger is important. Likewise, it is crucial to understand the dangers and know how to navigate around them. There are many dangerous cities in Europe that people know about and the signs about it. Furthermore, you should know about the dangers in South America.

We’re here to present South America’s 12 most dangerous cities and explain what makes them so treacherous. Additionally, we will be basing most of our findings on the crime index findings provided by Numbeo to illustrate our points. We will also give a quick history lesson on all the cities and explain their nature and what makes them so dangerous today.

12. Campinas, Brazil

Campinas has a crime index of 82.6 and a safety index of 17.4. Moreover, Numbeo illustrates that the crime rate is incredibly high and has only increased over the last three years. Many people who live there or visit have fears of someone mugging them. Also, there are increasing fears of grand theft auto.

The irony here is the concerns about attacks are moderate. Therefore, people are more concerned with losing their possessions in Campinas than suffering physical injuries. But the drug use rate is incredibly high in Campinas. Also, armed robbery does happen. But the biggest problem in Campinas is corruption and bribery. Thus, it earns its spot on the list of most dangerous cities in South America.

11. Bogota, Colombia

This will be the first of two appearances for Colombia on this list. Yet, Bogota has its issues. The level of crime has been high and getting worse over the past three years. Also, people have strong concerns about someone mugging them, stealing their car, or the contents inside their vehicle.

There is a drug problem in Bogota, according to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. Initially, the report highlights that foreigners are often the targets of these drug runners when they visit clubs and bars. Bandits often use a drug called scopolamine to carry out some of their crimes. Unfortunately, it is a sedative that can incapacitate the victim and leave them vulnerable. Bogota’s issues with drugs and crime, along with the corruption, make it one of the most dangerous cities in South America.

10. Sao Paulo, Brazil

Many people visit Sao Paolo because of its beauty. However, there are still high concerns about crime, such as muggings and property damage. Despite that, there is no high concern about house break-ins or attacks. But there is more danger on the streets.

The United Kingdom government reports high concerns about armed robbery and pickpocketing, which often occurs during festivals and larger events. The government advises against wearing large amounts of jewelry or carrying large sums of money. While Sao Paolo is a great city to visit, you should remain vigilant.

9. Cali, Colombia

People who know Colombian history probably know about the Cali Cartel. Significantly, in its prime, it was Colombia’s second-largest cartel, behind the Medellin Cartel. But Cali is still dangerous, even though the Cali Cartel is long gone.

Cali has a crime index of 71.0 and a safety index of 29.0. Unfortunately, the level of crime in Cali is still very high and has been getting worse in recent years. People still fear muggings and robberies. Likewise, corruption and bribery are still extremely high in Cali, and armed robbery occurs often. It is not a safe place to walk around at night.

8. Lima, Peru

Peru is a beautiful country, and Lima is no different, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Despite that, many elements of danger exist in this country. Significantly, the biggest concerns in Lima are violent crimes and corruption.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Peru, Lima has consistently faced a high-risk alert. From 2020- 2021, over 4,000 phones were stolen in Peru. Additionally, there were an alleged 11 muggings per hour in Lima and Callao. Lima has major safety concerns, so it stands out on this list.

7. Porto Alegre, Brazil

Porta Alegre comes in with a crime index of 71.3 and a safety index of 28.7. Unfortunately, there are still high levels of crimes, with assault, muggings, and violent crimes being fairly common. The corruption is high, which prevents it from stopping.

Porta Alegre also suffers from a drug issue. Similarly to other cities in Brazil, they often prey on foreigners to try and make a profit and steal any valuables they can.

6. Guayaquil, Ecuador

The only city in Ecuador to make the list is Guayaquil. Significantly, there are severe concerns about the time rate in Guayaquil, more about violent crimes such as armed assault and muggings.

The United Kingdom reported that the most dangerous parts of the city are among the center and south sides. Additionally, there were also small explosions in March. Murders have increased in Guayaquil. Therefore, it stands out as one of the most dangerous cities in South America.

5. Rosario, Argentina

Rosario is the only city from Argentina to appear on this list. Its crime index is 75.8, and its safety index is 24.24.

The Buenos Ares Times reported that murders and drugs were the biggest issues in Rosario. Sadly, there has been an increase in both, with the homicide rate reaching 22 per 100,000 inhabitants. That was five times the national average. Thus, it is one of the most dangerous cities in South America.

4. Recife, Brazil

Recife is a very pretty city. Regardless, it still has a high crime index of 76.10 and a safety index of 23.90. The most significant concerns in Recife are property crimes, vandalism, and armed robbery. Likewise, muggings and drug use remain high.

3. Salvador, Brazil

Salvador makes the list, continuing with Brazil. Its crime rate is 76.81, and its safety index rate is 23.19. It is one of the worst cities in Brazil for crime and among the top worst in South America.

It is so dangerous that it scores 30.16 for walking around during the daytime and 10.71 for walking around at night. Despite this, it is not the most dangerous city in Brazil. Yes, there is one more that is worse.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro wins the award for the most dangerous city in Brazil and second-most dangerous in South America, with a crime rate score of 77.5 and a safety index of 22.53. There are strong concerns among residents and tourists of people mugging them. Likewise, there are severe concerns about drug use, property crimes, violent crime, and corruption.

Statistica reported that 214 people were shot in July 2023. The United Kingdom reported that pickpocketing and theft were common at Copacabana Beach. Also, several people reported armed robberies on the Corcovado walking trail. All these factors make Rio de Janeiro the most dangerous city in Brazil.

1. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas is the most dangerous city in South America. Amazingly, it comes in with a crime rate of 82.6 and a safety index of 17.40. There are major concerns about safety across the board, including home break-ins.

You cannot even walk alone during the daytime. Furthermore, you definitely cannot walk alone at night. Insight Crime reported that Caracas reported a homicide rate of 90 per 100,000 last year, with data obtained by the Venezuelan Violence Observatory. Sadly, criminal gangs have become a major problem in this city, and it is the main reason why it is the most dangerous city in South America.

Summary of the Top 12 Most Dangerous Cities in South America