Is Temuco Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Temuco, Chile, is located in the Araucania Region of Chile.

It is the home of one of the largest indigenous groups in the world and it has a year-round population of around 250,000 permanent residents.

This South American city is found on the southern coast of Chile, just over 400 miles south of the bustling capital city of Santiago.

Global travelers visit Temuco to immerse themselves in its indigenous and Spanish-influenced culture and enjoy the natural beauty of its surrounding landscapes.

Warnings & Dangers in Temuco

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

The increasing crime rates for property crime and violent crimes against locals and tourists have the US State Department and similar crime monitoring authorities on high alert. Global crime reports and local statistics show that crime has been steadily on the rise in Chile for the past three years. Travelers planning to visit the area should exercise extreme caution and implement strict travel safety measures to avoid becoming a victim of property or violent crime in the region.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

The latest reports from the US Department of State and the Chile Country Security report show that people traveling in vehicles have been targeted for armed robbery and smash-and-grab robberies during travel and transport in some regions of the country. These crimes are particularly prevalent in areas in and around Santiago and are becoming more prevalent in affluent areas.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Crime data reports say the number of pickpocketing incidents against locals and tourists in Chile is increasing at an alarming rate. They say that criminals are becoming bolder and targeting victims during daylight hours by running scams to distract unwitting victims. A common distraction scam involves local criminals telling victims that they have something on their shirts. Unsuspecting victims are then pickpocketed or robbed of their cash and valuables.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

Chile's location places it in high-risk zones for a variety of natural disasters. The country experiences earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters that can threaten life or limb. Travelers to the region should take special care to note the expected weather conditions during their trip and follow local instructions and escape routes should a natural disaster occur during Chilean travel.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Online crime analysis shows that muggings and pickpocketing incidents are common occurrences in Chile. These crimes have increased within the last three years, along with daylight robberies and distracted tourist scams. The risk of becoming a mugging victim or the victim of a blatant daylight robbery has many local residents on edge and afraid to walk the streets alone during the night or day.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

The US State Department advises that the risk of experiencing the effects of terrorism while traveling in Chile is currently moderate. They caution US travelers to remain vigilant despite the moderate risk and encourage Chilean travelers to register their trip with the US STEP program to make it easier to locate them within the country in the case of an emergency.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

The Chile Country Security Report shows that the risk of becoming a scam victim while traveling through Temuco is very high. Local scam artists work together to form a crime network that blankets the city. Crime groups target unsuspecting tourists with distraction scams that divert the traveler's attention away from themselves while scammers rob their pockets and bags of valuables, cash, and essential travel documents. Travelers should be on high alert for overly friendly locals and those who consistently try to divert their attention in public.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Solo female travelers thinking about visiting Chile should exercise extreme caution and adhere to strict travel safety protocols to avoid becoming the victim of local property or personal crime. Online crime statistics from Numbeo show that locals only feel moderately safe when walking alone during the day and not secure at all when walking alone at night. Take heed to these precautions to stay safer when traveling alone through Temuco.

TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM

Firsthand reports from locals and visitors to Temuco say that the country's tap water is treated and relatively safe for drinking. However, newcomers need to note that different levels of water treatment and local bacteria in the water may have gastrointestinal effects. People with sensitive stomachs and those who are prone to illness should consider drinking bottled water as an added safety precaution.

Safest Places to Visit in Temuco

Local residents and travelers report that the central areas close to downtown are some of the safest parts of the city.

Other towns marked as relatively safe in the region include Las Condes, Manquehue, Providencia, Vitacura and the tourist attractions listed below. 

Cerro Nielol: This local nature reserve is a haven for visitors wanting to experience lush natural landscapes, walking trails, and breathtaking views.

Parque Saval: Locals say that the Parque Saval is an ideal location for travelers and families of all ages who want to experience the peaceful and safer side of Temuco while taking leisurely walks and boat rides.

Places to Avoid in Temuco

Practice smart travel safety tips by avoiding deserted and unlit areas or walking alone at night when visiting Chile.

Firsthand reports from locals and travelers say you should also steer clear of the following locations.

Avoid Public Demonstrations and Protests

Avoid getting caught up in local protests or demonstrations – regardless of where they occur.

Local demonstrations can quickly turn into violent standoffs with other demonstrators and local authorities who use brute force to bring demonstrations to an end.

Areas of Santiago Experience High Levels of Civil Unrest and Violent Crime

South Central Chile’s ongoing conflicts between local indigenous tribes could mean danger for outsiders who accidentally get caught up in the squabble.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Temuco

So... How Safe Is Temuco Really?

Online crime statistics from global data providers like Numbeo show that the rate of crime in Chile has been steadily on the rise.

Their reports show “Very High” rates of increasing crime along with high risks of becoming the victim of local home invasions, muggings, robbery, and property crimes.

Newcomers to the country should note that there are high levels of civil unrest and conflicts between warring indigenous tribes happening across Chile.

Travelers should take precautions to avoid getting caught up in local demonstrations and conflict by remaining mindful of their surroundings.

Temuco is also in a seismically active area that experiences earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and coastal storms like hurricanes.

How Does Temuco Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Citizens from the United States, Canada, and the European Union only sometimes need a Visa to visit Temuco, Chile, for up to 90 days. Travelers from other countries will need to check with their local state departments to learn if a Visa is required from their country of travel.

Currency

The local currency of Chile is the "Chilean Peso" CLP. Coin currency is typically available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 pesos. Banknotes are available in denominations ranging from 1000 to 20,000 pesos. Travelers should be prepared to pay for most goods and services with local currency, as USD is rarely accepted in the region.

Weather

Temuco has a temperate oceanic climate characterized by mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. Summers are warm, with cool nights requiring a jacket, and winters are rainy and cool. Travelers should expect moderate amounts of rainfall throughout the year.

Airports

Travelers to Temuco will need to connect to their destination by traveling through one of the two main international airports. The two international airports serving Temuco are the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport and the Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport. Temuco also has limited domestic and local flights through its regional airport, La Araucania International.

Travel Insurance

Travel safety experts recommend that all wayfarers get travel insurance to protect themselves and their families when traveling to Temuco. Travel insurance can help protect you from trip cancellations, trip interruptions, and lost or delayed luggage, as well as help offset the cost of medical travel emergencies.

Temuco Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Chile - Safety by City