It’s likely that if you’ve ever taken a hard look at the map of South America, you come away with questions.
The first might be about Chile and why it is basically pencil shaped when it could have just been incorporated by Argentina and Bolivia.
This has been the case since the late 1800s.
In total, Chile is 110 miles across and almost 2,700 miles long.
Much of this is due to the Andes, which is basically the natural barrier to Argentina.
Both countries were settled by the Spanish but for different reasons at different times.
It was politically advantageous to keep the western area separate and open to both the Pacific and Atlantic.
With an endless coastline and plenty of natural resources, it makes sense to plan a trip to Chile.
Before heading out, though, be sure to take note of the 10 most dangerous cities.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Chile
1. Rancagua
About midway down, just south of Santiago, lies Heroes Square.
This area is dedicated to those who were part of the Battle of Rancagua, from Chile’s War of Independence in 1810.
Today, the city is dealing with a different kind of war, the internal kind.
Rancagua has a crime index of 70 due to property and drug crimes.
2. Cerro Manquehue
The area named after the popular mountain is one that is the goal destination for many who travel to Chile.
Thanks to breathtaking views and hiking trails for all levels, enthusiasts find it worth the trek.
Due to being close to the capital, Cerro Manquehue has had hikers fall victim to bag snatchers or worse.
3. Vitacura
Another suburb of Santiago, Vitacura, has a little too much thievery going on.
Petty theft is the most common crime being committed here.
Walking at night is frowned upon, as well as getting a taxi alone.
Extreme caution should be used when in Vitacura.
4. Providencia
Providencia is on the north side of Santiago and is well known for the Virgin Mary statue looking out for the city.
In the region, Providencia comes up in the top five of all crimes being committed.
With it being so close to the capital, criminals hang around bars looking for tourists who have had a little too much to drink and resort to pickpocketing or bag stealing.
5. Las Condes
Las Condes happens to be where the money is, at least where the wealthy of the region call home.
On that note, the area is patrolled better than others, and a lot of resources are put into making it safer.
The big draw here is tourists.
Bus stations are a thriving point and should be avoided after sunset, despite the well-lit atmosphere.
6. Valapariso
Home of Plaza Sotomayor and Chile’s Navy, Valapariso has a front-row seat to the Pacific Ocean.
The chill vibe hasn’t stopped the city from rating 67 on the crime index.
The biggest problems here are drugs, property crimes, and the occasional armed robbery.
7. Temuco
Just south of Los Angeles is the landlocked city of Temuco.
Local crime here has been steadily rising over the last few years.
The crime index shows Temuco at 57.
By far, theft is the top crime.
8. Cerro San Cristobal
This is another location where tourists seem to be the target of most attacks.
Crimes such as armed robbery and assault have been climbing in frequency.
Carjackers also focus on this area.
9. Puerto Montt
Puerto Montt sits perfectly in a cove by the water.
As beautiful as the views are, there are still some shady characters.
The city’s crime index rate is 52.
Most of the arrests are drug related.
10. Antofagasta
The only northern city to show up on the list is also one on the coast.
Antofagasta’s crime index is 60.
Drugs and property crimes are almost equal in occurrence.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Chile
1. By Bus
The most popular way to travel in Chile is by bus.
For that to be the case, the government has put a lot of effort into making the bus system something citizens seek out.
Chilean citizens are also fortunate enough to have a healthy and well-established network of roads.
The upkeep and adherence to rules make traveling the roads an easy, breezy ride.
No tourist wants to die inside every time they are a passenger or using a rental.
So, the effort has impressed many.
Not to mention, the bus fare is reasonable and low enough to not stress out over it.
This means everyone from a janitor to an executive uses the bus and has positive things to say.
2. Plan For Length
If this is your first time in Chile, you might notice something interesting when you leave.
This is the same thing others have noticed who have traveled here before.
It’s that feeling of belonging and wanting to come back.
Luckily, going to Chile from the US requires no visa.
Basically, you can come over and stay up to 90 days sans issue.
When the 90 days are up, and you want to continue staying, it’s pretty easy to do just that.
All you have to do is cross the border and come back.
That resets the clock and the 90 days will start all over.
It’s so simple to get the extra time that it just takes strategy to remain in good standing.
Not leaving after 90 days could get you in serious trouble.
3. Be Mindful of the Water
Is the water safe to drink in Chile?
The answer to this one might be a tad complicated.
Technically, the water throughout the country is considered safe.
If you’re staying in a tourist town, that is where H20 will be in its most consumable form.
So, don’t be afraid to use water from the tap to brush your teeth or if you swallow some while showering.
A concern might be about the mineral content in the local water.
For some, the amount is enough to cause midsection discomfort.
If you’re planning to move in, getting used to the water might benefit you in the long run.
The excessive amount of minerals might be more tolerable with a filtered water pitcher.
Buy water bottles if you plan on stopping in small areas that might have a poor water system.
4. Keep Valuables On Hand
A problem some travelers experience when flying is baggage theft.
Whether it be at the airport or when you’re getting transportation to a hotel, you never know when someone might perform sleight-of-hand tricks with your luggage.
One way to prevent important items from being stolen is to keep them on your body.
If your bags are stolen, the last thing you want to lose is your ID, passport, or access to funds.
This goes for anything that would be costly to replace.
Obviously, you can’t fit everything in a body pouch, but what’s important can.
If it’s not toiletries or clothing, take a moment to consider if you really need to bring it.
Leave things like big jewelry, expensive watches, and other luxury accessories at home.
5. Be Discreet
When you’re out to eat and the bill comes, be very careful how you go about taking care of it.
If you have cash, don’t pull out much.
Take out as little as possible to not give the impression that there’s a ton of it.
If you’re paying with a card, don’t let the card escape your sight.
Something that comes up with diners is criminals stealing card numbers.
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
Is Chile a safe country to visit?
Yes, it’s actually one of the safest countries in all of South America.
Is it because of the never-ending beaches?
Well, not exactly, but surely it does help.
The crime rates are low and violent crime practically doesn’t exist.
In fact, coming up with 10 cities that had more crime than others was a challenge.
For anyone wanting to visit, you should know Chile is kind of a treasure in Latin America.
It’s not uncommon for countries in this region to have high crime, but this skinny piece of land has luckily missed out.
Are there Americans retiring in Chile?
There’s quite a history of English speakers in Chile.
Currently, there are about 12,000 Americans living mostly in Santiago.
This South American country has become quite attractive for those looking for a different pace of life for retirement.
If you’re wondering why Chile, in particular, there are several reasons.
The first points to affordability.
You can get more out of a dollar in Chile than you can out of the US or Europe.
Next, the weather is pretty mild, especially considering further north in North America.
Finally, it’s a very peaceful, slow-paced type of lifestyle.
These are just a few of the reasons Americans are willing to go south during their golden years.
Is traveling through Chile safe for the LGBTQ community?
Legally, there’s nothing wrong with falling under the LGBT umbrella in Chile.
In 2012, even discrimination against homosexuals was deemed against the law.
While you can’t get in trouble for being in the country and openly being with a partner of the same sex, that doesn’t necessarily mean all locals are supportive.
Kind of like what you may be used to in the US.
The most liberal city to be free in is Santiago, the capital.
Here, you’ll find the biggest gay community with bars, shops, and pride.
It would be best to proceed with caution in more rural environments.
Despite the breathtaking views and rich history, it’s disheartening to see my beloved Chilean cities like Rancagua and Cerro Manquehue grappling with high crime rates.
Chile is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, but it’s important to be cautious in the cities where crime rates are high.
Chile is a great country. Safe and good standards of living.