4 Of The Safest & Most Gorgeous Cities In Latin America For 2026

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Be it for the delicious cuisine, the breathtaking nature, or the colonial landmarks, it's no secret that Latin America is the go-to destination for millions of Americans.

Navigating the nether half of the continent isn't always the easiest task, though: safety levels can vary drastically between different destinations. Some are very safe, if not safer than the U.S., while others you'd be better off avoiding entirely.

That said, narrowing down the least-risky, most beautiful LatAm spots can be a tall order. It's 20+ countries, after all! Sometimes it’s best to leave it to the experts, and that's what we're here for.

If Latin America's on your list for 2026, here are 5 cities you can't miss:

Merida, Mexico

A UNESCO-protected colonial city in the heart of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Merida touches all the bases:

It has the colorful Historic Center, dotted with centuries-old townhouses and plazas, a soaring stone-built cathedral, which just happens to be one of the oldest in the Americas, and most importantly, crime isn't a huge concern here.

Thanks to Yucatan's effective policing and the area's appeal as a cultural destination, instead of a leisure and entertainment zone, it attracts far less gang activity than Cancun, Tulum, and the like, and it feels a lot more peaceful in comparison.

Violence is a rare occurrence, gangs don't typically operate in the area, and even petty theft is uncommon. According to Numbeo, crime rates in Merida are officially 'very low', with a rating of 19.97 based on reports from the last five years. For comparison purposes, Cancun's is a much higher 60.89.

Ouro Preto, Brazil

Perhaps the most beautiful colonial city in Brazil, Ouro Preto is a hidden gem Brazilians have guarded in secrecy for centuries, and that most foreigners are yet to discover.

Picture cobblestone lanes leading up to ornate Baroque churches, with interiors so opulent they'd rival European palaces, Portuguese-style buildings with the traditional whitewashed facades and colorful shutters, and historic gold mines that are still in use.

There's no need to downplay it, Brazil can indeed be a dangerous place to visit, particularly if you're unaware of the risks, but Ouro Preto features among the safest municipalities in the entire country. The proof is in the numbers: the crime rate is 12.50, even lower than Merida's.

Let's just put it that way: the dramatic headlines coming out of places like Rio and Sao Paulo don't typically apply in this rather tranquil 17th-century town frozen in time.

Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

We know you're probably expecting to find Buenos Aires, or another commonly-referenced Argentinian city on this list, but hey, we all get it by now: Argentina is pretty safe. How about we turn our gaze to their less-famous neighbors, where it is just as secure for travelers?

Uruguay is hardly ever spoken about, but it's home to a picture-perfect historic town that's hardly seen major changes to its skyline since the colonial era.

Colonia del Sacramento is a timeless gem, where every pastel-hued house, cobblestone street, and family-run eatery feels like time has rewinded 300 years in the past.

Oh, and if you're wondering how safe the rather-sleepy Colonia is, Numbeo places crime levels at a 'low' 31.25. Higher than average for this list, but remarkably low for LatAm as a whole. In other words, just watch out for the odd pickpocket when you're shopping for souvenirs on the main street.

Punta Arenas, Chile

One of the southermost cities in the world, Punta Arenas is considered the gateway to the Chilean Patagonia, and it's often used as the starting point for Antarctica excursions.

Maybe it's the sheer remoteness of it, or the strong social cohesion, but other than being an elegant coastal city with subtle British and Scandinavian influences in its architecture and cuisine, Punta Arenas is nothing short of an oasis of calm.

Tourism is a big part of the local economy, so authorities do their best to keep the city safe and welcoming for international visitors. It's well-patrolled, especially the downtown area, and the lower levels of poverty definitely contribute to a lower incidence of social issues.

According to Numbeo estimates, the city's crime rate is currently 19.89. 'Very low', in their own words, and among the lowest rates in LatAm.