“Is Patagonia a safe destination?” It is one of the most searched topics on the Internet regarding tourism in one of the world's remotest regions. And the answer is: yes, it is!
Granted, Latin America continues to have a bad reputation given its political and economic history, regardless of tourism booming in the past decade.
However, Patagonia has always detached from the rest of the continent on many issues, including crime and violence. Indeed, its remoteness and underdevelopment could mean a planning problem for some tourists, but they are also a big bonus for peace of mind.
Chile ranks second on South American Backpackers' safest country list and in the Global Peace Index 2021.
Travel safety authorities such as the U.S. Department of State confirm that Chile continues to be Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution regarding safety and security. There is no danger when traveling to and within this destination, provided tourists adopt the necessary safety measures as they should in any foreign country.
The State Department adds that the tourism industry in Chile is regulated and that standards for best practices and safety inspections are applied regularly You can also use the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a reference for travel restrictions and requirements.
Also, money is not an issue regarding travel safety in this remote region. Whether you travel on a budget or through a luxury vacation package, you'll be safe.
That's why tourists continue ranking the place as one of the safest tourist destinations on earth, according to Lonely Planet magazine. Particularly for families with kids and solo female travelers. Travel blogs like World Nomads have updated their information on Chile, and travel sites TripAdvisor, Expedia, Fodor's, and Frommer's always have current travelers' insights.
Nonetheless, here are a few traveling safety tips you should follow in Patagonia.
Planning for a family trip can get a bit stressful, especially when traveling with kids. Luckily, Patagonia offers parents peace of mind regarding the fear of their children being kidnapped or suffering from mugging or robberies at gunpoint.
Screening through dozens of travel forums for families with kids like Lonely Planet’s and TripAdvisor’s, people who have gone to Patagonia and shared their experiences insisted they had no problems during their stay. Many parents highlighted that due to the remoteness, their chief concern became getting lost or stranded due to vehicle breakdowns or accidents. Meanwhile, some even went as far as saying they felt even safer than in Europe!
Regardless, it’s never a bad idea to adopt primary safety precautions like keeping kids from wandering off during hiking trips, given the considerable number of people who come and go and the untamed wildlife in the region.
Patagonia has become one of their favorite destinations for solo travelers. Conquering its beautiful wilderness and enjoying its breathtaking landmark attractions can be challenging and rewarding, which encourages these intrepid voyagers, and safety concerns rarely go beyond the usual dangers and annoyances, from being mugged in broad daylight or money scammed.
However, safe traveling can be an issue for female solo travelers. Certainly, unwanted sexual advances, sexual harassment, and sexual assault are concerns.
Many solo female travelers who have blogged about their experiences in Patagonia insist that being outspoken, forceful, and firm when being the object of unwanted advances by men in the street usually works.
Nonetheless, most solo travelers recommend some basic precautions when traveling alone anywhere in the world, regardless of gender: carrying a whistle to call for help, always watching luggage and other belongings (given thieves typically prefer to rob lone tourists), getting insurance for expensive gear, and often share coordinates and report back to family members or friends.
Check out our guide to learn more about other Activities to do in Patagonia that you can include in your itinerary!
Patagonia is also an excellent destination for keeping social distancing and privacy during the COVID pandemic. Before planning, you should review the Chilean government's protocols for entering the country and traveling around.
In the end, it’s all about common sense. Indeed, like any other destination, Patagonia has its petty thieves and occasional armed robberies, yet violent crimes against tourists are rare.
Walking around with flashy or expensive objects is never a good idea, nor is taking money out of an ATM in a dark area or on an over-crowded street. Booking accommodations in advance, sharing tips with other lone travelers, and avoiding wandering alone at night in rough areas, can also facilitate safety.
