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South American Countries TO AVOID At All Costs (And Few That Are Safe!)

Elders World

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Planning a trip to South America can be exciting — but not every destination will give you the experience you expect. Many travelers visit popular countries and cities, only to realize they are overcrowded, unsafe, overpriced, or simply not worth the hype.

In this video, you’ll discover South American countries that tourists regret visiting — and, more importantly, better alternatives that offer a safer, more enjoyable, and more authentic travel experience. If you're planning a trip to South America, knowing where to go — and where to avoid — can completely change your journey.

South America is full of incredible destinations, from vibrant cities to breathtaking nature. But some places have become tourist traps, while others offer much better value, safety, and overall experience.

In this video, you will discover:
🌎 South American countries tourists regret visiting
❌ Overrated and disappointing destinations in South America
⚠️ Places with safety concerns, scams, or poor travel experience
💎 Better countries to visit instead in South America
😌 Safer, more enjoyable travel destinations
🏝️ Beautiful places with real culture and authentic experiences
📸 Underrated destinations perfect for exploring and photography
🧭 Smart travel tips to avoid mistakes in South America

This video is perfect for:
✈️ Travelers planning a trip to South America
🎒 Backpackers looking for the best countries to visit
💰 People wanting to avoid wasting money on bad destinations
💑 Couples searching for safer and more enjoyable places
🔎 Anyone looking for honest travel advice about South America

Whether you're planning your first South America trip, a backpacking adventure, or a longer journey across the continent, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes, skip disappointing destinations, stay safe, and discover places that are actually worth your time.

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20 Comments

@devroombagchus7460 5 months ago

When I am in South or Central America, I often speak English when my wife is with me, because she can’t follow a Spanish conversation. But when she is not there, I use Spanish, my second language. Attitudes change, because it is obvious that we are not American, but close to them. I now try to be the first one to speak with every new contact. The result is that we get different suggestions for restaurants and places to go to. And souvenirs are often bought at lower prices than what other tourists in the hotel had to pay. Most tourist clearly take their culture with them, which is not always appreciated.

@carolynmendoza1934 4 months ago

I live alone in a small Ecuadorian village. I'm 82. I am perfectly safe here. I hire caring people to help me. There are dishonest people here as there are in any country. Prices are very reasonable, food is good, and there are other expats. I love Ecuador. I live in Paradise.

@traviswatts6661 4 months ago

I’ve been to Peru many times over the years. Amazing country and the food is amazing. My wife and I are currently saving to purchase a property there. 🇵🇪

@cherylsmith8386 4 months ago

I’ve been to most of these countries & live in Ecuador the last 12 years. Your descriptions are surprisingly on point. I travel for months to each country. Repeatedly

@stephenLarson-vs7fu 4 months ago

I´ve travelled in most of these countries (not to Guyana), lived in Uruguay, and been mugged in Montevideo, Uruguay, and in Lima, Perú. A few tips. Dress the same as the locals, or maybe, on the lower end of the that. If you don´t speak the local language, keep your mouth shut as much as you can. Don´t flash money, especially big bills. If you want or need a guide, get the hotel to arrange it, and don´t let some random person offer you service. They may speak English, but, you never know. Don´t travel in taxis--use the busses, or vans, with others, and never alone... And, keep your eyes open.

@IAmTheBiggestEUian 3 months ago

Only been to Suriname, and as far as I know, it’s perfectly safe.

@annacoen1318 1 month ago

Great video. Would be nice to get the same kind of review about Central America

@RadicalXristian 5 months ago (edited)

I have some Brazilian friends. They all said the same. The South is different than the North. I've been to Foz, on the border with Paraguay and Argentina. Very lovely and safe city. New Asuncion is SAFE by night as well. However, it's over hipped city and expensive. My favorite area is the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. It's like a bundle of three South American countries. If you live in CDE (PY) or Iguazu (AR) or Foz (BR) it's like living in large metropolitan city. You can visit the three countries in a single day and you can even do it without using your travel document to cross borders 24/7. You don't have to stop for immigration. Iguazu looks boring during the day but at night it becomes alive. I had breakfast in CDE (PY), lunch at Foz (BR) and then dinner at Iguazu (AR). As a US passport holder, I decided to go through immigration although I could have walked in and out without any problems. I actually asked a border police officer and he told me no problem, you can go in and out without stopping by immigration as long as I stay within the three cities.

@sorcerersofstone 5 months ago

This is a very nice summary. Thank you!

@Menempotente 4 months ago

I have traveled to most of these countries except Bolivia, Surinam, and Guyana. I totally agree with the rankings and comments; very well researched and timely!

@Reaktionärer 5 months ago

In Paraguay interior for 4 years now with family. Rural and quite.

@charlesmassey-wr8cs 4 months ago

I would love to visit Chile, for sure 😍

@bertramklamp6458 5 months ago

Very nice and detailed video, thanks for the information!

@juansvarzchtein6087 5 months ago

All over the world, tourists are easy prey for thieves.

@sthnguyen 5 months ago

Love the video. Great overview of some of the countries in LatAm. I like putting in the negatives along with the positives. Now I am definitely traveling to the other countries I have not visited on the list.

@HTQL 5 months ago

Thank you.

@fernandokosueca2088 5 months ago

Your analysis is correct, and although there are safe areas in many places in South America, the southern cone of America—Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil with a predominantly European population—and Chile are beautiful and safe destinations.

@scottobar293 4 months ago

5:21 - classic LLM line: "That transformation is real, and it's genuinely impressive."

@CharlesTovar-q9x 4 months ago

Situational awareness and always trust your gut feeling. I know what I'm talking about. I'm from East Los Angeles. Worked as a Medical Professional at a California State Prison CDCR.