how dangerous is backpacking in south america?
Question by Imogen: how dangerous is backpacking in south america?
me and my boyfriend are going to backpack around south america and end in brazil around beggining of december. do you think its dangerous? some of my friends are saying it is. im 18 and my boyfriends 19. thanks for your advice! 
i forgot to say were starting the middle of september and ending like december 20
Best answer:
Answer by Tica<3
i honestly think you will be fine. don’t do anything stupid, have common sense. do you speak any spanish? people are generally really nice in latin america.
What do you think? Answer below!
It depends on the country and your behavior. Im from Venezuela and I have to admit that many cities here are a bit dangerous, like Caracas (the capital), so if you dont know it, dont speak any spanish and want to stay in a cheap place, i wouldnt recomend you to come. There are other very beautiful and more safe cities like Merida which has very nice weather and people, and a lot of backpackers tourist visit it because its cheap and pretty. There are also more exclusive places like Los Roques but it might be expensive.
Ive heard that Colombia has many beautiful places too, and its capital Bogota has a very rich culture. Some places are dangerous there too, like Cucuta (Ive heard, I dont know). I hope somebody else can give you more details about each country but as a general rule, I recomend you not to do anything that makes you look too “tourist” like walking with a map in your hand speaking english out loud and walking barefoot (I saw a tourist girl walking barefoot in a grocery store yesterday.. I dont get it.). Be cool, confident, if you need to ask for an adress or something, try to ask help from someone in an office or pharmacy or something like that, someone who looks serious, not some random person in the street.
South America has a lot of beautiful places and diversity, one day you can be in the middle of the desert at 38 C and the next day in a mountain at -5C, and at the same time people are very nice, so it will be a great experience if you plan it very well. Take care and enjoy your trip.
It depends on the areas you go to just like in any country there are dangerous areas. The more you look like you dont know what you are doing the more of a target you are. If you dont at least speak rudementary spanish I would not suggest it. If you stay to the touristy areas you will be fine. Good luck!!!
Go for it your going to have the time of your life. You’ll be safe just use common sense don’t flash money or valuables don’t get too drunk and wander around etc. watch your sorroundings and people at all times. Latinos are very friendly people.
Make a stop in Paraguay if you can. It’s a really underrated country. It’s only dangerous if you don’t use common sense. Some areas of Ciudad del Este can be…sketchy. Asuncion is safe in most areas, but watch your belongings on the bus and everything. Smaller cities/towns like Coronel Oviedo, Pilar, and Caaguazú are generally safe. Encarnacion, where most of the tourists go, is usually pretty safe.
Just use common sense, and you’ll be fine.