The 10 Safest Countries in Latin America in 2026 (2 of 6)

9. El Salvador

El Salvador is another country that until recently had a poor safety reputation due to drug cartel violence. However, in just a decade, things have changed for the better in dramatic ways. In 2015, the homicide rate was 108 per 100,000 versus a historic low of 1.3 per 100,000 today. El Salvador’s highest incarceration rate in the world (1% of the population is locked up) probably contributes significantly to this, but it is clearly working. El Tunco, along the Pacific coast, famous for its black sand beaches, has gained a reputation for being a super chill place for young tourists. 

8. Peru

Most world travelers have dreamed of visiting Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Paracas, but until recently, government protests, economic struggles, and drug cartels got in the way. But there is a lot of stability now, and as a result, it has moved up 14 spots on the Global Peace Index Ranking in 2026. If visiting the capital city of Lima, there are still sketchy areas that tourists should avoid, so make sure to do some research in advance so that you don’t accidentally stumble into a bad neighborhood.