Is Argentina Safe to Visit in 2026?

Argentina remains one of South America’s safest and most rewarding places to explore in 2026. Friendly locals, smooth travel logistics, and countless adventures make it a delight to visit — and even easier on a Viva tour.

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s safe to visit Argentina in 2026, the answer is a reassuring yes. This is a country where you’ll feel at ease wandering leafy boulevards, hiking among glaciers, or sipping wine beneath the snowy peaks of the Andes. Argentina is widely regarded as one of Latin America’s safest destinations, but like anywhere in the world, a little common sense goes a long way.

Sunlit adventures in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For extra peace of mind, Viva's prearranged tours take safety and comfort up a notch. We plan fantastic itineraries with expert local guides and trusted partners who know every corner of the country inside out.

> See Viva’s Travel Argentina Tour page

Article Overview:

Why Argentina Feels Safe to Travel

Buenos Aires, The Best and Safest Springboard

Patagonia, Where Nature and Adventure Collide

Mendoza and Northwest Argentina for Wine and Wilderness

Iguazú Falls, Where Safety is Second-nature

What Travelling Safely in Argentina Really Means

Is Argentina on Your 2026 Travel Bingo Card? It Should Be!

Why Argentina Feels Safe to Travel

Argentina has all the qualities that make a country feel genuinely safe. It's socially stable, well-organised, and home to some of the friendliest people in South America. While the economy has its ups and downs, as per usual, the country itself is steady, with a strong democracy that functions and a firm sense of community. People are engaged, friendly, and proud of their country, which creates a sense of ease you'll feel right away.

Solid infrastructure also plays a big role, which is why Argentina ranks among the easiest countries in South America to travel through, despite the sometimes vast distances between regions. Airports and highways run smoothly, transfers are reliable, and you’ll find a visible yet relaxed police presence in all major cities. Buenos Aires is particularly safe for tourists, and we’ll tell you more about this gorgeous city further on.

Dedicated tourist police patrol popular neighbourhoods across major hubs and are known for being helpful and approachable. Most visitors never need them, but their mere presence adds an extra layer of reassurance.

What truly stands out, though, is Argentina's warmth. Locals will stop to offer directions, taxi drivers love sharing their favourite restaurant tips (in fact, we encourage you to ask them), and restaurant staff are always delighted to help you order your first proper steak. That culture of hospitality means visitors are looked after without even realising it. Because safe travel in Argentina isn't just about statistics, it's about how comfortable you feel being here.

Sharing wine, laughter and good company, it’s easy to feel right at home.

 

 

Having travelled through every corner of Argentina for years, and always finding reasons to return, all of us at Viva can confidently say the country’s reputation for safety and hospitality is well deserved.

Now, let’s look at some of the highlights that are both wonderfully safe and absolutely unmissable.

Buenos Aires, The Best and Safest Springboard

Argentina’s capital is the gateway for most Viva tours. Spending a few days here is highly recommended, no matter where else you plan to go, and it’s just as rewarding to end your journey here. There is so much to see, taste, and experience in Buenos Aires that adding a few extra days will let you truly soak it all in.

Despite being a bustling metropolis of more than three million people, Buenos Aires is safe for tourists exploring on foot, especially in its well-known neighbourhoods like Palermo, San Telmo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero. These are the most vibrant areas to explore, filled with boutique hotels, lively cafés, elegant shops, and leafy plazas where people linger late into the evening.

An evening of tango is a Buenos Aires must!

The most common safety concerns are pickpockets in busy pedestrian streets like Florida Avenue or on crowded subway cars, but even these are easily avoided by keeping your valuables tucked away and staying aware of your surroundings. If you live in a major city, none of this will feel unusual.

Our travellers tell us they feel as comfortable exploring Buenos Aires as they do in Europe, and many say they actually feel safer here than in London or Paris. From our own experience, this beautiful capital feels more relaxed and far less tense than most large European cities.

Every big city has spots you might prefer to avoid, but on guided walking tours, you'll see Buenos Aires at its best, from the passion of tango to the irresistible food scene that defines this endlessly fascinating city.

Exploring San Telmo’s charming streets is one of the best and safest ways to while away an afternoon in Buenos Aires.

> See Viva’s Highlights of Buenos Aires Tour

Beyond the capital, here’s how Argentina’s most popular regions fare, from a safety point of view.

Patagonia, Where Nature and Adventure Collide

Few places on earth feel as safe and serene as Patagonia. Vast open spaces, friendly small towns, and pristine national parks make it a natural haven for active travellers. Our most popular itineraries include El Calafate, El Chaltén, and Los Glaciares National Park, where the only things you need to watch out for are the wind (yes, really) and the occasional guanaco crossing the road. Patagonia has virtually no urban crime, and locals are known for their warmth and willingness to help.

El Calafate and El Chaltén are small, welcoming communities where hikers leave backpacks in cafés and return hours later to find them exactly where they left them. Roads are well-maintained, police are present, and the tourism industry has decades of experience keeping international guests safe and comfortable.

> What’s the best time to visit Patagonia?

The only real challenge in Patagonia is its remoteness. Distances can be vast, which is part of its charm, but can make independent travel tricky. Our Patagonia tours are among the most popular not just for the scenery, but because we handle all the logistics, leaving you free to simply enjoy the adventure.

> 10 Incredible Patagonia Facts You Need to Know

The only thing to ever worry about is keeping your camera ready for wildlife sightings.

> See all our Patagonia Tours

Mendoza and Northwest Argentina for Wine and Wilderness

Mendoza is the heart of Argentina’s world-renowned wine country and one of the most relaxed and secure places you can visit. Like Buenos Aires, the city has wide, leafy boulevards and grand architecture, but on a much smaller scale, so everything here moves at a gentler pace. Where the capital constantly hums with energy, music, and traffic, Mendoza feels calm, sunny, and open. You can walk almost everywhere, and safety-wise, it's one of Argentina's most peaceful cities. Locals joke that the biggest danger is drinking too much Malbec before lunch, while we like to remind our guests that sun protection should really be their only concern. Crime is rare, especially in the central and surrounding areas most popular with tourists.

> Discover our Mendoza Wine Country tour

Stunning landscapes, some of the world’s best wines and a host of family-run vineyards to visit. Mendoza is a must!

Head further north and you'll reach the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, undoubtedly among Argentina’s most culturally rich regions. Enjoy a scenic road trip down the UNESCO-listed Quebrada de Humahuaca, stroll through one of the many colourful markets and soak up the colonial architecture in the many small towns that dot the route. Roads aren't the best here, but they are improving each year. Let Viva’s local guides handle all driving, and you can focus entirely on the landscapes and people rather than navigation.

> See our Salta Valleys and Canyon Tour

Northwest Argentina still flies under the mass-tourism radar, and its quaint towns are every bit as safe as they look.

Iguazú Falls, Where Safety is Second-nature

It’s hard to imagine a more protected environment than Iguazú National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s carefully managed with clear walking paths, well-trained park rangers, and excellent safety systems in place. Incidents involving tourists are extremely rare, as the entire park is designed with both security and conservation in mind.

> The Best Iguazu Falls for an Unforgettable Adventure

Iguazú's thunderous falls are a natural wonder and among the safest and best-managed attractions in South America.

 

> Discover our 3-day Iguazu Falls Experience

What Travelling Safely in Argentina Really Means

Travelling safely in Argentina really comes down to preparation and awareness. The infrastructure is strong, the people are welcoming, and organised travel takes the uncertainty out of the equation. When you travel with Viva, transfers are prearranged, accommodation is carefully vetted, and your guides know exactly which areas to explore and which streets to skip. You can simply relax knowing someone is keeping an eye on every detail, so you don't have to. Credit cards are widely accepted, so there's no need to carry large amounts of cash.

Travelling with Viva means local insight, expert planning, and complete peace of mind — the perfect recipe for a worry-free adventure.

> Top 5 Reasons to Visit Argentina

Is Argentina on Your 2026 Travel Bingo Card? It Should Be!

For decades, Argentina has stood out as a place where you can combine adventure with comfort. At Viva, we’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime, with as much guidance and support as you’d like. Our trusted local partners and guides are based in every major region we visit, ensuring that every transfer, trek, and tasting runs seamlessly. Most importantly, you’ll have 24-hour support and a team dedicated entirely to your comfort and safety. With a trusted operator by your side, you’ll find Argentina not just safe, but truly exceptional.

Contact Viva’s Argentina Specialists today to start planning your adventure!