For your next trip to Chile, you are wondering if Valparaíso is dangerous, where are the neighborhoods to avoid and the best areas to stay.

Indeed, Valparaiso, the jewel of Chile, evokes both the picturesque beauty of its colorful streets but also a certain reputation for danger.

But is this really the case? In this article, we will check the reality about insecurity in Valparaiso, neighborhoods to avoid and dangerous areas for tourists. And at the end of the article, we will reveal to you which are the safest areas to stay in the city.

This guide to tourist safety in Valparaiso is a synthesis of information from statistics, world rankings, press articles and testimonials on forums.

Is Valparaíso a safe city?

No, in recent years Valparaiso has been experiencing problems with violence and crime. In fact, for the past two years, authorities have been concerned about a sharp increase in crime in Valparaiso (see article on senado.cl ).

The newspaper latercera.com reports that a study has revealed that the number of homicides in Greater Valparaiso has increased by 38% compared to the previous year, while the municipalities of Viña del Mar (53,8%) and Villa Alemana (50%) were gradually experimenting with the mayor.

A university study also indicates that the city faces serious problems related to drugs and gangs: See Valparaíso los riesgos de la ciudad

How dangerous is Valparaiso in 2024?

In 2024, the Numbeo ranking revealed a high crime index of 66.87 for the city of Valparaiso, placing it at the top of the list of dangerous cities.

Indeed, in comparison, Valparaíso is more dangerous than Chicago , Marseille , Quito , Buenos Aires , Sangiago or Bogota.

Valparaíso dangerous for tourists?

Valparaiso, also known as the "Pearl of the Pacific", is a beautiful city located on the central coast of Chile. With its colorful streets, steep hills and rich history, Valparaiso is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. However, it is important to consider the level of insecurity in this bustling city.

Indeed, the United States Embassy in Chile issued an alert in November 2023 for tourists visiting the cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar regarding the increasing crime trend in the Valparaíso region.

In 2024, the Government of Canada and France Diplomatie placed all of Chile (including Santiago and Valparaíso) under heightened vigilance due to an increase in petty crime throughout the country.

See also the testimony of a couple who were attacked in Bellavista in 2024 on routard.com and on Tripadvisor , a tourist who testifies to an attack she suffered in the center of Valparaiso.

Fortunately, a crime prevention program is being developed to protect tourists. These efforts demonstrate that safety is a priority and that progress can be made when residents, authorities, and organizations collaborate. See the press article: La región de Valparaíso impulsa crear una Policía del Turismo para hacer frente a la delincuencia

The most dangerous neighborhoods in Valparaiso

To better identify the neighborhoods to avoid in Valparaíso that we'll discuss later, here's a map where you can locate them: Google Maps

According to the most recent data, the neighborhoods of Cerro Cordillera , Cerro Mariposa and Cerro Merced have the highest crime rates in Valparaiso.

Other areas and neighborhoods to avoid in Valparaíso are:

• The coastal area particularly along and around Avenida España;
• Tourist areas: lower town, port, viewpoints, Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Alegre districts;
• Quilicura, San Bernardo, La Pintana and Antofagasta;
• The upper part of the Playa Ancha hill notably Montedónico;
• Nudo Baron.

Valparaíso Red Zone

The very touristy Red Zone area of ​​Valparaíso which includes the hills of San Juan de Dios, Yungay, Bellavista, Alegre, Concepción and Miraflores is the area that has one of the highest crime rates in the city. This was revealed by statistics from the Tactical Police Operations System (STOP).

It is therefore recommended to avoid this area in the evening or at night.

Tourists can safely visit all the most beautiful parts of the city with a full-day tour of Valparaisos.

Best area to stay in Valparaíso

If you prefer to completely avoid the dangerous neighborhoods of Valparaiso, a few years ago you would have been advised to stay in areas like Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepcion . But today, these attractive tourist areas can also present safety problems, especially at night.

The nearby Viña del Mar was also a popular choice for its beautiful beaches, but this seaside town also has a rising crime rate. This is the case, for example, in Reñaca (see YouTube video ).

So, even though it's not entirely safe and caution is advised, El Puerto is one of the best neighborhoods in Valparaíso to stay in. It's the historic heart of the city, with narrow streets, typical staircases, and colorful hills.

By staying in this area, you will be close to the Elevator Artillery, Plaza Sotomayor, the market and close to Pablo Neruda's La Sebastiana house museum.

The hotel I recommend below ( Fortunata Chacana Guest House ) is located a little away from the very touristy and unsafe areas in a quiet area but close to the center and El Puerto.