Venezuela’s regions can feel very different from one another — mountain towns with cooler air and small-city rhythms, coastal hubs with more traffic and commerce. Local policing, community networks and economic conditions all influence how safe a place feels, so it helps to look at specific cities rather than broad national labels.
There are 3 Safest Cities in Venezuela, ranging from Mérida to San Cristóbal. For each city you’ll find below Country,Homicide rate (per 100k),Population,Primary safety factors, making it easier to compare raw crime figures alongside the local context you’ll find below.
How reliable are homicide rates for judging a city’s safety?
Homicide rates are a useful starting point because they measure lethal violence, but they don’t capture theft, scams or neighborhood-level differences; rates can also lag behind current conditions. Use those numbers alongside recent local reports, tourism advisories and on-the-ground updates from residents to form a fuller picture.
What practical precautions should visitors take in these cities?
Treat them like any unfamiliar urban area: stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit or isolated spots at night, keep valuables secure, and ask locals or hotel staff about neighborhoods to avoid; these simple steps reduce most common risks.
Safest Cities in Venezuela
| City | Country | Homicide rate (per 100k) | Population | Primary safety factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mérida | Venezuela | 15.1 (2023) | 350,000 | University city, Andean culture, tourism focus, lower presence of large organized crime groups. |
| San Cristóbal | Venezuela | 11.1 (2023) | 400,000 | Strong commercial hub, Andean culture, high security presence due to its border location. |
| Porlamar | Venezuela | 19.4 (2023) | 145,000 | Major tourist destination, island geography, increased police presence in commercial and hotel zones. |
Images and Descriptions
Mérida
Located in the Andes, Mérida is a university city with one of Venezuela’s lowest violent death rates. While not immune to crime, its tourism-oriented economy and regional culture contribute to its comparative safety, though caution is still necessary.
San Cristóbal
As the capital of Táchira, the state with Venezuela’s lowest violent death rate, San Cristóbal is comparatively safe. Its proximity to the Colombian border results in a heavy security presence, but also introduces unique cross-border crime risks.
Porlamar
The largest city on Margarita Island, Porlamar’s safety profile is bolstered by its reliance on tourism. The state has a lower-than-average homicide rate, but crime persists, particularly outside of well-trafficked tourist areas and at night.
