Too often, women are discouraged from traveling solo, by well-meaning friends or worried family members. It’s a normal reaction, but their concern can enhance your anxiety, especially if this is your first trip abroad on your own. Worse, it can be the reason for cancelling an extraordinary and life-changing adventure. Our advice? Contact us, we have so many options to offer you depending on what you are looking for and we can help you choose your dream destination solo adventure.
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Your Safety, Our Priority.
Traveling solo as a woman in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay can be an enriching and rewarding experience, as these countries are generally safe for women travelers, offer diverse activities, and feature welcoming cultures. However, it’s important to be mindful of safety and take practical precautions. Here’s a guide for women traveling solo on a holiday or weekend getaway to each of these countries, with tips on places to visit, safety advice, and what to expect.
Chile
Chile is a very safe and welcoming country for solo women travelers. With its modern cities, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Chile offers an array of experiences.
Why it’s great for solo women
Safety Chile is one of the safest countries in Latin America, particularly in larger cities like Santiago and Valparaíso. Chileans are generally friendly, and the country has good infrastructure for travelers.
Diverse landscapes From the bustling cities to Patagonia’s remote beauty, there’s a range of options for solo travelers seeking adventure or relaxation.
Best places for a solo women weekend
Santiago Chile’s capital is perfect for a long weekend. The city has a modern feel, great shopping, and plenty of cultural activities, such as visiting La Chascona (Pablo Neruda’s house), exploring Cerro San Cristóbal, or visiting the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Santiago is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to get around alone.
Valparaíso Just a couple of hours from Santiago, this colorful, bohemian city by the sea is known for its steep hills, art scene, and seafood. Take a walking tour, explore the famous Cerro Alegre, and relax on the beach.
Punta Arenas and Torres del Paine (Patagonia) For adventurous women travelers, Patagonia offers breathtaking views, incredible hikes (like the W Trek), and a serene, remote environment.
San Pedro de Atacama If you love stargazing, the Atacama Desert offers some of the clearest skies in the world. Enjoy quiet hikes, salt flats, and hot springs, and stay in charming accommodations.
Safety Tips for Solo Women in Chile
Chile is generally safe, but take common-sense precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas after dark, especially in less touristy parts of Santiago.
Public transport in Santiago is efficient and safe, but avoid using the subway during rush hour if you’re not comfortable with crowds.
Stick to tourist areas after dark, especially when traveling alone in big cities.
Argentina
Argentina is a fantastic destination for solo women, offering vibrant cities, rich cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. While Buenos Aires is lively and cosmopolitan, places like Patagonia provide an opportunity for adventure.
Why it’s great for solo women
Cultural richness Argentina is full of art, music, tango, and food, which solo travelers can enjoy alone or by joining group activities.
Safe for solo travelers Argentina is relatively safe, especially in tourist areas. However, as in any large city, it’s essential to be cautious.
Best places for a solo women weekend
Buenos Aires Argentina’s capital is full of things to do for solo travelers, from tango shows and cooking classes to visiting historic neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca. Solo women can enjoy the café culture or visit Recoleta Cemetery and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Mendoza If you love wine, Mendoza is the perfect spot. Take a wine-tasting tour or visit nearby vineyards. The landscape is beautiful, and solo travelers can easily get around with wine tours, which often offer transportation.
Bariloche A lakeside city in Patagonia, Bariloche is perfect for a solo weekend getaway. It offers peaceful surroundings, beautiful hiking trails, and cozy spots to relax.
Iguazú Falls If you’re a nature lover, the Iguazú Falls is an incredible destination. The falls are one of the most impressive natural wonders, and you can visit them from both Argentina and Brazil.
Safety Tips for Solo Women in Argentina
Pickpocketing Be cautious in crowded places like La Boca or San Telmo. Use anti-theft bags or money belts to avoid pickpocketing.
Taxis & Ridesharing Always use registered taxis or rideshare services like Uber or Cabify. Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers.
In Buenos Aires, avoid walking alone at night in quieter neighborhoods like Retiro or Monserrat.
Bolivia
Bolivia offers an adventurous and culturally immersive experience for solo women. Known for its dramatic landscapes and rich indigenous culture, Bolivia is a fantastic destination for those who want to explore something different.
Why it’s great for solo women
Authenticity and adventure Bolivia is less touristy than some other countries in South America, which means you’ll experience an authentic and off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Rich culture Bolivia’s indigenous culture and traditions are visible everywhere, from the food to the people’s attire and daily life.
Best places for a solo women weekend
La Paz The capital city of Bolivia offers a unique experience with its high-altitude location and vibrant street markets. Visit Valle de la Luna and the Witches’ Market, and take a cable car ride over the city for fantastic views. Solo women travelers can explore museums and experience the lively atmosphere.
Salar de Uyuni One of Bolivia’s most famous destinations, the Salar de Uyuni is an incredibly surreal and beautiful place. Solo women often join small group tours for the safest experience in the desert.
Sucre A peaceful and charming city, Sucre offers colonial architecture, quiet streets, and a slower pace. It’s ideal for solo travelers looking for a less hectic environment.
Safety Tips for Solo Women in Bolivia
Altitude La Paz and other high-altitude destinations can be difficult for newcomers, so take it easy and allow yourself time to acclimatize.
Bolivia’s public transportation can be challenging, especially for solo travelers. Taxis are a safer option for getting around, especially after dark.
In La Paz, always be aware of your surroundings in crowded markets or busy streets to avoid petty theft.
Uruguay
Uruguay is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in South America for solo women. Its tranquil pace of life, beautiful beaches, and charming cities make it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.
Why it’s great for solo women
Safety: Uruguay has a reputation for being one of the safest countries in South America, with low crime rates.
Charming atmosphere The slower pace and friendly locals make it easy to explore on your own, whether in cities or on the coast.
Best places for a solo women weekend
Montevideo The capital city is known for its relaxed atmosphere, long beaches, and colonial architecture. Visit the Ciudad Vieja, the Rambla, and enjoy the lively café culture. You can also visit the Mercado del Puerto for local food and artisanal products.
Punta del Este For a weekend of beach relaxation, Punta del Este is perfect. It’s a glamorous coastal town with beautiful beaches, great food, and lively nightlife, especially in summer.
Colonia del Sacramento A UNESCO World Heritage site, this small town is perfect for exploring on foot. Enjoy its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and peaceful ambiance.
Cabo Polonio For a more remote experience, Cabo Polonio National Park is ideal. Its pristine beaches, sand dunes, and lighthouse make it perfect for a solo getaway in nature.
Safety Tips for Solo Women in Uruguay
Uruguay is generally very safe, but it’s always smart to be cautious when walking around at night in less busy areas.
Public transportation in Montevideo is reliable and safe, but taxis or ridesharing services are safer for traveling in the evening.
Uruguay is relatively free from common travel hassles, and it’s common for people to approach you with help, particularly in smaller towns.
General Tips for Solo Women Travelers in South America
Language In all four countries, Spanish is the primary language. Learning some basic Spanish phrases will help, especially when traveling to more remote areas.
Accommodation All these countries offer a variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels to boutique hotels. Opt for accommodations that are centrally located and with good reviews for safety.
Public Transportation In larger cities, public transportation is generally safe, but always remain alert. It’s often safer to use taxis or rideshare apps like Uber when traveling at night.
General Safety Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings.
Solo women traveling through Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay will have an enriching experience full of culture, adventure, and beautiful landscapes. Each of these countries offers unique experiences, from cosmopolitan cities to remote natural wonders. By staying aware of your surroundings, following basic travel precautions, and embracing the welcoming local cultures, you can have an enjoyable and safe solo travel experience in South America.
