Is San Pedro de Atacama Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

San Pedro de Atacama is generally quite safe, benefiting from a low crime rate and well-organized tourist activities. However, like anywhere else, it is always necessary to maintain vigilance, particularly when traveling alone. It's recommended to keep belongings secure, avoid secluded areas during the night and stay cautious of your surroundings. Local people are friendly and crime focusing tourists is relatively low.

Safety rating

3.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences from female travelers

4.2 /5

Based on our research and crime data

San Pedro de Atacama is currently ranked #9 safest place in Chile for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.7 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is San Pedro de Atacama?

Safety at night:Safe

San Pedro de Atacama is generally a safe town, even for solo female travelers. It's a popular tourist destination frequented by many international visitors and the locals are quite friendly. During the day, all spots are safe to roam around. At night, although the town is calm, it's advisable to stay within well-lit areas and avoid remote parts. Always take usual safety precautions, carry a source of light if you wish to wander around at night due to the fact that parts of the town can be poorly lit. As always, trusting your instincts and maintaining a level of caution is always advised.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in San Pedro de Atacama is generally reliable and well-accepted. It consists mostly of bus services and shared mini-vans. However, delays can occur due to weather conditions or other unpredictable occurrences. Local bus drivers often have a good knowledge of the area and can offer helpful advice. Yet, as a female solo traveler, it's always advisable to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings, just as you would anywhere else. It would be best to use transportation during peak hours, stick to well-lit areas, and avoid travelling late at night. Although crime is not typically a major concern in this area, practicing standard safety measures is recommended.

Street harassment:Low

San Pedro de Atacama is generally a safe and welcoming place for solo female travelers. However, like any travel destination, it's always important to maintain vigilance and be aware of your surroundings. Occasional instances of unsolicited comments can happen, but most locals are respectful and welcoming to tourists.

Petty crimes:Low

San Pedro de Atacama is considered a relatively safe destination for solo female travelers. However, common sense and caution are always recommended, particularly with belongings. Petty crimes such as purse snatching, pick-pocketing, or bag slashing are not rampant but can occur, albeit infrequently. So, proper care should be taken while visiting crowded tourist areas or public transportation.

Is San Pedro de Atacama worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.7/5

Food

2.6/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5

Fabrine

France

Solo travel

Very safe city with a lot of tours to do, the landscapes are amazing but be prepared to wake up very early!! I don’t recommend the geysers, you have to wake up at 4:30AM it's -15°C and it’s not that nice in my opinion

Posted: July 26, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

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Emma

France

Couple travel

San Pedro de Atacama is the driest desert in the whole world, even though it’s located at 3000m above the see ! 🤯 This place looks like the moon, for real. From the Valley de la Luna, the Geysers, the salt lakes, I cannot choose something I prefered. I recommend to go in February-March, before the start of Fall 🍂 and at the end of the high season. We didn’t rent a car so we visited with agency tour, it was worth it and not too expensive. I recommend to visit : - Valley de la Luna - Valley Arcoiris (but if you have a car) - Geysers del Tatio (early in the morning round 6 or 7am otherwise the geysers disappear later in the day) - Laguna Baltinache - Piedras Rojas (my best day) with the volcano Miscanti (be careful with the tickets !! You need to stop at the village Socaire to buy them).

Posted: July 24, 2024

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tseluiko

Russia

Solo travel

San Pedro it’s a dreamy village literally in the middle of novvhere. I came as a tourist but ended up working there. It’s a great place to hide/rest from the rest of the world. Many places are so unique and out of this world. Like solty lakes, geysers, valleys

Posted: May 8, 2023

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Is San Pedro de Atacama safe for women?

Magno

San Pedro is one of the most beautiful and safety places in Chile ! You can Hitchhiking with no problem and walk alone at night too ! The starry sky is amazing in the desert so don't be afraid! Just be careful with after party if you are on a solo trip 😜 You can enjoy beauty landscapes everywhere here

Posted: December 29, 2024

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