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Is South America Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Name: Is South America Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Address: South America
Rating: 4.013119472341802

Traveling through South America can have varying levels of safety, largely dependent on the specific countries and locations you visit. Urban areas and popular tourist destinations are generally well-policed and safe, though it is still wise to exercise caution, particularly at night. Petty crime and pickpocketing can be common in crowded spaces. In more rural or remote regions, safety conditions can be less predictable and may require extra vigilance. As always, reaching out to local tourist information, staying in touch with your country’s embassy or consulate, and exercising general safety precautions all contribute to maintaining your wellbeing while traveling.

Safety rating

4 /5

Based on 8 travel experiences

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

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How safe is South America?

Safety at night:Unsafe

South Americalike many destinations, varies greatly in safety from area to area. Urban locations and tourist hotspots are generally safer due to increased policing and surveillance, but remote regions can have less security. Nighttime can heighten safety risks, especially when walking alone, due to limited visibility and fewer people around. It is advisable to stay in well-populated, public areas, avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods at night, and always use reputable transportation services instead of walking.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in South America varies greatly by country and even by city. In well-populated regions, it's generally fairly safe, with metro systems and bus services frequently used by locals and tourists alike. However, theft can occur, especially in crowded conditions where pickpocketing is a hazard. Night bus travel could potentially be riskier due to potential robberies. Always maintain vigilance and keep a close eye on your belongings.

Street harassment:High

While experiences may vary, street harassment can occasionally be an issue for solo female travelers in South America. It is usually manifested in the form of cat-calling or persistent attention. This doesn’t mean it's a dangerous place to travel, and many women have fantastic times in this vibrant continent. However, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your gut instincts.

Petty crimes:High

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and opportunistic theft, especially in major urban areas and places frequented by tourists, are prevalent in parts of South America. Additionally, scams, taxi fraud, and credit card cloning are not uncommon. It's always important to stay aware of your belongings, not to display luxury items, and avoid unnecessary attention. However, experiences may be different in each country and even each city or region in South America.

Is South America safe to travel?

4 /5

Based on 8 experiences

Solo travel

I went alone to Colombia (Bogota, Medellin), Ecuador (Quito, Banos, Cuenca), Peru (Trujillo, Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa), Chile (Iquique, Santiago, Punto Arenas), and Argentina (Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza). I booked several flights, but I primarily traveled from place to place by bus. South American long-haul buses are generally very affordable and surprisingly comfortable. In terms of safety, not only did I never have a terrifying experience, but I also had a few amazing experiences when complete strangers, with whom I barely shared a language, were incredibly kind.

Posted: June 19, 2023

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Meet locals in South America

Meet local women in South America who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Aline

About Me

Hi! I am a biologist, who loves arts, boardgame, traveling and connecting with people. I graduated in University last year, and now I am taking some time to backpack Europe :D I'm quiet, but social, very organized and clean and have lived with friends for 5 years, so I'm very used to take care of shared spaces! I can share my airbnb and my Worldpackers reviews to any possible host 🥰

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Clara

About Me

Hola, me llamo Clara, tengo 30 años, soy abogada y me gusta viajar y conocer lugares y personas increíbles. Cada vez que puedo aprovecho para irme de viaje, retiro o descanso en mi país o fuera de él, a veces con el trabajo no es muy fácil, pero desde pandemia trabajo remoto y ha sido para mi la mejor oportunidad para viajar. Soy muy organizada, amigable y me gusta reír mucho. Amo bailar, qué mas puedo decir, lo llevo en la sangre, me encanta escuchar música pero sobre todo bailarla, así que si te interesan algunos pasos de baile, te puedo enseñar. Me encanta la naturaleza, estar al aire libre, respirar, admirar, caminar, correr, nadar, sentir como la naturaleza me abraza. También me gusta ver películas, hacer yoga y actividades manuales como artesanía. -- Hi, My name is Clara, I´m 30 years old, I am a lawyer and I like to travel and enjoy incredible places and meet beautiful people. Every time I can I take the opportunity to go on a trip, retreat or rest in my country or abroad, sometimes with work it is not very easy, but since the pandemic I have been working remotely and it has been the best opportunity for me to travel. I´m very organized, friendly and I like to laugh a lot. I love dancing, what else can I say, it's in my blood, I love listening to music, but above all dancing so, if you are interested in some dance steps, I can teach you. I love nature, being outdoors, breathing, admiring, walking, running, swimming, feeling how nature embraces me. I also like watching movies, doing yoga and manual activities like handicraft.

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Stay with locals in South America

Stay with local women in South America who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Clara

Ibague

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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Yara

La Paz

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I’m yara. I walk in the life with medicine plants, tantra, the pleasure of breathing and joy the life. I’m a tarot reader, learning for be Amawt’a one day.

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Upcoming visitors to South America

Connect with upcoming visitors to South America who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Isabella

About Me

I work as UI/UX Designer an US ecommerce agency. I enjoy visiting museus, hiking and swimming at the open sea

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Karissa

About Me

I quit my job to travel Central and South America. I enjoy exploring new cultures by talking to local people and trying new food. I love the calmness of a hike or a craft cocktail and a night out.

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Safety in South America

Peru

Colombia

Argentina

Ecuador

Brazil

Bolivia

Chile

Paraguay

Uruguay

Venezuela

Suriname

Guyana

Check the safest countries in South America