Is South America Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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

Make friends while traveling solo

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet other women, find travel buddies and stay with locals for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is South America?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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 worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 8 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in South America

Priscila

Priscila

About Me

Hi! I'm Nix, a tattoo artist, creative soul, and explorer at heart. I’m based in São Paulo, Brazil, and I love traveling to connect with new cultures, and people in brazil. Besides tattooing, I also work with visual arts, branding, and photography. I’m always down for deep conversations, spontaneous adventures, and good food. Real underground SP/ZS

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Wlianni

Wlianni

About Me

Olá, me chamo Wlianni . Eu sou de Jericoacoara/Ceará e tenho 30 anos. Sou Agente de Viagens e Hoteleira. Apaixonada por viagens , culturas , comidas , danças

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in South America

Priscila

Priscila

São Paulo

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi! I'm Nix, a tattoo artist, creative soul, and explorer at heart. I’m based in São Paulo, Brazil, and I love traveling to connect with new cultures, and people in brazil. Besides tattooing, I also work with visual arts, branding, and photography. I’m always down for deep conversations, spontaneous adventures, and good food. Real underground SP/ZS

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Duda

Duda

Santos

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I'm Duda, a Brazilian girl who's staying in Italy for some time during spring! I used to do social sciences in university but dropped out last year and now I'm studying to get back in another one! I love righting and photography, I'm also a leo and love to go out dancing, for coffe, or just walking around!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to South America

Betty

Betty

About Me

My name is Betty, I'm studying Social Sciences and I like traveling.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Amber

Amber

About Me

Hi there! I’m a fun, social, wine drinking, cheese loving, adventure seeking 30 year old living in Santiago! I just moved to the city from the US and would love for some girls to give me the lowdown! Bonus if you know a few Afro-chileno spots in the area! Open to meeting new girls/people, traveling the world and having fun while doing it!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in South America