Is Chile Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Chile is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. Cities like Santiago and Valparaiso have a good level of safety, especially in tourist areas. However, as in any country, it's still important to take standard precautions such as avoiding deserted areas at night, not displaying conspicuous wealth, and always keeping an eye on personal belongings. Petty theft can occur and therefore being aware and vigilant of your surroundings is recommended.

Safety rating

Make friends while traveling solo

Meet other female travelers, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Chile?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Chile generally holds a decent safety record, but it's suggested to exercise caution during nighttime. While the country has less violent crime than its neighbors, petty theft can occur, especially in large cities like Santiago. Walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit or less populated areas, can pose some risks. Always stay in well-populated areas, use reputable taxi services and avoid flashing expensive items. It's important to stay aware of your surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Chile is generally safe, efficient, and reliable. While bigger cities like Santiago have a more robust infrastructure with subways, buses, and taxis, smaller towns and regions may be served by mini-buses. It's always vital to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. Night travel may have some safety concerns, so planning travel during daytime is advisable. Always use legal and recognized taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs for your safety. Despite these precautions, overall, it’s fairly safe for solo female travellers.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

Street harassment in Chile can be an issue. Though many travelers enjoy their visits without any issue, instances of unsolicited comments, stares, and non-physical advances are reported occasionally. However, it is important to note that reactions vary depending on the individual and area in question. Always remain vigilant, trust your gut feelings, and assert your boundaries when necessary.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Chile, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and cell phone theft are fairly common, particularly in urban areas and crowded places like public transportation and tourist hotspots. Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings.

Is Chile worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 17 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
Sayen

Sayen

Chile

Puerto Río Tranquilo, Family travel

It's a beautiful place, and as its name indicates, peaceful. A small and long river runs through it; it's huge and has a turquoise color that catches your eye at first glance. The people are very friendly, and there are both food places and very good specialized tours to the marble chapels. The Carretera Austral itself is gorgeous and worth getting to know; it makes you want to stay and live there.

Posted: May 19, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Punta Arenas, Group travel

The climate in this city is cool and cold at night. It’s very peaceful and relax. Be sure to visit Penguin Island! The seafood soup is delicious. You can find the restaurant: magallania in the seafood market.

Posted: February 3, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Chile, Solo travel

I loved Chile so much, I stayed for tree months in Santiago, people where so so nice there I made a lot of friends, people host me nicely and we did a lot of activities together like go to the museum, hiking, cycling, grab dinner

Posted: January 26, 2025Experienced: September, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Chile, Solo travel

I loved Chile. I spent 3 days in Viña del Mar in an Airbnb on the coast—a very beautiful beach spot even in winter. Great places to eat and very safe. Then I spent 3 more days in Santiago at “Hostel la Casa Roja,” which I highly recommend. It has a great atmosphere, the people are friendly, and there are many solo travelers. It’s an excellent place to meet people.

Posted: August 13, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Marie

Marie

Germany

Chile, Solo travel

In 2018 I fulfilled myself a dreamed that I had for a long time. I travelled to South America to go backpacking! I was stoked about the idea and ended up growing A LOT in it. In the beginning I knew nothing. And it hasnt always been easy, neither has it always been safe, though I feel like I learned through it how to stay safe and how to trust my gut more. And I ended up enjoying the travels unbelievably much! Looking back, I am really proud for fulfilling this dream of mine.

Posted: August 1, 2024Experienced: February, 2018
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Fabrine

Fabrine

France

San Pedro de Atacama, 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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Chile safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 49 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 49 local experiences

Chile

I live in Santiago, and it’s very safe if you go out in Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura and locations near that. In the centrum is not recomendable to stay late. Try to not walk alone in other areas, or move in Uber to be safer. Better if you stay in group.

Posted: June 1, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Sayen

Sayen

Viña del Mar

It is a city where one must be primarily cautious; it is not so bad to walk on the street at night, but only if it is in busy places. The train (or subway) is the most comfortable means of transport to use considering the risks, I would say that buses (or taxis) come as the second option because the level of mobility around the city is good and there is not too much risk in using them, but they are very expensive. I would put the buses (or minibuses) last; they are the ones with the highest risk of being robbed or sexually harassed. The good thing is that there are police stations in several areas, so if there is any problem you can run to one.

Posted: May 19, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety in Chile