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

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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 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Emma

Emma

France

San Pedro de Atacama, 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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Anna

Anna

Argentina

Chile, Solo travel

My first international (and solo) trip was to Chile! I went there days before the borders closed due to the pandemic. The country was going through difficult political times, and a lot of protests were happening - especially in the area I was staying (Hostal Providencia) that was near Plaza Baquedano, the protest's meetup point. However, I was able to experience the Women's March - Words cannot describe how emotional I felt watching and participating there, seeing women being kind to other women, giving strength to each other. To be honest, I don't quite remember how the trip was, but I remember meeting such lovely people there that I still talk to sometimes. There were a few moments where I didn't feel safe in Santiago, as it was summer and I was wearing tank tops all day. Other than that, it was an amazing experience, especially for a solo women traveler being able to experience the Women's March there.

Posted: July 11, 2024Experienced: March, 2020
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Elisa

Elisa

Chile

Valdivia, Group travel

Valdivia is a very beautiful and safe city to travel alone or with someone. Its natural landscapes are very beautiful, you can walk along the coast or Isla Teja or take a local bus to go to Niebla (this is also safe). I recommend trying craft beers from a local brewery, and also trying a dish with fish or seafood from the area.

Posted: June 18, 2024Experienced: November, 2022
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Valparaíso, Solo travel

Would recommend staying up in the hills and not near the water. It actually smells of fish and piss the closer you get - not so charming! Viña del mar is a nice option for a beach day and only 15 mins away on the bus, and the walking tours from Tours4Tips really help get your bearings and learn a lot.

Posted: March 18, 2024
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San Miguel, Couple travel

Primarily residential commune, it lacks tourist attractions per se. It has two small malls, and the commerce is rather modest. There are few accommodations. Good food is mainly found in the El Llano park area and others along Gran Avenida.

Posted: January 25, 2024
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Is Chile safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 45 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 45 local experiences

Angela

Angela

Chile

As in every place, there are dangerous areas, and the larger the city, the more chaotic it is. Compared to other places in LATAM, I consider Chile to be relatively safer, as long as you take the necessary precautions.

Posted: April 14, 2025
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Isabel

Isabel

Santiago

I'll say like any other city you should inform yourself about which zones to avoid, but overall the most touristic places are really safe during the day. The metro is definetly a great transportation, but there are some specific stations where you should be really carefull because you can be robbed.

Posted: April 13, 2025
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Meet locals in Chile

Isabel

Isabel

About Me

Hi! I am 18 years old, from Chile, and this year I'll start my literature studies in Spain. I love reading, writing, coffee, jazz, desserts, cats, dogs... and well, getting to know new people and places! I am an INFP and 9w1, If you are into mbti and the enneagram, then, you'll know what it means. If not, it basically means I have a PhD in daydreaming and emotional support + I apologize to furniture I bump into. Maybe a bit dramatic internally, but soft-spoken, like a silent opera.

Speaking

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Aillen

Aillen

About Me

Hi! I’m a chilean that just moved to Paris! so I’m open to anything really.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Chile

Valentina

Valentina

Chile

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I'm Valentina from Chile 🇨🇱 I'm 21yo, software engineer student who loves finding fun in the everyday and sharing good vibes with the people I meet. Whether it's geeking out over musicals, getting caught up in movies, or swapping stories, I'm all about enjoying the little moments that make life special. I don't take myself too seriously—I can't dance or sing to save my life, but I'll still give it a shot if it makes someone laugh! (I really love karaoke hahs) One of the biggest parts of my life has been being a scout since I was 8 ⚜️ After more than 13 years of adventures and unforgettable moments, I'll be attending my last scout camp this summer in Portugal (July 23 to August 3) (as I reach the max age to be a rover in my country) It's bittersweet, but I couldn't think of a better way to close this chapter, it'll be also my first time in Europe, so I'm very excited to explore and learn about other cultures🎀 🇨🇱 I was born and raised in Latin America and I would love to give you a little piece of my beautiful country, Chile. Whether it's cooking, telling you our stories or teaching you our games ✨️ I would love to hear about yours too!

Speaking

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Meylin

Meylin

Santiago

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Soy Meylin. Nací en Lima, Perú pero hace más de 20 años me trasladé a Chile junto a mi familia. Actualmente vivo en el centro de Santiago de Chile. Trabajo en restaurantes y en las tardes me gusta entrenar cross training y tomar clases de danza. Me gusta mucho viajar. En Chile he ido a acampar a muchos lados. Hay muchos lugares muy lindos y cómodos para acampar También he viajado fuera de Chile, aunque generalmente he tenido que viajar sola porque así se ha dado 😅 pero si viajo acompañada feliz tb 😊

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Chile

Betül

Betül

About Me

Hello, I'm Betül, 19 years old from Germany. I'm currently on my gap year traveling through Latin America with my friend! I love getting to know the different cultures of the countries and talking to new people and making connections!

Speaking

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Emily

Emily

About Me

I'm a student living in Birmingham England, but I love to travel whenever I can! I love yoga and calisthenics style stuff like climbing and pole dancing... I'm obsessed with food, and addicted to cheese... I'm super adventurous and love learning new things. The next trip I have planned is a 3 month adventure packed trip around south America, where I hope to learn to surf 😁😁😁

Speaking

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Safety in Chile