Best Countries for Solo Travel in South America
The idea of exploring unfamiliar streets, navigating new cultures, or dining alone may sound daunting. But solo travel, when done thoughtfully, is one of the most empowering and rewarding experiences you can gift yourself—the secret lies in choosing destinations that are safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
South America offers a blend of safety-conscious travel, adventure, and cultural richness. Public transport is available in most urban areas, guided tours cover remote destinations, and many cities have walkable streets with secure accommodations. Women travelling alone can participate in activities that range from outdoor adventures to culinary explorations while maintaining their morale and independence.
The continent provides a balance of urban and rural experiences. From historic colonial towns to rainforest treks, each location offers women the opportunity to encounter authentic, accessible, and engaging landscapes and traditions.
Colombia is a destination where history, art, and coastal charm intersect. Cartagena’s colonial streets feature colourful murals, historic forts, and plazas that host live music performances. Women can join guided walking tours, explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and try local street foods such as arepas or empanadas.
Medellín combines public art installations, cable car rides through hillside communities, and cultural workshops. Festivals like the Barranquilla Carnival include parades, dance workshops, and local music performances. Colombia gives solo female travellers in South America a mix of cultural, historical, and coastal experiences in secure urban settings.
Argentina caters to women travelling solo through a combination of city life, wine regions, and outdoor adventure. Buenos Aires offers tango classes, historic architecture tours, and street food markets, where empanadas and choripán are well-known specialities.
In Mendoza, women can explore vineyards with guided tastings and vineyard tours at the base of the Andes. Patagonia’s trails, including hikes near Mount Fitz Roy and glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park, provide structured routes suitable for independent travellers. Argentina combines adventure travel and cultural exploration, enabling women to navigate between cities, mountains, and rural landscapes with confidence.
In the Amazon Basin, eco-lodges offer wildlife excursions, including canoe trips and bird-watching. Peru’s combination of cultural heritage, trekking routes, and accessible tours makes it one of the most practical and enriching destinations for women travelling alone.
Chile spans diverse landscapes suitable for solo women travellers. In the north, the Atacama Desert features salt flats, geysers, and stargazing experiences at local observatories. Central Chile features vineyard tours and charming small towns with artisanal markets.
Patagonia in southern Chile offers marked hiking trails in Torres del Paine National Park and boat trips to see glaciers. Cities such as Santiago and Valparaíso include museums, culinary experiences, and easy access to day trips. Chile’s combination of natural beauty and well-organised tours ensures that women can explore independently while maintaining safety and structure.
Ecuador offers women travelling alone a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences within a compact geography. Quito’s colonial centre features walking tours, craft markets, and historic churches. Along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, women can join hiking excursions, guided climbs, or visits to thermal springs.
The Galápagos Islands include boat trips, snorkelling excursions, and wildlife observation with certified guides, creating secure experiences for independent travellers. Ecuador combines adventure tourism and historical exploration in accessible, well-managed locations.
Brazil allows solo female travellers to embark on adventures across urban, coastal, and rainforest settings. Rio de Janeiro offers beach walks along Copacabana and Ipanema, favela tours led by licensed guides, and samba classes at local studios. São Paulo proudly boasts a diverse range of art galleries, music venues, and culinary tours.
The Amazon region features guided river trips, wildlife spotting, and rainforest lodges with security measures in place for solo travellers. Brazil offers a range of cultural events, nature-based excursions, and city tours that enable women to navigate the country safely while exploring it extensively.
Bolivia attracts women seeking structured adventure in remote locations. The Salar de Uyuni provides guided salt flat tours, sunrise photography excursions, and visits to local villages. La Paz includes city walking tours, cable car rides across the valley, and street markets with traditional crafts.
High-altitude trekking routes in the Andes, including paths to Laguna Colorada and remote mountain villages, are best navigated with the guidance of experienced guides. Bolivia represents adventure travel in South America that combines extraordinary landscapes with secure, guided options for women travelling alone.
Uruguay offers a slower pace, making it an ideal destination for solo female travel. Montevideo includes cultural walking routes, coastal promenades, and seafood markets. Colonia del Sacramento’s cobbled streets feature museum visits, historic lighthouse climbs, and cafés with locally roasted coffee. Punta del Este has accessible beaches and art installations.
Uruguay’s small size, walkable towns, and safe streets make it one of the most secure destinations for women travelling alone, while still giving opportunities for cultural engagement, coastal recreation, and local culinary experiences.
These practical steps ensure solo travel experiences in South America remain secure, smooth, and enjoyable.
For women seeking structured, guided adventures, Meraki Diaries arranges trips that integrate cultural routes, outdoor excursions, and secure accommodations.
