Are you currently planning a solo trip to Latin America or thinking about going to this part of the world soon? Then you are in the right place.
I was backpacking through Latin America for a few months as a female solo traveler and I’m about to share my experiences with you. So if you are looking for the best places in South America for solo travel or just some practical tips for traveling alone, keep on reading.
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Tips for your solo travel through Latin America
Traveling alone for the first time can be intimidating. That’s why I want you to think about all the freedom of choice you have when making the decision to travel on your own.
On your solo trip through Latin America, you will immerse yourself in a variety of cultural experiences. Although the Latino culture is of similar heritage, every country has its own charm. From the ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala to dancing Salsa, Cumbia and Merengue in Colombia. With these tips you are definitely prepared for the vibrant street life, indigenous diversity and breathtaking nature of Latin America.
First things first: Security
No matter where you go, safety should always be of utmost importance. But I can assure you that safety is not such a big issue in Latin America as some media or people in western countries make you think it is.
To put it in simple terms: Common sense is pretty helpful to keep you safe and sound. It should be obvious to not walk outside alone at night or walk around in sketchy areas. Listen to local’s advice, as they usually want tourists to be safe.
I personally never had any bad encounters with anybody during my travels and also during my years of living in Central America. From my experience of talking to people, tourists usually only might be confronted with pickpockets. But to avoid the worst, here are my personal tips surrounding this topic:
- Don’t wear flashy jewelry like big pearl earrings, chunky watches or heavy necklaces.
- Keep your belongings close to your body. As a girl you can put money in your bra and generally you can carry some money in your underwear or use little secret wallets or fanny packs that you can buy and clip onto your underwear or wear beneath your shirt.
- Always have a small amount of money in your pocket or bag. In case somebody wants to rob you, give this designated amount of money (I recommend 20 to 30 Euros) to them so they are satisfied, leave you alone and don’t look further.
- If somebody wants to rob you, don’t start a discussion. Give them what they want. Your peace and safety is worth more than a cell phone or a small amount of money.
Which country should you go to?
If you were hoping to get a clear recommendation for the best places to travel solo in South America, I’m afraid that is not going to happen here. I honestly don’t like comparing countries like that, as every destination has its own beauty.
I personally really liked Central America, as I feel like the countries there offer great value for backpackers and young travelers. Especially Guatemala and Nicaragua have a special place in my heart. These countries are super divers, rather cheap and you can meet a lot of like minded (solo) travelers.
But I also really enjoyed getting to know Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. This however isn’t a recommendation at all. I would say choose a destination that matches your interests, be it nature, culture, history or adventure.
Handling finances traveling solo in Latin America
Careful financial planning is crucial for a smooth trip. Set a realistic budget that covers accommodation, transport, food and activities. Use local currency and only exchange money in trusted places. Use credit cards with low fees and keep an eye on your expenses to avoid unforeseen costs.
I did all these tasks with the help of the app called Travelspend. There are many money tracking apps and I honestly used this one because I found the design and layout to be user friendly and appealing.
With apps like this you can set a budget, monitor your daily expenses, look at personal statistics to see how much money you spend and what and therefore stick to your plan and budget.
Public transport can be a challenge
Navigating public transport in Latin America can be confusing at first, but it definitely offers an authentic experience. While I would definitely advise you to use public buses, metrobus or the subway during the day I wouldn’t recommend this transportation at night.
If you still prefer a safer way to move around you can always take a taxi. In this case I would ask at the tourist information or hotels what the official taxis of a specific city look like. Don’t just get into the car with anyone offering you a ride.
The safest but not always cheapest option is Uber. While Uber works almost all over Latin America, there are other apps that work similar to Uber but do not exist in every country and might offer cheaper fares. The ones I know and already have used are:
Talking about moving from one country to another or going a long distance to another place within one country many countries in Latin America offer great overnight bus rides for a rather cheap price. For only 10 Euros you can easily take an 8 hour bus ride at night and have a seat that turns into a semi bed to sleep through the night. To find out more about these options you should ask directly at the local bus stop or terminal.
In larger countries like Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Brazil or Chile you can also find domestic flights. But to get them for a good price you should probably book them at least a week or two in advance. When it comes to the bus rides you can easily book them one day before leaving.
Culinary delights
Cuisine always makes a big part of a country’s identity. I highly recommend you try typical food. And by that I don’t just mean going to restaurants and asking for the most authentic dish.
I really enjoy exploring the vibrant street life. That’s why I also go to the local markets and get food there or I also have typical street food. I know, this can be more risky as hygiene isn’t always the best. But I can assure you that in all these years traveling and living abroad I only had one bad experience with food poisoning.
Latin America really is a foodie’s paradise with an abundance of flavors and dishes. A lot of the ingredients are regional, rich in flavor and a little exotic for me but always delicious. Be open to street food experiences and get to know the diversity of regional cuisine. You won’t regret it.
Feeling lonely traveling solo
This is a delicate topic. Traveling alone allows you to make your own decisions and shape your trip according to your own ideas. But just because you decided to travel by yourself doesn’t mean you won’t feel lonely at times. It happens to all of us and is totally normal.
When I feel lonely traveling I usually call friends and family from home to talk to somebody and tell them how I feel. I also encourage myself to talk to people and make new friends. This works best when staying at a hostel. Taking part in group activities like sightseeing tours offered by hostels and tour operators or sometimes also participating in a pub crawl.
In this case and overall as a solo traveler you need to be open to new people and experiences, be flexible and trust your gut feeling. Enjoy the freedom to discover new places without compromising. And if nothing helps, you can always just go back home.
People and language barrier
Most people’s mother tongue in the best solo travel destinations of South America is spanish. But there are also native English speakers and Portuguese speakers on the American continent.
From my experience not many people naturally learn english in school, like we do in Europe. That is why I recommend learning at least the basics of Spanish or Portuguese (in case you are going to Brazil).
People are usually very friendly, warm and open-minded. When speaking to them, try your best to use the Spanish you know. They will appreciate every word you try to speak in their language.
The language can be a challenge, but also an opportunity to learn new skills. So learn some basic expressions in the local language and be prepared to communicate with gestures and a smile. Believe me, it will work.
These are my personal (female) solo travel tips when exploring Latin America. I hope they help you with your next solo travel adventure. Do you have any further tips and what are your personal recommendations concerning the best places to travel alone in South or Central America? Let us know in the comments.
