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

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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.
Tap water:

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water safety can vary widely in South America. Although in some areas like Chile and Uruguay, it is generally safe, in other places like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador you should avoid drinking tap water due to risk of contaminants and waterborne diseases. Bottled water is a much safer choice throughout the region.

Is South America safe to travel?

3.9 /5

Based on 7 experiences

Solo travel experience

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
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Meet locals in South America

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Danusia

Danusia

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Hey, you can call me Danu 🌻 Here to meet women who shares the same passion for travelling. I was always a curious little girl, growing up math and geography would be my favorite subjects. Now I find myself journaling, going to movies, having slow mornings and nice long walks. I love skin care and having dinner with my girls, currently I’m exploring more the gym scenario as I want to become healthier. Life is always changing, so do I 😄

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Renata

Renata

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I Just love to travel, learn new things, meet people from another cultura, tryng to learn New languages Just like english, french and spanish...

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Renata

Campinas

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3 days

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I Just love to travel, learn new things, meet people from another cultura, tryng to learn New languages Just like english, french and spanish...

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Danusia

Danusia

São Paulo

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3 days

About me

Hey, you can call me Danu 🌻 Here to meet women who shares the same passion for travelling. I was always a curious little girl, growing up math and geography would be my favorite subjects. Now I find myself journaling, going to movies, having slow mornings and nice long walks. I love skin care and having dinner with my girls, currently I’m exploring more the gym scenario as I want to become healthier. Life is always changing, so do I 😄

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Upcoming visitors to South America

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Easton

Easton

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Hi! My name is Easton. I’m 35 years old and I’m a NYC native. Avid traveler and foodie. I love fitness, sports, fashion and travel. I work in the television industry.

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Easton

Easton

About Me

Hi! My name is Easton. I’m 35 years old and I’m a NYC native. Avid traveler and foodie. I love fitness, sports, fashion and travel. I work in the television industry.

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Safety in South America