Thinking about going on a solo adventure through South America? Exciting, right? But I bet your first thoughts were about safety.
Is it safe to travel alone there? Well, let me tell you, it’s not the safest place in the world, but that’s exactly what I’m talking about in my next post!
I’ll share the steps I learned during my dream trip and the reflections I made to come back with a bunch of happy memories.
Itinerary and Purpose:
When planning your trip, it’s all about setting goals. If you’re into surfing or checking out the highlights of a country, that’s what you should focus on. For me, this trip was all about diving into Andes culture since I’m from Andes City. Also, I wanted to hike as much as possible, consequently, I spent more time in this location.
But here’s the thing: safety matters too. I listened to locals and drew from my own experience to stay safe. Instead of rushing around, I focused on what I wanted to experience, making my trip more about what I wanted to do rather than just hitting the most popular spots.
Packing Essentials:
Preparing for a long trip with a mix of activities requires some serious packing skills. My backpack was like a treasure trove, filled with gear for swimming, snorkelling, hiking, dancing, and more.
So, before you start packing, make sure to map out your itinerary and list all the activities you plan to do. Oh, and don’t forget the camera for capturing those unique moments!
Safety First: Strategies for Solo Travelers in South America
Safety is always a top priority, especially when travelling solo in South America. Each country has its own safety quirks, but I never really felt like I was in imminent danger.
Venezuela, yeah, it’s got its political issues, and some folks advise against going there. But as a Venezuelan living in Europe, I can vouch for the fact that it’s doable.
Colombia? Sure, it has its sketchy spots, especially in big cities. But with the right street smarts, it’s manageable. I’ve got some behaviour tips that can help you out.
Ecuador had some political issues when I visited, but I wasn’t about to cancel my plans. Sometimes the news exaggerates events. Before heading there, I contacted some locals, who gave me the lowdown on the situation and recommended safe areas to explore.
Peru and Bolivia are relatively safe compared to other places I’ve visited. However, it is prudent to avoid dangerous areas, particularly in major cities. Always be alert!
Behaviour tips for a safe journey
Accommodation, make sure you read reviews. This is significant because if it is not a secure location, you will find out through them. A locker is required if you book a hostel.
Valuables, leave some of your documents, cards, and money in the hotel.
Public Transport, pickpockets love those places so keep your belongings in front of you, phone away from windows and hold them with two hands.
Bags, I wear two, one under my clothes for documents or some money and one large for everything else.
Phone, if you need to check the map or call a taxi on the street, go inside a pub or a shop.
Clothes, don’t dress up in expensive clothes; you can be a tourist, but if you look like a tourist, people will notice.
Money, don’t keep all of your money in one place.
Walking, keep an eye out for people following you and enter a store or change streets if necessary.
Small towns are generally safe, so you can be more relaxed.
If you are robbed, do not resist and instead hand over the bag containing the things with less valuable items.
Speaking with other travellers, some stories that I heard helped me to avoid situations.
Trying Wonderful Food, but Be Careful
When it comes to food in Latin America, get ready for a culinary adventure!
Most meals come with a side of rice, legumes, and veggies, and you can’t miss the menu del día, a common dish served at both lunch and dinner, usually costing between 3 to 5 dollars.
My top tip? Skip the touristy spots and head to farmers’ markets and local eateries for an authentic experience that won’t break the bank.
But here’s the scoop: be cautious with raw food and fresh juices. Sometimes, those refreshing drinks are made with tap water that’s not exactly clean. Better safe than sorry!
Pro tip: When you touch down in South America, swing by a pharmacy and stock up on antibiotics for stomach bugs, antidiarrheals, and electrolytes. No prescription is needed. Keep them handy in your bag—you’ll thank me later!
Getting Around South America: A Traveler’s Guide
When it comes to transportation in South America, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. While it might not be perfect everywhere, I’d say about 70% of the time, it’s pretty darn good.
Now, let’s break it down:
Between Countries and Border Crossings:
Crossing borders can be a bit tricky. There are various routes, and the situation can be delicate. My advice? Always ask the locals—they’re your best resource. But hold on, I’ll dive deeper into this topic in another post.
If you’re curious about crossing the borders between Venezuela and Colombia, there’s already information available.
Between Cities:
For long distances, buses are your go-to option. Peru and Colombia have excellent bus systems with high-quality services. Plus, night buses are a thing—you’ll find them almost everywhere.
Now, let’s talk about booking. If you’re travelling within Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru, check out Redbus. Bolivia also has Redbus, although not all companies use it. And for Venezuela, well, they don’t have an online system yet.
Within Cities and Towns:
Big cities usually have solid public transport systems. But even small towns manage to get you from point A to B. The tricky part? Figuring out where those buses are headed. Don’t worry—hostels and local bars are your secret weapons. Just ask around, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Finding Accommodation: Safe and Affordable Options Across South America
Let’s talk about where to rest your weary traveller’s head:
Scouting the Area:
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- First things first, do a little reconnaissance. Research the neighbourhoods. Find out which ones are safe, and convenient, and align with your schedule and budget. Safety is key, my friend!
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- Pro tip: Read Reviews. The internet is your trusty sidekick. Check out the usual websites you rely on. Look for places with 24-hour reception and secure locks. Safety first, always!
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- Oh, and don’t forget to pack a padlock for your locker. It’s like a little security hug for your belongings.
Budget-Friendly Digs: Hostels FTW!
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- Hostels are ideal if you want to make the most of your trip budget. They’re like the communal hubs of adventure. Bunk beds, new friends, and late-night chats—it’s the backpacker’s way.
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- But wait—there’s more! Even in less touristic areas, single rooms are occasionally available at reasonable costs.
Embracing Independence: Solo Adventures and Self-Discovery
Life is a wild dance, and saying yes to adventure is like twirling under the open sky. Whether it’s salsa in Cali, hiking in the Andes, diving in the Galapagos, or getting lost in a beautiful colonial town, solo travel is your passport to self-discovery.
So, my fellow adventurer, say yes. Say yes to the unknown, the unplanned, and the uncharted. Because life’s greatest stories are written by those who dare to wander.
Connecting with Locals and travellers
Building Meaningful Relationships with Latinos is a good way to learn a bit of Spanish and explore the culture.
I met a few people locals or travellers on hikes, in local buses, on tours or even through an app called Couchsurfing. If Spanish is a limitation try to use Google Translate for a better understanding.
Must-See Destinations: Hidden Gems and Popular Hotspots
Some of my favourite hidden gems that I’ve seen on this trip are:
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- Safari en los LLanos de Venezuela, near Apure
- Palomino Beach, left side walking towards the river
- Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador
- Toachi River Canyon, Ecuador
- Cultura Chachapoyas Peru, its archaeological site and museum
- Caras, Peru. For its unique market and the Paron lake.
- Termas de Polques, in Southwest Bolivia
Popular Destinations:
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- Santa Marta, Colombia
- Cotopaxi, Ecuador
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- Gocta Waterfall, Peru
- Cusco, Peru
- Salar Uyuni, Bolivia
Reflections on the Road: Lessons Learned and Unforgettable Moments
As a solo female traveller, this region has been an ideal playground for pushing boundaries and nurturing passions. The locals radiate positive energy, making every encounter memorable.
I’ve woven a tapestry of good memories with fellow wanderers I’ve met along the way. Interestingly, I’ve crossed paths with more solo female travellers than males. Their ages span from 21 to 60, proving that adventure knows no bounds.
These events have strengthened my commitment to encourage and inspire other women to go on similar journeys and continue to share their stories.
But, let’s be honest, things haven’t always gone smoothly. There were times when I found myself in unpleasant situations because of guys’ behaviour. But armed with self-confidence, I got through those waters. Then there were the difficult times—physical discomfort from an accident suffered last year. But suffering teaches resilience, and I came out stronger.
Remember that fear should never accompany you on your travels. If wanderlust is tugging at your heartstrings, quiet those negative thoughts. Take the jump! Solo travel reveals hidden qualities, builds confidence, and connects you to a worldwide sisterhood. So, my buddy, gather your dreams and go the road. Adventure awaits!
The most memorable tip I’ve taken away from this is the 2 bags. So so clever! Thank you. This is invaluable x