The Best Destinations for Solo Female Travelers in South America – Tried and Tested Advice from a Woman Who’s Been There

After traveling solo through every South American country over three years, I’ve discovered which destinations truly welcome solo female travelers. Here’s your honest guide to the safest, most rewarding places for women exploring South America alone – no Instagram fantasy, just real experience from thousands of miles of solo travel.

Safety-First Cities

Montevideo, Uruguay leads the pack for solo female safety. Its well-lit streets, reliable public transport, and respectful local culture make it ideal for solo exploration. Buenos Aires’ Palermo district offers 24/7 activity and a strong police presence. 

Medellín’s transformed neighborhoods, especially El Poblado and Laureles, feature extensive security cameras and active community watches. Look for accommodation in areas with 24-hour cafes and restaurants. The best neighborhoods have local police stations within walking distance and active WhatsApp community groups you can join. Hostels with all-female dorms and female staff are increasingly common. Stay connected with reliable SIM cards and offline maps.

Cultural Immersion Hotspots

Cusco, Peru provides the perfect balance of tourist infrastructure and authentic culture. The San Blas neighborhood offers safe homestays and women-run language schools. In Sucre, Bolivia, female travelers can join cooking classes and textile workshops run by local women’s cooperatives. The best cultural experiences often come through organized programs with established reputations. Research schools and programs that specifically cater to solo female travelers. Many offer accommodation with local families who have hosted women for years. Language schools often organize cultural exchanges and weekend trips, providing built-in social circles.

Nature Escapes

Baños, Ecuador stands out for solo female adventure. Women-only hiking groups tackle local trails, while reputable agencies run female-guided tours to waterfalls and hot springs. The town’s compact center means you’re never far from help. Chile’s Lake District, particularly Pucón, excels in safety-conscious outdoor experiences. Local operators offer women-only kayaking trips and hiking expeditions. Both destinations feature well-marked trails, reliable cell coverage, and emergency services. Hostels often organize group activities, making it easy to join others for outdoor adventures.

Transportation Hubs

Santiago’s metro system serves as the gold standard for safe female travel. The city offers women-only carriages during peak hours and well-lit stations with security personnel. Bogotá’s TransMilenio system features dedicated cameras and emergency buttons. Both cities have reliable ride-hailing apps with female driver options. Look for cities with clear transportation rules, official taxi services, and 24-hour options. The best hubs connect directly to airports and maintain strict safety protocols for night services. Prioritize stations with security checkpoints, surveillance systems, and on-call assistance for solo travelers. Research cities that have implemented women’s safety initiatives in public transportation, such as panic buttons, women-only waiting areas, and increased police presence during off-peak hours. Check for dedicated hotlines to report harassment or emergencies and look for transportation apps with real-time tracking and sharing features for added peace of mind.

Digital Nomad Friendly

Medellín’s growing tech scene makes it perfect for female digital nomads. Neighborhoods like Manila and Provenza feature women-focused coworking spaces with 24/7 access and security. Florianópolis combines beach life with strong internet infrastructure and active women’s professional networks. Many cafes and coworking spaces run female entrepreneur meetups and networking events. Look for areas with reliable fiber internet, backup power systems, and active expat communities. Research neighborhoods with a high concentration of remote workers and digital nomads, where you can easily connect with like-minded professionals. Check for coworking spaces and cafes that offer women-only events, workshops, and mentorship programs to support your professional growth. Prioritize locations with a variety of workspace options, from quiet cafes to collaborative hubs, to suit your working style and preferences.

Foodie Paradises

Lima’s Miraflores and Barranco districts shine for solo dining. Well-lit restaurant rows feature communal tables and female-run establishments. The city’s food tours often have women guides who know the safest street food spots. Mendoza’s wine country specializes in female-led vineyard tours and tasting groups. Book tables at restaurants with bar seating where solo diners feel welcome. Many establishments now offer female-only cooking classes and market tours. Research cities with vibrant culinary scenes and a strong presence of women in the food industry. Look for restaurants and food tours that prioritize solo diners’ comfort and safety, such as offering communal tables, well-lit seating areas, and female staff. Check for women-led food businesses, such as bakeries, cafes, and street food stalls, which often foster a welcoming environment for solo female travelers.

Cultural Festivals

Cuenca’s cultural events create natural social opportunities. The city’s literature and arts festivals attract international female artists and feature women-only workshops. Cartagena’s literary festival organizes female author meetups and reading groups. Festival seasons bring increased security, organized transportation, and community events. Many hostels and hotels offer special festival packages for solo travelers with built-in social activities.

Budget-Friendly Bases

Córdoba’s Nueva Córdoba district combines affordability with safety. The student-heavy area features shared apartments with security systems and female roommate options. Arequipa’s historic center offers budget accommodation in restored colonial buildings with 24-hour security. These cities provide longer-term stay options in secure neighborhoods. Look for areas with student populations where independent women are common.

Beach Retreats

Uruguay’s José Ignacio and Punta del Este offer safe, upscale beach experiences. Female-only surf camps and beachfront yoga studios create instant communities. Florianópolis’s Barra da Lagoa neighborhood combines secure beach access with active women’s sports groups. These destinations maintain beach patrols and clear emergency protocols. Many beachfront hotels offer women-only floors and secure direct beach access.

Local Community Connections

The Sacred Valley’s women-led homestays provide instant family connections. Local craft cooperatives offer apprenticeships and cultural exchange programs. Colombia’s Coffee Region features family-run fincas with strong matriarchal traditions. These experiences provide natural protection through community networks. Most programs include airport pickup, orientation sessions, and ongoing support.

Emergency Preparedness

Every destination requires specific safety protocols. Save local emergency numbers, including tourist police contacts and women’s helplines. Download offline maps and translation apps. Register with your embassy and keep digital copies of all documents. Most major South American cities have women’s clinics and English-speaking medical services. Create a WhatsApp group with local contacts, including your accommodation staff and trusted tour guides. Keep a physical list of emergency contacts in Spanish or Portuguese.

Making It Work

Connect with other female travelers through social media and travel groups before your trip. Join local women’s networks in each destination. Most importantly, trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. South America rewards solo female travelers who balance adventure with awareness, cultural respect with personal boundaries, and independence with community connection. Ready to start your South American journey?