Solo South America: What Should You Know About Traveling Alone In This Continent
South America is a fabulous continent full of great beaches, lush rainforests, and even deserts, and one can explore it fully as a solo traveler. South America is one of the most fantastic continents in the world, with tons of gorgeous natural wonders, balmy temperatures, and hiking, especially closer to the South Pole. Solo travelers can make the most of their South American adventure by following these top tips. South America is a continent of extremes, from the height of the Andes to the balmy Caribbean beaches of Northern Colombia. Argentina is known for its hiking, wine, and gorgeous cities, while Chile is an excellent place to visit. Brazil has plenty of things to do, especially if one is looking for a party, but public transportation can be difficult to navigate. Chile's Lake District offers great coffee, beaches, and great backpacking communities. However, be careful hiking solo in the mountains can pose a challenge. Paraguay's Paraguay is a great place for solo travelers to meet fellow travelers.
Published : 2 years ago by Erica Blair in Travel
South America is one of the most fantastic continents in the world, with tons of gorgeous natural wonders, balmy temperatures, and plenty of hiking, especially closer to the South Pole.
This continent is one of the best places to retire and an excellent place to explore independently. Solo travelers can make the most of their South American adventure by considering these top tips. Here's what to know about solo travel in South America.
Solo Travel In South America: Which Countries To Visit (And Which To Avoid)
South America is a continent of extremes, from the dizzying height of the Andes to the balmy Caribbean beaches of Northern Colombia. Understanding where to go is one big piece of the puzzle.
One of the largest countries on the continent, Argentina is famous for its epic hiking, wine, and gorgeous cities. Top destinations include Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, and the Perito Moreno Glacier. It's also very safe, and the big cities offer a great backpacking community, so one can feel comfortable solo traveling there.
This landlocked country has much to offer, including access to the Amazon, salt flats, and beautiful towns right on Lake Titicaca. Don't miss the Salar de Uyuni, the gorgeous heights of La Paz, or the great hiking near Lake Titicaca, especially the Isla del Sol.
Although there's plenty to see, public transportation can be tricky to navigate and one needs Spanish to get around most places.
• Solo Travel: Possibly if one speaks Spanish and doesn't mind navigating transportation concerns alone
The giant country of Brazil has plenty of things to do, especially if one is looking for a party. The fantastic capital of Rio de Janiero is a must-visit if one wants a big-city vibe, and Iguacu Falls and Copacabana are great places, too. Plus, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a remote vacation in Brazil.
• Solo Travel: Yes if one is looking for a fun party, although one will want a little Portuguese to get around
Chile's skinny and scenic country stretches all the way toward Antarctica but also encompasses plenty of other climates. Hugging Argentina, it's a bounty of natural wonders. Santiago, Rapa Nui, and The Colchagua Valley are some hot spots to visit. Santiago is a great place to interact with the local backpacking community.
• Solo Travel: Yes, but be careful hiking solo in the mountains as the landscape can get tricky
Related Link: Top 10 Things To Do In Chile's Lake District
Colombia is an excellent place to enjoy some great coffee, bask on the beaches, and enjoy lovely cities with great climates like Medellin.
Top spots include the stunning Tayrona National Park, Cartagena, and Eje Cafetero. There are tons of friendly hostels in Bogota and Medellin and solo travelers will likely find a backpacking community where they can tag along.
• Solo Travel: Yes, this is one of the top places to meet fellow travelers on the continent
Ecuador is the gateway to the Galápagos, and it's a great place to visit if one is looking for a more tropical vibe. See the unique animals of the Galápagos, or visit Quito, a thriving city. There's also the Cotopaxi National Park if one is looking for some excellent hiking.
• Solo Travel: Yes and no: the cities are great for solo traveling, but the major draws, like the Galápagos, are expensive to do alone
Guyana is a smaller country near Colombia with access to the balmy Atlantic Ocean. There's plenty to explore, including the Kanuku Mountains and the Iwokrama Forest. Georgetown, the capital city, is charming, with excellent hospitality and good food.
• Solo Travel: Experienced solo backpackers will have fun, but it's less developed and tricker to get around especially if one doesn't speak Spanish
Beautiful Paraguay is near Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina, with some of the best architecture and history on the continent. The City of Asuncion is one of the top places to visit, and Cerro Corra National Park will give one a good feel for the natural wonders of this country. There are also plenty of ruins to explore.
• Solo Travel: Yes, Paraguay's cities are very safe, especially for female-identifying travelers
Notable for Machu Picchu but also full of great small towns and tons of hiking, Peru is a rich and beautiful country in the Andes. Hikers will want to check out the Sacred Valley and the historic towns of Cuzco and Arequipa. Go a bit further south and enjoy Lake Titicaca, one of the most famous lakes in the world.
• Solo Travel: Absolutely great for solo travel, especially because one can take bus trips around the country and the cities are full of vibrant hostels
The smallest country in South America, Suriname has a big personality and many things to explore. If one is looking for unspoiled nature, this is the spot to go with the Galibi Nature Reserve, Central Suriname Nature Reserve, and Brownsberg Nature Park.
• Solo Travel: Possibly-- as long as one doesn't mind doing things along and can navigate through nature as Suriname is less developed than other countries with a smaller backpacker community
This southeastern country sits near Brazil and Argentina, full of lovely historic cities and towns like Cabo Polonio and Colonia Del Sacramento. Uruguay is an excellent bet if one is looking for something a bit off the beaten path.
• Solo Travel: Yes, Uruguay is a safe country and the cities are full of backpackers, hostels, and things to do
Venezuela encompasses the Amazon Rainforest, the stunning Angel Falls, and parts of the Andes. Caracas, the capital, is a lovely city with plenty of history.
• Solo Travel: Generally yes, but at the moment, no because Venezuela is experiencing political insecurity at the moment
One of the best ways one can protect oneself is by signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which gives travelers updates on any political or dangerous situations that might be happening in the country.
Enrolling in STEP is especially important for solo travelers because one can let the embassy know where you are staying.
While keeping an eye on whether the water is potable is a good idea no matter what, it's especially important if one is hiking or camping alone because getting sick solo could be dangerous.
Related Link: 10 Most Beautiful National Parks In Brazil That Should Be On Your Travel Radar
Make The Most Of A Solo Trip Through South America
These tips will help one have the best vacation possible.
• Check which places travelers need a visa before going
• See the best of the country of choice by bus and meet fellow travelers at the same time
• Stay in cities if one wants to meet a community and learn more about the "backpacker trail"
• Join online communities to interact with other travelers on the same path
• Do research ahead of time and enroll in STEP
• Learn a few key Spanish or Portuguese phrases to get by to connect with the local community
Solo travel in South America can be exciting, enriching, and safe, if travelers know what to expect and how to prepare.
Topics: South America