Looking for the safest countries in South America for solo female travel? From Uruguay's sandy beaches to Chile's star-filled desert skies, this incredible continent is far more solo-friendly than you might think.
Sure, you'll need to pack your street smarts along with your sunscreen. But with a bit of local knowledge and some careful planning, you'll discover a warmth and energy that makes solo travel here absolutely addictive. The secret? Knowing where to go, when to splash out on a private room, and most importantly - which spots deserve an extra few days in your itinerary.
We've spent years exploring these seven countries, making mistakes so you don't have to. Here's our honest guide to South America's safest countries, packed with the kind of tips we wish we'd known before booking that first flight.
Best Places in South America for Solo Travel: Quick Guide
Need the short version? Here's our quick take on South America's safest countries. These places consistently rank as the most secure, welcoming destinations for women traveling alone.
- Best for first-timers: Uruguay
- Best for city lovers: Chile
- Best on a budget: Peru
- Best for natural beauty: Ecuador
1. Uruguay
We've fallen head over heels for Uruguay, and we're convinced it's the safest country in South America for solo female travelers. With the continent's lowest crime rates and most stable political climate, this compact country manages to pack in everything we love: safe cities, gorgeous beaches, and some of the friendliest locals you'll ever meet.
Montevideo, the capital, feels more like a relaxed beach town than a big city. Head to the Rambla (waterfront promenade) at sunset, where you'll find locals walking their dogs, sharing mate tea, and watching street musicians play candombe drums.
We recommend staying at El Viajero Hostel in the heart of Pocitos. Their weekly asados turn strangers into friends, and you're just two blocks from the beach. Plus, their female dorms have personal charging points and proper reading lights.
If time allows, take a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento. It's just an hour from Montevideo and feels like stepping into a postcard. Climb the lighthouse, get lost in the cobblestone streets, and treat yourself to dinner at El Drugstore. The sunset views over the river will make you forget you're dining solo!
Safety Tip: Download the Montevideo transport app for real-time bus tracking - no more wondering if you're on the right corner at night!
2. Chile
Hands down, Chile is one of the best countries in South America for solo female travelers. While Uruguay wins hearts with its beaches and laid-back vibe, Chile steals the show with its natural beauty. We're talking snow-capped Andes on one side, Pacific coastline on the other – and trust us, you'll feel totally comfortable exploring it all solo.
Chilean cities are wonderfully walkable and well-policed, especially Santiago's trendy Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods. We recommend basing yourself at Hostal Providencia in Santiago. Their women-only dorms are spotless and secure, the breakfast is fantastic, and their weekly asados (barbecues) are the perfect way to meet other travelers!
In our opinion, the best time to visit Chile is during the shoulder season (March-May) when you'll catch perfect weather and autumn colors in the Lake District without summer crowds. If you can, book a stargazing tour with Cosmos Atacama in San Pedro. Their guides are incredibly knowledgeable, and they serve the best hot chocolate under the starriest skies you'll ever see!
3. Argentina
Argentina is so much more than just tango and steak. This is the country where you can literally dance until sunrise, share mate with strangers in the park, and find yourself on spontaneous wine adventures with new friends from your hostel.
Buenos Aires is one of the safest cities in South America for solo female travelers, especially in Palermo Soho. This neighborhood is pure magic: quiet enough to feel peaceful, but packed with local life. Grab breakfast at Café Crespín (their medialunas are heavenly), wander the weekend markets, and don't think twice about joining the evening crowd at Plaza Serrano!
Mendoza and Bariloche are absolute must-visits. Rent a bike in Mendoza, hop between wineries (Bodega Ruca Malen does an incredible five-course lunch), and soak in those Andes views. In Bariloche, the Circuito Chico bike route offers lake views that'll make you forget you're riding solo, and you'll definitely meet other travelers along the way.
Where to stay: Our favorite hostel in Argentina has to be Selina Palermo in Buenos Aires. The location is unbeatable, the pod-style beds in the female dorms are super comfy and private, and their rooftop yoga classes are the perfect way to kick off your morning.
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4. Peru
Peru might not top everyone's solo female travel list - but honestly? It should. Beyond the tourist crowds at Machu Picchu lies a country bursting with color, incredible food (Lima's ceviche scene is unreal), and some of the warmest people you'll ever meet.
Skip the tourist traps in Miraflores and head straight to Lima's Barranco district. This bohemian neighborhood feels like one big art gallery, with street murals around every corner and locals spilling out of quirky coffee shops. Dedalo Market serves the best morning coffee, and their courtyard is perfect for catching up on travel plans. For dinner, grab a seat at the bar at Isolina. The staff treats solo diners like old friends, and their lomo saltado will blow your mind.
The Sacred Valley deserves way more than a rushed day trip from Cusco. Base yourself in Ollantaytambo, a stunning little town with Inca ruins right on its doorstep. Take the early morning train to Machu Picchu (trust us, it's worth the 4am alarm), and spend your afternoons hiking between ancient salt mines and local markets. The altitude hits hard, so take it slow those first few days.
Safety tip: Keep your camera tucked away in busy markets and stick to official taxis after dark (your hostel can call one). Local women are incredibly helpful if you need directions, just ask!
5. Ecuador
Among the safest South American countries for solo female travel, Ecuador packs an incredible punch for its size. One day you're wandering cobblestone streets in Quito's historic center, the next you're spotting toucans in the Amazon or swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos.
Quito's Old Town hits different at sunrise. We recommend grabbing a fresh juice from the San Francisco Market, watch local grandmas bargain over produce, and catch the morning light hitting those gorgeous colonial buildings. The whole area got a safety upgrade recently, with better lighting and more police presence. La Ronda street comes alive at night with tiny bars serving canelazo (hot spiced rum) and live Andean music.
Community Hostel in Quito is one of our favorite hostels in South America. Their female dorm has privacy curtains and individual reading lights, but it's their family-style dinners that seal the deal. Over home-cooked Ecuadorian food, you'll meet everyone from solo backpackers to local guides willing to share their secret spots.
Take our word for it: Ecuador delivers all the adventure of its bigger neighbors, but with a compact, easy-to-navigate feel that makes solo travel a breeze.
6. Paraguay
If you ask us, Paraguay remains South America's best-kept secret. While it might not have Peru's ruins or Chile's mountains, this gentle country wins you over with genuine smiles, afternoon siestas, and the kind of safety that lets you actually relax into your adventure.
Rather than rushing through Asunción, slow down and soak in its charm. Start at Mercado 4 early morning - weave through stalls of fresh mangoes and yerba mate, watch local artists work their magic with ñanduti lace, and follow the locals to the best lunch counters. Then hop on the tranvia (heritage streetcar) for a breezy ride through the old town's grandest streets.
Often overlooked among the safest places in South America for solo travel, Paraguay's small-town vibe works in your favor. Streets are well-lit, locals look out for visitors, and you'll often spot families out late enjoying ice cream and evening strolls. Even in Asunción, there's a refreshing lack of tourist scams or hassle.
Top Tip: Get yourself a prepaid Tigo SIM card from Mercado 4. It's cheap, data is fast, and most importantly, it lets you use ride-hailing apps across the country.
7. Bolivia
While Bolivia might be last on our list of safest South American countries for solo female travel, don't let that put you off. This wild, beautiful country just needs a little extra planning. Believe us, those salt flats at sunrise are worth every minute of preparation.
La Paz will throw you straight into the deep end in the best way possible. Take the red cable car line up to El Alto market, where local ladies in bowler hats sell everything from alpaca jumpers to love potions. The views over the city are incredible, but it's the smell of fresh salteñas (Bolivian empanadas) that'll really grab you. Follow your nose to any busy corner stall. If there's a queue of office workers, you're in the right place!
Base yourself in Sucre before hitting the salt flats. This gorgeous white city feels like a warm hug. Spend mornings practicing Spanish with elderly couples in Plaza 25 de Mayo, afternoons wandering through chocolate shops, and evenings watching the sunset paint those colonial buildings gold. It's the perfect place to catch your breath and plan your next move.
We recommend booking your Salar de Uyuni tour through Red Planet Expeditions. They're the only company offering female guides and private rooms at the salt hotels. Their sunrise photography tour is pure magic!
Final Thoughts: Is South America Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
South America gets a bad reputation sometimes. After countless solo trips across the continent, we can tell you this: these seven countries are ready to change your mind.
We've fallen hard for Uruguay's sunset beaches, danced until dawn in Buenos Aires, and shared mate with strangers in Paraguay. Each spot on this list mixes that perfect cocktail of genuine safety and pure adventure. The kind that makes you text your friends back home saying "you won't believe what just happened."
Time to stop overthinking it. Pick a country, book that flight, and start exploring. South America's ready when you are!
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