Dreaming of solo travel across South America? As a woman, safety is always a concern—but it’s also a passport to empowerment. The truth? South America is evolving. Countries once considered risky are now investing in safety, women’s rights, and tourism infrastructure, especially for solo travelers. Here are the safest countries in South America for solo female travelers, based on real traveler experiences, local initiatives, and inspiring changes that are making the continent more welcoming than ever.
1. Uruguay: Latin America’s Feminist Champion
Why it’s safe: Uruguay ranks first in South America for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and peaceful cities. The police are responsive, and locals are generally respectful—especially toward female travelers.
Best cities:
- Montevideo – Clean, relaxed, with well-lit coastal rambla (boardwalk) ideal for solo sunset strolls.
- Colonia del Sacramento – UNESCO-protected beauty with cobblestone charm.
- Piriápolis – A quieter coastal alternative to Punta del Este with amazing hill hikes.
Lesser-Known Insight: Uruguay has free city bikes in Montevideo and Colonia—designed to empower women to move around safely and independently.
Women’s Helpline:
- National Emergency Line: 911
- Domestic Violence Support: 0800 4141 (free, 24/7)
In the News: In 2024, Uruguay launched “Red de Apoyo a la Mujer Turista” (Women’s Tourist Support Network), offering real-time WhatsApp support for female travelers across major cities.
2. Chile: Safe Cities & Stargazing for the Soul
Why it’s safe: Chile’s combination of political stability, clean cities, and reliable public transit make it one of the safest countries in Latin America.
Top stops:
- Santiago – Use the efficient Metro to explore art, music, and parks.
- Valparaíso – A visual delight, and now equipped with police-monitored safe zones for solo tourists.
- San Pedro de Atacama – Ideal for peaceful stargazing, geothermal adventures, and local women-led tours.
Lesser-Known Insight: The town of La Serena is a quiet, colonial gem with one of South America’s first Women-Only Surf Schools—run entirely by local women.
Women’s Helpline:
- Emergency: 133 (Carabineros)
- Women’s Helpline (SernamEG): 1455
In the News: Santiago installed “panic buttons” at key tourist intersections in 2023, aimed at empowering solo female travelers to report harassment immediately.
3. Argentina: Tango, Mountains, and Female-Led Adventures
Why it’s safe: While Buenos Aires needs normal city precautions, the Argentine government has made tourism-friendly regions safer through dedicated police patrols and tourist protection units.
Best cities for solo travel:
- Mendoza – Walkable wine capital with vineyard bike tours run by local women.
- Bariloche – Scenic lakes and safe solo trekking in the Andean forests.
- El Calafate – Glacier country with one of the lowest crime rates in the nation.
Lesser-Known Insight: Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, now offers all-women guided hikes into Tierra del Fuego. These are led by indigenous Yamana guides sharing female perspectives on the region’s history.
Women’s Helpline:
- National Emergency: 911
- Gender Violence Line: 144 (24/7)
In the News: In 2024, Buenos Aires launched “Viajeras Seguras”, an app where solo female travelers can report harassment, request safe-route maps, and access real-time police help.
4. Ecuador: The Small Country with Big Safety Wins
Why it’s safe: Ecuador is compact, welcoming, and has invested heavily in safety for travelers. Many hostels are run by women and have solid safety records.
Top safe cities:
- Cuenca – Cobblestone streets, art galleries, and cafes perfect for solo journal-writing days.
- Baños de Agua Santa – Adventure-packed but safe, especially for women joining eco-tours.
- Vilcabamba – Known as the Valley of Longevity, with slow living and a large female expat community.
Lesser-Known Insight: In the Andes, Saraguro is an indigenous town where women run community tourism programs—including cooking workshops and safe homestays.
Women’s Helpline:
- Emergency: 911
- Women’s Protection Line: 1800 332 210
In the News: In 2023, Quito won the UN Women Safe City Award, recognizing its public lighting initiative, which reduced nighttime crimes against women by 35%.
5. Colombia: A Rapidly Rising Star with Women at the Helm
Why it’s (becoming) safe: Colombia is rewriting its story, and cities like Medellín and Bogotá are leading the way. With improved metro security, dedicated tourist police, and a tech-savvy local population, female travelers are finding safe ground.
Best solo-friendly spots:
- Medellín – Known as “The City of Eternal Spring.” Safe cable cars, metro, and welcoming locals.
- Salento – Coffee town paradise, ideal for slow travel and hiking Cocora Valley.
- Mompox – A dreamy, lesser-known colonial town—calm, artistic, and crime-free.
Lesser-Known Insight: In Medellín, there’s a female-only co-living space for travelers and digital nomads called La Casa Violeta, offering safety, sisterhood, and salsa nights.
Women’s Helpline:
- Emergency: 123
- Gender Violence Hotline: 155
In the News: Medellín launched the “Safe Metro for Women” campaign in 2024, including female-only metro cars during peak hours, body cameras for staff, and AI-monitored security.
Pro Tips for Solo Female Travelers
Use verified ride apps: Uber, DiDi, and Cabify offer more safety than local taxis.
Join local women’s groups on Facebook: Search “[City] Girls Gone International” or “Solo Female Travelers South America” to ask questions and meet locals.
Stay in guesthouses with strong female reviews: Use sites like Hostelworld or Booking with verified solo female feedback.
Save helpline numbers in your phone and use offline maps.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off—leave. No explanation needed.
Final Thoughts: South America, Safely Reimagined
South America isn’t just about Machu Picchu and Patagonia. It’s about hidden towns run by indigenous women, female-owned hiking companies, and cities actively designing safe spaces for women. Countries like Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, and even an evolving Colombia are not just safe—they’re empowering.
So if you’re a woman ready to step into the wild beauty of Latin America—step boldly. You’re not alone anymore.
