Whether you’re a longterm lone wolf or planning your very first solo travel trip, South America is the perfect place to go it alone. Solo travelers in South America are well looked after. While some cities might have a bad reputation, there’s plenty of safe and welcoming places here and there’s accommodation for all budgets.
Plus, with so much culture and things to see in the main cities and even smaller regions, it’s easy to meet people along the way. These are the best places to travel alone in South America…
Best Places in South America for Solo Travelers
How do these rankings work?
1. Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital city of Chile and is the country’s biggest city. There’s so many fantastic things to see that makes this a great place for solo travelers in South America. It’s safe and lively, has a historic flair that makes the city interesting and unique.
It’s a pleasant place to just wander around at your own pace. A great food and drink scene makes it easy to meet people.
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
A cosmopolitan blend of European style and Latin flair, Buenos Aires is a vibrant city – perfect for solo travel.
Bookstores set in beautiful theatres, salsa dancing in the streets and brightly painted neighbourhoods are just some of what makes Buenos Aires so exciting. It’s a hotspot for solo travelers and we can see why!
3. Panama City, Panama
Panama is known for its 48 miles of canal that join the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. But it’s so much more than just the Panama Canal.
In Panama city, modern skyscrapers, casinos and nightclubs contrast with colonial buildings. As for outside the city? Get ready to explore the rainforest. There’s lots of things to do here.
4. Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia. It’s a city with great vibrancy and friendly locals and a wonderful place for a solo holiday. We love its mixture of modern buildings with Colonial-era landmarks.
A trip to Bogotá is the perfect way to begin any journey through Colombia. It offers a great starting point for learning about the culture in this wonderful country.
5. La Paz, Bolivia
Bolivia is an incredible country in South Central America. From the Andes Mountains to the Atacama Desert – and even Amazon Basin rainforest – this is a country that has something for everybody.
As for La Paz? At 3,500m it is the highest capital city in the world. It’s full of welcoming locals, backpackers and things to do.
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay is the second-smallest country in South America. There’s beautiful beaches and art deco buildings in the capital city of Montevideo.
There’s something for everyone here, from party hotspots in Punta del Este to catching waves along the Atlantic coast. Solo travelers will easily find something to do here, and it’s a safe city to explore.
7. Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador is famous for being home to the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and Galápagos Island. You know, where those amazing turtles live!
Quito is known for its Spanish colonial centre and is a stunning city. There’s so much colour to capture here. You’ll soon see why it’s one of the best places to travel solo in South America.
