Traveling solo can feel like one of life’s boldest adventures. For women, it’s not just about discovering new landscapes but also about finding destinations where safety, beauty, and connection come together. South America has long been renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking scenery. Still, it’s also increasingly celebrated as a destination where solo female travelers can feel at ease.
The best part? South America doesn’t make you choose between stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. Here, you can sip wine under the Andes, dance salsa in a cobblestone square, hike through misty jungles, and relax on beaches that seem to stretch forever. With thoughtful planning and a little insider knowledge, you can have all the adventure you’re craving without compromising comfort or safety.
This list of seven destinations highlights the places that blend beauty with security, offering not only unforgettable experiences but also a sense of reassurance. Whether you want to stroll through vibrant neighborhoods, hike ancient trails, or savor food so delicious that it makes you hum with delight at the table, these spots will make you feel welcome and empowered.
Where to Stay and What to Do
To save you the time of searching, here are the op-rated hotels and incredible activities you can book now with trusted platforms.
Hotels
- Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco – A historic convent-turned-luxury stay, steps from Plaza de Armas.
- Casa San Agustin, Cartagena – Boutique elegance within Cartagena’s Old Town.
- Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires – Classic luxury in the city’s stylish Recoleta neighborhood.
- VRBO Beachfront Apartment, Rio de Janeiro – Wake up to views of Copacabana Beach.
Experiences
- Machu Picchu Full-Day Trip from Cusco – A must-do for history and nature lovers.
- Cartagena Salsa Dancing Class – Learn the rhythms of Colombia in a fun, safe environment.
- Buenos Aires Tango Show and Dinner – A night of passion and culture rolled into one.
- Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain Tour, Rio – Iconic sights in one unforgettable day.
1. Cusco, Peru
The former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, is a city where cobblestones echo with centuries of history. Yet it’s also vibrant and welcoming, making it a favorite among solo female travelers. The mix of colonial architecture, lively plazas, and access to the Sacred Valley makes it feel like stepping into another world.
How to Get to Cusco
Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport has direct flights from Lima, and the journey from Lima takes just over an hour. If you’re arriving internationally, most flights connect through Lima first. Once in Cusco, taxis and ride-sharing services are safe and inexpensive, though many parts of the city are best explored on foot.
Where to Stay
One of the city’s most enchanting options is the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, where ornate courtyards and history-filled hallways set the stage for your stay. Budget-conscious travelers can find charming hostels near San Blas, a vibrant, artsy neighborhood filled with cafes and street art. For mid-range options, boutique hotels like Tierra Viva offer a balance of comfort and affordability.
Best Things to Do in Cusco
The main square, Plaza de Armas, is ideal for people-watching while sipping hot cocoa. Explore the San Pedro Market for fresh juices and locally crafted items. Day trips include exploring Pisac’s ruins and market, or taking a full-day guided tour of Machu Picchu. For a taste of adventure, hike Rainbow Mountain, a surreal landscape painted in natural stripes of color.
2. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is like stepping into a tropical fairytale. With pastel-colored buildings, bougainvillea-covered balconies, and music floating through the streets, it’s both romantic and safe for solo explorers.
How to Get to Cartagena
Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport offers flights from major U.S. cities, making it a convenient entry point into Colombia. A short taxi ride takes you from the airport to the Old Town.
Where to Stay
For splurge-worthy charm, Casa San Agustin in the Old Town is unforgettable, blending colonial architecture with modern luxury. Budget travelers will find plenty of hostels with pools and communal vibes in Getsemaní. For more extended stays, VRBO rentals provide a cozy home base.
Best Things to Do in Cartagena
Stroll through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, visit Castillo San Felipe, and shop for emerald jewelry. Take a salsa class with GetYourGuide to learn local rhythms. For relaxation, hop on a boat to the Rosario Islands for turquoise waters and fresh seafood.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is often described as the “Paris of South America,” but with more tango and steak. The city is cosmopolitan, energetic, and full of cultural flavor, yet still considered safe for solo female travelers who stay in central, lively neighborhoods.
How to Get to Buenos Aires
Ezeiza International Airport is the central hub, with numerous direct flights from the U.S. A shuttle or taxi can transport you to the city center in approximately 45 minutes.
Where to Stay
The Alvear Palace Hotel offers timeless glamour in the heart of the city. For a more laid-back vibe, Palermo is the neighborhood of choice, featuring a mix of boutique hotels and charming cafés. VRBO apartments are also plentiful, making them ideal for more extended stays.
Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires
Take a tango class or enjoy a dinner-and-show experience with GetYourGuide. Visit La Boca to see colorful Caminito street, then head to Palermo’s parks and hip cafés. Foodies should try Argentine steak at Don Julio or explore the San Telmo market for empanadas and antiques.
4. Santiago, Chile
Nestled between the Andes and the Pacific, Santiago is a modern, efficient, and stunningly scenic city. It’s one of the most secure major cities in South America, boasting a reliable metro system and numerous green spaces.
How to Get to Santiago
Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport offers direct connections to cities across the U.S. and Europe. A 30-minute taxi or airport bus ride takes you to the city center.
Where to Stay
The Lastarria neighborhood is ideal, with boutique hotels, art galleries, and wine bars. For luxury, consider The Ritz-Carlton Santiago. Budget travelers will find plenty of hostels near Bellavista.
Best Things to Do in Santiago
Take the funicular up San Cristóbal Hill for panoramic views, explore the Plaza de Armas, and sample Chilean wines in Maipo Valley. Food lovers should not miss Mercado Central for fresh seafood. Day trips include the colorful port city of Valparaíso or skiing in the nearby Andes.
5. Montevideo, Uruguay
Often overshadowed by Buenos Aires, Montevideo is a hidden treasure. It combines a relaxed beach-town vibe with rich cultural life, and it’s known as one of the safest capitals in Latin America.
How to Get to Montevideo
Carrasco International Airport serves as the city’s gateway, offering flights from Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Miami. The city is compact and easily accessible by bus or Uber.
Where to Stay
Stay near Ciudad Vieja for history or Pocitos for beach access. Boutique hotels like Alma Histórica offer personalized charm, while VRBO has affordable beach apartments perfect for more extended stays.
Best Things to Do in Montevideo
Stroll along La Rambla, the 13-mile waterfront promenade, or explore Mercado del Puerto for grilled meats and Uruguayan wines. Art lovers should visit Museo Torres García. For relaxation, spend an afternoon on Pocitos Beach, where locals gather for sunset mate-drinking rituals.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio is renowned worldwide for its beaches, mountains, and vibrant carnival spirit. While it has a reputation for being lively, sticking to well-traveled areas makes it enjoyable and secure for solo female travelers.
How to Get to Rio
Galeão International Airport offers frequent flights from the U.S. Taxis and airport shuttles provide a convenient connection to Copacabana and Ipanema in approximately 40 minutes.
Where to Stay
Opt for accommodations near Copacabana or Ipanema. A VRBO beachfront apartment in Copacabana gives you front-row access to the city’s most iconic stretch of sand. Luxury seekers can stay at the Belmond Copacabana Palace.
Best Things to Do in Rio
Take a guided tour to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Spend your days lounging on Ipanema Beach, sipping fresh coconut water, or hiking Pedra da Gávea for unforgettable views. In the evening, dance samba in Lapa or enjoy live bossa nova in a small café.
7. Medellín, Colombia
Once infamous, Medellín has reinvented itself into a safe, innovative, and thriving city. With a pleasant climate nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring,” it’s both comfortable and captivating for solo female travelers.
How to Get to Medellín
José María Córdova International Airport is about 45 minutes from the city center, with frequent flights from Miami and other U.S. hubs. Buses, taxis, and ride-sharing apps make transport easy.
Where to Stay
The El Poblado neighborhood is a favorite among travelers, offering safe streets, trendy cafes, and boutique hotels. For upscale stays, The Charlee Hotel is a popular choice, while budget-friendly hostels like Los Patios provide a safe and social experience.
Best Things to Do in Medellín
Ride the cable cars for sweeping views of the city, visit Comuna 13 for street art tours, and enjoy the nightlife in El Poblado. Take a day trip to Guatapé, where you can climb the giant El Peñol rock for views that look like a watercolor painting. Coffee lovers can book farm tours nearby to learn about Colombia’s most famous export.
Conclusion
South America may feel vast and unpredictable at first glance, but for solo female travelers, it holds a wealth of places where beauty and safety coexist. These seven destinations offer adventure without anxiety, culture without compromise, and plenty of moments that will leave you smiling long after you’ve returned home.
From the vibrant streets of Cartagena to the serene beaches of Montevideo, each city has its own unique rhythm, and traveling solo allows you to dance to it however you like. Pack your curiosity, your camera, and your appetite, because South America is waiting with open arms.