My Experience As A Solo Female Traveler In Latin America
Hi, world traveler! This blog is on the longer side and covers a lot of helpful information about traveling around LATAM as a single woman. Feel free to skim the headers and photos and jump to the sections that most interest you.
The Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan, Mexico
Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, Peru
I’ve wanted to travel to Latin America for years, but was always told I needed two things:
To travel with a man
To speak Spanish
I heard so many stories about solo female travelers getting into dangerous situations in Latin America that I was nervous to go alone.
It didn’t help that the book I chose to read in preparation, Miss-Adventures Backpacking Around South America, was a humorous memoir about a woman’s solo travel challenges through South America. The woman in the book had a run-in with a cartel, contracted a parasite, got violently ill in the Amazon, and made a series of poor decisions when it came to men. While highly entertaining, it did not calm my nerves about South America being an easy destination for solo female travelers.
So I put off Latin America for years, promising that after I learned Spanish and found a man to travel with, I would go.
As a lover of languages, I was excited to tackle A-1 Level Spanish and listened to Spanish lessons every day for six months. Unfortunately, the language did not click. I ended up learning more Arabic phrases (the language I was learning concurrently) than Spanish phrases. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be writing, “My Experience As A Solo Female Traveler In The Middle East.” Unlikely in the current political climate…
Callejón Angosto, Cartagena, Colombia
Machu Picchu, Peru
The only phrase of Spanish I was very confident in was:
“¿Dónde está la catedral?”
I’m sure that will come in handy, right?
Finding a man I actually wanted to travel with didn’t go much better. I came close to traveling to Latin America with two different men, but at the last minute, both trips fell through.
However, I’m a big believer that it's better to go alone than to wait and hope that one day someone will be ready to travel with you (and that you’ll still have the time, energy, and money to go).
So I decided to take matters into my own hands, and my nonexistent Spanish and I went alone.
Latin America Trip Breakdown
I booked 5 weeks in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico from November to December.
Peru
Lima → Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Cusco → Lima → Paracas → Huacachina
Colombia
Medellín → Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park → Cartagena
Mexico
Mexico City → San Juan Teotihuacan → Mexico City
Quinoa Soup, a Peruvian specialty
Bandeja Paisa, traditional Colombian cuisine
Activities, Adventures & Why I Fell In Love With Latin America
I am so happy I ignored all the advice and went to Latin America alone. It was an incredible trip.
I packed so many unique experiences into five weeks. The variety of activities was one of the things I loved most about traveling through Latin America. I always want to do things that are unique to a destination, and Peru, Colombia, and Mexico all have very distinct feels and activities.
The people were warm and welcoming, there was lots of music and dancing, and the food was amazing. I loved wandering colorful streets, admiring the architecture, learning about local traditions, and seeing how history shaped modern life.
One of the things that fascinated me most was the blend of cultures. I learned about the ancient civilizations that once dominated the region, from the Aztecs to the Incas. I also discovered how colonization and migration shaped the culture we see today. For example, Peru’s Asian influence has created one of the world’s most exciting food scenes. Peruvian-Japanese fusion might sound unusual, but trust me, it works. In Colombia, the mix of African, Caribbean, and Spanish influences has created really unique music and dance styles.
Sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru
Weaving demonstration in Cusco, Peru
Highlights From My Trip
Hiking The Inca Trail To Machu Picchu
Absolutely incredible! Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it completely lives up to the hype. From getting my first glimpse of the ancient city through the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail to walking through the structures on a guided tour, it was very impressive.
Hiking Rainbow Mountain & The Red Valley
The altitude was brutal, but this hike was so worth it. The colorful stripes of Rainbow Mountain were formed by layers of different minerals over millions of years, creating the unique natural landscape. The nearby Red Valley was equally stunning and is often overlooked by visitors.
Biking Through The Sacred Valley
Once the agricultural heart of the Inca Empire, the Sacred Valley is one of the most lush green places in Peru. Cycling through the valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains was beautiful.
Sandboarding & Dune Buggying In Huacachina
One of the most fun days of my trip. The dune buggy ride feels like a roller coaster flying across the desert. Sandboarding down the massive dunes gets the adrenaline pumping. End the day watching the sunset over the desert landscape.
Paola Rivas, the woman responsible for leading change in Comuna 13
Hiking in Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Touring Comuna 13 In Medellín
Meeting the woman responsible for helping transform one of the world’s most dangerous neighborhoods was incredibly inspiring. Hearing firsthand how local women embraced entrepreneurship to support their families and rebuild their community provides an interesting perspective on Medellín.
Taking A Salsa Class In Colombia
Colombians know how to have fun. I love taking dance classes when I travel because it’s such a fun way to connect with local culture. Spending an evening attempting salsa moves and enthusiastically shaking my booty was a good time. Plus, the salsa instructor was muy caliente. (My Spanish is already improving)
The Colors Of Cartagena
Cartagena is bright, cheerful, and bursting with color. Walking through the streets of Old Town is a great way to spend an afternoon. Colorful houses, murals, flags, umbrellas, and bunting are everywhere.
Walking Up The Moon Pyramid In Teotihuacán
Standing among the mysterious pyramids of Teotihuacán and climbing the Pyramid of the Moon was one of the most memorable experiences from my time in Mexico. The scale of the ancient city is impressive.
The Food Scene In Mexico City
I had heard Mexico City’s food scene was incredible, but wow, it was ridiculously good. Tacos, coffee, pastries, churros, tostados, cocktails… If you’re a foodie, Mexico City is for you.
Seeing All The Wildlife
As an animal lover, I enjoyed seeing all the exotic wildlife. During my trip, I saw llamas, guinea pigs (I attempted to rescue every single one from becoming a Peruvian dinner), monkeys, parrots, sea lions, dolphins, giant ants, lizards, wild horses, and countless stray dogs and cats.
I just had the absolute best time in Latin America! I really could talk about this trip all day.
Chapultepec Castle, Mexico City, Mexico
Panaderia Rosetta Bakery, Mexico City, Mexico
Read More
For a more detailed look at everything I got up to in Peru & Colombia, check out these articles:
My Colombia Small-Group Trip Recap
10 Incredible Things To Do In Peru
If I Had To Pick Just One
My favorite destination was definitely Peru!
After visiting more than 35 countries, Peru ranks in my top three. It was incredible, and I can’t recommend it enough. I feel like not enough people are talking about it.
The hiking is unreal, the food was incredible, the locals were friendly, and it’s steeped in history and culture. In one country, you can experience mountains, beaches, desert, jungle, ancient ruins, and major cities. The natural beauty is absolutely stunning.
If you’re considering a trip to South America and can only choose one destination, make it Peru.
Sacred Valley, Peru
Painting ceramic bull figurines (Torito de Pucará)
Solo, But Never Lonely
As a solo traveler, I’ve learned that making friends on the road becomes easier the more you travel. At this point, I’m very good at making connections quickly, and this trip was no exception.
Everyone was so kind and helpful, from locals to fellow travelers. I received endless restaurant recommendations, directions, cultural insights, and travel tips. Even when there was a language barrier, people were patient and genuinely wanted to help.
The team at Viajero Lima Barranco Hostel was especially great. From reception to the bar staff, everyone was friendly and helpful. They organize social events and walking tours, making it easy to meet other travelers. It was clean, affordable, and had a dedicated workspace for digital nomads.
There are also tons of solo travelers throughout Latin America. It’s long been a popular backpacking destination, but in recent years it has become a major hub for digital nomads as well. I made friends on guided tours, group trips, city walks, and hostel events.
People who travel tend to be adventurous, curious, and open to meeting new people. Don’t be afraid to solo travel; you’ll find your people.
Nightlife in Cartagena, Colombia
Inca Trail Sun Gate, Peru
Why You Shouldn’t Let Other People’s Fear Make Your Decision
After such an amazing trip, I found myself wondering why I had waited so long to visit Latin America. Why did so many people try to persuade me that I needed a man beside me and fluent Spanish before I could go?
Looking back, I realized many of the warnings I received came from people who had never traveled to Latin America themselves, or from stories that lacked important context.
Take the book I mentioned earlier, Miss-Adventures Backpacking Around South America. The author was traveling solo for the very first time, and her inexperience caused a lot of her issues. She made a lot of mistakes and often ignored basic safety precautions. By the time I arrived in Latin America, I had already traveled extensively on my own, so I was prepared and didn’t feel unsafe. If it’s your first time solo traveling, here are some basic safety tips you should know:
Keep an eye on your belongings: Colombians have a saying, “No dar papaya,” meaning don’t make yourself an easy target. Don’t turn your back on your luggage, leave your purse open, or leave your laptop at a cafe table while you run to the bathroom. People aren’t looking to harm you, but that doesn’t mean everyone will pass up an opportunity if presented.
Don’t be the only gringo in an area: In your excitement of exploring, if you wander into a neighborhood that doesn’t have any other tourists, you may not want to be there. Keep an eye on your surroundings and listen to your intuition.
Bring a suitcase lock and a portable door lock: If you’re staying in a hostel, lots of people are coming and going, so it’s a good idea to lock your luggage. If you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb where multiple people may have keycard or code access to your room, it will give you peace of mind to add a portable door lock at night.
Don’t announce that you’re traveling alone: I wore my fake wedding ring throughout the trip (something I always do) and was asked about it more in the five weeks I was in Latin America than all my other travels combined. The local men respected a “married” woman. Having a “husband” offers some protection. Get used to saying the phrase, “my husband is waiting for me at the hotel.” No one needed to know I couldn’t find a man I wanted to travel with.
Most importantly, don’t forget your common sense: I get it, you’re on vacation and want to relax, but don’t abandon common sense. Most of the horror stories you hear from solo travelers come from making a silly decision.
¿Dónde está la catedral? My one phrase of Spanish actually came in handy.
How Far You Can Go Without Speaking Spanish
With blonde hair and blue eyes, I very obviously look like a gringo. No one was expecting me to be fluent in Spanish.
As someone who has lived in Germany and spoken my second language (German), I understand how difficult it can be to communicate outside your native language. I would never expect someone in a foreign country to speak English simply because that’s my primary language. I’m happy getting by with Google Translate and hand motions.
I tried my best, but I was the classic tourist. Starting conversations with “hola,” then switching to English and ending with “gracias,” as if bookending the sentence in Spanish somehow made it better.
Fortunately, Latin America is such a heavily visited backpacking and tourism destination that my lack of Spanish wasn’t a major problem.
My advice when navigating a language barrier is simple: smile, be respectful, and be kind. Learn the words for “please” and “thank you.” Even if you can’t understand someone, energy and attitude go a long way.
And I ended up learning a few more phrases of Spanish along the way:
“¿Puedo acariciar a tu perro, por favor?”
“Un latte con leche de almendras”
“Soy vegetariana”
See ^^ much improved
Ballestas Islands, Paracas, Peru
Callejón Angosto, Cartagena, Colombia
Packing For A Trip To Latin America
I wrote two comprehensive packing guides to help solo female travelers prepare for their trips to South America.
White sneakers in a hail storm wasn’t the best idea
Learning about the political unrest in Comuna 13, Medellín, Colombia
Everything You Need To Know Before Your Trip To Latin America
Altitude In Latin America
The Andes and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges create a rugged landscape with spectacular scenery, but they also bring serious elevation. Even walking around Mexico City, you might notice the altitude. It’s very humbling to be young and fit and be out of breath after walking up a slight incline.
Before this trip, I had spent time hiking in the Austrian Alps at around 2,800 meters (9,200 ft), but I was still unsure how my body would react to even higher elevations. For reference, Cusco sits at roughly 3,400 meters (11,200 ft), while Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,200 meters (17,000 ft). If you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco first.
At a high altitude, mild headaches, fatigue, and breathlessness are common. Walking uphill suddenly becomes much more difficult than it should be.
The locals have plenty of recommendations. Coca tea and Muña tea are popular remedies, and many people suggested Alti Vital, a local herbal supplement available in pharmacies throughout Peru. I took a few tablets each day and prioritized hydration, and felt okay.
Something to note: Altitude can affect your menstrual cycle.
High altitudes can sometimes trigger an irregular period or heavier flows – oh, how I love being a woman! Even if you think you won’t need it, pack period products. Most likely, outside of major cities, you will only be able to find tampons with a cardboard applicator or no applicator.
Driving in Latin America
Lanes are more of a suggestion, so buckle up. Traffic is chaotic, roads are busy, and it will always take longer than expected to get somewhere. Pedestrians also don’t have the right of way. In many places, cars won’t stop unless you confidently start crossing. It’s less “wait for traffic” and more “carefully weave through traffic.”
Political Unrest
During my trip, there were protests in Lima, Cartagena, and Mexico City. Some city sites were fenced off, police presence was increased, and a few roads were blocked off. My local guide had to adjust one day of my itinerary as she deemed the roads too unsafe to travel. My advice is, if you see a protest forming, walk around it.
Catcalling
As every woman knows, catcalling happens all over the world.
Some things I was called during my trip included:
Barbie
Hannah Montana
Beautiful Blonde
White Chocolate Chica
Cheetah Girl
The best way to handle catcalling is to ignore it and keep walking.
The Weather
The weather in South America can change dramatically. Layers really will be your best friend, so the weather doesn’t catch you unprepared. In a single day, conditions can shift from hot and sunny to cold, windy, and pouring rain. On one beautiful afternoon in Cusco, a hailstorm rolled in out of nowhere. The only warning was the sound of hail hammering tin rooftops as the hail swept across the city.
Bartering
Street vendors and outdoor markets are common throughout Latin America, and negotiating prices is expected. If a vendor sees you even glance at an item, there’s a good chance you’ll receive a sales pitch. If you’re not used to bartering, it can feel overwhelming at first. Don’t be afraid to walk away. The first price is rarely the final price, and vendors are expecting you to haggle over the cost. One useful trick is to keep your cash in separate pockets. That way, you’re not flashing all your money when you try to negotiate.
Covent la Popa, Cartagena, Colombia
Hiking in the Andes Mountains
The Trip I Wish I’d Taken Sooner
For years, I was told I needed to speak Spanish and travel with a man if I wanted to go to Latin America. Turns out, neither was necessary.
What mattered was being prepared, using common sense, staying aware of my surroundings, and traveling with confidence.
My time in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico was amazing, and I’m so happy I went. I feel like I’ve unlocked a whole new piece of the world to explore. I’ve already booked my next trip: one month in Guatemala. If you’ve made it through this entire article, I think you’re ready to book your solo adventure in Latin America. Trust me, you’ll be so happy you did.
