Nothing is better for the soul than solo travel. And South America is a common choice for many such adventure seekers. Stunning landscapes, atmospheric cities, exceptional food, and amazing culture – there are countless sources of inspiration and objects to explore.
However, the prospect of independent travel can seem daunting, even if you have relevant experience. Navigating a huge continent is not so simple, but advance planning combined with a few tips will help you get the most out of your voyage. Whether this is your first solo trip or you’re seasoned in this matter, our tips will come in handy during your travels through South America.
Socializing Over Dinner
Share a table with locals and like-minded tourists by joining one of the specialized supper clubs. Some searching will be required to find a good option in a specific country, but the combination of local food (prepared by locals) and interesting locations is undoubtedly worth it. The names of such establishments may differ. For example, in Buenos Aires, they are known as “puertas cerrados” (closed doors). An excellent option, by the way, is “Casa Felix.”
Gastronomic tours are a good option for communication and getting acquainted with new cuisine in the company of a local guide. For example, in Bogota, guides from “A Chef’s Tour” will take guests through 13 tastings at eight restaurants, where you can try almost everything: from “lechona” (roasted suckling pig) to local “aguardiente” liquor.
Culinary masterclasses will allow you to get as close as possible to local cuisine in the company of fellow gourmets. The city of Lima is known to food lovers worldwide, as local young chefs have led a true culinary Renaissance. You can, for example, appreciate the exceptional sourdough at “El Pan de la Chola,” as well as the best pizza and craft beer at the partner establishment “La Pizza de la Chola.” For an introduction to more traditional treats, check out “SkyKitchen,” where you’ll learn to cook several classic Peruvian dishes. The final result of your efforts can be enjoyed on the terrace with breathtaking city views.
Make Friends Through Group Activities
Join an organized event, and you can make friends while viewing local landscapes. Join a group of “gauchos” for a horse riding trip in Patagonia. During this journey, you’ll see the picturesque mountains of Los Glaciares National Park and camp in rural Argentina. Here you’ll also have the opportunity to try the traditional “asado” dish. You can book such a tour directly on the “Nibepo Aike” company website.
However, nothing prevents you from making friends while engaging in your usual hobbies, like running or yoga. You can join some urban running groups absolutely free. To do this, check Facebook for upcoming events.
Immerse Yourself in Culture
Don’t lose sight of culture during your solo travel. Visit local theaters, dance floors, and concert halls to treat yourself. Buenos Aires’ decadent Teatro Colon offers free tickets on some Fridays for general rehearsals of major ballet productions. And the bohemian “Teatro Pablo Tobon” in Medellin regularly holds free concerts by its orchestra.
Performances by music groups of various genres are another excellent way to touch local life. Each city has its own special atmosphere in this regard. Websites such as Indie Hoy, Songkick, and Vuenoz will help you find information about concerts across the continent.
When it’s time to relax a bit, there’s nothing better than going to the movies. Cinemas are an important part of life in Colombia, and foreign films are often shown in their original language with Spanish subtitles.
“Cine Tonala” in Bogota is a true leader in the independent cinema segment. The cozy screen here is complemented by an excellent bar and Mexican restaurant. All this is located on several floors of a reconstructed 1930s mansion.
In Medellin, the Museum of Modern Art is a true wonder of modern architecture. The museum building has an excellent cinema where you can rest a bit after familiarizing yourself with the masterpieces of the museum exhibition.
Safe Accommodation
Finding a safe place to rest peacefully is always a priority, and solo travel is no exception. The obvious solution is hostels: they’re cheap, have a friendly atmosphere, and facilitate meeting different people. However, this isn’t the only option. If you want a bit more privacy, you can rent a room through Airbnb service (look for the “superhost” badge for peace of mind). This way, you’ll have both personal space and the opportunity to get expert advice from locals.
You can immediately book accommodation with a local family. Such options come with reasonable prices and additional benefits, such as meals. Many language schools offer similar accommodation options.
Learn the Language
Meeting locals is often the first item on a solo traveler’s to-do list. Obviously, the key to communication, in this case, is knowledge of the language. Take a few specialized lessons at the beginning of your trip: get an idea of the local accent, and meet classmates, which can prove useful. “Ailola” operates several schools throughout South America, including the city of Quito in Ecuador, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Getting Around South America
South American countries are well connected by local air travel, but tickets can be expensive in some cases. If you want to save money (and don’t have particular time constraints), use buses. In countries located in the Andes region, bus service can be quite primitive, but in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, buses are surprisingly comfortable. Tickets for long routes can be booked in advance online. Look for the highest level buses – they’re called “coche-cama” or “leito” in Brazil – they have fully reclining seats.
Many attractions (such as the alien landscapes of the Atacama Desert) are easier to reach by car. A rental car will give you freedom of movement and some security. In Chile, this is quite easy to do because large international car rental companies are present here. Choose a company with a good reputation, such as “europcar.com,” which provides 24/7 support and has many pick-up and return points.
Depending on your home country and the country you’re visiting, you may need an international driver’s license.
Safety
South America is a fairly safe place for solo travel, however, when you’re alone, you should always be careful. By booking hotels in advance, writing down addresses, and planning your route ahead of time, you’ll need to take out your phone less often. This will reduce the likelihood of becoming a target for thieves.
Take some basic precautions in case your belongings are stolen – this will make a stressful situation less anxiety-inducing. Make a copy of your passport, keep money in different places, and keep your bank card safe. Also, find out where the nearest embassy of your country is located. You never know when you might need its help, especially if you’re traveling alone.
