Explore my South America travel guides – including solo travel guides to Colombia, hiking guides, adventure guides and more. More content to come soon as sadly my trip was cut short in 2020.
South America Travel Itineraries
Lots of South America travel itineraries coming soon – I’ll be covering everything from trip planning and route inspiration, to budget guides and much more.
South America is the ultimate adventure destination. From Bolivian salt flats, to epic volcanoes and mountains to hike in Patagonia. You can explore the cities of Buenos Aires and Rio De Janeiro, take a road trip or explore the epic nature in Ecuador. I can’t wait to do all of this and more and share it with you all. Coming soon.
I felt so intimidated at the thought of travelling solo as a woman in South America, but backpacking Central America really gave me the confidence to do it. The media paints South America as a dangerous place, but if you travel smart and do your research, it can be just as safe as travelling in Europe. I only spent a short time in Colombia before the dreaded virus hit, but I wouldn’t hesitate to go back solo. Here’s 5 tips for feeling safe and confident when you travel solo in South America:
1
Trust your gut – my number 1 rule. If something feels off, leave the situation!
2
Never arrive anywhere late at night, it will instantly feel dodgy.
3
Research hostels & accommodations – always read the reviews.
4
If you feel nervous, check in with friends / family nightly and send them your location.
5
Talk to people! Don’t let yourself feel isolated. Make friends and form a group.
Hostels are great in South America, or you can also look at WWOOFing, working for accommodation, Airbnb and couch surfing for budget friendly options. If you fancy a treat, there are also luxury hostels and the full range of hotels depending on your budget.
Food
Always go for street food and local restaurants – not only is it a lot cheaper and fresher, but it’s part of the experience. Look for local stalls and popular places with the locals or find markets.
Transportation
Usually fairly affordable – skip internal flights unless necessary – instead go for buses and the local “chicken buses” for the most affordable options.
Suggested Daily Budget
50-100 GBP / 60-120 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Travel Resources
Ever wondered how I manage to snag SUCH great travel deals and save so much on accommodation, airfare and travel? my Travel Resources will give you access to all my favourite booking websites and all the best places to get travel essentials on a budget. My goal is to help you save money so you can spend more on your adventures once you arrive.
Head to the markets, tiny street stalls and local restaurants to find the best quality and freshest food. Avoid chains and support the local people.
2
Shop around for hostels
Don't always go for the most well-known hostel, look for new ones that have just opened and you might score a great deal.
3
Book trips as a group
Activities can be expensive, so get a group together at your hostel and you might get a discount or reduced rate.
4
Couchsurf or house-sit
If costs are mounting – why not look into Couchsurfing or options for house-sitting? It could help save you a lot of money on accommodation and you may find a friend/guide!
