Is it safe to travel solo?

Yes, provided you follow standard precautions: use official taxi apps like Cabify instead of hailing street cabs, keep your phone tucked away in public, and stay in hostels with high security ratings.

How do I manage money?

Bring a Charles Schwab debit card or similar account that reimburses ATM fees. Use ATMs located inside banks or malls rather than those on the street.

Solo Backpacking Through South America on a Budget

Plan a loop starting in a low-cost hub like Lima or Quito and use overnight buses to save on accommodation costs while covering long distances. Stick to a $40–$50 USD daily budget by prioritizing local markets for meals and staying in highly-rated hostel dorms.

Map out a 'Gringo Trail' route. Focus on a logical flow to minimize flight costs. A common, affordable route is the 'Andean Loop': start in Quito, head south through Peru (Lima, Cusco), across to La Paz, Bolivia, and end in Northern Argentina or Chile.
Book one-way flights to save flexibility. Do not book a round-trip ticket. Buy a one-way to your starting city and a one-way home from your exit city. Use budget airlines like Sky Airline or JetSmart for long jumps, but verify baggage fees as they are often more expensive than the ticket itself.
Use overnight buses for long hauls. Download the 'RedBus' or 'Busbud' apps. Look for 'Cama' or 'Semi-Cama' seats. They act as both transport and a night's accommodation, saving you roughly $15–$20 per trip.
Establish a base budget. Keep a simple spreadsheet. Budget $15 for a hostel bed, $15 for food, and $15 for local transport and activities. Anything leftover rolls over into your 'adventure fund' for things like the Inca Trail or salt flat tours.

Is it safe to travel solo?: Yes, provided you follow standard precautions: use official taxi apps like Cabify instead of hailing street cabs, keep your phone tucked away in public, and stay in hostels with high security ratings.
How do I manage money?: Bring a Charles Schwab debit card or similar account that reimburses ATM fees. Use ATMs located inside banks or malls rather than those on the street.