The Top Latin American Cities for Solo Travelers

Go solo
Go solo | © Rafa Alves/Flickr
Jenn Parker

Traveling is a priceless experience. It is through your adventures and experiences abroad that you will have the opportunity to broaden your cultural horizons, expand your mind, unlock parts of your inner self, learn valuable life lessons, encounter inspiring people, stimulate all of your senses, and just feel blissed out. Traveling alone verses with another person or in a group is a whole different experience. There are a handful of cities in Central and South America that are particularly perfect for the solo traveler.

Santiago, Chile

Santiago, Chile was once more commonly considered as just the starting point for more popular destinations in Chile such as Patagonia by solo adventurers. However, many travelers are beginning to realize that Santiago is actually an incredible city to visit and spend some time. It is safe, clean, developed, and bursting with great cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, museums, parks, and other cultural landmarks. The city is relatively easy to navigate and public transportation is accessible. You can find everything from five-star luxury accommodations to friendly hostels. As a solo traveler, Bellavista is a great area to stay around. This bohemian neighborhood is where the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda lived and where you will find the best nightlife.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Lots to explore

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina is often referred to as the Paris of South America. This culturally fascinating city is full of life, energy, and wonderful experiences to be had. Getting around the city is easy with six subway lines, hundreds of inexpensive buses called collectivos, and plenty of taxis. There are over 3000 restaurants, an impressive theater and music scene, captivating art galleries, great shopping, and a very happening café scene. This is the type of place that you can just wander around all day and every day and not have the same day twice. Buenos Aires has a European vibe with an intoxicating Latin flare. Petty theft is unfortunately common in the city, so just make sure that you don’t wear flashy jewelry, don’t carry around valuables, and lock up your important belongings (passport, credit cards, jewelry, etc.) in your accommodation’s safe.

Colorful neighborhoods

Ambergis Caye, Belize

Belize is a rapidly up and coming travel destination and expat hotspot in Central America. Amergis Caye is the largest of more than 200 cayes in Belize. As a solo traveler, this is an amazing spot to visit. The tropical paradise is bursting with beautiful beaches, rainforests, an awe-inspiring and expansive barrier reef, fun bars, fabulous restaurants, and even Mayan ruins. Belize is also an English-speaking country, which makes it even more appealing for non-Spanish speaking travelers. The caye is only 40 kilometers/25 miles long and 7 kilometers/4.5 wide. The spectacular barrier reef is only a hundred yards off the coast. No long distance traveling once you are here!

Unreal water color

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur is a happening little beach town in the southern part of Nicaragua. It is a lively, walkable, friendly, safe, and inexpensive beachfront destination that is full of solo travelers, backpackers, surfers, and expats. There are cute boutique hotels and hostels all around town, plenty of dining options, and a really fun nightlife scene. San Juan del Sur is also close to a number of other great beaches and areas to explore. If you come here alone, it is likely that you will have a whole group of friends by the time the sun sets.

Not a bad place to be solo

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is a popular beach mini city on the Pacific Northwest coast of Costa Rica. While Tamarindo (and Costa Rica in general) isn’t the cheapest option, this town is rich with personality, energy, nightlife, beauty, food, and an eclectic assortment of individuals. It is a perfect base for all the adventure tours that you could possibly want to undertake, there are multiple surf breaks within walking distance, plenty of shops and modern conveniences, and a great selection of accommodations that range from high end luxury to family vibe hostels.

One of those famous sunsets

Montezuma, Costa Rica

Montezuma is a bohemian beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula near Santa Teresa. This small and charming town offers solo travelers plenty of activities, such as yoga, surfing, hikes to waterfalls, sea kayaking, scuba diving, and a happening, but mellow vibe nightlife scene. Montezuma attracts a lot of solo travelers, adventurers, yogis, surfers, and people with a hippie heart and open mind. You can walk around the town with ease and Santa Teresa and Malpais are only a short drive away. There are several great yoga and wellness retreats and surf camps in this area too.

Walk to a waterfall

Panama City, Panama

Panama City is arguably the best major city in Central America. While the rest of Panama is still developing, the capital city is pleasantly well developed and still growing and improving. Like most major cities, there are several different districts and areas that will suit different needs and preferences. As a solo traveler, staying in or near Casco Viejo is highly recommended. Casco Viejo is the old district of Panama City, but has become the new hip and trendy neighborhood. There are tons of boutique restaurants and hotels, cool bars, a beautiful walkway that connects back to the main part of the city, and a captivating contrast of dilapidated old buildings and tasteful renovation.

Quite an impressive city

Bocas del Toro, Panama

The province of Bocas del Toro is made up of a mainland area and nine main islands. The Bocas del Toro archipelago is an incredible place to visit as a solo traveler. The main mode of transportation is bicycle or boat taxi. There are endless waterfront restaurants, bars, hostels, hotels, and plenty of gorgeous beaches to explore. It is relatively inexpensive, very friendly, safe, and energized with an easy-going Caribbean vibe. Bocas del Toro attracts a lot of backpackers, budget-conscious travelers, surfers, and free-spirited souls.

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