Is South America safe for female backpackers?

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Jess

Not if you are going alone. The only place Ive ever heard of where women are safe to walk alone is in Japan. You are best to either take someone with you, or learn some form of self defense. But keep in mind, if someone were to try to subdue you, they would probably have friends along, so I would just suggest bringing along a friend of your own. After all, theres safety in numbers :)

AndyThompson76

Its all dependant on where you would travel in South America.
South America is a massive massive continent, such a beautiful and diverse place.
With some first second and third world countries.

Countries like Brazil, Argentina and Chile are considered safer than Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Columbia.
I travelled South America with my girlfriend for 4 months late last year and had no trouble whatsoever.
Except for getting fleeced by taxi drivers a few times.
We did however meet people though who did get mugged and/or had bags robbed etc.
Some by people pretending to be fake policeman, or just because they werent holding onto their stuff.

Countries like Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador you cannot take your eyes off your stuff for a second, be vigilant.
Do your research on where you want to go.
We used the Footprint South American Handbook , a really great book, heaps better than Lonely Planet and points out dangerous areas of towns as well the highlights.

Also be sensible, avoid strangers, trust your instincts they will probably be right, try to avoid travelling at night in the poorer countries.
wear a money belt and never carry all your cash and cards with you.
Get decent locks for your bags.
Research your accommodation, book beforehand when possible, some hostels/hotels will offer free pickups from bus/train stations and airports so look out for these.
also avoid wandering around looking like a lost backpacker.
A lot of the advice seems common sense, but you would be suprised what you see and what some peple do!!!

We did a year trip around the world and South America was the highlight, it is an amazing place, Enjoy it , We wish we were going back!!!

Mr Nick

Yep. I was actually suprised when I backpacked around S.America, I was away a year and the amount of young women I met travelling suprised me. You are really never alone when you travel, there is always someone going the same place as you or in the same position as you. Do it!!! YouÂ´ll never regret it

CDEFGHIJ^

Only if she's backpacking with armed men.

a_facchini

Don't think anywhere is safe for female backpacker!

Albert S

It is depending.....

If you come in a bad nieghboorhood that no. if you keep out of this area's it is okay.

beez

If they keep together and don't invite, in the slightest way, attention from the local males. I met a lone backpacker last week in Panama, a beautiful, big American girl. She said she's been married about 4 times, meaning when she is asked if she has an esposo, she tells tells guys in Spanish he is in the store, around the corner, whatever...Eye contact is considered an invitation.

prabhan_a

Not Sure

Paul B

I worked in the British Embassy in Caracas venezuela for three years. I had to deal with many young distressed females who thought that they could cope the rigours of backpacking in this hhighly dangerous place. Beware, its not the terrain or the wild animals that are dangerous - but people such as drivers, guerillas, kidnappers, narcos and general crime. If you are quite European in appearance you will attract attention and I assure you it will not be welcome.

e mail me if you want more advice pabannister@clara.co.uk

dennis s

if u go by yourself- yes. kidnap is high in latin america. kidnap for ransom. also many drug barons where gun fights are common and with the corrupt police...

if with a group, no problem

Jose Esoj

Depends on the area. Rapes and murders happen everyday there, but stick with the tourist areas and you'll be fine, especially if you bring a friend.

Mark D

yeah Im sure the jungles of columbia are great this time of year

angel

It.s not safe anywhere in the world for the female backpackers.

Hey Bud, let's party!

That would depend on which country you plan on visiting, as well as which regions of that country. It would be best to check with the US state department regarding the current safety levels of the countries you plan on visiting. Also, keep in mind that traveling in groups is usually safer than traveling alone, unless your group becomes a target of a terrorist organization operating within that country.

On the off hand, backpacking in Colombia wouldn't be a good idea, mainly due to the civil war they've had for the last 30+ years.

David B

Lots of back packers but not women alone. Bad idea. Not to be recommended. Find a friend and have a good time.
David, (sorry can't come)

Godfrey Goulash

I doubt if it is safe for any backpackers,male or female.

Travel in Paradise

it would never be safe.

2hot

No. You mention female backpackers? I assume there are more than one of you. There are nut cases everywhere but under-developed countries live by a different set of rules. Unless you have alot of men with you, best try Europe.

DillyDallyLama

No. People disappear there so steer clear sister.

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