Live the challenge of travelling alone around Chile and discover one of the safest countries in Latin America
By: Chile Travel - 28 August, 2021
Going on the adventure of travelling alone is an experience that one should live at least once in a lifetime. Facing the unknown without a partner can lead to unexpected rewards, such as making new friends along the way and building unforgettable memories. That’s why we suggest that you travel alone around Chile and discover one of the safest countries in Latin America!
Travelling by yourself, without any company, has a series of bonuses and advantages, such as the flexibility of your own time to do the activities and take the routes as you wish, to manage how you spend your funds, to be free to do whatever you want, to enjoy each place, the people, their food, and so much more!
Travelling is always an opportunity to grow and learn a lot about one self, and even more so in one’s own company, which is perhaps one of the biggest rewards of being a “solo traveler”, a term used in the US that refers to those who dare to grab their bags and travel off towards the unknown by themselves.
You will have more time and the inclination to make new friends along the way, to get to know a different culture, the opportunity to explore your own resources in order to communicate in another language, enjoy a bit of solitude, or even get carried away by improvising a new side of yourself and discovering each destination at your own pace.
CHILE, ONE OF THE SAFEST COUNTRIES FOR TRAVELLING ALONE!
Travel and Leisure magazine, one of the most renowned travel magazines in the United States, ranked our country in seventh place for solo travelers. The publication highlighted the safety and friendliness of our people, as well as destinations such as San Pedro de Atacama, Rapa Nui, Santiago and, of course, Patagonia as safety pins for adventurers who without company.
Also, in the Oyster collaborative travel blog, Chile ranks third place among the safest countries in Latin America. They also emphasize the wide range of offers of outdoor adventures, and Chile’s national prosperity and stability.
When you come to Chile, you will feel protected and safe, and free to travel from north to south. In fact, you will often encounter other “solo travelers” in the tourist places mentioned above roaming the country in their own ways!
So, if you’re pointing the compass towards Latin America and evaluating which destination to choose for your next trip, we invite you to live the challenge of travelling alone in Chile.
PATAGONIA ON YOUR OWN
The Chilean Patagonia is a destination that year after year is chosen by “solo travelers” from all over the world to undertake a bon voyage. Why? Because this corner of the world has everything needed to live the most memorable experiences. Patagonia combines mesmerizing natural landscapes, a safe environment, a wide gastronomic and hotel offer, and guaranteed fun for all likings and ages.
When you go trekking in the Chilean Patagonia, the best company to have -besides a companion- is the reliance of a warm coat or parka, several changes of clothes, and lots of memory space in your camera or phone so you can immortalize each moment.
If you plan on camping, you’ll obviously need a good tent and proper equipment. Don’t forget to have a solar charger, a first aid kit, canned food, and cash, because Patagonia is a bit far from urban centers, and cities are sparse.
OTHER DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS
The most renown places in northern Chile to travel alone are La Serena, Iquique and San Pedro de Atacama, where you can explore the Atacama Desert, the world’s most arid desert but where you’ll be totally surprised to come across some oasis, full of life and color, and lagoons in the Andean Highlands that reflect the surrounding mountains like mirrors.
Towards southern Chile, Isla de Chiloé, Puerto Varas, the Austral Highway or Torres del Paine National Park are a few of the most popular destinations, where you can put your limits to the test by joining an expedition or an extreme trekking tour. Plus, let’s not forget about the island of Rapa Nui and its impressive Moai.
Because traveling alone throughout Chile has become a must for international travelers and is definitely on the bucket lists of many more adventurous spirits, where Torres del Paine, the eighth wonder of the world, leads the ranking.
Factors such as the country’s safety, good quality facilities inside the National Parks, in addition to the large number of “solo travelers” who have already visited these destinations and recommend them on the social media around the world, have made Chile one of the most idyllic destinations to travel alone.
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING ALONE IN CHILE
Where to stay? What to do? What to be careful of? In order for you to have a memorable experience, here are some basic tips to keep in mind when you plan a trip by yourself around the world.
Although there are several accommodation options throughout Chile, hostels are an excellent alternative for people traveling alone. These accommodations are great for meeting other travelers who are living similar adventures. In addition to making new friends, you can reduce costs by sharing tours or transportation costs, as well as exchanging information, tips and experiences.
Be careful, if you are seeking a hostel where you can stay on your first trip alone in Chile, choose one of the hundreds of registered accommodations, tour operators and other services that have been certified by the National Tourism Service (SERNATUR), and avoid bad surprises. Find your ideal accommodation here: http://serviciosturisticos.sernatur.cl/
Another important recommendation is to not get too isolated. Although you may want to enjoy some solitude, also take advantage of the opportunity to share with locals and other travelers. Chat with them, even though your intention may not be to make friends. You are likely to receive useful information and will learn more about the culture of each place you go, told by their own inhabitants!
If you’re on a limited budget, we recommend that you prefer options like renting a bicycle, taking intercity buses or rural boats that, for a few coins, will take you from one town to another across lakes and rivers.
That is, when traveling alone, if you prefer public transportation it will be cheaper and the distances can be long. Remember that Chile is the longest country in the world! Fuel costs are high in Chile.
We also suggest that you check reviews from other solo travelers. Definitely, the best way to find a good accommodation anywhere in the world is through recommendations on the internet, through blogs and specialized sites. This way, you can be guided by the criteria of solo travelers who have already stayed in a place and, thus, have more specific suggestions.
Our last recommendation is to always follow your instinct….it never fails! Traveling alone awakens all your senses and most keen perceptions that are usually distracted when you are somewhere familiar. But in these moments of complete connection with yourself, such as when you’re travelling on your own, you’ll be more alert than ever and with a better “nose” to decide what’s best for ourselves. Always trust your inner voice.
Live the challenge of traveling alone around Chile and enjoy our invincible nature, unique culture, typical gastronomy, wine routes, astronomical tours, and so much more … We promise you will want to return again and again …