South American Cities To Add To Your Solo Travel Bucket List
By CHERYL KOCHENDERFER
In this city, the streets shimmer with vibrant art, delicious restaurants, and cultural sites. Catch a tango show, sail up the delta, or go wine tasting.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Cafe hop in the trendy Palermo district and meet the locals, laid-back, curious, and open people who aren't shy about conversing with visitors, also known as porteños.
Opportunistic theft isn't uncommon, and it's best to use secure, cross-bodied bags and fanny packs. Due to phone snatching, using your cell phone on the street is discouraged.
Cartagena has fascinating architecture, sunny beaches, great food, and a vibrant nightlife. Visiting is more about experiencing the city than sightseeing.
Cartagena, Colombia
Stick to the tourist zones and be wary of dating scams. There's plenty of fun in the mostly walkable walled city; if you want to venture further, join a tour or other travelers.
Islas de Rosario offers incredible snorkeling, and Totumo Mud Volcano has natural mud baths. Some tours will take you bar hopping with other fun-loving foreigners.
As the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is a beautiful city with a rich history and the perfect base for many incredible hikes in the Rainbow Mountains or Salkantay.
Cusco, Peru
The city's walkable, cobblestone streets have Spanish Colonial-era structures built atop Incan ruins, unique souvenir shops, tasty restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
Take day trips or a tour to Incan ruins and archeological sites like the Sacred Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage site, tourism abounds in Cusco, with many hostels to make friends.
Create your ideal itinerary in this city of extremes. Bike down the world's most dangerous road, hop on cable cars to El Alto, or wander the Witches' Market.
La Paz, Bolivia
Even in major cities like La Paz, be weary of fake police officers or unofficial taxi drivers and drink bottled water; adjusting to its high altitude may take a few days.
A foodie's paradise, this city contains four of the World's 50 Best Restaurants and constantly exports world-class chefs.
Lima, Peru
From ceviche and causa (mashed potato and shredded chicken casserole) to spicy rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers), enjoy the cuisine by sampling, cooking, or joining a food tour.
Many travelers dine solo, but exercise caution and don't leave your food or drinks unattended. The U.S. government's travel advisory for Peru rarely includes Lima as a danger.