5 Things That Surprised Me Most About Traveling Solo In Latin America
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There are lots of misconceptions about touring solo in Latin America.
I spent the higher a part of a 12 months in Central and South America, and there have been many issues that shocked me about touring solo on this a part of the world.
I’ve traveled to 11 nations in Latin America, spending wherever from just a few days to a couple months in every nation.
Listed here are probably the most stunning issues I found whereas touring solo in Latin America:
1. It’s Safer Than You May Count on
One of many largest misconceptions about Latin America is that it’s extraordinarily harmful and also you’d be loopy to journey there alone, particularly as a feminine traveler.
However after touring extensively all through Central and South America, I can say that I’ve by no means as soon as felt unsafe. I hardly skilled avenue harassment in Latin America like I did in locations like Paris (the place I used to stay), Rome, or Athens.
After all, you need to nonetheless train warning whereas touring in Latin America, and there are positively sure areas to keep away from. You must also be vigilant about frequent journey scams (which may occur wherever on this planet) however total, Latin America is much safer than you might think.
2. It’s One Of The Most Numerous Areas In The World
Since most nations in Latin America have Spanish colonial historical past and converse Spanish as the first language, you may suppose that the area could be very homogenous.
However removed from being a monolith, Latin America is definitely one of the vital various areas on this planet. There’s a wealthy historical past of indigenous tradition that stretches from the Aztecs and Mayans in Central America to the Incans in South America (and plenty of extra.)
In Latin America, I’ve surfed in tropical seaside locations, explored historic colonial cities, found historic ruins deep within the jungle and excessive within the mountains, hiked volcanoes, and skilled otherworldly desert landscapes.
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3. It’s Excellent For Solo Vacationers
I’ve traveled extensively in Latin America and Europe on my own, and by far, I’ve discovered Latin America to be higher for solo vacationers.
The backpacker trails of Central and South America draw a number of long-term vacationers, so it’s simpler to satisfy folks and make journey pals. There are many nice hostels in Latin America too.
In most nations in Latin America, the tourism infrastructure is well-developed and it’s simple to arrange activities and tours the place you may also meet different vacationers.
4. It’s Nice For Digital Nomads
Latin America is probably not the primary area of the world you consider on the subject of digital nomad hotspots, however it’s truly one of many fastest-growing locations for distant employees.
Each Central America and South America have tons of nice cities which can be good for digital nomads who wish to take pleasure in a decrease value of dwelling and nonetheless be in the identical time zone as the USA.
A number of the finest locations for digital nomads in Latin America embody Antigua, Guatemala, Quito, Ecuador, Medellin, Colombia, and Panama Metropolis, Panama.
5. It’s Very Useful To Know Spanish
Lastly, I used to be shocked by how a lot you really want to know Spanish in some elements of Latin America. I used to be fortunate that I had studied Spanish for years in class, however I encountered many vacationers who struggled as a result of they didn’t converse a phrase of Spanish.
Whereas you will get by not talking any Spanish in in style vacationer locations, it’s actually useful to know not less than the fundamentals. It turns into much more helpful if you happen to plan to journey round Latin America long-term or go off the vacationer path.
I spent a number of months finding out Spanish in Guatemala, which is an effective way to be taught Spanish rapidly. It’s extraordinarily in style, so there are dozens of Spanish colleges to select from in locations like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, and it’s additionally very inexpensive.
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