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There are many misconceptions about touring solo in Latin America.
I spent the higher a part of a yr in Central and South America, and there have been many issues that stunned me about touring solo on this a part of the world.
I’ve traveled to 11 international locations in Latin America, spending wherever from just a few days to some months in every nation.
Here are probably the most shocking issues I found whereas touring solo in Latin America:
1. It’s Safer Than You Might Expect
One of the 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.
But after touring extensively all through Central and South America, I can say that I’ve by no means as soon as felt unsafe. I rarely skilled avenue harassment in Latin America like I did in locations like Paris (the place I used to dwell), Rome, or Athens.
Of course, it is best 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 widespread journey scams (which may occur wherever on this planet) however general, Latin America is much safer than you might think.
2. It’s One Of The Most Diverse Regions In The World
Since most international locations in Latin America have Spanish colonial historical past and converse Spanish as the first language, you would possibly suppose that the area may be very homogenous.
But removed from being a monolith, Latin America is definitely one of the crucial various areas on this planet. There is a wealthy historical past of indigenous tradition that stretches from the Aztecs and Mayans in Central America to the Incans in South America (and lots of extra.)
In Latin America, I’ve surfed in tropical seashore locations, explored historic colonial cities, found historical ruins deep within the jungle and excessive within the mountains, hiked volcanoes, and skilled otherworldly desert landscapes.
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3. It’s Perfect For Solo Travelers
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 numerous long-term vacationers, so it’s simpler to fulfill folks and make journey buddies. There are numerous nice hostels in Latin America too.
In most international locations in Latin America, the tourism infrastructure is well-developed and it’s simple to arrange activities and tours the place it’s also possible to meet different vacationers.
4. It’s Great For Digital Nomads
Latin America is probably not the primary area of the world you consider on the subject of digital nomad hotspots, but it surely’s truly one of many fastest-growing locations for distant employees.
Both Central America and South America have tons of nice cities which are excellent for digital nomads who need to get pleasure from a decrease value of residing and nonetheless be in the identical time zone because the United States.
Some of one of the best locations for digital nomads in Latin America embrace Antigua, Guatemala, Quito, Ecuador, Medellin, Colombia, and Panama City, Panama.
5. It’s Very Helpful To Know Spanish
Finally, I used to be stunned by how a lot you actually need to know Spanish in some components of Latin America. I used to be fortunate that I had studied Spanish for years at school, however I encountered many vacationers who struggled as a result of they didn’t converse a phrase of Spanish.
While you will get by not talking any Spanish in fashionable vacationer locations, it’s actually useful to know no 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 a good way to study Spanish shortly. It’s extraordinarily fashionable, so there are dozens of Spanish faculties to select from in locations like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, and it’s additionally very reasonably priced.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com