How to plan for solo woman for 3 weeks in July?

I'm going to Argentina for 3 weeks in July and then am meeting a friend in Chile. I am flying into BA and have no plans so far other than meeting my friend in Santiago. Any tips on planning the Argentina portion would be appreciated. What makes sense given that I am a young woman alone? I like nature, wine, and being social. I would rather stay in fun hostels than hotels. What are the major must-sees/should avoid in July? How much do I need to plan before I leave (I like being flexible, but I don't want to get stuck somewhere due to reservation or weather issues). I am happy to rough it, but am concerned with safety/getting around in a reliable way. Is having blonde hair an extra hassle here to the point where I should dye it? (It was in Turkey) ...Finally, in terms of getting to Santiago, should I buy a flight in advance or are there still land options in July? Any tips would be welcomed and appreciated!
Thanks and happy travels!

I've found Argentina and Chile to be relatively safe. I've traveled both with friends and alone without problems. Keep in mind all the stories Jorge points out above and take normal precautions.

I think you might like Mendoza. Its a great place for outdoor activities and wine tasting. I traveled there alone, but there were so many tours to do hiking, climbing, visit wineries...etc. and dinners organized by my hostel so I had company.

In Argentina, there are plenty of blondes. You may get lots of catcalls, but so do Argentine ones, nothing to worry about.

There is a crossing from Mendoza to Santiago. It closes often due to the weather in July, but usually only for a few days at a time. Also, most flights go through Buenos Aires, so you should check if there are direct flights available. I looked at Aerolineas Argentinas and they don't have a direct flight. Its only $75USD, but it with connections, it will take a long time.

Keep in mind that winter break for Argentines is at the end of July so, you may need to book some things in advance.

Jorge, dumping all those horror stories on the web will scare her!

As #2 says, both Argentina and Chile are relatively safe. Relatively meaning if you take the normal precautions (like you would at home) you will most likely be fine. If you do something stupid, you will still most likely be fine but why take the risk? I don't know where you are from but for anyone who is used to Western Europe, the US or similar, the safety issues in Argentina and Chile are no worse than at home.

She will not be much safer by not knowing the truth. It does no good to think that there is complete safety here. I do not like telling rosy stories if they are not true.

Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.

The following are previous posts on male attention:

Women get hassled more in Bolivia and Peru than in Argentina. Ignore it. I cannot say any more than that. You cannot stop it so just pretend you have not heard and keep going. If you are actually face to face with an unwanted conversation, politely but firmly ask the man to go away. If he does not ( he will probably express astonishment that you are offended ) move away yourself, if possible towards a family or older woman.

One thing to be aware of while travelling alone is that you will get a lot of attention. Men will stare at you in the street, whistle, make suggestive comments and generally try to chat you up. You need to be prepared for this. It is mainly a minor annoyance, but you need to know that it is going to happen unless you are with a guy.


I travelled in Argentina for a month a couple of months ago. I am a cautious traveler, and I had no safety issues and never felt uneasy. The harrassment by men on the streets was very low. Most men paid me no attention, only a few comments here and there as I walked by, and no hissing. I was surprised and relieved.

I spent a month in Ecuador. I am 18 and I went on my own but I ended up travelling with some other girls I met there. I am very fair skinned and blonde so I got a lot of attention. At first it caught me off guard, then it really started to annoy me but after a while you just get used to it and forget about it. Most of the time the guys are just trying to get a reaction out of you so if you just walk by, do not make eye contact and do not say anything they will just move on to the next passing lady. Not making eye contact is key, just making eye contact can be considered flirting and once they think you are into them they are impossible to get rid of. Plus if you do not speak very good Spanish you will not be offended buy all the crude hings they are saying to you (my one friend was fluent and would tell me what they were saying, some were actually quite funny and creative). I never felt unsafe or threatened, and now that I look back, there were times that I was probably setting myself up as a pretty easy target. Nothing happened to me although a few of my friends did get there purses stolen (one time after they had had too much to drink and another time when my friend was on the bus). Best advice; keep an eye on your stuff at all times, know your surroundings, use your common sense, and try to blend in as much as possible.

Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.

Keep an eye on your luggage.

Previous reports:

On May 23, 2007 two bags were stolen from me at a hotel in Buenos Aires. One was a messenger bag and the other my main back pack. I was left with the clothes on my back and my wallet. I would like to advise other travelers to Argentina, most of all Buenos Aires to keep a constant eye on your gear. I have no evidence, but I assume it was a set up.New surroundings are new to you, and routine to those who live there. Dirtbags/lowlifes/ones that bring misery to us travelling folk, know that check out time is usually 10:00 in Buenos Aires.The city is hectic with traffic at this time.Be careful if you see people without luggage in your hotel lobby. If they are perky or cocky, watch out, they are about to strike. I was chumped and I do not wish it on any of you. I am not looking for sympathy and I promise, not to go on about this topic. If I do not tell you guys, what is the use?

I feel it important to share an incident I recently (May 28, 2007) experienced while staying at a hotel in Buenos Aires. I am a college instructor, on a sabbatical and doing research while volunteering in several South American countries. Sebastian, the youngest of several owners, was friendly, spoke fairly good English and was more than happy to help, although he gave me walking directions (2 miles one way) to an English speaking theatre, that did not exist. On the evening that I was to depart for a tour around the southern tip of Argentina, I went to the hotel door with backpack secured on my back and large suitcase in hand. Sebastian, who was watching the door at the switchboard, told me it was much safer to leave my luggage in the lobby under his watch while I secured a taxi. I figured he knew this large city better than I and left them under his care. I was only outside for approximately 4 minutes, flagged a taxi and returned to the lobby to gather my luggage to discover MY BACKPACK WAS GONE! Sebastian, although extremely distraught, could not recall who had taken it and told me he had only looked down for a moment. He ran outside and up and down the streets with his head in his hands, but to no avail. All the notes from my prior journies in other countries, my camera, my binoculars, my books, gifts I had purchased for my sons and fiance, several pieces of clothing and all the receipts I had saved for reimbursement from the college, were gone...over $800 worth. Of course, by then, I had missed my bus going South, another $60 down the drain, as Andesmar, a large, well-known luxury bus fleet, would not refund my money. Sebastian encouraged me to file a police report, which I did. The police said the hotel was responsible and that they would gather a report from the hotel by Monday evening. They never followed up on it. Sebastian had given me the next two nights stay at $45 per night and a $12 bottle of red wine in compensation, told me he would refund the nights I had just paid for and would allow me to stay when I returned from my journey around Argentina. The following morning, after having spoken with the senior owners, Sebastian told me the hotel was not responsible for the theft, even though under his watch, and that he did not intend to follow through with promises made. Sebastian quoted a senior partner, "If I told you to jump from a bridge, would you do it?" I believe this was intended to refer to my apparent "stupidity" in trusting his advice and leaving my baggage in the hotel under his watch. I, of course, have lost all documentation for my colleagues and for the professional development committee. The pictures from Ecuador, reports and gifts were the hardest to let go of. I felt it important to write to let you know of this incident, as the police report states that the hotel is responsible; however, there is no compensation, should I try to go after it...and I will nott...that could possibly alleviate the grief I have experienced over this incident.Thank you for noting it. I would not wish anything like this to happen to any of your readers. We put our trust into Lonely Planet's recommendations. How unfortunate that the hotel will not own up to their responsibility in this matter. Others should be made aware of this.

Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.

Previous report:

* I am a police officer in a congested Northeast City in the United States where there is a significant level of crime. Because I am a police officer, I think I am fairly adept at sensing danger. At first, when I had the opportunity to travel to Buenos Aires, I did not. That was a mistake. In total, over the past two years, I have visited Buenos Aires five times. Never once, have I felt uncomfortable. Sure, like any big city, Buenos Aires has its problems. Just read the daily newspaper. There are places where it is not wise to walk alone, but that is no different than any major city in the world. If you have the opportunity to visit Buenos Aires, do not be dissuaded because you perceive it to be too dangerous. It is a great city, full of friendly people. I cannot wait to return.

Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.