Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Salta On One's Own As a Woman

Country forums / South America / Argentina

Hello, fellow travelers!

I've been in Argentina now for two months, and now I have my eyes set on Salta. I was talking with a native Argentine, and they told me that it would be best to go with a group. When asked why, she just said it was for transportation reasons.
I would love to go to Salta, and I don't mind travelling on my own. But is it safe for a woman to go there by herself just riding the public transport? If so, how is this done? I was told that even renting a car even was not the best option despite what I've read about some people doing (mind you, they were couples.... I don't remember reading about any solo women travelers to Salta...). All the tours and possible hires I've read into either are out of my price range or go too quickly for my liking. I want to hit up the Salinas Grandes, Humahuaca including Siete Colores, and Cafayate. I figured I would need a week to see the whole area. Anyone out there have an idea on how can this be solved? Am I going to have to bite the bullet and pay out for someone to look after me? Or can I get to Salinas Grandes and the other places a different way? Your help and assistance is appreciated.

Thanks!

When you get into one of the many cars that take 3 or 4 people up to Salinas Grandes (cheap, you do not need to take a tour from Jujuy or Salta)from Puramarca, just talk to some of the other passengers to see if they seem reliable. Really, that should be no problem.

Generally, I have had no problem traveling as a single woman in the Salta area over the years. Try to stay in hostels , and you will meet lots of people you can do things with for the day. Perhaps you can arrange with others to rent a car for a few days and share the expenses. As for public buses, you will have no problem, just try to arrive in a town during the daytime just to make sure . Really, I do not think you have to be too concerned about this, though it is always safe to have your wits about you anywhere in the world.. Be aware of where you are and exactly where you are going, which applies anywhere.

Salta is not anymore dangerous than anywhere else in Argentina, and certainly safer than BA, though BA is generally safe if you stay out of the more dangerous areas and try not to go anywhere alone at night.

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My wife and I were in Salta and Tucuman in March. She likes to shop and was wandering around alone a lot during the daytime. At nite, we were out to dinner every evening. We had no problems whatsoever. Have fun.

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I was going through the branch to find some answers to a similar question like MandiFaulk, so I was wondering... how did you find Salta? @MandiFaulk ?

Was it easy to find fellow solo-travellers to share a hired car with? Any tours you'd joined which were not soo expensive?

I'd like to hear from your experiences as I wonder about the same things. Thanks

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