Chileans are known for their warm and welcoming attitude.  The country has seen an influx of women travelers, especially those traveling solo or on gender-exclusive trips.  Whether traveling alone or with others, women should feel fairly safe during their trip. However, it’s wise to heed certain precautions and tips.

Chilean men do embody a sense of machismo, though their displays are more subdued, and less vocal, than their Argentine counterparts.  Chilean men tend to ogle, or stare intensely. Although leering rarely poses any real threat, some women find it uncomfortable or creepy.  While walking down the street, women may hear piropos – comments, whistling, kissy noises and catcalls – ranging from innocent to obscene.  Again, this is more annoying than dangerous.  Usually, the best option is ignore them; reactions often elicit more remarks.  However, occasionally women may feel the need to react, especially if the comments appear disrespectful or rude.  

When traveling in Chile, women should walk with confidence and assurance – even if feigned.  Travelers looking lost of confused can appear vulnerable, making them easy targets for crime.  In general, women should dress conservatively to detract attention and reduce flirtatious come-ons.  Wearing a wedding band often helps ward off men, as does carrying pictures of your significant other (real or invented) in your pursue.

Women should exercise caution when using transportation.  If taking a taxi at night, make sure it’s registered or marked.  Hitchhiking is not recommended. Longer trips along the Pan-American route can be taken by bus or train. Women traveling solo often prefer buses, which have reserved seats and locked storage for luggage.

Women with wanderlust should check out www.womentraveltips.com or www.journeywoman.com.  Designed by – and for – globe-trotting gals, these websites are an excellent resource for further travel tips and advice.

Books worth buying include:

• “Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide For Women Traveling Solo” by Beth Whitman
• “A Journey of One’s Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler” by Thalia Zepatos
• “Gutsy Women: More Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road” by Marybeth Bond.