Which country in Latin America do you recommend to a solo traveler like me?

Question

I do not understand Spanish at all and I do not want to stay in a 5-star resort. Safety is my big concern. I am more interested in landscape and culture than beach. I may stay in the country for one week or two. Several places are on my mind, including Cuba, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Venezuela, Mexico, Columbia and Bolivia. Thus, which country do you recommend to me and why?

Answer 1

In response to the first person, her and her family really need to do research on their own country, Colombia.

First of all, the stats about 3000 kidnappings a day is a flat out lie and over exaggeration if I’ve ever heard one. Last year the kidnaping rate was down to about 900 for the whole year, and only 1 foreigner was kidnapped. You’d have to be pretty unlucky to be that 1.  

Anyhow, colombia has lots to do, and has lots of large cities to do stuff in. Bogota being the largest and most cosmopolitan has museums, nightlife, bar scene, great restaurants, architecture. The Andes runs through the country. Cartagena is a world UNESCO heritage site, and has nice beaches. You can visit the amazon. Visit the Lost City in santa marta. Best of all, it's all pretty cheap.

Don’t really know what else to add except I hope you are open minded and not scared off by lies. Yes the country suffers from a low intensity conflict, but I really doubt taht is anything you have to worry about. The president has ruled hardcore for the last 5 years and has reduced murders, kidnaping and violent crime. Pickpocketing is always problem though.

For more info, see here:

Answer 2

i would recommend you to go to Argentina. it has a very rich cultural life (specially Buenos Aires) and the rest of the country has amazing landscapes, from snowed mountains and glaciers to waterfalls in the middle of the jungle. of course, with such short time you would have to choose.

regarding the safety, i would say its pretty safe, but you have to watch out, like everywhere else in the world.

have a nice time!!

Answer 3

Go with Argentina.  Buenos Aires is the European city of South America, with incredible literary, artistic and cultural traditions.  The food is amazing, plenty of people speak English and it's very safe.  I'm also intrigued by Cuba, but it is difficult for an American to get to.

Answer 4

Argentina. I'm from Buenos Aires and I can tell you my country is very cultural, and there's a lot of people who can speak English as a second language. Argentina is the safer country between the ones you mentioned...

Greetings.

Answer 5

Try Ecuador.

You can visit the Galapagos Islands, same that where declared a world patrimony due it's beauty and exhuberance.

Or you can visit the multiple jungle lodges, where you can enjoy long walks to observe nature at it's best. Don't forget to stop by the historic district in Quito..........you'll have a great time and I am sure plenty of relax and fun.

Look up for guided tours or solo tours at: www.ecuador.gov.ec or simply type: Quito-Ecuador on your Yahoo or Google search.

Answer 6

panama and mexico are your best choices

both are welcoming and used to turists so language should not be a problem.  panama is used to americans because of the whole panama cannal. mexico is right on the border.  for a more authentic hispanic experience i would try panama because its more in the heart of latin america and more tropical so you'll have AMAZING beaches.

colombia...although beautiful

i do not reccomend due to your concern about safety

i am from colombia so its not like i'm being racist or anything.

the country is going through a very long and dangerous war. i think the stats are something like 3000 kidnappings per day. i really wish i could go but my own family wouldn't let me.

Answer 7

Mexicoland in Epcot Center.  The water is safe, you won't get mugged or molested, and you don't have to deal with the natives....they are all already in Texas and Cali.

Answer 8

I would recommend El Salvador. It is beautiful, and I have seen many people come here. It has a wide variety of landscape: mountains, valleys, and there are soccer fields all around the country, even in isolated areas. I should warn you though, it is HOT! Drink extra water in El Salvador. Plus, there is 1 thing you cannot get anywhere in the countries you have listed - Pupusas. These are called "Salvadoreno Pizza" and they are very delicious. It is a tortilla with cheese, beans, and other thing that are melted together. I assure you, with my heart's content, you will want to visit this country again and again and again!

Answer 9

hmmmm...'I do not understand Spanish at all' is not compatible with just going out to check out the countryside in Latin America unless you take an interpreter along.  The main reason is that away from the beaches and resorts, the population is not all that versed in English.  

If you want an interesting experience in a friendly place, I'd recommend going to the Philippines.  English is the official second language, and you'd be hard-pressed not to find somebody who speaks at least a little.  You can get around fairly easily...and although it is not part of Latin America, it is a former Spanish colony, it has a lot of early Spanish influence and culture, both in the buildings and in the food if that's what you're looking for.  Of course, the Philippines has it's own unique cultures, within the country, even just on the main island of Luzon...so check out wikipedia, lonely planet...etc.  After the price of the plane ticket, you can get a great vacation for a very low price.  Food, transportation, hotels and etc. there are all much lower than here...even lower than many places in Latin America.  The people are very friendly and nice there also.  Just stay away from Jolo island in the south...LOL

Answer 10

HEY COME VISIT MY COUNTRY BELIZE, THE ONLY ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRY IN CENTRAL AMERICA. SOUTH OF MEXICO AND EAST OF GUATEMALA. ABOUT SIXTY PERCENT OF OUR RAINFOREST IS PRESERVED AND THERE IS LOTS OF THING FOR YOU TO DO HERE, I LIVE ON AN ISLAND BUT AS YOU SAY YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VISIT OU BEACH , THERE IS A LOT FOR YOU TO DO ON THE MAINLAND.

Answer 11

PANAMA

It is the best for tourist...Nice beaches, Good Nigh Life, Very SAfe, Not expenssive, Delicious FOod, Great people, nice weather, I could go on and on....