Travel Inspiration

Marina Mayer

April 2, 2025

Traveling solo in Latin America: How to find your travel buddies

Traveling solo in Latin America can be an incredibly enriching experience. From the colorful streets of Colombia to the ancient ruins of Mexico to the breathtaking Andes of Peru, the continent offers pure adventure and culture. But honestly, sometimes you wish you had someone to share these moments with. Don't worry - you're not alone. In this guide, we'll show you how to easily meet other travelers and find your perfect travel buddies.

1. hostels - the best place to go for backpackers

Hostels are real meeting places. Not only will you find a bed here, but also people from all over the world - with similar interests and travel routes. Here are some tips on how to make contacts quickly in hostels:

Use common rooms: Kitchen, lounge or roof terrace - this is where the best conversations often take place.
Participate in activities: Many hostels organize tours, cooking evenings or pub crawls - ideal opportunities to get to know each other.
Book a shared room: If you are really looking for travel buddies, book a bed in a shared room / dorm. This will automatically put you in contact with other travelers from your room.

Insider tip: Take a deck of cards with you!

A small card game can work wonders when traveling - especially in hostels. Whether it's Uno, rummy or a classic deck of cards: you lay it on the table, spontaneously invite others to join in - and the ice is broken. Many travelers feel more comfortable when they have "something to do" while getting to know new people. Even if you don't speak the other person's language: card games are known almost everywhere and work without many words.
On rainy days, during power cuts or simply in the evening in the common room, your card game becomes a social bridge. And: the funniest stories and longest friendships are often formed over a round of cards. So pack one - it weighs almost nothing, but often brings a lot!

2. travel forums & social media - digital networking

Online platforms are perfect for finding fellow travelers in advance or spontaneously on the road:

Facebook groups: There are many special Facebook groups for backpackers in Latin America, e.g. Backpacking South America, Solo Travel Latin America - here you can ask questions, share tips or arrange meetings.
Reddit & Forums: You can find current posts and travel partners at r/solotravel or in the Lonely Planet forum.
Instagram & blogs: Travel influencers often post meetups or local tips. Use hashtags like #solotravel or #backpackinglatam.

3. travel apps for encounters

These apps help you to find other travelers in your area:

Couchsurfing: Originally a platform for finding free accommodation, Couchsurfing also has a strong community function. The Hangouts-function enables spontaneous meetings with locals or other travelers.
Travello, Backpackr & Meetup: Network with like-minded people - whether for excursions, workouts or coffee meetings. Apps such as Travello, Meetup or Backpackr are specially designed for backpackers and offer functions to find other travelers in your area.
Tinder/Bumble BFF: You can also search for specific friendships here - with a clear reference in your profile.

4. Language courses & workshops - learn & connect

Latin America is a great place to learn Spanish or Portuguese. Language courses and workshops are not only educational, but also a great opportunity to meet other travelers:

Language schools: Intensive courses are a great place to meet other travelers and learn Spanish or Portuguese together.
Workshops: Cooking and dance classes (e.g. salsa, cumbia, capoeira) bring you into contact with locals and other travelers. Those who are familiar with the feeling of having two left legs can try to let off steam creatively at a craft workshop and meet new people at the same time.

5. Volunteering - making a difference together

Volunteer projects in Latin America not only offer you a deeper perspective on the culture, but also the opportunity to live in a tight-knit community and make close contacts while making a positive contribution together.

6. tours & excursions - more than just sightseeing

Even if you like to travel independently, guided tours can be a great way to meet other travelers:

Day trips: Ideal for spontaneous contacts - often organized by the hostel.
Multi-day tours: Trekking tours such as the Inca Trail, the Ciudad Perdida or Amazon expeditions offer intense experiences that often lead to long-term friendships.
Adventure sports: Activities such as surfing, diving or mountain climbing often attract like-minded adventure seekers. Book courses or tours to meet people with similar interests.

7. Festivals & events - in the middle of the action

Latin America is known for its lively festivals and events. These offer an excellent opportunity to get in touch with locals and other travelers:

Carnival: Carnival in Rio de Janeiro or Barranquilla are huge festivals where you can easily meet new people.
music festivals: From reggae in Costa Rica to electronic music in Argentina, there are many festivals that attract music lovers from all over the world.
Local markets & festivals: Visit local markets or religious festivals to get to know the culture and talk to other travelers.

8. openness & initiative - your mindset counts

Openness and flexibility are the be-all and end-all when traveling solo - especially if you want to meet new people:

Be open to new things: Get involved in unplanned situations - they often lead to the best encounters.
Show interest: Listen, ask questions, be present - that opens doors.
Take the initiative: Talk to others, ask about joint activities or offer something yourself.
Reschedule if it fits: New contacts can enrich your travel plan - stay flexible.

Tip: The best encounters often happen spontaneously - e.g. over breakfast in the hostel or on the bus on the way to the next city.

9. safety first - even when socializing

Even though it's great to meet new people, you should always keep your safety in mind:

Trust your gut feeling.
Meet in public places first.
Share your plans with friends or family.

10. enjoy your solo time too

You are traveling alone - and that is something special. Consciously take time for yourself. Whether it's at sunrise on the beach, in a café in the mountains or writing your travel diary: your time with yourself is just as valuable as a new friendship.

Conclusion: Find travel buddies - and yourself

Traveling solo in Latin America is an invitation to rediscover the world - and yourself at the same time. With a little openness and preparation, you will quickly make connections, meet exciting people and make memories that you will carry with you forever. Enjoy the freedom, have the courage to meet people and don't forget: the best stories often start exactly where you dare to go off on your own.