Some people talk a lot of baloney, South America is awesome to travel in, just use common sense. I have lots of info and tips here: http://www.southamericanpostcard.com/
Sarah, it's dangerous everywhere. Where could you tell someone to go and know they'd be truly safe? If you really want to go, then do it. Be careful when you travel. Don't carry a lot of money with you. Arrange to use an ATM machine. Be careful on buses. Don't let people stand too close to your backpack. They can steal things so easily. Naturally you're not going to go to bars and go home with a stranger. If you see any drug activity you're going the other way. Don't wear any expensive jewelry. Be prepared to give up any that you're wearing in case you really have to. With normal precautions, you should be reasonably safe. I wish I could give you a guarantee but I can't. I've been to Mexico, Central America, and South America many times and have had many wonderful trips. You have many wonderful adventures before you. Can't you just dream about standing up at the top of Machu Picchu in Peru looking across the Urabamba River to the Amazon Jungle. Or visiting Buenos Aires where you can enjoy a delicious steak and go to a tango show. Take care and have a great time.
I'm traveling in Ecuador right now, my tip for you is travel light meaning dress appropriately for weather and as simple as possible, when going around carry only what you need in my case I can only bring about $20 for the day and my tablet, I book everything hotel,flights,trips on my tablet, WiFi is every where for free and the GPS comes on handy when walking around town , its safe but be smart about no flashy expensive clothing,
Again bring a tablet or smart phone so you have the internet to search and book everything,
Find out from locals where and how safe it is.
Bring a credit card for booking and any extra money you may need, its really cheap here so $100 for food and drinks for the week and excursions cost is $30 to $100
I book my hotels , hostels everywhere in south america using Booking.com app its great,
Hope that helps and have fun.
Yes, carry a stun gun and self defense training and research safe areas to travel.
Also, Is it dangerous to travel to on my own as a single female
