solo female travel mexico 2022

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Mexico , Solo travel

Solo female travel in mexico (2024) – a complete guide.

Table of Contents

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If you’re unsure about solo travel in Mexico, I’m here to guide you, answer any questions you may have and, hopefully, persuade you! I understand what travelling to Mexico alone as a woman is like: I spent six months backpacking here in 2019, starting by travelling to Mexico City alone , and returned to live here in 2022. Now, it’s 2024 and I’m still here!

MEXICO ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld / Airbnb Copy of Lonely Planet Mexico Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Food tours: Eatwith Getting around: Rentalcars.com / Busbud Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads)

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Is Mexico safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Mexico is safe for solo female travellers. I’ve recently put together guides on solo female travel in South Africa and solo female travel in India . Although I loved travelling in both places, I’ll admit they have their safety concerns. I’m not saying nothing bad ever happens in Mexico but I am saying that it’s overall a fantastic place to travel solo with far fewer concerns for females than either India or South Africa. As long as you are sensible, it is safe to solo travel in Mexico .

For first-time solo female travellers , I’d always suggest starting out somewhere easy like Europe or Southeast Asia. In an ideal world, I’d say save Mexico until you’ve got your confidence up in those places. However, if you’re really keen to, it’s still doable for a first-timer if you have your wits about you and follow advice. If you’ve travelled alone before then you’ll have no issues. I hope these solo female travel tips for Mexico will guide you during your trip.

Read next: everything to know about safety while travelling alone as a woman

Good things about solo travel in Mexico

1. It’s a popular place with foreign travellers so you’ll meet loads of other people doing the same thing as you. 2. There are hostels in abundance so you’ll always have a safety net during solo female travel in Mexico. Hostels are a great way to make new friends which is one of the best things about travelling solo in my opinion! 3. It’s affordable. You don’t have to worry about blowing the budget by booking a hotel room for one.

Challenging things about solo travel in Mexico

1. In the same way as solo travel in Cuba , it’s tricky to get by if you don’t speak Spanish. But it’s not game over: download the Google Translate app and pack a Latin American Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary . 2. People have a tendency to be negative about travel to Mexico (mainly as a result of US media I think). One of the problems with solo female travel is people critiquing your decision to travel somewhere alone. Ignore female travel myths about Mexico and stick to your guns; you got this!

Let’s get this out of the way: I hate people banging on about cartels and drugs. I find TV shows and Netflix series from the US so small-minded when depicting Mexican people. Areas of Mexico with cartels and issues relating to the drugs trade are far removed from tourist areas. They’re typically in the Northern states where you’ll have no reason to visit since they don’t have any tourist attractions. Around Central and Southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, there’s a clear tourist trail with countless safe and charming towns and cities. Basically, don’t stress about issues that won’t affect you in areas you won’t go to!

Read next: is solo female travel worth it?

In terms of minor crimes like pickpocketing , yes there is a bit of this. It usually occurs in busy and crowded areas like markets. When it comes to solo female travel in Mexico City, there are areas you’ll want to avoid, as well as areas where you should go while keeping an eye on your bag. It’s nothing that doesn’t exist around major cities in Asia, Europe and the US. In answer to the question, is Mexico safe? , well no – nowhere in the world is truly 100% safe. There are always threats to women (even without them leaving their homes). However, in terms of your solo trip to Mexico, there are no threats so severe that you can’t have a fantastic and trouble-free trip. I’m proof of that!

Tours in Mexico

Not quite ready for solo travel in Mexico? There are pros and cons to group tours vs solo trave l but they certainly offer extra security. One option is to take a short introductory tour then go solo afterwards. My favourite tour operator is G Adventures , an ethical company partnering with locals. They offer 18-30-something tours which are fast-paced and budget-friendly, as well as classic tours and National Geographic adventures.

How to get around in Mexico

Mexico is an easy country to travel internally. The best ways for solo female travellers in Mexico to get around include: Buses – I’ve always been impressed with the bus network in Mexico. There are a few main networks like ADO which are pretty upmarket. Your ticket usually includes snacks, a drink and access to an entertainment service via the screens on the back of each seat. Bus travel isn’t as cheap as travelling solo in Southeast Asia ; a 4-hour bus usually averages around $40.

To book buses in Mexico, I use Busbud .

Colectivos – these mini vans are an affordable, local option that you can take for short distances. Knowing some Spanish will go a long way when using these. Internal flights – these are really cheap in Mexico, sometimes cheaper than buses. I generally avoid flying internally for environmental reasons but sometimes it’s too tempting. Coming back to Mexico City from Oaxaca, it was a choice between a $40 two-hour flight or a $60 bus that would take 18 hours. There are several budget airlines in Mexico like Viva Aerobus (which I have dubbed the Ryanair of Mexico), Volaris and Aeroméxico. I use Skyscanner to compare and book flights.

BlaBlaCar – some people may have safety reservations about shared car rides but I’ve personally taken BlaBlaCar while travelling as a solo female in Mexico and felt safe. I’ve travelled from Mexico City to Guadalajara, Tepoztlán and Queretaro and each time I made friends with the drivers and saved money compared to the bus.

Taxis – in cities, always take Uber when you can. The regular taxis in Mexico City don’t have the best safety reputation, plus they’re more expensive than Uber. I always take Uber or UberPool as soon as it gets dark in Mexico.

Accommodation for female travellers in Mexico

Mexico has abundant options when it comes to accommodation. You’ll find options for all budgets and styles from backpacker hostels to resorts and 5* hotels. Here’s a quick review of the best types of accommodation for solo travel in Mexico. Hostels: Mexico has plenty of decent hostels; you’ll find several in each city. These are colourful and comfy places to meet other people when travelling solo . Some of my favourite hostels include Casa de Dante in Guanajuato, Hostal Hospedarte in Guadalajara, Hostal Central in Oaxaca, Tower Bridge in Puerto Escondido, Casa Esterito in La Paz, Viajero in Sayulita, Posada del Abuelito in San Cristobal… And many more! Airbnbs: There’s so much choice when it comes to Airbnbs in Mexico and you’ll great value. The hosts I’ve stayed with have been incredibly friendly and taken me around on tours and to their favourite restaurants. Hotels: I’m not much of a hotel person but there are plenty of great options if you prefer the comfort of a hotel over hostels. Browse options on Booking.com . I use this booking platform a lot as they also have private apartments and hostels; it’s a great way to browse all the options in one go. After a few bookings, you qualify for discounts, free breakfasts and room upgrades. Housesitting – for free accommodation, housesitting in Mexico is a great idea! The premise here is that you stay in a local’s home while they’re out of town. In exchange for looking after their home and sometimes pets, you get a cosy home from home! Read my review of TrustedHousesitters for more about this platform.

How to dress for solo travel in Mexico

There’s no strict dress code for solo female travel in Mexico. Like anywhere, the more conservative you dress, the less attention you’ll receive. In Mexico City, locals tend to wear jeans and puffer jackets even in weather I’d describe as warm. It’s just a different perception of the temperature. Nothing bad will happen if you wear shorts and dresses but you’ll look like a tourist. It depends how much you want to blend in. When it comes to beach areas and more touristic places like Tulum, you can really wear whatever you want. It’s warm so I’d suggest whatever you wear at the beach at home.

Packing for female travel in Mexico

The first Mexico packing tip that might surprise you – Mexico isn’t always hot! Or even mild. Sometimes it can be downright cold especially in hilly regions of Central Mexico. I remember falling asleep watching my breath on the air in Guanajuato and cursing my lack of extra layers. The same can be said for Mexico City which drops below 0 in the winter months. Knowing what to pack for Cancun won’t help you in the capital! Make sure to pack jeans and a jacket unless you’re visiting in the summer or sticking to the Yucatan Peninsular. It’s easy to get laundry done in Airbnbs and lavanderia (laundrettes) so don’t pack too much. This is my recommended packing list for a week’s female travel in Mexico:

• 1 x casual dress
• 1 x jacket / sweater
• 3 x shoes: comfortable city shoes, sandals and beach shoes
• 1 x night out outfit
• 2 x swimwear
• 1 x beach shoes
• 7 x underwear.

SIMs and internet in Mexico

Although your accommodation and every cafe in town will have Wi-Fi (and there’s decent free city Wi-Fi you can connect to), I always get a SIM card when travelling so I can guarantee I can get a safe Uber ride home at night etc. Getting a SIM card is easy. Just walk into any OXXO store and ask for a SIM with credit (Telcel and OXXO SIM are reliable options). I pay 150 pesos for a month’s data and calls, but there are packages from 50 pesos. A little bit of Spanish will help you with this transaction or, failing that, use the Google Translate app to show the cashier what you want. Alternatively, get an e-SIM before you arrive with Airalo . This is an e-SIM platform covering 200+ regions and my new favourite app! Browse their Mexico packages so you’re connected as soon as you land.

Best time of year to visit Mexico

While it depends on your destination, the best time to visit Mexico is usually considered November to April. Temperatures are manageable and there’s almost no rain. From April, temperatures pick up before the rainy summer months. Rains can be quite severe and tail off by September. If you don’t mind the rain, you can still visit through this season. Everything is beautifully lush and green. If you’re not a fan of spring breakers and higher prices, avoid touristic areas like Cancun during March and April. You should also check if you’re visiting during a Mexican national holiday. During these, popular towns and cities are so packed you can barely move!

Safety tips for solo female travel in Mexico

Don’t walk at night.

As a general rule, it’s best not to walk alone at night in Mexico. In places like Oaxaca and safe neighbourhoods like Condesa in Mexico City, you’ll likely be fine but it’s best to air on the side of caution. Hop in an Uber once it gets dark.

Get travel insurance

An essential for solo travel in Mexico (and anywhere for that matter) is travel insurance. I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) which covers both gadgets and pre-existing conditions. They’ll still insure you if you’re already travelling which is quite rare. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

Check neighbourhoods before visiting

Have a general idea of your surroundings. For example, there are some neighbourhoods to avoid in Mexico City like Doctores. While it’s unlikely you’ll wander into them as they’re generally far from tourist areas, it’s best to be safe. The same goes for other areas of Mexico. You’re never going to accidentally stumble 500 miles into a cartel area but it can’t hurt to Google a new city’s safety ranking before visiting.

Don’t drink tap water

You’re likely to get very sick if you drink tap water in Mexico. Instead, buy bottles and check they’re sealed or, better for environmental reasons, bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up with filtered water (your accommodation will have this) or a filtering water bottle which sterilizes water for safe consumption.

Food and sanitation

I can’t lie – I mainly included this section to talk about all my favourite Mexican foods ! It’s such a fantastic cuisine and totally different to the Westernised version of Mexican food I’d tried in the UK. It’s not all about tacos either; there are so many other delicious dishes to try like tostadas, tortas, flautas, gorditas, tamales, churros and more.

If you’re on a short solo trip, it can be hard to squeeze in all the different dishes. I’d suggest signing up for a food tour so you get to try a bit of everything! Take a food tour in Colonia Roma or an adventurous San Juan and Merced markets food tour. My Mexico City food blogs:

• Where to eat in Roma & Condesa
• Where to eat in Coyoacan
• Eat Like a Local tour review
• Aura Cocina cooking class review

In terms of food safety, I would always suggest eating where’s busy as food is less likely to have been sitting around. Sanitise your hands before eating and avoid ice in your drinks.

Solo Mexico City tips

The question on many would-be travellers’ lips is, ‘ Is Mexico City safe for solo female travellers ?’ Yes, I absolutely recommend Mexico City for solo female travel! It’s a fun, vibrant and cultural city. Like capitals often do, it feels different to the rest of the country, hence why I put together these Mexico City travel tips . Since many solo travellers to Mexico start their trip in the capital, it’s a great way to meet other people to potentially travel around with. Pick a good hostel, like Casa Pepe in the historic centre, to get your solo travels in Mexico off to a good start. Mexico City has great nightlife so it’s a fun place to be with a group.

Related read: How to spend 5 days in Mexico City

Best neighbourhoods for solo travel in Mexico City: Stay in Roma Norte or Condesa and wander the tree-lined walkways and pretty parks. The food in Condesa and Roma Norte is worth a trip alone! Another safe and tourist-friendly neighbourhood is Coyoacan in the south of the city, known for its pretty cobbled streets and famous ex-resident, Frida Kahlo. If you have the budget, Polanco is a swanky area of Mexico City with some cool galleries and museums.

Getting around Mexico City: During the daytime, you can get around using the Metro (underground) and the Metro bus (overground) for just 5 pesos a journey. You just need to buy and top up a Metro card in any station. To travel around within neighbourhoods, use EcoBici for bicycle hire with generous discounts for weekly or longer passes. Download the app, scan a bike and jump on! At night, use Uber to get around safely.

Confidence tips for traveling to Mexico City alone as a woman

If you’re nervous, stick to areas like Roma, Condesa, Centro and Coyoacan to start with. Avoid Doctors and Tepito completely. Wear a handy bum bag with secure zip in busy areas like Centro and keep a close eye on your belongings in markets.

For an extra confidence boost to get you started, take tours with GetYourGuide or Viator .

Useful items for solo female travel in Mexico

• The latest copy of Lonely Planet Mexico / Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan
• A Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
• A handy bum bag with secure zip
• Microfibre quick-drying towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Travel luggage: Osprey Farpoint backpack ( men’s ) ( women’s )
• Solo photography pick: Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod
• A GoPro if you’re making videos – I use the HERO8 Black
• A power bank to keep your devices alive
• Sustainability: A stainless steel reusable water bottle with straw lid to reduce the use of plastic bottles
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water
• Metal straw kit with straw cleaner and cloth bag .

Best places in Mexico for solo female travel

The sheer volume of awesome destinations has to be my favourite thing about travelling in Mexico. As my friends in Mexico City and I always say, you could live in Mexico for years and not make it everywhere. My favourite places to travel alone in Mexico include:

Mexico City

As mentioned above, Mexico City is a good place for solo travel. An optimal amount of time to spend is 5 days in Mexico City . Things to do in Mexico City for solo travellers include exploring charming suburbs, hipster neighbourhoods, lively markets, historical buildings, art galleries, museums, nightlife, green spaces and world-class cuisine. Don’t miss Xochimilco , a neighbourhood known as the Venice of Mexico.

Read next: how to plan an epic solo trip to Mexico City

Puebla city

Just two hours drive from Mexico City is Puebla city. This small city is beyond charming and a great base for exploring Puebla state. My favourite thing about Puebla is definitely Calle de Dulces, in English – Sweet Street! You can browse the dulcerias (sweet shops) and buy delicious confectionaries for a few pesos. Puebla is a pretty city with open squares, an Artists Quarter and numerous crafts markets and museums. Don’t miss the nearby city of Cholula which is famous for its ancient pyramid.

Tepoztlán, Morelos

An hour’s drive (in good traffic) from Mexico City is this charming town in the state of Morelos. Due to its positive safety rating, it’s one of the best places in Mexico to travel alone. As well as some pretty street art, there’s loads of amazing food in Tepoztlán including pre-hispanic pink hibiscus and squash burgers in the main market. The town has historical significance as the renowned birthplace of Mexican god, Quetzalcoatl, and there’s an ancient pyramid with lofty panoramic views that you can hike through the woods to reach. Tepoztlán (not to be confused with Tepotzotlán) makes for a great weekend away or mini trip from Mexico City. The hostel scene isn’t amazing but EKKO Hostel does the job.

Taxco, Guerrero

Another of my favourite destinations near Mexico City is Taxco, a charming ex-silver mining city 2.5 hours from the capital. Although I visited with friends, I have no doubt it’s a lovely place to visit while travelling solo in Mexico so long as you enjoy your own company. There are plenty of affordable guesthouses and apartments but no backpacker hostels. Things to do in Taxco include shopping for silver, eating unique local cuisine and taking the cable car to Hotel Montetaxco (pictured).

Guadalajara, Jalisco

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico, four hours north of Mexico City. In many ways, it’s quite similar to the capital: there’s a busy historic city and some stylish, upmarket areas on the outskirts. You can take several day trips to Tequila, the town where the infamous spirit is produced, and Lake Chapala and Ajijic. You can spend around four days in Guadalajara experiencing the vibrant nightlife and excellent cuisine. I’d recommend staying in Hostal Hospedarte in Chapultepec which is a fun and modern neighbourhood.

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

San Miguel is a charming, colourful city popular on the tourist trail. It’s a well-known American and Canadian retirement hub so it feels very Westernised and for that reason, isn’t my favourite destination in Mexico. However, it’s a pleasant place to spend a couple of days. You can browse craft markets, soak up views from the Mirador, eat chocolate-stuffed churros at  Chocolates y Churros San Agustín and take a half-day trip to the natural hot springs at La Gruta Spa .

Related read: San Miguel de Allende travel guide

Guanajuato city

Guanajuato is a safe and friendly place for solo female travel in Mexico. This small historical city in Central Mexico (the capital of Guanajuato state), not far from San Miguel de Allende, is built predominantly of rainbow-coloured houses set inside a sweeping valley. As well as fantastic local food and the quirky Mummy Museum , it’s a lovely place to soak up panoramic views and take solo travel photos from El Mirador viewpoint.

San Cristobal, Chiapas

A new destination I visited in 2023 was the beautiful city of San Cristobal. Although the surrounding state of Chiapas has some safety issues (which can be avoided when travelling to the other popular destination of Palenque), pretty San Cristobal is super safe for solo travellers in Mexico. Things to do in San Cristobal include wandering the central square, hiking up to either of the churches at opposite sides of the city both offering fantastic views, buying souvenirs at Mercado de Artesanias de Santo Domingo and visiting museums dedicated to Jade, Amber and Chocolate. Take day trips to Sumidero Canyon and autonomous villages, Chamula and Zinacantán, where prehispanic traditions and languages prevail. Posada del Abuelito is a great hostel with free breakfast and activities like movie nights and tamale-making classes.

Oaxaca 

After Mexico City, my favourite city in Mexico has to be Oaxaca. Due to its safety record and popularity with other travellers, it’s the perfect place for solo travel in Mexico. Oaxaca refers to both the state and its capital city. In this instance, I’m talking about the city which is famous for its culinary scene (don’t miss the mole or tlayudas!), mezcal distilleries and nearby Hierve el Agua , a petrified waterfall surrounded by forest and natural swimming holes.

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Another destination in Oaxaca state for solo female travellers is Puerto Escondido. This coastal region has beautiful beaches and abundant nature experiences. Take excursions such as dolphin-spotting boat rides and wildlife cruises along Manialtepec Lagoon where you can witness the magical bioluminescence once the sun’s gone down. As a well-known backpacker destination, there are plenty of hostels in Puerto Escondido and rapidly developing tourist infrastructure due to the boom the town has experienced in recent years. In 2019 when I first visited, it was still a hidden gem and now not so much. The fish tacos and seafood tostadas in Puerto are next level! Beware if you take a day bus from Oaxaca City to Puerto, it takes a mountain pass which is one of the windiest roads I’ve ever experienced! Take sickness tablets or opt for an ADO bus along the new highway.

Other places on the Oaxaca coast 

Mazunte : I loved this chilled, hippie town with wonderful beaches and the chance to capture magical sunsets from Punta Cometa (accessed by a 20-minute hike) or the more boujee option of El Copal hotel and bar. If relaxing and visiting all the amazing cafes isn’t enough, take a wildlife boat trip or an eco-tour to Laguna Ventanilla.

Zipolite : visiting the country’s only legal nude beach is something to tick off your Mexico bucket list ! This chilled beach town with a lively LGBT scene is a unique destination just a 10-minute drive from Mazunte. 

Huatulco : this region boasts beaches, waterfalls, the inland coffee region of Pluma Hidalgo, and Parque Nacional Huatulco which is best explored by boat. There’s not a big backpacker scene but there’s one hostel, Azul y Blanco in La Cruceita (a 15 min walk from Santa Cruz Huatulco beach town) and plenty of tours and activities in Huatulco to potentially meet others. 

Note – the Oaxacan coast is notorious for big waves so there aren’t THAT many beaches where you can swim.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Another well-known beach town in Central Mexico is Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state. Popular on the travel trail after visiting Guadalajara, it’s a great place to relax, party or splash some cash during a luxurious beach break. As well as beautiful beaches, the Old Town is easy to explore on foot and there’s fantastic local cuisine, dive opportunities and an LGBT+-friendly scene. PV is a popular American and Candian holiday hotpsot so prices are high; backpackers will prefer nearby Sayulita and San Pancho along the Nayarit Riveria (in Nayarit state rather than Jalisco) for boho, backpacker vibes and great surf.

Tulum, Quintana Roo

Although it’s one of Mexico’s most expensive and touristic areas, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Tulum like visiting beautiful beaches, crystal-clear cenotes, dive sites and archaeological ruins. This city on the Yucatan coast has become a hippie hub home to Instagram hotspots and matcha cafes. Since English is widely spoken and there’s well-developed tourist infrastructure, it’s an easy place for beginner solo female travel in Mexico.

Merida, Yucatan

The largest city on the Yucatan Peninsular is Merida , known for its colonial architecture and Mayan heritage. With its sunny squares and beautiful buildings, it’s a safe and friendly place in Mexico for solo travellers.

Foodies will enjoy the unique Yucatan cuisine like cochinita pibil, a slow-cooked pork dish marinated in banana leaves.

Another idyllic, traditional Mexican town not far away is Valladolid where I enjoyed spending a few days. Both destinations offer day excursions to cenotes, lesser-visited Mayan ruins like Uxmal and other nice towns like Izamal.

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

This picturesque island off the Yucatan Peninsula is a must-visit for solo female travellers in Mexico – and everyone else for that matter! On Isla Holbox , you can visit isolated beaches, swim with whale sharks, take island boat trips, see luminous plankton and even cycle around the whole island by bike. There’s a boho vibe with colourful street art and endless places to sip margaritas and eat seafood.

Mexico solo travel itinerary

It really depends on how much time you have but here are a couple of suggested 2 week Mexico solo travel itineraries: 2 weeks in Southern Mexico: Days 1-5: Mexico City Days 6-7: Puebla. Don’t miss Calle de Dulces ! Days 8-12: Oaxaca Days 12-14: Puerto Escondido. Finish with some beach chills! 2 weeks in Central Mexico: Days 1-5: Mexico City Days 6-7: San Miguel de Allende. Eat at San Augustin Chocolates & Churros ! Days 8-10: Guanajuato Days 11-14: Guadalajara 2 weeks in the Yucatan Day 1: Arrive in Cancun and head to Holbox Days 2-4: Holbox Days 5-6: Vallodolid Day 7: Chichén Itzá and Izamal Days 8-10: Merida Days 11-14: Bacalar. Note – my preference is avoiding very touristic places like Cancun and Tulum but that’s up to you.

What to budget for solo travel in Mexico

Mexico is great for affordability although it’s certainly increased in price in the last few years. But if you eat street food and stay in hostels, it’s manageable on a budget. However, if you stay in stylish areas of Mexico City like Roma or Condesa, or basically anywhere in Tulum or Cancun for that matter, it’s not that cheap at all.

Budget for accommodation: If you stay in hostels, you can spend $12-20 a night on accommodation. To stay in basic hostels or private rooms in shared Airbnbs, I would budget $15-30 per night instead. Private Airbnbs and rooms in nicer hotels usually start around $40 a night. Budget for food: If you love Mexican street food as much as me, you can spend your entire trip eating street food for $2 a meal. If you eat in modest local restaurants (as opposed to ones popular with foreigners), expect to spend 70-100 pesos per main dish. Keep an eye out for restaurants with comida corrida (‘food on the run’) meals which often include two courses and a drink for around 100 pesos ($5). If you consume world cuisine, brunch, cocktails and speciality coffees, well…. get ready to spend almost the same you would at home!

Budget for activities:  You can take very affordable tours in Mexico. Browse tours on GetYourGuide from $30 a day

Budget tips for solo travel in Mexico

Stay in Airbnbs or hostels with kitchens to save money or eat healthily. Rather than hiring a whole apartment, I often like to find rooms in local homes. You usually get to meet the locals this way, too! If you shop at local markets over supermarkets, you’ll find cheaper groceries. Pick up fresh tortillas and serve them with cooked veggies, meat, mole sauce or salsa… Whatever you have lying around!

Events in Mexico

If you can time your solo female travels in Mexico around these events, do! They’ll give you memories for life.

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to experience Day of the Dead. This unique cultural holiday held from 31 October – 2 November sees Mexican families spend the night in graveyards and build altars in their homes to commemorate their deceased family members. Rather than being sad or morbid, it’s a lively cultural celebration showing respect to their ancestors. Taking a Day of the Dead tour with Coyote Aventuras in Oaxaca was a fun experience while solo travelling in Mexico. If you choose to celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca , make sure to book accommodation a couple of months in advance because it’s so popular. Another iconic place to celebrate Dia de Muertos is Janitzio Island on Lake Pátzcuaro in Michoacan state.

Mexico City Alebrijes Parade

A few days before Day of the Dead in Mexico City, a parade of model alebrijes (fantasy animals rooted in Mexican folk art) make their way from the Zócalo to the Angel of Independence in Reforma where they remain for a few weeks. This colourful and lively celebration is worth timing your trip around.

How to meet people & make friends

• Stay in hostels – this is the numero uno option to meet other backpackers.
• Airbnb rooms in shared houses – whether these are other guests or the owners, this is a good way to meet other people getting to know the city (or better yet, those who already know it well).
• Food tours and walking tours – you can bet other people will be new to the area, too. If it’s a food tour, you can guarantee a shared interest!
• Join a foodie experience with EatWith – from market visits to supper clubs, these are usually led by friendly locals.
• Join expat groups on Facebook – if you’re staying somewhere more than a few days, tap into the expat community. Post and introduce yourself or see if any events are being held.
• Language exhange groups – use Facebook or Meetup to find these. As an extra bonus, you get to brush up on your Spanish.
• Dating apps – apps like Bumble have a BFF friend feature.
• Volunteer – use Workaway or Worldpackers to find opportunities By staying put longer, you’ll make deeper connections. If you want to sign up, I can offer you discount codes for both Workaway and Worldpackers.
• For more tips, use my guides to meeting people while travelling solo and meeting people in a new city (based on my experiences in Mexico City). If you decide to travel with people you meet, see my guide to picking an A* travel buddy .

Thanks for reading my solo travel Mexico guide!

Guides to solo female travel in Asia :

• Solo travel in Bali
• Vietnam solo travel guide
• What to know about solo Malaysia travel
• Thailand solo female travel guide
• How to stay safe as a solo traveller in India
• Solo female travel in Taiwan
• Korea solo travel

Guides to solo travel in Europe :

• Where to travel alone in Europe for women
• Solo female travel in Lisbon
• Solo travel in Portugal for women
• Complete guide to solo travel in Croatia
• Is Italy safe for solo female travellers?
• Is it safe to travel to Romania alone?
• Solo female travel in Albania

Guides to solo travel in the Americas:

• A solo female travellers guide to NY
• Solo travel in Guatemala
• Solo female travel in Belize
• Cuba solo travel guide

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VISITING MEXICO? These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – the quickest (and often cheapest) way to travel between Mexican cities is by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Getting around by bus (environmental option) – buses in Mexico are comfy with free snacks and an in-journey entertainment system. I use Busbud to find the best prices. To stay connected, download an e-SIM with Airalo and connect immediately. Browse their packages for Mexico . Driving in Mexico – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in Mexico (and all around the world) For hotels in Mexico, I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse Mexico tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I always check Viator too in case they have a better price. For Mexico food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

10 thoughts on “ Solo Female Travel In Mexico (2024) – A Complete Guide ”

Oh Rose, you’ve totally helped me make up my mind! Thank you so Much!

Yay! So glad to hear that!

Thank you so much for the detailed information! Super duper helpful! Which year did you travel in Mexico solo? Love your blog.

Hi Xia! It was 2019-2020 and I will be back later this year!

Thank you! Me too. Planning to go to Tulum and Oaxaca Oct/Nov. Would be nice to follow on your adventures.

thank you so much, I’ve solo travelled in many parts of Asia and Europe but have been a little nervous about Mexico.

I spent four months in South America but with my ex.

This has been so helpful, in looking at Mexico City, Oaxaca , Merida and Tulum ( hopefully as a help exchange to relax a while )

I’ll start practicing Spanish now 🤗 gracias

Hi Ella thanks for reading and commenting. You will love Mexico. I also need to practise A LOT lol

Brilliant thank you! Now looking at your two week southern Mexico itinerary suggestion for our family holiday this year!! Questions- would it be good for teenage kids too? Is it best to hire a car or use buses to get between towns? Would you recommend booking all accommodation in advance or just winging it as we go? Finally, the weather in July – good or horrible?? Don’t mind some rain… Thank you!

Hey Sam! It’s easy to get buses around. I think you can wing it with accommodation! And I have no experience about travelling with teenagers – sorry! Have a fab trip

Thank you for this information! It’s definitely helpful for planning my upcoming trip!

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Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Your Complete 2024 Guide by a Female Expat

Solo female travel in Mexico can make for a wonderful travel experience. This often misunderstood Latin American country is one of the largest and most culturally diverse places on this earth, and each of Mexico’s 32 states are like individual countries in themselves, each with their own distinct personality, culture, cuisine, and charm. 

Unfortunately, a lot of people never fully realise all of the magic and potential that Mexico has to offer to solo female travellers because it is somewhere that is often stereotyped as being “dangerous” and is frequently in the media for all of the wrong reasons. A lot of people are afraid of travelling to Mexico in general , and many that do, don’t really venture far outside of their resorts.

So, the suggestion of travelling to Mexico as a lone woman sounds even more extreme. 

As a solo female traveller and Travel Writer that has ventured to over 57 countries solo, including Mexico, I don’t agree with the negative hype that surrounds Mexico. I moved to Mexico from Greece in January 2022 and haven’t looked back. 

I have loved exploring my new home and in the past couple of years, I have travelled to 13 out of 32 Mexican states, mostly solo, and often focus my travels on lesser-known, ungentrified, and off-the-beaten-path areas that most tourists don’t bother to venture to. In Autumn 2023, I even bought a house in Merida. 

If I can have rewarding experiences in Mexico and feel comfortable solo here, so can you. In this guide, we are going to cover everything you need to know before travelling to Mexico as a solo female traveller for the first time. 

Table of Contents

Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Your Complete 2024 Guide 

As an experienced solo female traveller, I am a strong believer in never letting my gender or my physical appearance deter me from travelling anywhere I am interested in travelling to and that includes Mexico. You shouldn’t either. 

Still, at the same time, I am not saying that you should just pack a bag and throw caution to the wind, running off to Mexico with no plan or research either. Mexico is definitely a place that requires a little more situational awareness and assertiveness than when travelling to destinations like Spain or Italy. 

But provided that you have your wits about you and you are aware of the challenges and the risks, your solo trip to Mexico can be an enjoyable one that is memorable for all of the right reasons. 

I would like to preface this by saying that Mexico as a solo female travel destination is perhaps best reserved for solo female travellers who have at least some experience of travelling alone previously. Travelling alone, in general, presents you with its own unique set of challenges and if you are not comfortable with your own company or with figuring out the logistics of a trip, it can be even more stressful in a country where English is not widely spoken, or where you need to take extra precautions for your safety.

Best Destinations for Solo Female Travel in Mexico 

Some of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico are not necessarily the places that I would recommend for first-time solo female travel in Mexico. Coastal hotspots like Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos are among the most popular travel destinations in the country but they are just the tip of the Mexico iceberg. 

I would implore you to consider venturing away from the gentrified resort zones and into the more cultural parts of the country. (Even if you are looking for pristine beaches and coastlines, there are tons of gorgeous places that you will enjoy without being surrounded by hundreds of gringos ). 

Mexicans are some of the most welcoming, hospitable people on the planet and I feel that that friendliness increases tenfold in places like Chiapas, Guanajuato, Queretaro, and the rural Yucatan state, which have not yet been changed or in any way spoiled by overtourism. 

I have been living in the Yucatan capital of Merida for the last two years. Since Merida is widely renowned for being the safest city in Mexico , it is a place that I would highly recommend for your first visit here. 

The other top destinations in Mexico I would recommend for first-time solo female travellers in the area are Guanajuato City, Mexico City, Chiapas, Puerto Vallarta, and Campeche City. 

In this section, I will expand a little more on what you can expect in each place so that you can consider whether or not it is a destination that you want to add to your Mexico travel itinerary. 

Merida and the Yucatan state

Merida is a very safe city and a perfect choice for a first-time solo female trip to Mexico, as well as a great base for a wider Yucatan itinerary. Many of Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruins are scattered around the Yucatan peninsula – including Chichen Itza, one of the seventh wonders of the world, the Uxmal ruins , Mayapan and Coba. 

Culturally, the Yucatan is very different from other parts of Mexico. Violent things that you hear happening in other regions of the country simply don’t happen here and there is an established tourist trail around the region. 

As a female expat in the city, I often feel more comfortable in Merida than I did in my home town in the UK, and don’t really hesitate to run to the convenience store in the evening, go jog around Parque Lineal with my friend at night or visit the local squares and parks to see what street food tianguis they have. 

Despite the popularity of the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Tulum, etc, for the time being, Merida retains its authentic Mexican charm and offers a more cultured travel experience. The colonial old town is filled with a labyrinth-like network of winding cobbled streets lined with grand neo-classical mansions and colourful colonial houses that have been converted into quirky cafes and artisanal stores. 

There are enough day trips that you can take from Merida to keep you occupied for weeks, and many charming Yucatan pueblo magicos and pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico can be reached in less than an hour. I have driven all over the Yucatan state and I would say that this feeling of safety for me extends to the most random villages and even on more remote beaches like Uaymitun and Playa de las Dunas. 

Guanajuato City 

If you are interested in culture, gastronomy and the arts, then you will love Guanajuato City. Guanajuato was the 12th state I visited in Mexico and by the time I made it there, I thought I already knew the country pretty well but the state capital of Ciudad de Guanajuato quickly became one of my favourite destinations. 

The city was founded in 1554 and quickly became one of the most important silver mining towns in Latin America. The Spanish influence here is more evident than ever and sometimes the architecture, the narrow cobbled streets, the restaurants serving tapas , and even the cooler arid climate feel more reminiscent of being in Europe than somewhere in Mexico. 

Guanajuato City is arguably best known for its “La Cervantina” cultural festival that takes place every October, and its somewhat gruesome “Mummies of Guanajuato” Museum which contains a collection of more than 200 well-preserved mummies of people who died during a cholera outbreak several centuries ago and, thanks to the unique climate conditions of Guanajuato, have not decomposed. 

It’s not for the faint of heart but it is something of a “must-see” in Central Mexico. There are also plenty of less grotesque museums scattered around the city – including the Casa Diego Rivera Museum where the famous Mexican artist and husband of Frida Kahlo once lived, a contemporary art museum, and the Alhóndiga de Granaditas Regional Museum and Museo del Pueblo de Guanajuato which both tell the local history as well as the story of the Mexican Revolution. 

Since Guanajuato is very much a student city, you will see that the streets and plazas of the historic centre are teeming with life virtually every night of the week. There are some travel warnings in place for Guanajuato state, but I felt very comfortable here. 

Puerto Vallarta 

The Jalisco beach town of Puerto Vallarta in west-central Mexico is one of the most popular travel destinations in the country for anyone seeking sun, sea and sand. In recent years, it has become something of a hub for American and Canadian expats as it offers Southern Californian living at a fraction of the cost of living elsewhere in North America. 

I spent a couple of weeks in Puerto Vallarta solo in 2022, and then spent two months here in 2023 because I almost considered moving there. Because I struggle with the humidity, it isn’t my favourite place in Mexico but I do think that it is one of the best from a social perspective. 

I found it very easy to meet people and make friends in Puerto Vallarta as a solo female traveller. There is a great coffee shop and bar called Cafe + Leche (Océano Pacífico 455-B) that locals will jokingly refer to as “the gringo cafe” because there are always events for foreigners here. 

During the day, a lot of Digital Nomads (including me) tap away on their laptops here, and in the evenings, they organise lots of different social events. Mondays are live Jazz nights, Wednesdays are for chess competitions, etc. 

You will also find a lot of Facebook groups here catered towards ex-pats and solo female travellers. (Check out Puerto Vallarta Digital Nomads, Puerto Vallarta Friendly Young-ish Expats & Locals, and Girls in Puerto Vallarta). 

The historic old town of Puerto Vallarta feels more cultured and “Mexican” than that in Cancun ( If you want to compare Puerto Vallarta vs Cancun ) while the beachfront Malecon is lined with tons of fun restaurants and bars. PV makes a great jump-off point for wider Jalisco and Nayarit – including Jalisco beaches , Nayarit, and San Sebastian del Oeste.

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato 

San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful city situated in the far eastern part of Guanajuato state. It was founded in the 16th century and has been voted the “best city in the world” by Travel and Leisure magazine readers not only once but three times. 

Jardin Allende marks the centre of town, and it is flanked by the spectacular 17th-century gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel church. San Miguel de Allende tends to attract a well-heeled crowd of tourists and expats and although many of the restaurants and stores here are a little more upscale than in other parts of Mexico, you can still travel here on something of a budget and find budget double hotel rooms starting from just $30 a night. 

The streets that veer off from Jardin Allende are filled with cute boutique stores selling clothing and accessories made by independent Mexican designers, local art galleries, brunch spots, and restaurants serving cuisine from across the world. 

If you like travelling off the beaten path, San Miguel de Allende can feel a bit touristy, because you usually hear more Americans than Mexicans and a lot of people will speak to you in English by default. Besides hanging out in the different bars and cafes, there isnt an awful lot to do here, but if you are nervous about coming to Mexico, it can be a good introductory destination because everyone speaks English, and it is easy to meet people.

Mexico City 

Mexico City has soared in popularity in a big way in recent years and for good reason. CDMX is the largest city in North America, as well as the oldest across the Americas, and it is made up of dozens of different little districts. 

Each of these barrios is like a little village in itself, and each has its distinct personality and charm. Neighbourhoods like Roma Norte, Roma Sur and Condesa are some of the most popular among expats and Digital Nomads and are filled with great bars, craft breweries, coffee places and coworking spots. 

Some of the best street art in town can be found in this area too, and it is these districts that I would recommend for a first-time visitor. Upscale Polanco and the streets that encircle Chapultapec Park also make a great luxury choice. 

There is so much to see and do in Mexico City that a five-day Mexico City itinerary barely gives you enough time to scratch beneath the surface of everything the capital has to offer. Be sure to dedicate half a day to exploring Chapultepec Park and all the wonderful attractions within it. (There is even a European-style castle!) 

The National Museum of Anthropology is a must-visit, even if you don’t consider yourself a “museum person” as it contains thousands of artefacts excavated from across Mexico that were produced by the Mayans, the Aztecs, and numerous other advanced ancient civilisations. It also contains an interesting indigenous exhibition that talks about the traditional clothing, customs, and traditions of the various indigenous groups in Mexico today.   

Solo female travel in Mexico City

A lot of people are concerned about whether Mexico City is safe or not . Like any other big city, CDMX has safe areas and areas that are not so safe. 

You want to avoid the Tepito market district and be careful in the centre close to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Iztapalapa is not safe and at one point, it was considered one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Latin America, but it is not close to anything of tourist interest nor in the centre of town so you are not going to wander into it accidentally. 

Unfortunately, one reality of exploring Mexico City, like other Latin American capitals, is that you can be wandering down one street feeling perfectly comfortable, and if you head a few blocks further, you wind up in a somewhat sketchy area. You need to constantly be mindful of where you walk here, and not randomly wander around using Google Maps. 

I felt safe here but I took precautions. It is a good idea to take an Uber home at night rather than walk, even if you are only headed a few blocks. 

Santiago de Queretaro

Santiago de Queretaro (often just referred to as “Queretaro City”), the capital of Queretaro state, is one of the most underrated cities in Mexico, but it is just as much of a rewarding place to explore as Guadalajara or Mexico City . In a way, it is quite nice that is quite untapped and overshadowed in favour of San Miguel de Allende because discovering it feels like uncovering something amazing. 

Santiago de Queretaro is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Its historic centre is characterised by its colourful, pastel-coloured houses and cobbled streets that twist and turn and open out into grand plazas filled with street vendors that border impressive Catholic churches. 

Jardin Zenea is one of the main squares here and in the evenings and weekends, you will often find live musicians playing brass band music to delighted crowds and well-dressed older residents coming here to dance. After around 7 pm, a bustling street food market pops up in the corner of the square and the vendors sell everything from tacos and tortas to cantarito tequila cocktails, candies, crepes, and traditional Mexican desserts like gelatina and jericallas.

Queretaro is credited as being the birthplace of a little doll called “Lele” that has become something of a symbol of Mexican culture and in Jardin Zenea, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de los Fundadores, etc, you will see lots of indigenous women sewing and selling the dolls. 

Along Calle Venustiano Carranza and Calle 5 de Mayo, you will find lots of fun bars, restaurants, coffee shops and eclectic stores set inside old colonial buildings. Since Queretaro is a university city, it has a very youthful vibe and you can feel very safe and comfortable walking around the main squares of the centre even in the evenings.

The Costa Maya 

The Costa Maya is a very safe part of the Yucatan peninsula and it sits in the southern part of the state of Quintana Roo. In this region, you will find the beautiful pueblo magico of Lake Bacalar, known as the “seven-colour lagoon” because of how its waters shimmer in different shades of green, blue and turquoise.

Lake Bacalar is the largest lake in the Yucatan tri-state area and one of the largest in Mexico as a whole. It is fun to stay at one of the hotels or hostels that sit along the banks of the lake and enjoy lazy days swinging in the hammocks overlooking the colourful water and revelling in the view, kayaking, swimming, or taking a boat out onto the lake. 

Nearby, you also have the gorgeous Caribbean beach town of Mahahual whose white-sand coastline runs parallel to translucent azure waters, and several interesting Mayan ruins, including the ancient city of Chacchoben. 

If meeting people and socialising is important to you during your trip, you will pleased to know that there are several budget hostels in Bacalar. (Although accommodation options are more limited in Mahahual ). 

The Costa Maya is not yet as popular as the Riviera Maya, but the tourism infrastructure here is still pretty good. There are bus connections that run between Cancun and Mahahual and Bacalar, plenty of trustworthy tour companies operate in the region and there are plenty of travellers and backpackers that pass through the area. 

Campeche City 

Campeche City is the capital of the southeastern Mexican state of Campeche – the least visited of the three states in the Yucatan tri-state area. It is easy to get from Merida to Campeche by bus and by road and the journey between the two cities takes just over an hour. 

During the 17th century, Campeche was a thriving trade port and it eventually became the capital of the newly established state of Campeche in 1863. Its desirable trade industry and strategic location made Campeche a prime target for pirate attacks and many of the defensive fortresses and bastions that were built to protect Campeche and its residents from its invaders still exist today. 

The historic centre is UNESCO protected and its colourful streets are a photographer’s dream. Because Campeche City hasn’t yet captured the attention of a lot of international travellers, you see fewer tourists here and accommodation prices are much more reasonable, making the city great for budget travellers. 

Campeche feels just as safe as Merida, despite being a less popular tourist destination. Both Campeche state and the Yucatan state are considered the safest states in Mexico and I have been here on four separate occasions and felt very comfortable. 

There are some interesting ruins elsewhere in the state. Namely, the Mayan cities of Edzna , Calakmul and Xpujil, but unfortunately public transport in the area leaves a lot to be desired. 

Getting to Calakmul means travelling first to Xpujil and staying overnight before organising local transport to the remote ruins in Calakmul. This area is very remote so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend driving alone. 

You may be able to meet other travellers who want to share the adventure with you in Merida.

Guadalajara

The Jalisco capital of Guadalajara is a wonderful alternative weekend break destination in Mexico and a great jumping-off point for the wider region of Northern Jalisco. From here, you can take day trips out to Tlaquepaque , Lake Chapala and Ajijic. 

Guadalajara is not the safest Mexican city but with precautions, you can have a wonderful experience travelling here. (This is one area of Mexico I would recommend only for more experienced solo female travellers that can speak a little Spanish).  

The area around the historic centre, the Guadalajara Cathedral, and the Plaza de la Liberación are safe during the day, and the districts of Chapalita and Colonia Americana are filled with charming parks, cafes and boutique hotels. 

There are lots of beautiful historic churches to check out in Guadalajara. (The Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo by Italian architect Adamo Boari is particularly unique).

Stop for brunch in Colonia Americana and be sure to sample a torta ahogada. This is a local delicacy known as a “drowned sandwich” whereby pork cutlets are served in a crusty bread roll and drenched in a spicy tomato sauce. 

The Mercado San Juan de Dios is the largest covered market in Latin America and more than 3,000 vendors set up their stalls here every day, whereas the central Mercado Corona is a great place to find low-priced snacks, street food eats and tortas (sandwiches). 

You will hear a lot of scary things about Guadalajara in terms of the cartel presence and people going missing. The reality is that most people that “disappear” are linked with the cartel so rest assured you are not going to get plucked out of your hotel bed at night. 

Stick to safe areas and be aware of your surroundings and you will love Guadalajara as much as I did.

Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya 

Some of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico are found around the Riviera Maya. Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are at the top of a lot of people’s Mexico bucket lists and for good reason – they are gorgeous. 

Since these areas are so popular among international tourists, Digital Nomads and expats, it is very easy to meet other travellers and there are always plenty of meet-up events going on in the area, as well as an abundance of cheap hotels and hostels to choose from.

If you want to escape the crowds around Cancun and PDC, you can take a boat out to Cozumel for a day or two, or to the paradisiacal island of Isla Holbox where people get around by golf carts. Better still, further up the coast, you have El Cuyo, a little beach town that is reminiscent of what Tulum was like 10-15 years ago. 

Despite its popularity, downtown Cancun is a little rough around the edges. The abundance of Western tourists in the region has attracted a lot of unsavoury types and criminal organizations who compete for the territory to be able to supply drugs to tourists. 

Downtown Cancun is also one of the only places where I find people quite pushy and more likely to try and trick or scam you. (One of the many issues that come with over-tourism on a global scale). 

Take Ubers rather than random street cabs in Cancun. (Uber is banned elsewhere in Quintana Roo). Be sure to get a trusted taxi/Uber after dark, particularly around downtown.   

Chiapas state 

Chiapas state is one of the most culturally rich places in Mexico , home to one of the largest indigenous populations in the country. Many of the people that live here belong to the Tzotzil, Tzeltal, Chol and Zoque indigenous groups and some parts of the state are autonomous from Mexico.

The charming mountain town of San Cristobal de las Casas is a popular backpacking destination that attracts something of a hippy crowd, and the indigenous villages of Zinacantan and Chamula are essential places to visit if you want to understand the unique traditions of local indigenous cultures. 

Chiapas is also home to some of the most breathtaking nature in Mexico. It is here where you will find the spectacular El Chiflon waterfalls, the stunning Montebello lakes, and the hidden Chukumaltik cenote. 

Practical Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel in Mexico

As I mentioned, Mexico doesn’t always deserve the negative image it is given and Netflix series like Narcos and El Chapo are not good representations of reality. That is not to say that bad things don’t happen in Mexico occasionally, but violence in Mexico isnt random and most incidents tend to happen in areas where you would have no business being a tourist anyway or are restricted to clashes between criminal groups. 

If you don’t go looking for trouble in Mexico, trouble won’t go looking for you. 

I have lived here for 2 years and I feel comfortable here and I do not just stick to the tourist areas. Sure, I take common sense precautions but I never feel that I have to constantly remind myself “Oh my gosh I am in Mexico” or constantly look over my shoulder. 

Be selective about whose Mexico travel advice you listen to 

If you tell people that you are considering travelling to Mexico alone, you will probably be met with a lot of naysayers. (I know I was!) 

Be mindful of who is giving you travel advice; have they travelled to Mexico themselves? Are they also solo female travellers?

I had a lot of people (especially men) telling me that Mexico was too corrupt and dangerous and they hadn’t even travelled to Mexico themselves. Or they had visited Mexico once in the past and they just stayed in their resorts.

Unfortunately, a lot of people’s views of Mexico are jaded by stereotypes so be mindful of who you listen to.  

What to wear as a solo female traveller in Mexico 

What to wear in Mexico depends largely on where you are travelling and the time of year that you are travelling. In the Yucatan peninsula, it is perfectly normal to walk around wearing shorts and tank tops or summer dresses and skirts and you won’t get weird looks for doing so because the local women tend to dress the same and people are accustomed to seeing tourists. 

(This is a relief as it is always super hot and humid here!)

The same applies to other coastal tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, Los Cabos, Cancun and the Riviera Maya. On beaches and at pools, you will find people wearing swimsuits and coverups like in any other coastal destination. 

A Mexican friend once told me that women in some inland Mexican cities prefer to dress conservatively and wear jeans so that they don’t draw attention to themselves and get unwanted attention from men. I have a very feminine dress sense so even in colder cities like Queretaro, Guanajuato, and CDMX, I usually wear dresses and skirts paired with stockings and heels/ankle boots and never feel that it makes me a target of unwanted attention.

A lot of Mexican cities like CDMX, Guadalajara, etc are quite cosmopolitan and people are accustomed to seeing people from all walks of life. For the most part, you can dress how you are comfortable. 

Crime in Mexico 

You could terrify yourself half to death reading about the cartels and all of the bad things that happen in Mexico but remember that Mexico is a big country and most of these things happen in certain areas and between criminal groups. Even violent clashes in places like Cancun (which are rare anyway) have been between criminal organisations and tourists are never the target.

The chances of being in the wrong place at the wrong time are slim. (And arguably you could just as easily be in the wrong place at the wrong time in the United States, or elsewhere too). 

As a tourist in Mexico, your biggest concerns are likely to be petty theft and scams. Fortunately, I have not been a victim of any such thing in my two years. Some practical safety tips are detailed below. 

Useful safety tips 

• Bags have been stolen from the overhead bins on ADO buses in Quintana Roo. Always keep valuables, electronics, etc with you, never leave your bag when you get off the bus to use a bathroom, and be mindful of people walking down the aisles
• Always watch your bag and personal belongings in crowded places and markets. Ideally, walk with it in front of you rather than slung over one shoulder
• Don’t carry a lot of cash. Around $4,000 MXN is plenty for a few days, even in a more expensive touristy area.
• Dont set up an expensive camera or phone with a tripod in a busy area in Mexico and be careful who you trust to ask to take your photo
• If you need to use an ATM, do so at a bank or inside a mall as these machines are less likely to have been tampered with. Make withdrawals during the day rather than at night, in the dark. 

Dealing with unwanted attention in Mexico 

It might come as a surprise to hear that I receive less unwanted attention and street harassment in Mexico than I have in other countries. I am a conventionally attractive woman and had a nightmare with harassment when I lived in Greece so it is probably something of a shock to hear that I feel more comfortable in Mexico than in the Mediterranean where men would frequently approach me on the street to make crude comments. 

Sometimes I have noticed that people stare, particularly in Guadalajara, Puebla and Sinaloa , where there are fewer Western travellers or solo female tourists. However, it felt like something more out of curiosity rather than anything sinister. 

It is better to ignore stares and catcalls because you never really know someone’s mental state or what people are capable of. Although it can be annoying, don’t give people the power to ruin your day. 

For the most part, I find Mexican men to be quite gentlemanly . On planes and buses, etc, people help me with my luggage, open doors for me, let me pass first, etc. 

I have had only three uncomfortable instances here in two years where someone followed me. This happened on the Campeche Malecon, in Tuxtla Gutierrez in Chiapas, and in Puebla City. 

Each time, I was aware of my surroundings and went into local businesses and managed to lose the person, but it was definitely creepy. Be aware of what is going on around you and be prepared to tell someone what is happening (even with Google Translate) if someone is bothering you.

How to meet other travellers 

It is pretty easy to meet other travellers in Mexico, particularly in areas that are popular with tourists because a lot of people travel alone here. This rings true even if, like me, you don’t like staying in hostels. 

My recommendations are:

• Check Meetup.com in the cities that you travel to to see any events going on
• Use Couchsurfing hangout function to find other travellers who want to grab lunch, sightsee together, etc
• Check if there are any events on Couchsurfing that coincide with your travel dates and if not, host your own. (In large cities and tourist towns, you might be surprised by how many people show up if you give about a week’s notice).
• Go to events and bar crawls organised by hostels or hang out in the hostel bar. You don’t have to be staying there to participate
• Use the “BFF” function on Bumble and other dating apps
• Ask around in local expat Facebook groups to see if anyone wants to meet for coffee/lunch

Research specific neighbourhoods before arriving 

Wherever in Mexico you decide to travel to, it is a good idea to briefly read up on which neighbourhoods are the best to stay in before you go. You might be tempted to go to a platform like Booking.com and just filter by the cheapest, or whichever option looks the most central. 

However, in Mexico, you could potentially not only be placing yourself a little far away from all the main attractions in the area, but you could also inadvertently base yourself in an area that isnt all that safe, or where you don’t feel comfortable getting around at night. 

Additional safety tips 

Some other useful safety tips for solo female travel in Mexico are detailed below. A lot of these things are good practice wherever you travel.

• Don’t share your plans on social media. You never know who is watching your Instagram stories, etc. Post your location only after you leave, and don’t post cafes etc that you go to frequently.
• Watch your alcohol intake and never leave your drink unattended on nights out, even if you are at expat events and people seem friendly.
• Learn a little Spanish if you can. Outside of tourist hubs, English is not widely spoken and a little Spanish goes a long way.
• Check your government travel advice but don’t let it scare you out of visiting. The US Department of State provides a state-by-state safety breakdown for each of Mexico’s 32 states but it can appear a little sternly worded. 
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you go. A good plan will include coverage for repatriation, theft/loss of luggage and electronics, and adventure sports.

Femicides and perceptions of women in Mexico 

It may come as a surprise to hear that I feel so comfortable living in Mexico as a solo white woman considering the country’s femicide and domestic violence statistics. It is estimated that in 2022, 1.43 women per 100,000 were victims of femicide , with approximately 10-11 women believed to go missing every day. 

As a feminist and domestic violence survivor myself, I do feel strongly about this, but I don’t think it is fair to judge an entire country on this matter. Most femicides happen in “fronteras” – border zones such as Ciudad Juarez in Northern Mexico where you should not be going on your own anyway. 

It is a privileged thing to say, but as a tourist exploring beaches and Mayan and Aztec ruins during your Mexican vacation, you are not put in the same situations nor having the same experiences as Mexican women brought up in dangerous barrios.

Getting around as a solo female traveller in Mexico 

Mexico is a vast country and if you are limited on time, it is better to focus your travels on a certain region. (E.g. the Yucatan, Baja California Sur, etc). Domestic flights are usually the best way to go when travelling from one state to another, while buses are pretty comfortable, reliable and affordable for short to medium-distance overland journeys. 

As of yet, there are no real train routes in Mexico aside from the El Chepe Copper Canyon train that runs from Los Mochis, Sinaloa to Creel Chihuahua and the Tequila train from Guadalajara to Tequila. However, the Tren Maya project is scheduled for completion in late 2023/early 2024 and will provide fast and efficient links around the Yucatan peninsula. 

Travelling across Mexico by bus 

There are dozens of different intercity bus companies in Mexico and honestly, most intercity buses are fairly comfortable. They tend to have air conditioning, a reclining seat, a USB charger in front of/above your chair, and a bathroom on board.

Around the Yucatan peninsula (Quintana Roo, the Yucatan state and Campeche state), ADO is the main bus provider. You can also get first-class ADO buses on some routes like Cancun to Merida and Cancun to Tulum, which is worth paying extra for as the seats are more spacious, and the price difference is usually minimal. 

Noreste Buses are another provider in Southeastern Mexico. OCC and ACN Autobuses are other providers that I have used in Central Mexico which have been completely fine.

You can often get tickets across long distances for $20-$30 or so. You can use the ADO site and app for ADO tickets but it only works in Spanish and it often glitches and crashes. 

BusBud is another alternative but you do have to pay an admin fee. Usually, you are better off just arriving at the bus station an hour before your bus is scheduled to depart and buying a ticket in person. 

Buses are safe enough between tourist destinations. You can only bring a backpack or a small bag on board so if you have larger luggage, you will need to check it under the bus. 

For security, you will be given a receipt for checking your bag which you will need to show again when you pick it up. 

Domestic flights in Mexico 

Several reputable Mexican airlines operate on domestic routes within Mexico. AeroMexico is the country’s national carrier, while Volaris and Viva Aerobus also service a lot of routes.

Viva Aerobus is like Mexico’s answer to Spirit Airlines or Europe’s RyanAir and it doesn’t have the best reputation in the world but it honestly isn’t that bad at all. I have flown with them numerous times with no problem. 

Sometimes they are the only option. Most Mexican airlines, including Volaris and Viva Aerobus, allow a number of free changes, even with their most basic ticket options which is perfect if your itinerary may be subject to change.    

Taxis and Ubers in Mexico 

Uber and other ridesharing apps like Didi and InDrive are considered safer in Mexico than street cabs. It makes sense when you think about it, considering there is more accountability with an Uber. 

After all, you have the driver’s name, license plate number and past reviews. You simply don’t have that when you get into a random street cab. 

There is also an issue with scams and express kidnappings in parts of Mexico with street cabs. (This happens when an unsuspecting tourist gets into a random cab and is held at knifepoint and forced to hand over their valuables and withdraw from ATMs). 

Uber is available in many parts of the country (including Merida, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, etc). However, in Quintana Roo, it is only legal in Cancun. 

If you are travelling somewhere where Uber doesn’t function and you need a cab, have your hotel call a trusted taxi driver for you. In many cities, Ubers are not permitted to pick people up from the airport and only licensed cabs can. 

You can often get around this by walking a little distance down the road away from the airport. 

Renting a car in Mexico 

Renting a car in Mexico may sound like a terrifying idea as a solo female traveller but it can be a great way to get around and it gives you a lot more independence rather than having to depend on public transport schedules. For the most part, driving in Mexico is not that dissimilar to driving in the US or Canada. 

Here, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Speed limits and road rules are enforced, and the penalties for breaking the law can be steep, so you will find that contrary to popular belief, most people drive carefully because they are not looking to get stopped by the police. 

In touristic areas like the Yucatan state, Quintana Roo, Puerto Vallarta, and Baja California Sur, I would have no hesitation in recommending a woman rent a car. I have driven to every corner of the Yucatan state alone. 

In places like Chiapas, people seemed to drive a little crazier and in Sinaloa (which is on the do not travel list anyway), I travelled with my boyfriend and felt uncomfortable as we got stopped numerous times by the police and in one instance, had to pay a bribe. 

So, renting a car can be a good idea, but it depends on where you are going. 

Final thoughts on solo female travel in Mexico 

Solo female travel in Mexico can be a great experience. Don’t let negative stereotypes deter you from visiting a really special part of the world.

I have travelled to over 57 countries, mostly solo and Mexico quickly became one of my favourites. Personally, I feel significantly safer here than in other Latin American countries. (I did not feel anywhere near as comfortable in Colombia).

I am not someone who has just travelled through the country briefly once either and I have been living in Mexico for two years now.

Do you have any further questions about planning your trip? Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you need anything.

You might also find these more generic Mexico travel tips quite useful. Safe travels and enjoy Mexico!

Buen Viaje! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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Mexico Solo Travel: 18 Best Places in Mexico to Travel Alone

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Curious about solo travel in Mexico? Read on to discover some of the best places in Mexico to travel alone, along with my best Mexico travel advice for an awesome trip!

With its pleasant climate, stunning scenery, and extroverted culture, Mexico is a welcoming place for anyone traveling alone . The country offers all kinds of different experiences and settings, from boho beach towns to world-class cities, charming pueblos mágicos , and incredible natural escapes.

You can climb mountains, surf, dive on world-renowned reefs, learn about pre-Hispanic cultures and history at UNESCO sites throughout the country, and so much more.

And the fact that Mexico happens to be just a quick flight from anywhere in the US and Canada only adds to its allure as a solo travel destination.

Traveling soon? Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for Mexico. Insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you can get the help you need if anything goes wrong. SafetyWing is the provider that I recommend.

If you’re curious about Mexico solo travel, this is the perfect article for you. I’ve joined forces with several other travel bloggers to highlight some of the best (and safest) places in Mexico to travel alone.

There are options here for every type of traveler. I’ve also included tons of Mexico travel tips and advice that I’ve gathered from over 4 years of living and traveling solo in Mexico. By the end, all you’ll have left to do is pack your bag! 

But first, I know you’re just dying to know…

Is traveling to Mexico safe?

Contrary to what many people believe, Mexico is actually a pretty safe travel destination . No, there are no guarantees; bad things can happen anywhere. And yes, Mexico does have some issues… and yes, crime is one of them.

But, the situation in Mexico isn’t nearly as dire as many people would have you believe. In fact, in my experience, those that are most vocal about the dangers of Mexico usually haven’t even been here.

I spent over four years living in Mexico and have traveled the country extensively without incident.

You can do it too!

Whether or not you’ll feel safe in Mexico is a different question. Each person’s sense of safety is informed by our unique life experiences and personal risk tolerance. 

For instance, I speak Spanish, which helps me integrate a bit better in Mexico, enabling me to feel safer than someone who doesn’t have the same language skills. On the other hand… I grew up in a rural part of Canada, and being in crowded cities puts me a little on edge. Someone accustomed to living in a large city might feel totally different. See? It’s all subjective.

All that said, there are certain safety precautions you should take as a female traveling alone in Mexico (and I’ll touch on them in more detail below). But generally, you can stay safe by exercising basic common sense and a little extra vigilance. Even if some of the said precautions feel like overkill (and probably are), putting them in place is bound to contribute to your overall sense of safety and help you feel more at ease during your trip.

Mexico is a truly fantastic destination for solo female travelers, and I urge you to give it a chance. Plus, the cities included on this list are some of the safest places in Mexico for women traveling alone. 

Solo travel tip: Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. Group tours are a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers that share your interests. You know how the story goes… first comes small talk on the tour bus, next comes secrets shared over margaritas, then comes country-hopping with your new BFF! 👯‍♀️ There are group tours available to suit any budget, so give one a shot! I use Viator and Get Your Guide to book excursions.

Best Places in Mexico to Travel Alone

The following are some of the best solo travel destinations in Mexico. This list is by no means exhaustive, but each of the Mexico destinations below has been vetted by fellow solo travelers. You can rest assured that each of them offers plenty of interesting sites and activities for women traveling alone. 

1. San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur

Contributed by Rachel-Jean Firchau of Rachel Off Duty

Many people consider Los Cabos solely a party and honeymoon destination, but there is so much more to this part of Mexico than meets the eye! 

While you’ll no doubt find more partying and big groups in Cabo San Lucas, the more relaxed, laidback city of San Jose del Cabo just down the road lends itself to being a fantastic base for solo female travel. Los Cabos is a quick flight from the west coast, and there’s a wide selection of incredible activities and restaurants to keep any solo traveler busy. 

Whether you want to go on big adventures like swimming with whale sharks and learning how to scuba dive or small adventures like strolling the beach or visiting cute restaurants like Flora Farms, there’s lots to discover, and the prices are pretty reasonable for such a popular destination. 

For long solo trips, you’ll find plenty of Airbnbs and hostels to choose from to help you stretch your budget. But, for shorter trips, staying in an affordable all-inclusive resort can be an incredibly safe and hassle-free way to explore this part of Mexico. Getting around is affordable, and you can walk, taxi, or Uber with ease.

Top Los Cabos Activities:

• Enjoy a kayaking and snorkeling adventure along Land’s End
• Spot whales on a Humpback whale watching tour
• Take a dreamy sunset cruise aboard a catamaran from Cabo San Lucas

Wondering about the best places in Baja, Mexico? Check out my guide to awesome Baja experiences . 

2. Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Contributed by Lilian Arjona of Solo Female Travelers Tours

Monterrey is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers. Also known as the “City of mountains,” Monterrey has the perfect mix between breathtaking nature and modern cosmopolitan entertainment. This city has become the biggest economic force in the country, boosted by a robust industrial and entrepreneurial scene. 

Monterrey has diverse attractions, from art museums and high-end cuisine to outdoor adventures and vibrant nightlife. 

Here are some of the best things to do for solo female travelers in Monterrey:

• Visit Parque Fundidora  

One of the city’s main landmarks, Parque Fundidora , used to be a steel-factory complex. Designers left behind the enormous smokestacks and industrial machines when it was transformed into the park. The park is ideal for taking a stroll. There are many trails for walking or jogging, but you could also rent a bike, visit the ice skating rink, or paddle a rowboat through the lake. You can also see the Museo del Acero Horno 3 , which highlights the history of an important steel mill. 

Parque Fundidora also hosts many concerts and festivals with international artists, so check the schedule online and attend an open-air concert. 

• Visit MARCO (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo)

This remarkable museum has outstanding art exhibitions mainly by Mexican and Latin American artists but has also displayed international artists’ work. MARCO’s entrance is unique, with a giant black dove sculpture. Go on Wednesdays when they have free admission. 

You can walk to the city center from the museum, which is a few blocks away. 

• Enjoy exceptional, high-end cuisine.

Monterrey has many excellent restaurants offering a mix of local and international cuisines. Pangea is the star of the show and the #15 of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America. La Nacional, Cometa, and Cara de Vaca are other great picks for delicious Mexican food.  

The best area to stay in Monterrey is San Pedro Garza García, the safest municipality in the state of Nuevo León and where the majority of the main entertainment spots are. 

And speaking of safety tips… don’t walk alone at night. Use private transportation apps like Uber or Didi, or rent a car during your visit. 

Monterrey may be off the beaten path , but it’s a diverse, modern city unlike any other in the country!

Top outdoor adventures in Monterrey, Mexico:

Monterrey is a lively, modern city, but it also offers incredible opportunities to experience some of Mexico’s natural wonders.

• Nido de los Aguiluchos Hiking & Rock Climbing Tour
• Huasteca Canyon Sightseeing Tour
• Garcia Caves Exploration Tour (this is the world’s second-largest cave system!)

3. Sayulita, Nayarit

Contributed by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

With its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and boho hippie vibes, Sayulita is the perfect place to go as a solo female traveler. If you’re looking to meet fellow travelers, you’ll have no problem finding new friends to explore the city’s colorful streets with. Sayulita is a favorite among everyone, from digital nomads to backpackers. 

If you’re instead more in the mood for an “Eat Pray Love” type experience, the town is perfect for that as well, with plenty of yoga retreats, reiki treatments, and chill vibes just waiting to help you reconnect with yourself. 

Looking for something more active? Sayulita was put on the map for its world-class surfing , so grab a board (and an inexpensive surfing class!) and hit those waves. 

While Sayulita itself is small, it’s conveniently located–only about an hour north of the bustling resort city of Puerto Vallarta. It’s also within an easy day trip from other not-to-be-missed destinations along the Pacific Coast, from the sleepy surf town of San Pancho to the glitzy beaches of Punta de Mita. 

Another added benefit of Sayulita’s size? There’s absolutely no need for a car–in fact, golf carts are a pretty popular way to get around town!

Best things to do in Sayulita:

• Hike and Yoga Jungle Experience
• Take a private surf lesson
• Hidden Beach & Snorkel Tour to Marietas Island

Wondering about the best beach places in Mexico? Check out my guide to Mexico’s most alluring beach towns.

4. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 

Contributed by Lora of Explore with Lora

Situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast on the Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for solo travelers in Mexico seeking a trip full of outdoor adventure or a place to live and work remotely.

Puerto Vallarta has a growing digital nomad scene with several groups that host regular meetups, events, and organized excursions, making it easy to make friends. Or, if you’re just visiting for a few days, there are many fun day tours you can join to meet like-minded travelers to explore with.

You won’t find yourself getting bored in Puerto Vallarta with so many exciting things to do! Some of the best outdoor activities are whale watching, snorkeling or diving at Los Arcos Marine Park, catamaran trips, coastal hiking, and zip-lining through the jungle. 

Zona Romantica, the official gaybourhood of Puerto Vallarta, is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be steps away from some of the best restaurants and bars and just a 5-minute walk to Los Muertos Pier, where you can catch a boat to smaller beach towns.

Puerto Vallarta is a walkable city with a gorgeous mile-long ocean promenade that takes you between many main attractions. And if you don’t want to walk alone at night, Ubers are readily available to get you home safely for just a few dollars.

Best things to do in Puerto Vallarta on your own:

• Take a food and mixology walking tour and sample tacos, tequila, and Mexican cocktails
• Day trip to Yelapa on a waterfall and snorkeling tour
• Spot dolphins and humpback whales on a whale watching excursion
• Take a zipline canopy tour (it ends at a tequila bar!)

Does working remotely from Mexico appeal to you? Check out my guide to the best digital nomad destinations in Mexico !

5. Guanajuato City, Guanajuato

I can confidently say that Guanajuato is one of the best places in Mexico to visit alone. The city is super safe, easy to navigate, and really affordable. Plus, it’s easy to get there from Mexico City .

Once a major silver mining town, Guanajuato is now known as a haven for arts and culture. The city is highly photogenic and pedestrian-friendly. In fact, tunnels built below the historic center divert vehicle traffic (and create visual intrigue).

In the Centro Historico (where you’ll want to spend most of your time), you’ll find several museums, vibrantly painted buildings, cobblestone streets, and a network of meandering callejones (alleys, but make them not sketchy!). Sip coffee or cocktails in bougainvillea-lined plazas and head to the Mercado Hidalgo to shop for budget-friendly souvenirs. 

Joining a callejoneada is an essential Guanajuato experience. These are basically history tours taking you through Guanajuato’s streets and alleys while your guides share historical anecdotes and legends through song and dance.

The Callejón del Beso, the storied site of a Romeo & Juliet-style love tragedy, is a must-visit stop on your sightseeing tour of Guanajuato. Other highlights include a climb to the Pipíla statue, situated on a scenic lookout above the city, a visit to the Alhondiga de Granaditas museum to learn about the movement for Mexican independence, and (if you can handle it) a trip to the Mummy Museum.     

Beyond the city center, the Presa de la Olla is a lovely spot to take a walk, especially on weekends. It’s a big dam with a path around it where you can buy ice cream, rent paddle boats, or gawk at the beautiful houses surrounding it. For something different, take a taxi to the Ex-Hacienda San Gabriel Barrera to admire the beautiful gardens and the impressive architecture. 

When looking for accommodation, plan to stay somewhere within the historic center. There are many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals available. If you’d like something a little quieter, consider a vacation rental in the Pastita neighborhood to the southeast of the city center– it’s a safe neighborhood just 10 to 15 minutes walking from the city center.  

Guanajuato is a popular destination for Mexican tourists, it has an established expat community, and it’s host to several language schools that welcome international students looking to learn Spanish. But somehow, it manages not to be corrupted by tourism. 

It has all the infrastructure and attractions you want in a travel destination, but the city still feels entirely genuine. In my eyes, Guanajuato’s only flaw is that it isn’t near the beach. I adore this city, and I think you will too. 

Top Guanajuato activities for solo travelers:

• Learn about the history of Guanajuato on a guided walking tour
• Capture travel memories and learn about Guanajuato on a photoshoot tour – this is the perfect way to go home with a few awesome photos of yourself that aren’t selfies!
• Learn about the Mexican Independence movement on a day trip to Dolores Hidalgo, Atotonilco, and San Miguel de Allende

Does Guanajuato sound like your kind of place? Check out my Guanajuato guide to start planning your trip!

6. Mexico City 

Contributed by Claire of This Travel Lover

Mexico City might not seem like an obvious choice for solo female travelers in Mexico, but you can have an incredible time in this fascinating city. Mexico City has the most museums in the world – matched only by Paris, so it is the perfect place to learn more about Mexico’s rich culture.

There are all kinds of fun things to do when traveling to Mexico City alone . In the historic center , the zócalo (main square) has an impressive cathedral built using stone from Aztec temples – the Templo Mayor Museum next to the cathedral shows the ruins of the temples beneath the modern city.  

In the southern borough of Coyoacan, you can visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and marvel at the gorgeous architecture, leafy parks, and brightly colored buildings found in this charming neighborhood. The local Mercado de Artesanias is a great place to shop for souvenirs!

Related Reading: The Ultimate Mexico City Itinerary for 4 Perfect Days

You also can’t miss the leafy green neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa. These areas are peaceful, safe, and beautiful. You’ll find all kinds of cool eateries, boutique shops, and fun bars to check out. Roma Norte is also known for its lively nightlife– it’s one of the best party places in Mexico!  

Chapultepec Park is another must-see attraction. It is home to several museums, including the Chapultepec Castle and the excellent Anthropology Museum that traces the country’s history through each of the indigenous cultures that have lived here.

For an insight into Mexico as it is now, join a group and go to see a Lucha Libre wrestling match and join the locals screaming and shouting at their favorite mask-wearing heroes and villains as they leap around the ring.

Is Mexico City safe for solo travelers?

Yes, it is!

As in any big city, you should still exercise some caution, but ultimately Mexico City is very safe. One thing to be aware of when you’re here is petty crime. Pickpocketing is a common problem in cities around the world, and Mexico City is no exception. Crowded spaces, like the metro, or busy markets, are prime opportunities for thieves to strike. Pack an anti-theft purse to reduce your risk. 

To feel safe here, avoid walking around alone at night (take Ubers instead) and stick to the female-only carriages in the Metro transport system, marked as “Solo Mujeres.” Dressing relatively conservatively will also reduce unwanted attention. My guide to Mexico City airport transportation also has some great tips for safely navigating the city’s public transportation options.

Best activities to do for solo travel in Mexico City:

• Teotihuacan, Tlatelolco, Guadalupe Shrine & Tequila Tasting Tour – perfect for history lovers!
• Xochimilco Cruise, Coyoacan, & Frida Kahlo Museum Tour
• Mexico City Street Food & Market Tour

7. Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca 

Contributed by Kristel of Chef Travel Guide

Oaxaca City is one of the best places for solo female travel in Mexico. The cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings are easily walkable and safe for any solo female traveler. This UNESCO world heritage site is packed with lots of things to do so you will never get bored.

One of the best things about visiting Oaxaca is getting to try its regional cuisine. Oaxaca’s food is unique and different from the rest of Mexico, and the region is mainly known for its 7 moles. Stopping by local markets such as Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juarez is an excellent way to see the local ingredients and sample some amazing regional food. 

You can’t visit Oaxaca without trying some mezcal. The best way to do this is by going to a mezcalería in town or joining a mezcal tour where you can see how mezcal is made from plant to bottle. Other nearby attractions include Hierve el Agua (petrified waterfalls) and the Monte Alban archeological site .

A free walking tour is a fun way for solo travelers to connect with fellow travelers. It is best to stay in Centro, close to the Santo Domingo Cathedral, where everything is at your doorstep. 

When going home at night, take a taxi instead of walking home alone to be on the safe side.

Top activities for solo travelers in Oaxaca:

• Hierve el Agua & Teotitlan del Valle Tour
• Eat Like A Local Oaxaca Street Food Tour – this should be mandatory!
• Street Art Cycling Tour
• Visit an artisanal Mezcal distillery in a Zapotec village

Dying to visit Oaxaca yet? Check out my 4-day Oaxaca itinerary to start planning your trip. 

8. Mazunte, Oaxaca 

Contributed by Anna of Anna Meanders 

Tucked away just around the corner from Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca is one of the most chilled little beach spots in all of Mexico; welcome to the magical town of Mazunte. 

Magic in nature, and in name too; Mazunte is one of the best-known pueblos mágicos in the state of Oaxaca , one of 132 towns in Mexico decided to be truly magical and worth preserving. 

Famous for sea turtle preservation, yoga, excellent juice bars, vegan eats, and fire spinners kicking back on the beach at sunset, it’s undeniable that Mazunte is a real treasure for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle. 

Hiking up to the Punta Cometa lookout for sunset is one of the must-do activities in Mazunte. You should also visit the Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga to learn more about sea turtles in the area. If you’re into yoga, head to Hridaya Yoga for a class. 

Enjoying a seared tuna or vegan bowl and locally made kombucha at Sahuaro is a great way to finish the day in Mazunte. 

Thanks to an abundance of other solo female travelers attracted to the hippy vibe and well-known yoga school, Mazunte is a small, safe, and walkable town ideal for solo travel. You’re sure to meet many other like-minded travelers. You can safely stay in any of the small guest houses, hotels, and Airbnbs dotted around near the main street or on the hill towards San Agustinillo. And because Mazunte is so small, you don’t need to worry about catching taxis or busses once you get there; everything in town can be reached by walking. 

Best places to stay in Mazunte:

• Posada Olivo
• Posada La Sabila

9. San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

Contributed by Megan of Packing up the Pieces

Nestled in the mountains, in Mexico’s most southern state of Chiapas, find the pueblo mágico of San Cristobal de las Casas. This beautiful city has inviting cobblestone streets, bustling cafes, delightful plazas with colorful buildings, rooftop terraces with breathtaking views, and multiple arts and cultural centers. With so many diverse things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas , it tops the list as one of the best destinations in Mexico for solo female travelers.

Beyond the enchantment of the magical city itself, San Cristobal de las Casas offers tons of unique day trips. Visit a few of the many Chiapas waterfalls or hop on a boat and ride through the scenic Sumidero Canyon. Nearby, find Indigenous communities that still practice sacred rituals and authentic handicraft techniques. For longer day trips, walk through ancient Mayan cities hidden deep in the jungle.

Independent travelers can easily and safely ride on the shared public transportation mini-vans or colectivos . However, it’s a breeze and sometimes cheaper to join one of the many daily tours that depart to popular Chiapas destinations.

San Cristobal de las Casas offers travelers many lodging options from hostels, guesthouses, and hotels. They are found in the many barrios, and each area has its own appeal. Every neighborhood is filled with street art and green space and is a fluid blend of locals, expats, and tourists alike.

Top solo travel activities in San Cristobal:

• Day trip to Sumidero Canyon and Chiapa de Corzo
• Day trip to Montebello Lagoons and El Chiflon Waterfall – not only are they incredibly beautiful, but you can swim!
• Learn about Prehispanic cultures on a day trip to the Palenque ruins and Agua Azul falls

Curious to learn more about what Chiapas has to offer? Check out my post on the best places to visit in Chiapas!

10. Merida, Yucatan

Contributed by Daria of The Discovery Nut

The capital of Mexico’s Yucatán State , Merida, is one of the best destinations to travel solo in Mexico thanks to its rich culture and safety. In fact, Merida is often touted as one of the safest places to travel in Mexico alone thanks to its low levels of cartel-related crime . 

As one of the major cultural hubs of Mexico, Merida is a perfect place to learn all about the Mayan culture. Be sure to visit El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya– one of the most important museums in Mexico –where you’ll find an extensive collection of Mayan artifacts. 

As you stroll the streets of Merida, you’ll encounter lots of opportunities to buy handmade products created by artisans in Mayan villages around Yucatan. 

To better learn the Yucatec culture, don’t forget to stop in one of the local restaurants in Merida, such as La Chaya Maya or Maíz, Canela y Cilantro, where you can try typical Yucatec dishes.

No trip to Merida is complete without taking a day trip to some nearby Mayan ruins such as Uxmal, Mayapan, or Ruta Puuc, a collection of several archaeological sites off the beaten track. 

The best way to get around Merida is by taxi, as local public transportation is slow and sometimes unreliable. Since the historic part of Merida is compact, you can easily get around on foot. 

And, if you want to take a day trip to Mayan ruins or cenotes near Merida, you can catch a colectivo or join an organized tour from Merida. 

Top solo travel activities in Merida:

• Sample Yucatecan specialties on a street food tour of Merida
• Merida is known for its awesome cantinas. Check them out on a bar-hopping tour of the city!  
• Learn about the Yucatan’s history on a day trip to the beautiful Hacienda Yaxcopoil and ancient city of Uxmal. You’ll also stop to swim in a cenote!  

Are you dreaming of backpacking Mexico alone? Check out my guide to backpacking Mexico on a budget to start planning your trip. 

11. Homún, Yucatan

Contributed by Kate of Adventurous Kate

One nice thing about solo travel in Mexico is discovering local versions of the more popular tourist activities. Take, for example, cenotes in Mexico . If you’ve visited some of the more popular cenotes, like the Gran Cenote near Tulum or Cenote Ik-Kil near Chichen Itza, and wished you didn’t have to share the experience with dozens of foreign tourists, it’s time for you to try local cenotes. 

The best cenote town in Mexico is Homún, about an hour from Mérida.

Homún is absolutely studded with cenotes. Once you arrive, you have two options: a resort cenote experience or a wild cenote experience. For the resort cenote experience, visit Cenotes Santa Barbara, a complex with three cenotes (Cenotes Cascabel, Chaksikin, and Xoch), a restaurant, and horse-drawn carriages.

Otherwise, hire a local tricycle driver to take you to wild cenotes — cenotes that are barely publicized to the foreign traveler market and might just be a hole in the ground with an attendant and a handmade sign.

It’s better to use Homún as a day trip — or multiple day trips — from Mérida, as it has the best accommodation and restaurants.

To get to Homún, take a colectivo from Mérida. This is a very popular destination for locals, and colectivos run regularly. 

Alternatively, you can rent a car . If you want to make a full day of it, combine the cenotes of Homún with a visit to the Mayapán ruins and a visit to the yellow city of Izamal . That’s a special day in the Yucatán right there!

Related Reading: 26+ Incredible Things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula

12. Valladolid, Yucatan 

Contributed by Carolin of Happy When Abroad

Valladolid, the charming Spanish colonial town in the Yucatan Peninsula, is the perfect destination for solo female travelers. Although the small town has become increasingly popular in recent years, it is still one of the safest, most authentic, and budget-friendly places to go in Mexico. 

With many trendy hostels, restaurants, and bars, Valladolid attracts solo travelers from all over the world. Notwithstanding the town’s size, there are many things to do in Valladolid . You can’t miss visiting the impressive church, Iglesia de San Servacio, at the town’s main square or strolling around the colorful street Calzada de Los Frailes.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit at least one of the beautiful cenotes in the area. Take a refreshing swim in Cenote Zaci, located directly in the middle of the town, or visit Cenote Suytun with its magnificent rock formations. 

Another great activity is a day trip to the Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá , one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (and one of the most famous places in Mexico).

Valladolid is generally a safe area for female solo travelers, especially if you stay in one of the most popular hostels, such as the Hostel La Candelaria or Hostal Tunich Naj. Here you are sure to be surrounded by many friendly, like-minded people.

Thinking about adding Valladolid to your Mexico solo travel itinerary? Check out my Valladolid travel guide to start planning your visit .  

13. Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo 

Contributed by Paulina of UK Every Day

Isla Holbox is a tranquil island that is a perfect destination for solo female travelers, and it is a very safe place to visit. You will not find paved roads on the island or many cars, just sand and bikes that are a great way to explore Holbox.

This tiny island has gorgeous beaches and is much less crowded than Tulum or Cancun. Wherever you look, there are plenty of hammocks that will give you a feeling of a very relaxed place. Isla Holbox is also famous for its street art, so you can wander around the island and admire beautiful paintings.

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Holbox . Whether you want to look out for flamingos or relax at the beach, it is a dream place to visit for solo female travelers. When the sun goes down, everyone gathers at The Pier to watch one of the best sunsets in Mexico.

With plenty of amazing hotels on the island like Villas HM Palapas del Mar, where you can book a room with a little private pool, there is no better place to stay for solo travelers. 

Best activities for solo travelers in Isla Holbox:

• Kayak and swim in the bioluminescence on a night tour
• Spot migratory birds (like flamingos!!) on a paddling tour of the Isla Holbox mangroves
• Swim with whale sharks in the wild on a snorkeling tour

14. Cancun, Quintana Roo

Contributed by Cynthia & Alexander of Travel Your Memories

When you think of beaches, parties, and luxury, you think of Cancun. This is one of the most visited places in Mexico, but many people don’t know that there is much more to it than hip beach bars, parties, and all-inclusive resorts. 

There are a lot of things to do in Cancun . You can find beautiful beaches, learn about Mayan culture, and enjoy delicious local food, fun outdoor activities, and tours. Take a day trip to Chichen Itza, join a food tour, go snorkeling, or book a sailing excursion on a catamaran! 

Beyond the hotel zone, Playa Delfines is one of the best places in Cancun for a beach day. The broad, white-sand beach offers palapa rentals, endless sand, and gorgeous aquamarine water to frolic in.  

The ADO bus company is the best way to travel through Yucatan and Cancun. It’s safe, reliable, and affordable on any travel budget. Use Busbud to book tickets upfront. 

Overall, Cancun is a safe place to travel alone as a woman. What applies in every country or city also applies in Cancun: use your common sense. Look out for pickpockets and never withdraw money directly on the street but inside the bank or supermarket. Keep valuables out of sight. 

Getting acquainted with other people from your hotel/hostel and visiting bars or clubs in a group might make it more comfortable for you while traveling alone in Cancun. 

Top Cancun solo travel activities:

• Day trip to Tulum to visit the ruins, snorkel, and swim in cenotes
• Sail to Isla Mujeres on a catamaran (with an open bar!)
• Tour Chichen Itza with stops in Valladolid and Cenote Ik Kil

15. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo

Contributed by Krisztina of She Wanders Abroad

If you are looking for a safe, affordable destination in Mexico to travel solo as a female, Isla Mujeres is a perfect choice. Isla Mujeres is an island just off the coast of Mexico that offers all that one could want in a tropical vacation spot: stunning scenery, friendly people, and delicious food.

It’s located only about 8 miles off the coast of Cancun and has many great places to stay, including hotels and apartments. Alternatively, you can also take a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun and spend an entire day exploring the island.

To get to Isla Mujeres, take a ferry from Cancun. The ferry leaves from the Puerto Juarez dock, about a 20-minute walk from downtown Cancun. Ferries depart every 30 minutes, and the ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

Renting a golf cart is one of the best ways to explore the island. This is a great way to get around, and you can visit some of the beaches that are further away from downtown.

While you’re on Isla Mujeres, you can’t miss Playa Norte. This gorgeous, white sand beach is the best place to hang out and soak up the sun. At the south end of the island, you’ll find Punta Sur, a scenic, rugged coastline. 

Isla Mujeres is also home to an Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) , featuring a collection of about 500 sculptures. You can check it out on a snorkeling excursion! 

Best things to do in Isla Mujeres on your own:

• Swim with tropical fish and sea turtles on an Isla Mujeres snorkeling tour
• Scuba dive to visit Mexico’s underwater art museum
• Go on a golf cart bar crawl around the island

16. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Located just an hour south of Cancun (and an hour north of Tulum), Playa del Carmen is the beating heart of the Riviera Maya. This modern beach town sprawls along the coast, meaning you’re never far from a gorgeous white-sand beach.

When it comes to fun activities, Playa del Carmen has it all. During the day, you can soak up the sun at a beach club, spot tropical fish on a snorkel trip, treat yourself to a spa experience, or bike through town looking for street art. When the sun goes down, sip cocktails on the beach, dance the night away in one of the booming nightclubs, or catch a live band at Kitxen. There’s no shortage of awesome things to do in Playa.  

Additionally, most of the top Riviera Maya attractions are reachable on a day trip from Playa del Carmen . You can take a tour to Chichen Itza, pop over to Cozumel for a diving adventure, check out nearby cenotes, or even bus to Tulum to see the sights!  

But what makes Playa del Carmen one of the best solo travel destinations in Mexico is that there are so many other travelers to see the sights with. There are several lively hostels in Playa (notably Selina). Even if you don’t stay in a hostel, join their social activities or take advantage of their amenities in your quest to mingle with fellow travelers. It won’t take much effort to make friends around town! 

Because Playa del Carmen is so tourist-oriented, you don’t need to know a lot of Spanish to get around (though, the more, the better). Most service-industry professionals will speak at least a little English, plus with so many other travelers and expats around, you’ll have no problem finding someone to help translate. 

Playa is one of the best places to travel in Mexico for your first solo trip. If you’re looking to take an easy, fun-filled beach trip, use my Playa del Carmen itinerary to start planning! 

Top things to do in Playa del Carmen on your own:

• Swim in a cenote (or several)
• Visit XCARET, an eco-archaeological park where you can experience Mexican history, culture, and nature  
• Take a market tour and cooking class

17. Cozumel Island, Quintana Roo

Cozumel Island lies just off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula, a 45-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen . The island is known for its remarkable diving– the Palancar Reef attracts divers from around the world who come to experience its biodiversity. A diving or snorkeling tour of the reef is a must-do activity when visiting Cozumel. 

But even if you’re not into diving, Cozumel is a fantastic place for solo travel in Mexico! Cozumel is very safe (though you should always use common sense), and there’s a lot to see and do. You can tour the Mayan ruins of El Gervasio or take part in a tequila tasting experience, or rent a car and beach hop around the island. 

One of the most extraordinary things about Cozumel is that the beaches on the island’s east side are largely undeveloped , a rarity in this part of the world! El Cielo, within the Punta Sur Eco-Park, is a fantastic place to swim and sunbathe.

Because Cozumel’s attraction s are spread throughout the island, the best way to get around there is with a rental car . Taxis are available too!  

There are all kinds of fantastic hotels and vacation rentals to be found in Cozumel, and the city is large enough to offer a fantastic selection of restaurants and shops. It’s definitely worth spending a couple of days poking around. If you’re looking for a relaxing, safe, and fun-filled destination, Cozumel is one of the best places in Mexico to travel alone.

Best things to do on Cozumel:

• Spend the day frolicking at a beach club
• Take a snorkeling tour of Cozumel’s famous reefs
• Learn about local food on a farm-to-table food tour

Ready to plan your Cozumel visit? Check out my Cozumel travel guide .

18. Tulum, Quintana Roo

Contributed by Natasha Karcz from Planes, Trains and Karcz

Nestled along the scenic Yucatán Peninsula is Tulum, arguably (one of) the best Mexican cities for solo female travelers. It’s here, upon Tulum’s white-sand beaches and turquoise shores, that you’ll find a huge network of digital nomads and expats, providing an opportunity to connect with a like-minded, free-spirited community right out of the gate. 

Recently named the “Manhattan of Mexico” due to its ever-increasing desirability, Tulum is growing at a rapid rate; and with it, so are its unparalleled dining and nightlife experiences, myriad of oceanfront events, and – of course – the endless opportunity for adventure that comes with visiting any region within the Riviera Maya. 

Consider a visit to one of Tulum’s best-kept secrets, Cenote Tankah, and spend a day in what can only be described as a natural infinity pool that combines Tulum’s notorious jungle landscape and beach scene. Or, opt for a frothy coconut iced coffee from Liefs infamous food truck! 

Though regardless of how you opt to spend your time in Tulum, know that you’re never far from a scenic lookout, local hotspot, or simply somewhere to sit and grab some salty sea air. It truly is paradise. 

For a safe yet local vibe for solo travel in Tulum, opt to stay in the Aldea Zama neighborhood, which strikes a great balance between Tulum’s beaches and the centro (downtown). Aldea Zama offers more reasonable rates than the hotel zone while still within proximity of all the tropical action that Tulum has to offer!

Top Tulum experiences for solo travelers:

• Tour the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Muyil Archaeological Site
• Experience the jungle canopy on a Selva Maya Zipline Tour
• Learn about Mayan culture on a Tulum Ruins and Cenote Experience
• Take a local street food tour to learn all the best under-the-radar places to ea t

Dreaming of a solo trip to Tulum yet? Use my guide to the best things to do in Tulum to start planning your visit.

Solo Travel in Mexico FAQs

Is mexico safe for solo female travelers.

Mira . Safety is never guaranteed anywhere, and Mexico is no exception. While there are safety concerns to be mindful of in Mexico (cartel violence, petty crime, etc.), you can absolutely have a safe and magical trip, even if you’re traveling alone to Mexico.  

Just use common sense, avoid drugs (seriously.), and use social media and news outlets to stay up to date on the goings-on in the area you visit. Following these practical solo travel safety tips will give you additional peace of mind.  

As you plan your trip, check the US State Department website for guidance on the safety situation in Mexico. They update their regional advisories regularly. Be mindful of their warnings but don’t take them too seriously, as they may mark an entire state dangerous when in reality the main safety issues are isolated to a certain area. 

Nervous about safety in Mexico? Check out my top tips for staying safe in Mexico.

Do I need to speak Spanish for Mexico solo travel?

Knowing a little español would undoubtedly serve you well, but you don’t NEED to know Spanish to have a good trip to Mexico. In fact, most (if not all) of the destinations on this list should be pretty easy to navigate if you don’t speak Spanish. Many Mexican folks speak at least a little bit of English because it’s part of the school curriculum, but English is most prevalent in tourist-heavy regions like Cancun and Los Cabos. That said, knowing some Spanish will help you make a positive impression, and you’ll feel more secure and confident if you can understand some of what’s going on around you. Try to learn some basic phrases before you go, but if your Spanish is lacking you can fall back on Google translate.  

Want to improve your Spanish? Rocket Spanish is a program designed to take you from beginner to conversational in Spanish while teaching you about Latin American culture along the way. Click here to try it out!  

Is it weird to travel alone?

No! Traveling alone is totally normal. For many of us, the only alternative is sitting around waiting for someone who has the time, money, or inclination to come with us. It may feel a little daunting at first, but going by yourself is a heck of a lot better than not going at all. Plus, even though you might be technically traveling to Mexico alone, you’re sure to make a ton of friends on your trip and have such a fun-filled time that you go home thinking, man, I could really use a couple of days to myself .  

Are there benefits to solo travel?

Solo travel has all kinds of benefits. Most obviously, it gives you full control over your time frame, itinerary, budget, and every other trip decision there is to make. Beyond that, solo travel is a fantastic way to connect with yourself and get to know yourself. Putting yourself in new situations is challenging but also incredibly rewarding. You’ll uncover new curiosities, test your own limits, and probably come away feeling truly empowered. You can do hard things and you can do them on your own! Sweet!

Solo Travel Safety Tips for Mexico

Mexico doesn’t have the most stellar reputation when it comes to safety, but it is often the victim of unfair generalizations. It’s important to remember that Mexico is a huge country, and the safety situation varies from place to place. It’s not fair to paint the entire country with one broad stroke. 

Safety isn’t a guarantee anywhere in the world. Instead of asking “is Mexico safe?” we should be asking how to travel safely in Mexico. You can stay safe wherever you travel in Mexico by taking a few simple precautions.

In this video, I’ve outlined my top Mexico safety tips. Bear with me because YouTube is not my forte. I did my best! 

One of the best ways to stay safe in Mexico is to chat with people you meet throughout the country. Nobody knows Mexico better than the people who live there. Facebook groups (like mine!) are a great place to start connecting with people on the ground, but don’t hesitate to speak to your hotel concierge, servers, tour guides, or anyone else you meet! 

Most importantly, just be a respectful traveler. (I already know you will be since you’re taking the time to read this.) Mexican culture is super extroverted and community-oriented. You’re sure to receive a warm welcome into the country and, as long as you are kind and open-minded, everyone around you will have your back.

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone

Solo travel might sound lonely at first, but, realistically, you’ll rarely be alone. There are sure to be all kinds of other solo travelers just like you who are slightly nervous about being alone and keen to meet people to do things with. 

Here’s how to find them:

• Join Facebook groups for travelers. The more niche, the better, as it will be easier to connect with people in your destination. Again, my Female Travelers in Mexico group is a great place to start! 
• Take group tours. There are group tours available for just about everything: from checking out street art to touring Mayan ruins, learning to cook local cuisine, and beyond. Choose one (or several) that match your interests, and you’ll find yourself in a small group of like-minded travelers. Strike up a conversation and invite others to join you for a meal or excursion. You can always befriend your tour guide too!
• Stay in hostels. Hostels in Mexico are awesome; they usually have great common areas and often host fun interactive events like volleyball games, quiz nights, and more. If you’re not into dorms, opt for a private room. Many hostels have really nice private accommodations, so you get all the social benefits of shared accommodation and the privacy of a hotel room! 

What’s that? You think you’re too old for hostels? Nope, you’re wrong …do a bit of research, though, some are very party-oriented, and that might not be your style!

What to Pack for Mexico Travel

Exactly what you pack for Mexico will vary depending on your itinerary. It’s a huge country, and each region has its own climate. If you’re headed anywhere with altitude, you’ll need a few more layers than if your trip is based on the beach. Basically, research the climate of your destination before you start packing. 

Here are a few basics I take on every Mexico trip:

• Doorstop alarm – This clever contraption will alert you to any intruder in your hotel room and, with any luck, scare them away or draw enough attention to attract assistance. It’s super affordable and offers reassurance while traveling alone in Mexico. For more suggested safety items to pack, click here . 
• Anti-theft purse – Petty crime is a concern in Mexico, so, even though I’ve never had an issue myself, I figure why take my chances ? An anti-theft purse with slash-proof straps, locking zippers, and RFID protection will give you peace of mind and keep your valuables safe while you’re out and about. I have this one , but here are 5 other styles you might like. 
• LifeStraw bottle – Ordinarily, you shouldn’t drink tap water in Mexico, but a LifeStraw bottle filters out all the bad stuff and leaves you with water that’s safe to drink. 
• Baggu shopping bag – I always keep one of these reusable shopping bags folded up in my purse or backpack. They come in handy for carrying groceries, souvenirs, or wet beach clothes home at the end of the day!  
• A warm outer layer – Even if you’re traveling to the beach, airports and buses tend to be heavily air-conditioned, so wearing layers is key. I take my Patagonia NanoPuff ; it’s very warm but also folds into a small pouch when I’m not using it (I have it in Rosehip) . 
• Comfortable sneakers – You’re bound to do a ton of walking in Mexico, and the terrain won’t always be even. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Running shoes with a bit of support would be ideal, but if you want something a little cuter, Vans sneakers are one of my go-to’s! 

Need more packing guidance? Check out this post if you’re headed to the beach and this post i f you’re headed to a city.  

Safe Transportation for Female Solo Travel in Mexico

Wondering how to travel around Mexico safely? There are a lot of differing opinions out there regarding the safest transportation options for Mexico solo travel (particularly taxis). I’ve summarized the main options below, along with my tips for using each of them safely.

• Uber : Uber is awesome because you don’t have to haggle over prices, and your trips are tracked in real-time. Sadly, it’s not available in every city in Mexico . If it is available in the city you visit, I recommend using it because it’s much easier than coordinating a taxi (especially if you don’t speak Spanish). Always use common sense, though. Ubers are typically safe, but there are no guarantees. If something feels off, get out of the vehicle. 
• Taxis : Taxis can be a great way to get around, but you need to do your due diligence. Always agree on a price ahead of time. Whenever possible, use a radio taxi (a taxi that is dispatched when you call to request it) or take one from an official taxi stand so you can be sure they are legit. NEVER get in a taxi if there is someone other than the driver inside already. 
• Colectivos : These vans travel between towns and are an efficient and affordable way for locals to commute. In my experience, they’re safe and the prices are fixed. The drivers tend to really floor it, so be prepared for an exciting ride.
• Buses : Mexico’s network of long-haul buses is one of the safest and most affordable ways to get around on a solo trip to Mexico. There are several different service levels ranging from economy to premium, so you can select the option that best suits your budget. 
• Car Rental: Renting a car in Mexico can be a convenient way to get around, but it’s not necessary for every trip. If you opt to rent a vehicle, always travel on toll roads (called cuotas ) and don’t drive at night. Not only are roadblocks more common at night, but it’s tough to see hazards like topes and livestock in the road when it’s dark. I like to use Discover Cars to score the best rates on rental vehicles in Mexico.

Mexico Travel Planning Resources

🌡️ Do I need travel insurance?

Yes! Healthcare in Mexico is affordable for minor ailments, but travel insurance will give you peace of mind if an emergency arises. Plus, you can add coverage for trip interruption, theft, etc. Get a quote from SafetyWing . 

🏨 What’s the best way to find accommodation in Mexico?

I use a mix of Booking, Airbnb, and Hostelworld. 

Booking.com  is awesome for booking hotels and resorts,  Hostelworld  is great for hostels, and  Airbnb  specializes in apartment rentals, making it a great place to find long-term stays.

💸 How should I exchange money in Mexico?

Use local ATMS to withdraw cash. US travelers should open a Charles Schwab bank account because they’ll refund ATM fees at the end of the month.

Travelers from outside the US should open a Wise account to secure the best currency exchange rates. 

📱 Where can I buy a local SIM card in Mexico?

Pick up a Telcel SIM card at any convenience store. Or, buy an Airalo eSIM online so you’re connected as soon as you land. 

🗣️ Do I need to speak Spanish in Mexico?

No, but it definitely helps you feel more confident and connected. 

RocketSpanish is my favorite program for learning the foundations of the language. If you’re more focused on improving your conversation skills, hire a tutor through iTalki to prep for your trip. 

✈️ What’s the best way to find affordable flights?

I use Skyscanner because it makes it easy to compare rates across different travel days. 

🚖 How do I find a safe airport transfer?

I recommend GetTransfer for airport transfers anywhere in Mexico. 

🚗 What’s the best way to find rental cars in Mexico?

I recommend Discover Cars because they aggregate prices across rental car companies, making it easy to find competitive rates. 

🚐 How do I book bus tickets online in Mexico?

Plan your routes with Rome2Rio , and book your tickets with Busbud — the site is in English and takes foreign credit cards. (Read more here)

🤿 How do I find cool activities and tours in Mexico?

I recommend Viator and Get Your Guide . Viator usually has more options, but it’s worth comparing offerings across both platforms. 

🇲🇽 How can I experience Mexico like a local?

Solo female travelers can hire a local female guide through Greether . Greeters will tailor tours based on your interests— it’s basically like experiencing a destination with a local bestie!

🧳 What’s the best luggage for Mexico?

Unless you’re staying at a resort, a travel pack is recommended. I’ve used this one from Osprey for the last 8+ years. 

👯‍♀️ How do I connect with fellow travelers in Mexico?

Join my Female Travelers in Mexico Facebook group , a supportive community of fellow Mexico travel enthusiasts, where you can find answers to all your travel questions!

How do you feel about our round-up of the best places in Mexico to travel alone? Are there any you think we missed?

Janine is a full-time content writer and travel blogger. In 2017 she and her cat moved from Los Angeles to Mexico and never looked back. Now, she writes in-depth articles to help women travel Mexico safely and confidently. Connect with her on Instagram.

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How to Stay Safe in Mexico as a Solo Female Traveler

Mexico is an amazing country to visit…but it has something of a bad reputation. Is it actually safe to visit? What if you’re a solo female traveler? In this guest post, Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse shares her safety tips and advice to help you navigate Mexico with confidence as a solo female traveler.

The tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of Mexico are irresistible. It’s the first place I traveled internationally, and whenever I want a warm, welcoming adventure that’s easy and accessible, I think of Mexico.

But sometimes people with little to no Mexico travel experience will try to talk you out of traveling there solo. They’ve seen nothing but negativity on the news, and so that’s their impression of the entire country. After all, Mexico has an international reputation for having high crime. So yes, this is something you have to be aware of when traveling there, especially by yourself.

But let’s be real: lots of fantastic destinations — including many in the US — have a similar reputation. It doesn’t mean the entire country is “bad” or that you can’t have a great, safe time there. You just need to take certain precautions, just like you would in much of the world. That starts with being well informed.

To help you stay safe, here are my top tips for traveling safely in Mexico as a solo female traveler:  

1. Choose your destination wisely

But lately, crime has increased in parts of the Riviera Maya ( largely fueled by tourists’ desire for drugs ), and tourist cities that used to be popular destinations, like Acapulco, have since become more synonymous with cartels. Just because something was popular ten years ago doesn’t mean it is a good place to visit now.

How do you know? If you’ve got someplace in mind, do a quick Google search for the town along with “crime” or “tourist crime.” Keep in mind: the media can really overplay things. I like to look at as many specific statistics as I can, when available.

I also like posting on message boards ( like TripAdvisor’s ) when planning trips to get the most current information. Local expat Facebook groups can also be helpful. Here’s one specifically for Tulum, for example. You’ll be able to ask people who are living or on the ground there what their experience is. This works for almost any major area of Mexico (and the world).  

2. Choose centrally located accommodations

Especially if it will be your first time visiting Mexico or a certain city or town, choose a place close to the zócalo, or main square. These areas are always well lit, and there are usually plenty of police officers around, making it less attractive for criminals. (One exception to this is Mexico City , as there are so many neighborhoods to choose from besides the zócalo downtown. )

Although I haven’t made this mistake in Mexico, from time to time I have gotten this wrong when in other countries. I remember a situation in the Philippines where I was so far away from all of the things to do and other tourists that I spent a very lonely few days on the tip of an island, cut off from everyone and everything.

Coincidentally, that’s exactly when someone tried to break into my bungalow at night. I learned my lesson the hard way on that one: always read the reviews completely and have a good understanding of what is near your accommodation.  

3. Learn some basic Spanish

What if you don’t know much? Well, my Spanish isn’t great. I thought it would be cool to take French in high school, even having grown up in Southern California, where Spanish would have been very helpful! So everything I know it’s just what I have picked up since then.

That said, the basics are often enough, and Mexico is a great place to learn more. Mexicans are generally very kind and forgiving toward those who try to speak their language.

Even if you just learn basic greetings and key phrases, you’re off to a great start. Duolingo is helpful with that, and you can also download Google Translate for offline use.

Speaking the language (even poorly) is a sign of respect and can help break the ice with locals, so why not give it a try?  

4. Find travel friends to feel less alone

Sometimes signing up for a retreat is also a good way to go. I usually find these through influencers I follow. I did this toward the end of my trip in Sayulita a few years ago, which gave me a good balance of time with people and also solitude before and after.

As a solo female traveler, this is my absolute favorite way to make sure that I meet other people. Do you love food? Sign up for a cooking class or even a food tour with great ratings on Google or TripAdvisor.  

5. Opt for rideshare apps when you can

Sometimes taxis can be sketchy depending on where you’re traveling to in Mexico. In Mexico City and Playa del Carmen, for example, riders have even been kidnapped and extorted. In other cities, however, taxis are totally safe. Mérida, Cancún , San Cristóbal de las Casas and San Miguel de Allende are all fine places to take taxis in.

Rideshare apps are generally a safer option, especially at night. These apps make it possible to hold drivers accountable for any misdeeds, making it far less likely that they would commit any crimes. Plus, no actual money is exchanged, and they’re less likely to add extra mileage to make the bill higher since you can see right on the app what the suggested route is.

Uber is available in some cities in Mexico, but not all. There is almost always some kind of taxi app (like DiDi, for example) or WhatsApp taxi service available in any significant city, but if you’re visiting a small town or village, these options likely won’t be available.  

6. Avoid being flashy

Wearing flashy jewelry and designer clothes will draw attention to you, almost anywhere you go in Mexico. One exception is Mexico City, where people generally dress up more in specific neighborhoods. Almost anywhere else, wearing extravagant clothing could make you a potential target for theft.

Although I own them, you won’t catch me with designer purses abroad, because I just don’t want to make myself the most attractive target.

The same goes for having your nice smartphone in hand on the street. There are two reasons for this: one, it can be a big distraction for you, and two, it’s something very easy to quickly steal out of your hand.  

7. Vet tour companies beforehand

There are hundreds of tour companies in Mexico, and not all of them are reputable or safe. I almost never book a tour directly from a seller or right off the street. I always want to look at reviews first.

If you want to go on a day trip with a particular tour company, see if you can look it up online and read actual reviews before you hand over your money. Next, I check if they have websites and social media, such as a Facebook page.

If you don’t have a specific company in mind, Google the activity you’re interested in and see which companies offer it and follow the same advice. Chances are there will be some Google reviews, and if someone has had a bad experience, they’ll probably leave one to warn other travelers. You can also check TripAdvisor.

Another great way to make sure a tour is legit before you book is to go through a third-party site, like GetYourGuide . On those platforms, you can see reviews from other customers and make a more informed decision on which tour is safest and worth your time and money.

Additionally, beware of a common scam in which sketchy tour companies rent equipment to customers and then blame them for extensive damages. This is most common with scooter rentals, segway tours, and even snorkeling equipment rentals. To avoid this, make sure to ask what the policy is for any damage to equipment to make sure you won’t be held liable. You should also take photos of anything you rent before using it. That way you can prove that you haven’t made any damages.  

8. Tell a friend where you are

Personally, checking in with someone every day or sharing my location with them would drive me absolutely bonkers, but so many solo female travelers have recommended this in comments on posts I’ve written over the years that I know that, for some people, the peace of mind is worth it.  

9. Get a Mexican SIM card

If you’re from the US, you may have cell phone service while in Mexico at no additional cost. If not, consider picking up a Mexican SIM card when you arrive. A Telcel card only costs 150 pesos ($7.50 USD) and you can easily load data onto it online or at any OXXO (24-hour convenience store).

I pretty much always get local SIM cards because they work better and are so much cheaper that using your regular SIM. I just ask a friend or person I meet at a hostel who is bilingual to help me get mine in Mexico, as my Spanish is not good enough to get the job done.

But after that, I’m set in terms of navigation, making local calls when needed, and always being connected.  

10. Don’t indulge cat-callers

In typical machismo fashion, a man who will cat-call you on the street could become aggressive or even violent if shown any kind of resistance. It’s a sad truth and one that pains me to say. But letting a disrespectful person know they’ve crossed a line does not always have the desired effect of making them stop what they’re doing.  

11. Be careful on dating apps

A lot of travelers use dating apps like Tinder and Bumble to meet people (even just as friends) while on the move. I’ve had friends rave about it in Europe and have run into people on the road who tell me that’s how they met. This could potentially be a cool way to see Mexico from a local’s perspective, but it also makes me nervous. What if they have expectations? What if you’re not on the same page?

There are a few ways you can vet someone before deciding to meet up. First, look at their social media for any red flags. Next, make your intentions clear from the get-go. If you just want to make a new friend and see the city, let them know. Then, agree to meet up in a public. You can also have a friend on standby to check in with you mid-date to make sure you’re alright.

There are also Facebook groups that you can use to meet up with others. I run one specifically for solo female travelers called BMTM Solo Female Traveler Connect . There’s also Meetup.com and Bumble Friend, which is specifically set up for platonic situations.  

12. Trust your gut when it comes to food

I’m not suggesting that you avoid street food and stick to only restaurants. The worst food poisoning I’ve ever had was from a fancy restaurant in Mexico! Plus, I absolutely love street tacos there, and I’m always on the lookout for them. But I have some rules.

First of all, trust your instincts with street food. If a stall looks unsanitary, it probably is. On the other hand, If you’re unsure of where to eat, pick the taco stand with the longest queue. If there’s a huge line for a particular place, it’s probably because the food is great. Locals really know best on this one.  

13. Buy travel insurance

I never travel without insurance. You shouldn’t either. Not only can it save you a fortune, but it also provides peace of mind, which is worth every penny (especially if you have concerned friends or family).

If you’re on a budget, use SafetyWing . It’s super affordable. Insure My Trip is the best choice for travelers over 70.

You can use this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing:

For more information on travel insurance, check out these posts:

• What Does Travel Insurance ACTUALLY Cover?
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance

There’s a reason why you’ll find so many women traveling through Mexico on their own. It’s a beautiful and culturally rich country that is full of surprises, making it perfect for the adventurous heart. I’ve met amazing people in Mexico, many of whom have become friends far beyond the time I spent in the country.

Each time I go back to discover a new area, I’m reminded of just how wrong the media has it when portraying Mexico. Just like any other country, it has its fair share of safety concerns, but by being prepared and following some simple guidelines like the ones above, I’ve had beautiful experiences swimming with sharks, dunking in crystal-clear cenotes, eating amazing food, and making connections that I would have missed out on had I listened solely to all the bad news.

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world ever since. There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook .

Book Your Trip to Mexico: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Mexico? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Mexico for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Top 5 destinations for solo female travel in mexico.

• Published February 24, 2022

Looking to do some solo travel in Mexico? With a plethora of historical sites like ruined temples and ornate cathedrals, and nature galore such as cenotes, mountains and white-sand beaches, Mexico is a vibrant destination that’s great for solo female travel. 

If you’re going it alone, there are a few places you should definitely include on your itinerary.

Five Best Places in Mexico for Solo Female Travel

Mexico city, mexico.

While many might be hesitant about going to Mexico City alone, it actually makes for a great solo female travel destination.

If you love big cities like New York, London, and Barcelona, you’ll love Mexico City as well. There are more than 100 museums, historic Unesco World Heritage Sites, ancient Aztec ruins, and of course, tacos ! Plus, there’s a reliable public transport system throughout the city that makes it easy to get around. Though it may not have the best reputation in the media, travelers in the know will always sing praises of the underrated Mexico City.

Mexico City has all kinds of transport options: bus, metro, and even a city-wide bike sharing program called EcoBici. There’s also Uber, which saves you precious travel time. For a day trip around Mexico City, the country’s ADO bus is the perfect, inexpensive way to get wherever you need to be.

Speaking of day trips, one of the coolest hidden gems in Mexico is located about four hours away from Mexico City in the state of Hidalgo. Here, you’ll find the Las Grutas de Tolantongo Caves, a natural water playground with hot spring pools built onto the side of a cliff.

Merida, Yucatan

Merida is located in the famed Yucatan Peninsula, about 3.5 hours drive from Cancun and Tulum, though it feels a world away. This colorful historic city is a hidden gem for now, but it is slowly growing in popularity and reputation.

Merida holds several titles including Cultural Capital of the Yucatan and Safest City in Mexico; the latter making it the ideal place for solo female travelers. 

It’s also perfect for culture travelers who want to experience ‘real’ Mexican and Mayan culture. While millions flock to nearby Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya, those wanting to see another side of Mexico always head to Merida.

Once in the city, there are so many things to do including visiting museums, strolling the colorful streets, shopping for Mayan artesanias (handicrafts), and eating at amazing restaurants. In fact, Yucatan food in Merida has even been featured on Netflix shows like Taco Chronicles and Chef’s Table: BBQ .

As it’s still an up-and-coming destination, you can stay in a nice boutique hotel in Merida at a relatively low cost. There is an airport right in the city—Merida International Airport—so it’s also easy to access.

Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state, and located in the near-dead center of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This makes it the ideal homebase to stay in while you explore other parts of the peninsula like the Chichen Itza Ruins, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Tulum, Quintana Roo

Tulum is a Mexico hot spot, and has been for some time now. Known as one of the most Instagrammable Mexico destinations, you may have seen photos and YouTube videos of this beautiful beachfront town. However, Tulum is more than just pretty pictures! This Mexico beach town sits right on the Caribbean Sea, so you know there’s plenty of beautiful beaches to lounge around on. It also caters to the more luxurious traveler, with beach clubs that cater to your every whim and elaborate swimming pools with swings, hammocks, and other waterside accessories.

Besides the beaches, there are also cenotes in Tulum, which are natural pools in the jungle. They are located all over the Yucatan Peninsula, but some of the best cenotes in Mexico are located just minutes from downtown Tulum.

There’s also the Tulum Ruins, a Mayan archeological site right on the beach. After exploring, you can take the staircase down to the beach and jump in the sea. There are plenty of taco shops and vegan cafes to indulge in after a refreshing swim.

Tulum is very popular with solo travelers and backpackers, so it’s very easy to meet people and get a lay of the land, including areas to avoid as a solo female. Though it has a big reputation, it’s actually a small town and one of the famed Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns), making it easy to navigate.

Baja California Sur State

Mexico’s west coast consists of two states: Baja California Sur (south) and Baja California state, which is sometimes called Baja California Norte (north). These two states make up Mexico’s famed Baja California Peninsula.

Much like the west coast of the US, Mexico’s west coast is super laid back, and has a similar vibe to California. In fact, Baja is full of expats who have relocated from California. As a result, this is a part of Mexico you can visit and not have to speak Spanish at all.

Of the two Baja states in Mexico, Baja Sur is the more popular of the two. Here, you have the top destinations like Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo (AKA Los Cabos), as well as La Paz, Todos Santos, and the up-and-coming Loreto.

Baja Sur is the perfect place to do a solo road trip, as the best way to get around is by car. It’s considered safe to drive in Mexico, as long as you’re off the road when it’s dark. Car rentals average only about $20 USD per day, and you can rent with a driving license that is valid in your country of residence. International driving licenses are also recommended for ease of car hiring.

The Baja Peninsula is a great year-round destination, with whale watching and gorgeous weather in the winter. In the summers, it’s the perfect time to hit the Baja beaches.

Baja Sur has some of the best beaches in the country—and what some say is the most beautiful beach in Mexico, Playa Balandra near La Paz. The snorkeling and diving scene on the Baja coast is legendary, and this area was famously called “the aquarium of the world” by Ocean Explorer and Naval Officer, Jacques Cousteau.

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Last but not least is San Miguel de Allende, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful historical cities in Mexico. San Miguel has good weather for much of the year, so you can visit at any time.

Residents are a mix of older retired expats and younger artists. The city is also known as one of the foodie hot spots of Mexico, and part of the season 12 finale of cooking show Top Chef was even filmed there.

If you want to get lost in a beautiful town, San Miguel is your place. Each building and home is somehow more beautiful than the next, and the cobblestone streets that wind along hidden alleyways only add to the charm.

The zocalo (town square) is centered around one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. This large gothic style church is the crown jewel of San Miguel, and everyone gathers here at the Jardín Allende (garden) just in front of it.

Just outside of town there are some nice hot springs, a beautiful botanical garden and also some ancient ruins at the Cañada de la Virgin site. Each of these places is easily accessible by Uber or public transportation from San Miguel.

Looking to make your stay in Mexico a little more permanent? Check out our Guide to Living in Mexico as a Digital Nomad.

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Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Mexico City + Downloadable Map

Are you a solo female traveler planning a trip to one of the liveliest and most populated cities in the world, Mexico City?

Let’s dive into the city’s diverse neighborhoods & things to do that make it a popular getaway destination among art enthusiasts, foodies, and urbanists, alike.

I found Mexico City, the oldest capital city in the Americas, to be the center of anthropological history and Latin American art lovers.

From museums to stunning public architecture and murals, Mexico City’s renowned arts and culture scene is evident wherever you look.

If you’re looking for a solo travel experience that immerses you in the heart of urban innovation and history, Mexico City is the place to be, with its irresistible culinary scene, trendy neighborhoods, and sprawling, vibrant culture.

And for you ladies on a budget it’s surprisingly affordable!

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

Solo Female Mexico City Travel Guide

This was my first time traveling to Mexico City, and I didn’t know what to expect solo!

When you first arrive in Mexico City, you may find it breathtaking… literally! At around 7,000 feet above sea level, Mexico City is at a higher altitude than you might be used to. But this shouldn’t pose significant problems for your visit.

If this is your first time visiting Mexico, you may be wondering about the logistics of traveling in Mexico City alone. I’ll share more specifics about different customs later on in this Mexico City solo female travel guide, but for now, here are a few things to note.

The currency in Mexico is pesos, and while credit cards are largely accepted, you might also want to carry some cash to use in stores or at street food stands that might not accept card payments. 

As far as language goes, Spanish is the primary language in the country, and you may find that English is spoken less than you were expecting. While visiting Mexico, make sure that you’re only drinking bottled water. The tap water isn’t safe to drink . So, to avoid getting sick, stick to bottles.

📲 Downloadable Map of Mexico City

📍 Download my pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!

My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!

👩🏻‍💻 Need Help Planning Your Trip? Get a customized itinerary !

Looking for Uber in Mexico City ? You will be pleasantly surprised by how easy to find rides!

Best Time to Visit Mexico City

Mexico City has a mild climate nearly all year long, making any time of year a good time to visit! The rainy season in the summer, from May to October, with most days in June through September seeing at least a few sprinkles of rain. 

If you’d prefer to avoid that, visiting in the winter and spring will keep you dry. High temperatures throughout the year average in the high 70s with occasional records in the 80s, and you can expect low temperatures to not drop below freezing.

The high season in Mexico City is between March and May, coordinating with some of the best weather in the city. While this means the streets will be crowded, you’ll be rewarded with lovely weather and sunshine.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit and experience many cultural activities and festivals in Mexico City, like Mexican Independence Day in September and Día de Los Muertos in November.

No matter when you plan your solo visit to Mexico City, you’ll find no shortage of things to do!

How to Get Around Mexico City Solo

A good Mexico City Travel Guide must have a detailed transit section. There are many public transportation options for getting around Mexico City.

The safest and most reliable way is by Sitio taxis or Uber . While other unmarked taxis are available in Mexico City, Sitio taxis are official, safe, and reliable for females traveling alone. You can get your hotel to call one for you or look for stands marked with Sitio around the city. 

Uber is also available in Mexico City and is another convenient and safe way to travel. 

Mexico City’s metro system is well-traveled, efficient, and cheap, at around $0.25 per ride. However, it’s also the main form of transportation that many local residents of Mexico City use, making it especially crowded during rush hours in the morning and evening.

Pickpocketing is more likely during these times , so be vigilant. Especially if you’re traveling by yourself.

If you decide to travel by metro, you should know that the first two cars of each train are reserved for women and children only.

Bags larger than a carry-on size are also not permitted, so don’t plan on traveling with your luggage. To avoid most of the crowds, travel during off-peak hours.

Mexico City’s Metrobus is another fast and inexpensive way to travel the city. Traveling in dedicated lanes along highly populated routes for commuters and tourists, using the Metrobus may often be faster than relying on a taxi.

You can purchase a smart card in a metro station to use on the bus, and rides cost 6 pesos (around $0.30). 

Like the metro, the Metrobuses also get crowded during peak hours, so plan your travel accordingly.

In 2008, Mexico City introduced women-only buses in response to reports of inappropriate behavior. You can identify these buses by the pink placards.

Also known as microbuses, colectivos are privately owned vans or small buses that travel along the main routes in Mexico City.

Look for the destination in the window to ensure you’re going in the right direction. Many drivers will display the number of seats available by holding up several fingers as they approach the stop. 

Colectivos are often more comfortable than the Metrobus and less expensive than a taxi, making them a good transportation alternative in Mexico City.

Tourist Bus

The Turibuses in Mexico City are designed to transport tourists to popular locations around the city. These double-decker red buses also provide audio commentary about popular sites along the route in multiple languages.

The turibus runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you can hop on and hop off an unlimited number of times throughout the day after purchasing a day pass.

Pro Tip: Even though I found solo travel to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

Best Things to Do Alone in Mexico City

Visit teotihuacan solo.

Teotihuacan is a must-see if you visit Mexico. The best way to do a Teotihuacan day trip if you are on your own is by joining a group tour!

Located northeast of Mexico City, the archaeological site is also known as the City of the Gods and is home to some of the largest ancient pyramids in the world. The three main structures are the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon , and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. 

The entire area is an incredible example of pre-Aztec life in Mexico. You can head to the museum to get even more information and a look at some of the artifacts from the area.

Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, you’ll want to spend at least half a day here.

From climbing the pyramids for stunning views of the surrounding mountains to walking the Avenue of the Dead, most visitors spend about 3-4 hours here.

When you visit, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen! The best time to arrive is in the morning before it gets too hot and crowded.

Traveling by taxi, I recommend you get dropped off by the gate closest to the Pyramid of the Sun and exit by the gate near the Temple of Quetzalcoatl.

If you are creating your own Mexico itinerary , be sure to include a day trip here!

See the pyramids from a hot air balloon.

If you want to see the majestic Teotihuacan Valley from the air, take a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids ! This 30-50 minute tour gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire site, with spectacular views you can only get from above.

Breakfast and refreshments are provided, as is transportation to the site.

A perfect trip to book if you are solo in Mexico City! Leaving all the details up to someone else when traveling solo can take the pressure off. I can just relax and show up for the pickup time!

Take a guided day trip to Frida Kahlo Museum, Xochimilco, and Coyoacan.

Mexico City is officially divided into 16 different districts, each with its unique vibe and plenty of things to discover! This guided day trip takes you through 3 of the iconic neighborhoods in the city – Xochimilco, Coyoacan, and Centro Historico. 

You’ll start first in University City, exploring the main campus and the plentiful murals. Then, you’ll head to Xochimilco to travel along the Aztec canals in a traditional punt.

The tour will bring you next to Coyoacan, the colonial arts district of Mexico City that was once home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. 

In addition to soaking in the rambling 16th-century architecture in this district, you can also stop in to explore the Frida Kahlo Museum . Housed in her striking Casa Azul (blue house), the museum displays many Mexican and indigenous arts, jewelry, and artifacts.

The tour finishes in the Centro Historico, the historic center of Mexico City. Upon entering the Zocalo, or main square, you’ll also see many other iconic city sites.

These include the Church of San Juan Bautista and Conquistador Hernando Cortes’s impressive mansion.

This day trip takes you through some of the most culturally important and charming areas of Mexico City. Led by knowledgeable guides, I’d highly recommend this tour to learn more about the city and connect with other travelers!

*Looking for something unique to do in Mexico City? Go to a live Mexican wrestling event known as “ Lucha Libre “.

✈️ Are Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!

Tour the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most visited churches in the world, as over 20 million Catholics make a pilgrimage to the site every year.

The shrine is incredibly important to the Catholic religion and Mexican culture. Even if you’re not particularly religious, the basilica’s architecture is gorgeous, and it’s worth a visit.

The tour I went on also included visiting the surrounding area and climbing Tepeyac Hill, where the first apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe were said to appear. For the best views and to avoid the crowd, book your tour during the week!

Visit the altars of the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana).

The Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the historic district of Mexico City, near the Templo Mayor. The monumental building is stunning inside and out, with intricate architecture and impressive art.

Entering the cathedral is free, so if you find yourself in Centro Historico, taking a walk inside is an absolute must!

Get a drink at the top of the Ritz Carlton.

Enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails and stunning views of Mexico City from the 38th floor of the Ritz Carlton. The Samos Bar , located inside the hotel, is chic with touches of Art Deco. The biggest appeal, however, is probably the outdoor seating. It offers gorgeous panoramic views of the city from behind glass panels.

Visit the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico

Even if you haven’t booked a night at this luxury hotel, stepping inside the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico’s lobby is necessary during your visit to Mexico!

The massive Tiffany-style stained glass window covering the lobby’s ceiling will undoubtedly catch your attention. But don’t be so distracted that you don’t notice all the other intricate details in this turn-of-the-century building!

The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant that’s worth a visit.

Chapultepec Castle

Located in the large Chapultepec park, this 18th-century castle is now home to a museum.

Known for its impressive Roman gardens and spectacular views from atop Chapultepec Hill, there’s plenty to ooh and ahh over at Chapultepec Castle .

You can either take a leisurely walk up the hill or take a tram that departs every 20 minutes to get straight to the castle . 

Stroll through Parque Mexico.

One of the largest green spaces in Mexico City, Parque Mexico , is located in the Condesa neighborhood.

As you wander through the numerous walkways of the park, keep an eye out for some of the many fountains and sculptures.

They’re great examples of the Art Deco architecture style that was popular when the park was built in 1927.

Get a day pass for a rooftop pool.

After all the walking and exploring you’ve done in Mexico City, what’s a better way to cool off and relax than a dip in a pool?

Many of the city’s hotels offer day passes for their rooftop pools, meaning you can swim with a view. 

At Hotel Habita , alongside the 5th-floor terrace pool, you’ll also find a pool deck serving tapas, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails. Sofitel Mexico City also has an incredible pool area, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a beautiful view of Mexico City’s skyline.

Want a more relaxing soak? Dip your feet into their hot tub instead!

Solo Female-Friendly Restaurants in Mexico City

Lardo serves a fusion of Italian and Mexican-inspired dishes all day in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. I would especially recommend you visit for brunch, though!

A variety of sweet and savory breakfast options make this busy restaurant a must-visit, as does its welcoming atmosphere with an open kitchen and large bar!

Be sure to make a reservation if you want to sit at a table; otherwise, you can try to grab a spot at the bar.

Panaderia Rosetta $$

Panaderia Rosetta is a romantic bakery attached to an Italian restaurant that will satisfy your sweet tooth! An entrance nearly shrouded by greenery opens up to a rustic bakery with a display case to drool over.

Be sure to get there early to snag the best pastries and sit at one of the outdoor tables.

Frëims $$

You’ll want to visit this delicious brunch spot just for the ambiance alone, if not for the yummy menu full of classic brunch dishes like eggs benedict, chicken and waffles, and french toast.

The back garden has ample seating, a central water feature, and a rotating exhibit of mural art. Frëims is also known for its coffee, and the cafe vibe attracts many remote workers like me.

Looking for a glass of wine and some authentic Mexican cuisine? Amaya is the place for you. The lengthy wine list highlights local wine, and the menu takes a similar hyper-local focus.

Farm-to-table plates make a perfect leisurely lunch or early dinner in a rustic yet fun atmosphere. Concrete pillars and wood seating let your attention focus on the colorful murals on the walls!

Cicatriz $$

The open, high-ceilinged space of Cicatriz also attracts a professional crowd, well suited for grabbing a drink and a meal while you power through some work.

Led by a brother-and-sister duo from the States, Cicatriz’s menu features plenty of veggie-packed dishes, including big salads and a fried chicken sandwich. After 5, the cafe starts serving drinks, and the restaurant becomes more of a bar atmosphere as the night continues.

Filigrana $$-$$$

A meal at Filigrana is as much of a treat for your eyes as it is for your tastebuds! The upscale Mexican fusion restaurant features a variety of wonderful dishes beautifully presented.

As you dine, take in the wall of windows, plush purple velvet seating, and the tree growing right in the middle of the dining space.

Contramar $$$

Contramar is world-renowned for its spectacular fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy a meal with locals and tourists alike who flock to the elegant restaurant for innovative takes on fresh fish and refreshing cocktails.

Try the raw tuna tostadas and a Paloma!

ZuZu Rooftop Condesa $$$

ZuZu Rooftop Condesa is open-air dining at its best! A busy cocktail bar serves up creative cocktails while the kitchen puts out a variety of dishes inspired by the country’s cuisine.

Hanging plants and woven pendant lights contribute to the modern boho feel of this rooftop restaurant. You need reservations if you are planning on dining here.

Molino “El Pujol” $$-$$$

This wouldn’t be a Mexico City travel guide without including at least one taco restaurant! Molina “El Pujol” is an unassuming tortilleria that serves up traditional Mexican tortillas, tacos, and more.

All from a tiny white building in the trendy Condesa neighborhood.

A Solo Travel Traveling Tip: At the end of each day, I would take activated charcoal pills to avoid any issues with digestion. And luckily, it worked. –

Disclaimer: I am not a physician, and this is not medical advice. Seek advice from a professional before taking any supplements.

Best Hotels in Mexico City For Solo Females

The thing I love most about Mexico City is all the different neighborhoods! If you are looking for a place to stay in Mexico City , check out a list of my favorite hotels below!

Condesa Neighborhood

The Condesa neighborhood is home to the trendiest locations in Mexico City. The culinary scene truly comes alive here, with the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and more all found within the Condesa area.

Wide, tree-lined avenues give the neighborhood an almost European vibe, and with something new to discover around every corner, it’s an ideal neighborhood to stay in while visiting Mexico City.

Hotel Condesa DF

Get Directions  

Situated on the outskirts of the Parque Espana, Hotel Condesa DF remains a trendsetter among boutique hotels in Mexico City. Colorful interior design and custom-designed furniture make the hotel feel modern yet warm. 

While the rooms themselves are a little on the small side, the rest of the amenities are fabulous. For a solo traveler, the standard room is perfect!

You can order room service from one of the two restaurants on the property and rinse off the day’s activities under the rain showerhead equipped in every room.

>> CHECK PRICES – HOTEL CONDESA DF

Condesa Haus B&B

Get Directions

All the rooms in Condesa Haus B&B are different. The little touches throughout the house hotel represent different parts of Mexican culture and make for an eclectic stay!

Free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and excellent service all make this a great place to stay in Mexico City.

>> CHECK PRICES – CONDESA HAUS B&B

If you’re looking for a super luxury stay in Mexico City, Casa 9 is the place to go! With only four rooms available, you’ll truly feel at home at Casa 9.

The luxury bed and breakfast was remodeled from a 1910 Mexican Casona and now boasts a mix of modern and Mexican interior design that’s both chic and cozy.

>> CHECK PRICES – CASA 9

Roma Norte Neighborhood

Like the Condesa neighborhood, Roma Norte is home to the hustle and bustle of culinary and cultural innovation.

Stay in this area and fall in love with the international food stalls and street art everywhere you turn.

Nima Local House Hotel

Bright and airy rooms – just 4 – characterize the experience of staying in this boutique hotel. Big windows let plenty of sunlight in and emphasize the French architecture of the Roma Norte neighborhood where Nima Local House Hotel is located.

You’ll love the special touches of a complimentary cocktail at check-in and fresh cookies every night!

>> CHECK PRICES – NIMA LOCAL HOUSE HOTEL

Casa Goliana La Roma

This boutique bed and breakfast is set on one of the many tree-lined streets in Roma Norte. Inside, the rooms are sophisticated and roomy, with high ceilings that emphasize the sense of luxury.

Casa Goliana La Roma is just a 2-minute walk from a bus stop and is within walking distance to many Mexico City landmarks. These include Chapultepec Castle and the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

>> CHECK PRICES – CASA GOLIANA LA ROMA

Xoma Boutique Apartments by Viadora

If you want more modern accommodations in Mexico City, look no further than Xoma Boutique Apartments by Viadora . These ultra-sleek rooms offer the ultimate in comfort and location, situated in the Roma Norte neighborhood right next to the Mercado Medellin Public Market.

Marble bathrooms with deep tubs, balconies, and a pool make this an ideal place to stay for a true getaway!

Polanco Neighborhood

Polanco is home to Mexico City’s shopping district, with more modern buildings and luxury shops. It’s widely considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Mexico City.

Keep an eye out for old Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture between the sleek, modern buildings! While in the area, take advantage of your proximity to all the shops, trendy restaurants, and many of Mexico City’s museums.

The Alest Hotel

Catering to an international crowd, The Alest Hotel has a distinctly British style. This boutique hotel is located in the posh Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City, within walking distance of Lincoln Park.

In addition to luxurious marble bathrooms and a craft cocktail bar, the hotel also has a shop on the ground floor featuring traditional Mexican goods.

>> CHECK PRICES – THE ALEST HOTEL

Pug Seal Allan Poe

Located in a three-story mansion, Hotel Pug Seal Allan Poe offers delightful amenities everywhere you look. From the garden and sweat lodge to the deep soaker tub and complimentary bicycle rentals, you’ll love staying in this artsy hotel.

The design is simultaneously eclectic and modern, with bright colors and intricate wallpaper imitating the natural landscape of nearby Chapultepec Park.

>> CHECK PRICES – PUG SEAL ALLAN POE

The Wild Oscar

Large bathrooms, loft-inspired design, and free WiFi make The Wild Oscar the perfect place to stay in Mexico City for anyone taking a working vacation.

The design is full of wood, leather, and ambient Edison lightbulbs, which is reflected in the generally younger population of this hotel. The Wild Oscar also has an on-site restaurant, wine bar, and fitness lounge!

>> CHECK PRICES – THE WILD OSCAR

Need a hotel close to the airport? Here are the 3 best airport hotels in Mexico City !

Customs & Etiquette in Mexico City

As in many situations, the tipping customs in Mexico City depend on the situation. In restaurants, the tipping culture is much the same as in the States. 10% tip is standard, with 15% to 20% tip for excellent service. 

Tipping isn’t required if you’re buying food from a street food stall, but it is appreciated. It can also be customary to tip your tour guide after a particularly good tour (10-20%). Tipping taxi drivers isn’t customary unless they help with your bags, but it is typical to tip housekeepers in hotels and baggers in grocery stores. 

Informal greetings are considered polite everywhere you go, from a simple “Hello” ( hola) to “Good day” ( Buenos Dias ). Don’t fret if it’s been a while since you’ve broken out your Spanish. Making an attempt is appreciated!

Negotiating Prices

When shopping, it’s not common to negotiate prices. The exception to this is in the artisan markets. You may ask the vendor for the price, and they might tell you something lower, but don’t expect significant slashes in cost. Don’t attempt to negotiate at food markets either, as the prices are often exceptionally low already.

Smoking isn’t allowed in restaurants or bars in Mexico City, but it is allowed outdoors.

As in most urban locations, there isn’t one strict dress code for the city, but you often won’t see locals wearing shorts. For respect, remove hats upon entering a church.

Punctuality

Things move at a slower pace in Mexico City. Instead of trying to rush through your days, lean into the slower lifestyle, and don’t be surprised if you linger over a meal instead of having your check brought to you immediately. If you’re visiting someone’s home, remember that it’s actually considered more polite to arrive around 30 minutes late than to show up on time!

Feeling Ready to Explore Mexico City Solo?

Mexico City is a world-class travel destination filled with hidden gems that are not to be missed.

Whether you’re planning a longer visit to other cities in Mexico or focusing on Mexico City, don’t underestimate how incredible the entire country is! Mexico City should be on every solo traveler’s bucket list, from innovation in food and modern art to its rich history and culture. 

As a single female traveler, I found Mexico City safe and easy to travel by myself. I would rank it among the best solo travel destinations for women .

The bustling arts scene makes connecting with other travelers easy, but spending your time in solo-discovery mode is just as easy.

I hope this Mexico City solo female travel guide has given you plenty of inspiration for your trip to Mexico!

Looking For A Solo Travel Community?

It’s all about community! There is something here for everyone, whether you are just getting started or consider yourself a veteran solo traveler.

Find support, inspiration, and friendship by joining our community!

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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What a perfect time for me to see this! I’m going to Mexico City in November so I can’t wait to use this helpful guide!

This is such an awesome guide! It makes me want to go back to Mexico City. Such fond memories there. 🙂

These are great tips. Mexico City has always intimidated me so your tips give me the confidence to get around.

What a beautiful and detailed post! Love all of your photos! I had never considered a visit to Mexico City before, but you certainly have me convinced now. I’d especially love to see Teotihuacan – how neat! Xx Sara

I love all your foodie recs! Mexico City is such a special place! Contramer is high on my list!

Mexico City seems like such an amazing place to explore! I would love to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and take a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids!

I never realized how large Mexico City is until I flew into it on my way to Puerto Vallarta. One really does need a travel guide to figure out where to go and what to do.

I’ve only visited the Quintana Roo area of Mexico, but your post has me inspired to make my way to Mexico City now!

Parque Mexico looks SO otherworldly! I usually skip parks and gardens when I travel cos my itinerary is always already so packed ? but I’ll be sure not to leave this one out if I ever find myself in Mexio City one day!

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Solo female travel in Mexico

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Based on 33 experiences

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Is Mexico good for solo travel?

Safety: Moderate

Transport: Moderate

Things to do: Fascinating

Food: Excellent

Budget: Affordable

Is mexico worth visiting, overall rating.

based on 33 experiences

Things to do

Budget-friendly, solo travel experience.

Mexico was amazing. It was my first solo trip and I was in an all-inclusive resort, so I felt extremely safe and everyone was so nice. I took two excursion to Chichen Itza and Isla mujeres. I really enjoyed my experience. I can't wait to come back to Mexico to visit more.

I have been on a 2-week trip in Mexico, mostly Chiapas and Mexico City. Loved it and felt very safe as a solo female traveler, with so many nice and wonderful people.

Family travel experience

I felt safe, although we had one encounter where someone stopped us on our way and we had to pay. Recommendations are Holbox, Punta allen, Valladolid. The food was moderate, I expected more. We hired a car and drove through Yucatan & Chiapas which was a really nice experience. The nature was stunning

Mexico is a wonderful place to travel. It's modern and ancient, sophisticated and humble, colourful, civilised and wild. Travelling on any budget is possible, choose a bus and a hammock in a palapa or aircondioned luxury with infinity pools and every whim attended to. I felt safe travelling alone there, and the people are welcoming kind generous and can easily become life long friends.

I backpacked solo through Mexico for 2 months in fall 2022. I absolutely enjoyed my trip. I stayed in hostels and made great friends. I mostly ate street food and cheap eats to keep costs low. I celebrated Dia de Muertos in Oaxaca and it couldn’t have been a better choice.

I spent 2 weeks traveling alone in Mexico. Mexico City - Campeche - Merida - Playa Del Carmen. I flew from Mexico City, then took the ADO bus between Campeche, Merida, and Playa Del Carmen and had only positive experiences. I love Mexico and can't wait to go back.

I was in Mexico alone for a month and felt safe. When it comes to being a woman, sometimes someone would approach me, but mostly out of curiosity. Mexicans have a different way of being and it's worth getting used to the fact that someone might whistle or call out at times. But it's not dangerous. It's worth knowing Spanish, even at a basic level. I traveled around the Yucatan Peninsula + Mexico City and its surroundings, and sometimes ventured into places that were allegedly not recommended for tourists, but I didn't notice anyone looking at me aggressively. I'd happily return.

I don't speak Spanish and I didn't do much research before leaving, but I absolutely loved Mexico. Everywhere was super safe, from Yucatan to Mexico and slightly north. Everyone was so kind, helpful, relaxed, and the food was delicious. Yucatan was a bit too colonial and everywhere Americans, but even so, I enjoyed the stay. I really loved CDMX and Oaxaca, as well as the Queretaro wine region. I may have traveled through half the country, or maybe more, and everywhere I felt safe and welcome.

I had an amazing time in Mexico. I was cautious, but I felt really safe. I was nervous about the stories I had heard, but nothing bad happened at all. I visited Cancun, Oaxaca, San Cristobal, and Mexico City. The main advice I can give is to avoid tap water at all costs.

I traveled alone to Mexico in March and I can say with 100% certainty that I felt completely safe. Hostels are very safe, and the locals are very friendly. I visited Tulum, Bacalar, Playa Del Carmen, and Holbox and at no point did I feel uneasy.

Is Mexico safe for women?

You have to be very cautious of where you are going and who you're hanging out with. Tourist areas are generally safer but you should always take extra precautions, especially as a solo traveler. I would definitely recommend googling beforehand the neighborhood you'd be staying at.

Meet locals in Mexico

Hi! I'm a writer and translator interested in travel, languages, photography and dance.

Hi! I'm quite new at solo traveling, going to Europe this summer and would love to meet some new people. Also, if you're going to Hozier's concert on July 5th, hmu 😊

I lived in Mexico and traveled a lot alone. Mexico is not safe, at least that's my opinion, but you can travel alone and have a great time. I believe that if you follow basic safety rules, nothing threatens you, and the probability of something happening to you, significantly decreases. If you use public transportation, it's better to choose long-distance ADO lines rather than regular unmarked buses. Be careful with the police; they also sometimes steal. Keep your eyes wide open, as someone may be watching you (and you may not be aware of it) and waiting for the right moment to approach you.

A folclore all way around. Mexico is full of culture and tradition. A must on you pocket list. So many things to see and live over there. People are really kind and will always give you a hand and a smile whenever you need. And food OMG I think is the best in the world, we are not in only tacos!!! Please get close and dive in in the traditional cusine.

Mexico City is amazing. If you like City activities such as visit museums, know culture, delicious foods, dance, this city is for you! Mexican people are kind and easygoing. you can go anywhere in metro.

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I am a young Mexican girl looking for ways of exploring the world. I like to travel slowly and visit more than just the capital of any country I go to. I really enjoy backpacking, traveling in a simple way.

I like sharing life and travel experiences. Dancing is the best, so I can go dancing or also talk and enjoy the view. I love the idea of women helping other women during traveling so I hope we can share some time or other experiences.

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I am 31 years old and a professional dancer. I often travel. Curious by nature, I love discovering new things and meeting new people !

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Tulum Solo Travel Guide: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

By Shelley Marmor. Note that this Tulum solo travel guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Planning on doing some solo travel in Tulum, Mexico?

You’ve landed on the right article because this Tulum solo travel guide covers everything you need to know to have an unforgettable trip when traveling to Tulum alone.

The bohemian beach town of Tulum, located in the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea, is one of the best destinations for solo female travel in Mexico .

If you’ve never traveled solo or never traveled to Mexico solo, you’re soon going to learn everything you need to know about Tulum — from how to get to Tulum, where to stay in Tulum, and all the best things to do in Tulum.

Now, for those who have done some homework on this beautiful beach town, you might be wondering if Tulum is expensive.

As a Mexico local, I’ll say that when compared to the rest of the country, it is; but a budget trip is also totally possible. You’ll learn more about how to save money below.

Ready to discover all the things you need to know for an epic solo trip to Tulum?

Before we get to all that fun stuff, let’s clear the air around the #1 question when it comes to Tulum solo female travel — safety.

Quick tip: While Tulum is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers.

Table of Contents

Is Mexico Safe For Solo Travel?

When it comes to Mexico travel and how to travel alone successfully , the country has a bad reputation in the mainstream media, and perhaps you’ve been warned not to go to Mexico solo.

While most warnings are well-meaning, make sure you’re always considering the source of Mexico travel information.

As you probably know, the news has a habit of reporting the “doom and gloom” because that’s what sells. It is exactly because of this that you may have been warned by family members and friends not to travel to Mexico solo.

However, if you have any solo female traveler friends or acquaintances, especially those who have been to Mexico, consider asking them.

The best information on solo female travel will come from women who have done it, and for those who have, they’ll likely encourage you to go.

Is Tulum safe?

Wondering “Is Tulum safe for solo female travellers?” Here’s the low-down!

For the most part, Tulum is considered quite safe and is a great option for solo travel in Mexico.

The biggest threats to your safety in Tulum are usually hurricanes, mosquitoes, and sunburns, though petty crimes like phone and wallet theft do also happen — so make sure you know how to avoid pickpockets .

For instance, you can order hidden pocket garments from a company like Clever Travel Companion or hidden pocket scarves from Speakeasy Travel Supply .

As no place on Earth is 100% safe, you’ll want to follow these Mexico travel tips, and take the same general travel precautions you’d take anywhere else.

In Tulum, like most big tourist towns, you have to pay extra attention to your valuables and never leave anything unattended. As a town with a big party scene, you’ll want to watch your alcohol intake, and not take drinks from strangers.

Tulum is a pretty small town, so walking alone at night really isn’t that dangerous; however, always listen to your intuition, and if it feels safer for you to take a taxi, do that.

Getting To Tulum

What state is tulum in.

People often wonder, “Where is Tulum in Mexico?”

Tulum is located in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This is one of the three states in the Yucatan Peninsula , along with Yucatan and Campeche states. Of the three, Quintana Roo is the most visited. It is a long, thin state, encompassing the entire coastline of Mexico that sits on the Caribbean Sea. For this reason, you might also hear this part of the Yucatan Peninsula called the Mexican Caribbean.

Quintana Roo has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, and some of the country’s top travel destinations. If you’re planning some solo travel to the beach , this state should definitely be on your radar.

Also in this state, you’ll find Cancun (there are so many great things to do in Cancun , by the way!), Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya, as well as Holbox Island and Bacalar Lagoon, two Mexico hidden gems.

What’s The Closest Tulum Airport?

As mentioned, Tulum is in the same state as Cancun. In fact, it is about 1.5 hours south of Tulum by car or bus. Since there’s no airport in Tulum, you’ll have to fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN).

This is great because, as one of the busiest airports in Mexico, there are many daily, direct flight options from most major cities in the U.S. There are also direct flights to Cancun from many cities in Europe.

How Do I Get From Cancun To Tulum?

This is a popular question that I think is important to answer in any Tulum travel guide .

From the airport, you can easily rent a car, arrange for private transportation, or take the ADO bus from Cancun to Tulum. For budget travel in Tulum , the ADO is the cheapest way to get to Tulum from Cancun.

Car Rental: There are numerous car rentals in Cancun Airport, and prices will range from $25USD per day if you skip the insurance, to $50USD per day if you take it. As your U.S. insurance usually offers no coverage in other countries, do consider insurance — though do check first to see if your credit card or travel insurance covers you. (And if you’re wondering “Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Tulum?” the answer is yes!” Private Transportation: To arrange for private transport, start by asking your accommodation if they arrange this. Many hotels, hostels and Airbnbs do, and usually change about $100USD for roundtrip service.

ADO Bus: ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company, with a fleet of very nice, comfortable buses that have reclining seats, air conditioning, outlets to charge your phone, and a bathroom on board. You can take the ADO bus right from Cancun Airport to Downtown Tulum for about $30USD roundtrip.

Getting Around Tulum

Tulum is a small town, and only about five miles from one end to the other. It is divided into two general areas, Tulum Town — also known as Downtown Tulum or Tulum Pueblo — and Tulum Beach.

Though the beach is only about two-to-three miles from downtown, Tulum is very hot and humid for the majority of the year, so you’d still want to take a cab or ride your bike from downtown to the beach.

Is Uber In Tulum?

You may have noticed Uber was not on that list — and that’s because there is no Uber in Tulum, nor anywhere in Quintana Roo state. This is also why you can’t Uber from Cancun to Tulum!

Renting A Bike In Tulum

Since there’s no Uber, you will have to get around Tulum by walking, taking taxis, or renting a bike.

Of all the options, many visitors rent a bike in Tulum as an eco-friendly, inexpensive, and fun option to explore the town.

Tulum bike rentals cost about $10USD per day. You can get one from any of a number of bike rentals in Tulum Town (Downtown) with your passport.

Should I Rent A Car For Tulum?

If you’re just staying in Tulum itself, and not planning to do much exploring of the surrounding areas, skip the car rental. As Tulum gets more and more popular, its traffic is getting worse, which is another reason biking is so popular. For those who want to do some Tulum day trips, a car might be the best option.

As Cancun has more options, and you have to travel from Cancun to Tulum anyway, if you do want a rental car then pick one up in Cancun instead of Tulum. To rent a car in Mexico, all you need is a valid driver’s license and a credit card.

By the way, you can use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Check it out here:

Tulum Town, though not as Instagram-worthy, provides a way to experience the more authentic side of Tulum.

As many locals live here, staying in Tulum Town often costs half as much as staying on the beach.

Here, you’ll find plenty of Tulum hotels and Airbnbs, averaging $50-100USD per night; for hostels, expect to pay about $30USD per night. The accommodations in Tulum Town are quite nice, so don’t be afraid to stay off-beach to save some money. Within Tulum Town, a few distinct areas have started to pop up over the last few years. The two main neighborhoods within Downtown Tulum are Aldea Zama and La Veleta.

Aldea Zama: Aldea Zama is located between Tulum Town and Tulum Beach. Here, you’ll find nicer Airbnbs and mostly townhouse and apartment rentals.

Given its location in the center of Tulum, staying here puts you only one mile from both the beach and downtown. La Veleta: La Veleta is on the westernmost edge of town. You can get some good deals here on places to stay in Tulum, but you’ll also be about one mile from downtown and three miles from the beach.

Tulum Accommodation Map

Want to compare prices on hotels and self-contained rentals quickly and easily?

This Tulum accommodation map can help !

Zoom in and out as needed to have more or less properties show up on the map:

Best Things To Do In Tulum

Perhaps the most important part of any good Tulum solo travel guide is outlining all the can’t miss Tulum things to do. Below, you’ll find enough things to see in Tulum to keep you busy for about a week!

Remember, one of the biggest benefits of traveling solo is having ultimate freedom over your schedule, so feel free to adapt the below suggestions to suit your itinerary.

Visit Tulum Ruins & Nearby Mayan Ruins

One must-see Tulum site is the Tulum Ruins Archaeological Site. This is a Mayan ruins site overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

After exploring the site, head down the staircase to the beautiful beach cove below and jump in the water to cool off.

While it’s not a very big site, it is located right on Tulum Beach, so many do take the time to see it since it’s actually in town.

At only about $75 pesos ($4USD) to get in, visiting the ruins is a budget-friendly Tulum option. Want to see more Mayan Ruins near Tulum?

Located one-to-two hours from Tulum, there’s also the Coba Ruins , Ek-Balam Ruins , and Muyil Ruins . If you want to climb some pyramids, Coba has the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan.

Enjoy A Lazy Day At The Various Tulum Beaches

Tulum is located right on the Caribbean Sea and has some of the best beaches in Mexico.

There are both free beaches, and beaches you have to access through a beach club.

Of the free beaches, there’s Playa Paraiso, Playa Pescadores and Playa Santa Fe . If you want to check out some of the Tulum Beach Clubs, know that most of them have a minimum spend of about $50USD. This means you pay $50 to enter, then that amount is used to cover your food and drink tab, and you can use their facilities for the day.

If this price tag is high for you, just pack a cooler, grab a towel, and head to one of the free beaches instead.

Lounge At The Tulum Beach Clubs

For those who do want to enjoy the fancier amenities in Tulum, some of the best Tulum beach clubs are Casa Malca , Papaya Playa Project , Nomade Tulum , La Zebra and Mia Tulum .

There are also Tulum Beach bars, with first come, first served seating, like CoCo Tulum and Ziggy’s Beach Club . These are great options that do come with a limited amount of service, but you don’t have to pay a minimum spend entry fee.

Swim In The Tulum Cenotes

For most, no visit to Tulum is complete without swimming in a cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).

Cenotes are swimmable sinkholes with fresh water that flows from a river located underneath the Yucatan Peninsula. They offer a scenic opportunity for active travel adventures you can’t have in most destinations you visit.

There are about 6,000 cenotes in the Yucatan, with some of the best cenotes located just minutes from Downtown Tulum.

Of the cenotes in Tulum you’ll want to check out, there’s Cenote Calavera , Gran Cenote , Cenote Car Wash , and Cenote Zacil-Ha , all located on Highway 109 within two miles of downtown.

As cenotes are popular — and many are on the smaller side — you’ll want to visit earlier in the day before they fill up with people.

Remember to also not wear any lotion or sunscreen before entering, to protect the cenotes.

This is one of the top cultural activities in Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula!

Photograph The Tulum Instagram Sites

As one of the most Instagram-worthy Mexico destinations, you’ll want to check out some of the places, art, and sites that put Tulum on the map.

All of the following places are located on Tulum Beach:

• Follow That Dream Sign : This street sign is located outside of the Lolita Lolita shop.
• Matcha Mama : A small cafe with swings next to the I Love Tulum So Matcha surfboard sign.
• Raw Love Cafe / Ven a la Luz : The iconic wooden man sculpture, and the entrance to Raw Love Tulum.
• CoCo Tulum : Beachfront Tulum bar with boho chic white swings and rustic decor.
• Casa Malca : Where you’ll find the hanging couch next to the wedding dress drapes.
• Crooked Palm Tree: The palm tree growing sideways on Tulum Beach, located outside Playa Paraiso Beach Club.
• Azulik Hotel : The original Instagrammable Tulum hotel, with great photo opportunities all over the place. Note: You can only take photos in the hotel with your phone camera; no “real” cameras are allowed.
• SFER IK Museum: Right next to Azulik is the SFER IK Museum, which has a similar esthetic. Note: It costs $10USD to enter the museum.

Tulum Nightlife

Tulum is pretty infamous for its nightlife. Most of the Tulum party scene can be found along the beach road, with clubs up and down the street. Some, like Casa Jaguar Tulum, are relaxed restaurants during the day but after 10pm, turn into clubs. Even the restaurants that stay restaurants can be found blasting music and celebrating, especially on the weekends.

Keep in mind that many clubs will have a cover charge, usually around $20.

Book Local Tulum Tours

There are a number of options for fun local tours in Tulum.

These can be great for solo travelers as you’re not just learning about the destination, but they provide the opportunity to meet locals while traveling as well as other tourists.

A few highly recommended tour options when traveling to Tulum include:

• Selva Maya Eco Adventure Park: Ziplining, Hanging Bridges, Rappelling and Cenote
• Half-Day Luxury Sailing Experience in Tulum with Open Bar
• Best ATV Tour, Five Ziplines, and Cenote Swim with Lunch and Transport Included
• Chichen Itza Day Trip from Tulum Including Cenote and Lunch
• Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum

Click here for a full list of tours in Tulum .

Tulum Restaurants: Where To Eat In Tulum

No Tulum solo travel guide is complete without talking about all the great paces to eat in Tulum.

This town has everything from high-end spots to beachfront dining to $1USD tacos — and also options in between.

Below are 12 Tulum dining options, with choices for all budgets.

Tulum Town Cheap Eats ($-$$)

If you’re sticking to a budget, or just love tacos, the street tacos in Tulum Town at Taqueria Honorio and Antojitos La Chiapaneca are amazing.

There’s also Burrito Amor in Tulum Town, for when you want to switch it up from tacos to burritos. For a sit-down meal where all the locals eat, head to El Camello Jr. This well-known Tulum restaurant is famous for fresh seafood and low prices so there might be a wait to eat there, but it is worth it.

Tulum Beach Cheap Eats ($$)

There are also some great taco shops on Tulum Beach, though they do cost more, but I Scream Bar and Taquería la Eufemia are both yummy choices.

Another fun place on the beach is Clan-Destino , which has a cenote you can swim in after eating. Clan-Destino is known for having the best burgers in Tulum.

Matcha Mama is the perfect place for a refreshing fruit smoothie, acai bowl, or vegan “nice” cream. While there, make sure to snap a photo next to the I Love Tulum So Matcha sign on the swings.

Best Restaurants In Tulum Beach ($$$-$$$$)

Foodies should head to Arca Tulum , led by Mexican/American Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza. Before Arca, he worked at Noma in Denmark, which is often regarded as the best restaurant in the world.

If you can’t get a reservation at Arca, try Hartwood , Jaguar or Gitano . As they are all small restaurants, you’ll still want to make a reservation if you’re planning to dine on a weekend.

Tulum Travel Tips

You should now have the full picture of how to get to Tulum, and where to stay, eat and play in Tulum.

Here are just a few more quick Tulum tips to keep in mind so you have an amazing solo trip.

• Tulum Weather: The best time to visit Tulum when you’ll have the nicest weather is from November to May, during the dry season. As it’s right on the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is susceptible to hurricanes. Note: Atlantic Hurricane Season technically runs June 1-November 30, though the weather’s usually nice by late October.
• Tulum Low Season: The best time to visit Tulum is during the slower season months of February to May. In these months, the weather is still nice, Tulum isn’t crowded and hotel prices are on the lower end.
• Tulum Temperatures: If you’re checking the Tulum forecast before your trip, remember to add about 5-10°F to all temperatures to account for the humidity.
• Carry Cash: Not all businesses in Tulum take credit cards, so make sure you always have cash. If you’re going to be taking taxis or eating street tacos, you’ll definitely have to pay for those in cash.
• Tulum Mosquitoes: As it’s a tropical beach jungle, the mosquitoes in Tulum can be vicious, so pack some eco-friendly bug spray.
• What to Wear in Tulum: In Tulum, anything goes, from boho casual to the decked-out influencers and fashionistas. As it’s quite hot, think cotton clothing, flowing sundresses, sun hats, sandals, and bathing suits — like the cute and eco-friendly swimwear from Wolven Threads .

Mexico Travel Insurance

When visiting Mexico — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Solo Travel Tulum FAQs

Still on the fence about Mexico solo travel? The answers to these common questions about visiting Tulum solo may help.

Q) Is Tulum safe to travel alone?

Yes, Tulum is generally a safe place to travel. The most common threats are pick pockets, so be sure to keep your phone and wallet secure. Otherwise, just take the same precautions you’d take traveling anywhere – especially if taking advantage of the famous Tulum nightlife – and you’ll have a great trip.

Q) Is Tulum a good place for solo travel?

Yes, Tulum is a fantastic place for solo travel. In fact, it might be one of the best solo travel destinations in Mexico. It’s easy to get to and there’s so much to do, whether you opt to spend your time in Tulum or explore on day trips.

Q) Is Tulum worth visiting?

Absolutely. If you love beautiful beaches, cute cafes and restaurants, and Mayan ruins, Tulum may become your favorite destination. It’s definitely worth spending at least a few days!

General Solo Travel Advice

New to solo travel ?

The above video shares some important solo female travel tips, from how to plan the perfect trip to how to stay safe when traveling alone.

That by the end, you feel confident planning a meaingful and memorable trip on your own!

Savvy Solo Traveler Email Course

New to solo travel?

My free Savvy Solo Traveler ecourse can help you successfully plan your first solo travel experience !

The six-day ecourse is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Bonus  Mexico Travel Guides :

6 Best Beaches In Holbox, Mexico (Stunning!)

15 Best Beach Clubs In Holbox Island, Mexico

23 Best Things To Do In Holbox Island, Mexico (+ Sample Itinerary!)

3, 4, & 7 Day Cancun Itinerary

14 Travel Tips For Puerto Vallarta For A Fun & Safe Trip (In-Depth Guide!)

Solo Travel In Puerto Vallarta: The Ultimate Guide

5 Active Ways To Explore Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Puebla, Mexico: The World’s Only To Make Talavera Ceramics

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Puebla, Mexico

21 Best Vegan Resorts In Mexico

Solo Travel In Mexico City: The Ultimate Guide

What would you add to this Tulum solo travel guide?

About the author.

Shelley is a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world! After visiting Mexico City in 2018, she decided to stay in Mexico permanently. She created the  Travel Mexico Solo  blog &  Dream To Destination  podcast to inspire women who have always dreamt of Solo Travel & Mexico Travel, but haven’t (yet!) accomplished either goal.

Enjoyed this Tulum solo travel guide? Pin it for later!

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JESSIE so thank you, Very useful. I read this post and gained a good knowledge. It has good content. Thanks for sharing it.

Thank you so much! I needed this and I am so excited for my first solo trip!

Just what I needed, thank you so much!

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Best Places for Solo Women to Stay in Oaxaca, Mexico

by Carolyn Ray | Jul 7, 2022

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Last updated on December 29th, 2022

Featured image: Oaxaca is a city filled with colour and beauty – here are some tips on where to stay. / Photo by JackKPhoto on Shutterstock

Oaxaca has accommodations for every style and budget

By Carolyn Ray, Editor, JourneyWoman

In a city with so many accommodation options, I feel fortunate that I found some safe, women-friendly places to stay. 

When I travel, my preference is to have a kitchen so that I can cook and stay in a place for longer periods of time. However, in Oaxaca, I enjoyed two bed and breakfasts, which included delicious breakfasts and fun conversations with other travellers. 

Where I stayed in Oaxaca

Budget option:   selina hostel  .

Selina is centrally located on the same street as the historic Quinta Real (a former convent). I was invited to stay there by the company and given a Suite with a private bathroom for two nights. My room didn’t look exactly like the photos on the website – but it was reasonably comfortable.  There are other options too, including shared rooms.  Selena posts House Rules in all the rooms, which cover security measures and things like:  “Respect other guests, our neighbours and our planet, Conservation of water and energy; Damage to property and a No-Smoking policy.” This location gets a ‘fabulous’ 8.3 rating on Hostelworld.   

This is a creative, hip and trendy place, popular with many digital nomads. I loved the graffiti art and the open outdoor spaces (not to mention the hammock in the common area). It was also very clean and felt safe, with a security guard at the entrance, lockers and a shared kitchen. For those who are working while travelling, there are workspaces throughout the three-story property (but no elevator).  I found it very quiet by 10 pm.

My room was on the second floor facing the busy street, and there was no sound barrier at all as the windows didn’t fully close at the bottom. The hotel is on a corner so if you stay there, ask for a room on the inside. Even on the second floor, I heard traffic and conversation below me all night, and on the second night fireworks went off right beneath me ( it’s no surprise in Oaxaca to hear fireworks but a little disconcerting in the middle of the night). If you’re travelling on a budget, it might work well.  There are 145 Selina locations around the world. Get more details here .

Cost: $88-98 per night

Stunning graffiti covers the walls at Selina

My room in Oaxaca 

Moderate: Casita in Jalatlaco

I spent my first week in Oaxaca in at a small casita in Jatalaco which I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to solo women. The casita is on Maria’s property beside her house which is lovely. There is a small kitchen, coffee maker and everything you need. This is about a 10-minute from Santo Domingo and is in Jalatlaco, one of the prettiest barrios in Oaxaca.  

I loved the comfortable seating outside her house, perfect for afternoon relaxation. It’s very safe and quiet – even her dogs didn’t bother me. Everything is on one floor and it’s very well designed. There is a rooftop patio accessible through the house with nice views of the city. Quite by chance, Maria and her family own Casa de mis Recuerdos , which I also highly recommend. Learn more here .

Cost: Roughly $110 a night (does not include breakfast)

This one-room casita is perfect for solo travellers

The lush exterior of Casa de mis Recuerdos

Moderate: Casa de mis Recuerdos (House of my memories)

I loved this bed and breakfast so much I stayed there twice. Run by Maria and her mother Conchita, this is an oasis in the city. I stayed in the Maguey, which was next door to an office, making it perfect for my digital nomad life.

This large house has eight rooms and is covered in flowers and vines. There are multiple outdoor seating areas and it’s very quiet, except in the mornings when you’ll hear (and come to love) the birds welcoming a new day.  

Cost: $85 for one person, $115 for two including breakfast (discounts with cash payments)

Beautifully designed rooms

Just like breakfast home, right? Provecho! 

10 Expert Tips for Women to Find the Perfect Long Stay

With longer stays dominating the vacation rental market, these 10 expert tips will help women find safe, cost-effective homestays.

High-end: Casa las Bugambilias (House of the Bougainvillea )

This pink-themed boutique hotel, which also has La Olla cooking school, is steps away from Oaxaca Centro. This is run by a family with a long history in Oaxaca and is a convenient, wonderful respite in the heart of the city. I stayed in the Magnolias Room, which had a small patio at the back but also backed onto the kitchen, which could be a little noisy in the mornings. There is an upstairs bar and patio facing the street which was being renovated when I was there. The interior and shared spaces are beautiful, and I spent time in the library on the second floor outside my bedroom. 

Casa las Bugambilias also offers an incredible Temazcal sweat lodge experience, one of my most memorable experiences in Oaxaca. This combines Indigenous healing rituals with massage and self-care and I loved every single minute. If you are claustrophobic this may not be for you, as most of it takes place in a small sweat lodge with a door. But — I would do it again in a heartbeat. More information here .

Cost: Rooms run about $150 a night and a delicious breakfast is included.

The beautiful pink courtyard at Casa las Bugambilias

Don’t miss the Temazcal experience!

High-end: Casa Volare, Huatulco

I stayed for two weeks in Crucecita, and thanks to Hurricane Agatha, was moved to a stunning three-story home with unparalleled views of Playa Santa Cruz and easy walking distance to Playa Chachue. 

Let me be clear – this was not the original apartment I had rented but when the water started leaking through the ceiling of my rental, the property manager moved me to this three-bedroom home next door, complete with a pool in the basement. This house had a full kitchen, BBQ and all possible amenities. It was super luxury and I loved every moment! Never in my life have I stayed at such a gorgeous homestay. 

Of all the beaches in the area, I enjoyed this Santa Cruz the most. However, unfortunately, there is a cruise ship dock right in the bay, and I can only imagine what the views would be when a ship is in this very small port. Learn more here .

Views from Casa Volare of Playa Santa Cruz / Photo by Carolyn Ray

The beautiful interior and indoor pool / Photo by Casa Volare

For Puerto Escondido stays, see this article .  

Other recommendations from locals in Oaxaca

Hotel Sin Nombre 

Hotel Quinta Real 

Hotel Oaxaca Inn Express 

Hotel Las Amantes Oaxaca 

Disclaimer: I pay for my own travel. Selina offered me two nights complimentary stay, and Casa de Bugambilias gave me a 15% discount.

If you go to Oaxaca

Book your flights.

I flew American Airlines (on points) through Houston. Aeromexico flies to Oaxaca via Mexico City.  Use tools like Expedia or Google Flights to look up the best flight prices. Being flexible with dates can save you even more money.

Find Somewhere to Stay

I prefer bed and breakfasts and homestays when I travel, but you can find a hotel on Expedia and earn points towards free stays. Hotels.com offers a free night stay for every 10 nights booked. Looking for an apartment or something more long-term? Check out VRBO .

Insure Your Trip

Travel insurance is more important than ever. Compare plans and policies for the best coverage for your trip using Insure My Trip . Traveling for an extended amount of time? SafetyWing offers ongoing coverage on a month-to-month basis, and World Nomads offers coverage for extended trips.

Looking for a Tour?

Head to the Women’s Travel Directory to find a woman-friendly tour around the world. We are adding more Mexico tours and guides to. our Directory all the time!

Travel Extras

Speaking Spanish will help you feel more acclimated. Why not brush up on a new language before your trip with Babbel .

Don’t forget your JourneyWoman branded accessories while you’re on the go!

More of Mexico to Discover

Five Wheelchair Accessible Places in Mexico City

by Tanzila Khan | Jan 26, 2024

Solo traveller Tanzila Khan discovers five accessible places in Mexico City women can enjoy, including Frida Kahlo’s Blue House.

30 Less-Travelled Places for Women in 2024

by Carolyn Ray | Dec 8, 2023

For our 30th anniversary, JourneyWoman reveals 30 less-travelled places for women in 2024, according to our writers and travel experts.

Soaring Beyond Barriers: A Journey in a Hot Air Balloon in a Wheelchair Over Teotihuacan, Mexico City

by Tanzila Khan | Nov 27, 2023

Can a woman in a wheelchair go on an adventurous hot air balloon ride? Definitely, if you are open to a thrilling journey in the sky.

Carolyn Ray

As the CEO and Editor of JourneyWoman, Carolyn is a passionate advocate for women's travel and living the life of your dreams. She leads JourneyWoman's team of writers and chairs the JourneyWoman Women's Advisory Council and Women's Speaker's Bureau. She has been featured in the New York Times, Toronto Star and Zoomer as a solo travel expert, and speaks at women's travel conferences around the world. In March 2023, she was named one of the most influential women in travel by TravelPulse and was the recipient of a SATW travel writing award in September 2023. She is the chair of the Canadian chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), a member Women's Travel Leaders and a Herald for the Transformational Travel Council (TTC). Sometimes she sleeps. A bit.

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know. Disclaimer: We are so happy that you are checking out this page right now! We only recommend things that are suggested by our community, or through our own experience, that we believe will be helpful and practical for you. Some of our pages contain links, which means we’re part of an affiliate program for the product being mentioned. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. JourneyWoman is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you! We want to hear what you think about this article, and we welcome any updates or changes to improve it. You can comment below, or send an email to us at [email protected] .

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Exploring Mexico: Tips for solo female travellers

Written by Fiona

December 19 2022

Mexico is a breathtakingly beautiful country located in the southern part of North America, bordered by the United States to its north and Guatemala and Belize to its south. With its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, ancient archaeological sites, best beach in Cancun , unique culture, and delicious food, it is no wonder why Mexico attracts millions of travellers each year. There are plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery in Mexico, even if you fancy a solo trip as a female.

Safety tips

When travelling alone as a female in Mexico, it is important to be mindful of your safety at all times. Research your destination thoroughly before you go. Read up on current travel advisories and learn about the local culture, so you can better prepare yourself for your journey.

Be sure to stay alert while out and about; trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right or if someone makes you uncomfortable. U.travel says it’s important to dress appropriately so as not to attract unnecessary attention from potential “predators”.

Cultural considerations

It is important that solo female travellers in Mexico respect local customs and cultural norms while they are visiting. Learn some basic Spanish phrases so that you can better communicate with locals during your travels. This will also help show respect for their language and culture.

Additionally, be aware of gender roles within Mexican society:  Many places may have different expectations for men than women when it comes to certain activities or behaviours in public spaces.

Transportation options

There are several options available for getting around Mexico as a solo female traveller: Private taxis or Uber rides, as well as buses or trains. You could also rent a car or bicycle.

Research each option ahead of time so that you can make an informed decision regarding which one best suits your needs based on safety considerations as well as cost efficiency.

Accommodation choices

When looking for accommodation while travelling alone through Mexico as a woman there are several options available: Staying with friends or family already living in the country; booking a hotel room (which could range from budget-friendly hostels all the way up to luxurious resorts); couch-surfing (if available); or camping.

Again, research each option carefully before making any decisions based on cost efficiency as well as safety concerns such as location within the city/town/village you will be visiting.

Overall, with proper preparation and precautions taken into account beforehand  – such as researching destinations ahead of time  – solo female travel through Mexico can be both safe and enjoyable. From its stunning beaches along the gulf coast all the way down south near its borders with Guatemala & Belize , there is plenty for women travellers who want an adventurous experience through this culturally rich nation.

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Solo travel in Mexico - is Mexico safe for solo female travelers?

Discover everything you need to know about solo travel in Mexico including the best places in Mexico to travel alone as well as expert Mexico travel advice.

If you are dreaming of escaping on a grand adventure, Mexico is a great destination to choose from. It is rich in culture, boasts amazing cuisine, and is relatively close to major US airports. Solo travel in Mexico offers the freedom to explore and discover everything this country has to offer without being bound to rigid tour schedules or other people’s routines. Solo travel is an incredible, immersive travel experience and more so in Mexico where you have luscious tropical forests, sunkissed white sand beaches, and breathtaking mountain scenery at your fingertips. Of course, solo travel is always more daunting than traveling with friends or family, so, we put together the best destinations to enjoy alone in Mexico . Are you ready to venture off the beaten track and enjoy the magic of Mexico ?

Female solo travel in Mexico

Traveling alone is a great soul-searching exercise that offers bountiful rewards in the form of new friends, unforgettable experiences, and everlasting memories. Solo travel is experiencing a boom and it is estimated that more females are traveling alone than their male counterparts. Solo female travel in Mexico is not to be missed. Not only does Mexico provide both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines to enjoy, but it also offers breathtaking ancient ruins that tell stories of both the Aztecs and the Mayans in addition to the brightly colored traditions that are also celebrated across towns and cities. But, that’s not all, anyone interested in participating in Mexico solo female travel will be met with:

• Lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife
• A world-class offering of museums, bars, and must-visit restaurants
• Delicious, mouth-watering cuisine served on every street corner
• An abundance of activities to enjoy such as diving, hiking, or even learning Spanish
• Great transport connections across the country

Solo Traveller's Mexico Travel Advice

When partaking in solo travel in Mexico, it is always worth brushing up on some key phrases in Mexican Spanish. Not only will it help to orientate you once you land but locals will love the fact that you are making an effort to integrate. Apart from learning the lingo, it is also worth creating a rough itinerary since Mexico is a huge country with lots of land to explore. Make the most of your trip by pinpointing exactly which unmissable highlights to visit and plan your travel around those. Our solo traveler’s guide to Mexico will help to lead you to the best places for your personality. Beach lovers will fall in love with Ixtapa and its bohemian coastal vibe while fans of the city shouldn’t miss out on the dizzying highs of Mexico City and Querétaro.

Planning a solo trip to Mexico - Riviera Maya

If you are enjoying solo travel in Mexico for the first time, then the Riviera Maya is the perfect destination to explore. A hotspot for foreign tourists, this picture-postcard corner of Mexico is filled with the mystical ruins of Mayan civilization, luxury hotels , and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Tulum solo travel is a popular option for those wanting to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of this boho paradise. Tulum offers a hippy alternative to the built-up neighboring towns surrounding it. This idyllic enclave offers relative safety and an accessible base from which to explore the sacred town of Chichen-Itza . On a solo trip to Tulum , enjoy scuba diving in the coral reef or venture into the wilderness of Xcaret in the neighboring town of Playa del Carmen for a wildlife-fuelled adventure into the jungle.

Travelling alone in Mexico - Cancun

Planning a solo trip to Cancun is the ultimate recipe for a relaxing, luxurious getaway . Once upon a time, this white sand paradise was a small fishing village, but, with the arrival of mass tourism, this corner of Mexico has become the must-visit tourist destination , attracting visitors from across the globe in hordes. Cancun solo travel , especially Cancun solo female travel is perhaps the easiest of all solo travel adventures you could embark upon in Mexico. Thanks to the well-established infrastructure of this city, it is easy to navigate on foot, allowing you to go from the beach to the local flea markets without the stress of navigating local transit. Solo travel in Mexico doesn’t mean you need to miss out on all the fun of a night out on the town. Cancun is famous for its hectic nightlife which illuminates the city once the sun goes down and, for those who are avid golf fans, Cancun boasts 15 golf courses to enjoy.

Solo travelling Mexico - Mexico City

Traveling to Mexico City alone as a woman doesn’t need to be a daunting experience. This city is a world of its own, bursting with an eclectic cultural scene full of music, art, and unique experiences. While staying in Mexico City retrace the steps of Mexico’s great artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera with a trip to Coyoacán and the ‘La Casa Azul’, Kahlo’s home where she lived and painted many of her great works. Soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere of this Aztec city with a stroll down the Avenida de la Reforma, the city’s most famous street, where many concerts and cultural events have taken place and where it is possible to see a mix of the different styles of architecture that make up this iconic capital city. For those searching for more adventure on their solo travel in Mexico, venture from Mexico City to Puebla, Oaxaca or even to the resort of Ixtapa to further enjoy the spirit of Mexico.

Querétaro - Mexico solo travel itinerary

Querétaro is a real sensory delight and one of the best places in Mexico to travel alone . Located just 200km from Mexico City, Querétero offers a picturesque place to stay with a glimpse into the pre-Colombian era of Mexico. Cobbled pathways, decadent churches, and elaborate fountains decorate each corner of this cosmopolitan city. Anyone planning a Mexico solo travel itinerary should consider beginning their trip in Querétero to witness the magnificent 18th-century aqueduct, the El Cerrito pyramid, and soak up some authentic Mexican city life. Since Querétero is a major business hub, the city strikes the ideal balance between old and new and it is certainly one for wine lovers to visit while enjoying solo travel in Mexico since it is Mexico’s second-largest wine region.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

• Five can’t-miss off-resort adventures in Riviera Maya
• The ultimate guide to Tulum
• Know before you go: The Mexican flag

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Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travellers in 2024?

Planning a solo trip to Mexico?

This often underrated country has so much to offer — and what better way to explore it all than on your own schedule, and at your own pace. But of course, you’re probably wondering, Is Mexico safe for solo female travellers?

Since Mexico travel safety is usually the elephant 🐘 whenever discussing Mexico travel, this entire article will cover that topic.

As I live in Mexico, and I have traveled Mexico solo for years , I’m going to share all my best tips with you in this article, so you have an epic Mexico solo trip.

Those who have actually done solo Mexico travel (like me!) will tell you that for the most part, Mexico is safe for solo female travellers.

However, you still have to follow the general travel safety guidelines you’d follow when traveling anywhere on Earth — and make your own safety your top priority.

These include not walking home alone at night, staying aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your belongings, not getting too intoxicated, etc. All those things will apply in Mexico as well.

However, this guide will go a bit deeper on Mexico-specific tips for solo female travellers. Ready to dive into the topic of Mexico solo travel safety for female travellers? Let’s get to it!

Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travellers

Is it safe to travel to mexico right now (covid info).

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s global travel safety program, Safe Travels , has certified all of Mexico’s big travel destinations, including Playa del Carmen , Cancun and Puerto Vallarta , as safe for travel.

To qualify for this program, countries must follow rigorous cleaning and hygiene protocols.

For Coronavirus information, Mexico disperses travel health notices via a stop light system — with a color “grade” given to each state.

Each state’s color is updated every two weeks, so you’ll check the government’s website for the most current info on the state(s) you’re visiting.

If you’re wondering, Is Mexico open for travel?

Then yes, it is. In fact, the country, which relies heavily on tourism dollars, has taken a lot of Covid-19 safety measures so that it can remain open, and people feel safe enough to come.

Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

I wish this question had an official answer —  but it doesn’t .

Statistically speaking, travellers are quite safe in Mexico; though you’ll need to remain aware of your surroundings more as a solo traveler (in Mexico, and anywhere).

As safety is a complex topic, I do my best to tackle it in this article ,  Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now? , and this podcast titled  Tips for Safe Solo Travel in Mexico .

I also wrote a book on the subject called Travel Mexico Safely: 15 Safety Tips from a Long-Term Resident .

Mexico Safety Statistics & Expert Opinons

When putting your mind at ease about solo travel safety in Mexico, experts are great sources.

One of the most helpful articles on the subject of safe travels to Mexico comes from Forbes . In it, they interview Carlos Barron, a 25-year FBI veteran, and his quote offers incredible perspective: 

Millions of [travellers] go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is  yes . Carlos Barron, 25-year FBI Veteran

The key here is “the numbers game.”

There’s no denying bad things occur in Mexico; however, they are largely isolated incidents . Though bad things happen every day in every country, many conveniently write those off isolated incidents, rather than labeling the entire country unsafe.

For many travellers, they’re less likely to ask Is Greece safe for solo female travellers? , or Is the U.S. safe for solo travellers? than they are to ask Is Mexico safe for female travellers? .

However, statistics paint another story that solo female travellers will want to consider.

Check out this site that compares U.S. and Mexico crime statistics , and you might be shocked.

It’s hard to believe, given the media’s demonization of Mexico, but in most categories, the U.S. has higher crime rates than Mexico, especially violent crime and crimes committed with guns.

Best Places for Solo Travellers in Mexico

Wondering about the best destinations for solo female travellers in Mexico? That’s great! Choosing a safe destination is the first step to travel safety in Mexico.

As with any country on Earth, be it Italy, the United States, or Thailand, you’ll find both safe and unsafe places in Mexico.

Safe destinations for solo female travellers in Mexico

To help you pick the safest places to travel in Mexico, check out the 20 Best Mexico Solo Travel Destinations to Visit , with suggestions from solo female travellers who have actually been to them.

Is Mexico City safe for solo female travellers?

No one can definitively say all Mexico City solo female travellers will be safe , because safety is never a guarantee for any person, anywhere in the world. However, traveling to Mexico City alone as a woman is safe for the vast majority of travellers.

Ultimate Mexico City Solo Female Travel Guide with Safety Tips

Check out this first-hand account from Erin about her safe experience traveling to Mexico City solo for a great perspective.

In this podcast episode , you’ll hear from Leigh about her experience traveling to Mexico City solo — twice! (She loved it so much she went back a second time.)

On a personal note, I lived in Mexico City by myself for about a year, and found it to be safe, interesting and incredibly fun.

There are just so many things to do in Mexico City , and once you get there, you’ll realize how wrong most people are about this amazing city.

Mexico solo travel guides

What I can definitively say about Mexico safety is that  I have been safe  as a solo female traveller in Mexico, and so have countless other women!

Make sure to check out all the solo female travel guides on this site, written by myself and other solo female travellers in Mexico.

• Is Cancun safe?
• Is Tulum safe?
• Is Cabo San Lucas safe?
• Is Playa del Carmen safe?
• Is Sayulita safe?
• Is Oaxaca safe?
• Is Mexico safe?
• Tulum Solo Travel Guide
• Mexico City Solo Travel Guide
• Cancun Solo Travel Guide
• Cabo Solo Travel Guide
• San Miguel de Allende Solo Travel Guide
• Guadalajara Solo Travel Guide

10 Tips for Travelling Alone in Mexico

1. listen to your intuition.

Mexico is an incredibly friendly country; as in you might casually start chatting with someone and within 10 minutes they will invite you to a party at their house — it’s that friendly.

While some travellers will absolutely love this, some people will not know what to make of it.

For this reason, some of the best solo female travel advice for Mexico, especially if this is your first trip alone , is to listen to your intuition.

You know that voice inside your head? That’s your intuition, although some call it your inner voice, higher self, conscience, and similar terms.

Scared to Travel Alone? 10 Tips on How to Embrace Solo Travel

The intuition basically has one job: to keep you safe.

If your intuition is telling you that the person you just met 10 minutes ago who invited you to their cousin’s birthday this weekend seems like a good person, they may be. If, however, they seem like a creep, decline the invite.

This same goes for places — if you have a bad feeling about a place you’ve found yourself in, leave immediately.

The same goes for people. If you’re hanging out with someone and getting a bad or strange vibe from them, don’t worry about a polite exit, just get away from them ASAP.

2. Use Uber Over Public Transportation

Mexico has pretty good public transportation in most places, especially big cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara .

In fact, the Mexico City Metro (subway) and buses have separate spaces reserved for women and children only — the front metro car and front section of the bus.

Still, the fact remains that public transportation isn’t always the safest mode of transportation.

Though many people take it everyday without issue, you’re also putting yourself in the place most people get pickpocketed, which is on public transportation.

For this reason, it’s much safer to use Uber.

Besides being the safer option, you’ll also waste less time traveling to your destination, as public transport can take twice as long (or longer). While public transportation may cost less in money, you will pay that cost in time.

Safely Using Mexico City Public Transport

If you do want to use Mexico City public transportation, remain hyper aware of your belongings and make sure everything you have is in your purse and that it’s zipped up.

👜 You may also want to consider these best bags for travellers — an anti-theft purse and anti-theft rucksack .

Also, try to avoid public transport during rush hours, as people pack in like sardines on the buses and metro.

The peak times last from about 7am-9am, and 5pm-7pm, but beyond these times, Mexico City public transport can be a fun experience, and a cheap way to get around.

Best Anti-Theft Purses

Women Only Metro Cars & Buses

In an effort to make the Mexico City Metro safer for women, the front subway carriages are for women and children only .

Also, most public buses are large with two or three cars for each bus, and similarly, the front part of Mexico City buses are women only.

3. Keep Some Things Private

Remember how we said people in Mexico are friendly? It’s definitely one of the best things about the country, and it will end up rubbing off on you. However, there’s a fine line between being friendly and over-sharing.

🗣 Solo travel Mexico Tip: You don’t owe anyone an explanation! If someone asks a question you don’t feel comfortable answering, don’t .

While most people will just want to make casual chit chat and small talk, you never know who has ulterior motives.

For this reason, resist the urge to tell acquaintances, the person next to you at a bar, or your neighbor in a cafe every single detail about your life and travel plans.

It’s OK to be vague in your answers if you’re not someone comfortable with telling white lies.

To do this, just give a non-specific answer — for example, if someone asks you where you’re staying, just say “In downtown.” If someone asks what you’re doing tomorrow, say “I’m meeting a friend.”

4. Book Early Flights to Mexico

When traveling to Mexico, try to pick a flight that arrives early in the day; the earlier the better.

You never want to cut it too close, because though your scheduled arrival might be 6pm when the sun’s still out, there might be a delay and you don’t arrive until 8pm when it’s already dark.

In general, it’s much safer to arrive while the sun is still out, especially if this is your first trip to Mexico or a foreign country.

🤔 Wondering about which are the best places in Mexico to travel alone? Check out these 25 Safest Cities to Visit in Mexico , which are some of the safest in all North America.

Though “off-hour” flights tend to be less expensive, resist the urge to take them, if you can. If not, you might want to pay a little extra for a private airport transfer service to be waiting at the airport to pick you up and take you where you’re staying.

5. Stay in the Safest Neighborhoods

Nearly all Mexico cities (at least the ones frequented by travellers) have what’s known as a Zocalo , which is the “Town Square,” located within it’s Centro Historico , or Historic Downtown.

This is the most lively part of town, and will have plenty of accommodation options.

Downtown Mexico City Historic Center: 11 Best Things to Do

If you’re visiting a town or city you’ve never been to, narrow your search for a hotel, Airbnb or hostel down to the area called Centro Historico .

Doing this, you’ll always be in an area frequented by other travellers. Of course, you still want to read reviews of the place before booking.

6. Chat with Local Women

No one knows their town like a local, and no one knows better how to stay safe as a woman than another woman.

You can also get great travel tips about the city you’re visiting, and find out where to eat the best street food (ie. places that won’t get you sick in Mexico ).

📲 The best way to keep in touch with both old and new friends while traveling?

A Mexico SIM Card from TELCEL. This is the country’s largest carrier — so you always have phone and texting service, as well as data.

Don’t be afraid to chat up a friendly stranger, and ask her for some tips — especially if this is your first time in Mexico.

You might want to know ask what streets to avoid at night, what places are completely off limits for women traveling alone, and what places are safe.

If you have travel anxiety about talking to complete strangers, ask a woman on the staff at your hotel or hostel, a female Airbnb host, or even your female restaurant server.

Remember that most people aren’t 100% comfortable talking to strangers, but when necessary, you just do it anyway.

7. Go on Group Tours in Mexico

If you get some good advice while chatting with a local woman about a place that’s not super safe to visit by yourself — but you still want to go anyway — consider a group tour day trip.

Group tours are great to meet other travellers, and to just show up and have a day planned out for you.

In Mexico, you’ll always have the option to do group tours, no matter where you are.

Three of the companies I use most are Airbnb Experiences , Viator , and Get Your Guide . These have plenty of options for tours to all the best things to do in Mexico .

While they may be places you get to on your own, it can still be a smarter choice to go with a group because you never really know what you’re getting into when you start venturing off the beaten path in Mexico .

Also, some places are just more fun with a group.

8. Join Mexico Facebook Groups

Facebook is the biggest platform for online networking in all Mexico — and one of the easiest ways for how to meet people during solo travel .

It seems every city and town in Mexico has a Facebook group these days, and with larger cities like Mexico City , they also have female-only groups.

As there’s a large Mexico City digital nomad and expat population, there are groups with thousands of foreigners who now live in Mexico City.

From these, smaller groups have broken off, like the Expat Women in Mexico City group, a great one to join when traveling to Mexico City alone as a woman.

Depending on where you’re going, just type in the search bar “place in Mexico + expat women,” or just “place in Mexico + women’s group,” and you’ll have results.

Example: For Mexico City , search Facebook for “Mexico City expat women,” or “Mexico City women’s group.”

9. Dress to Blend In with the Locals

For the record, this is not about telling anyone what to wear. Rather, giving advice on how to dress in Mexico is about helping you blend in, so you don’t look like a clueless tourist.

Dressing to blend in shows you understand your surroundings, and you actually come off as more powerful.

Cute Outfits for Mexico Vacation: What to Wear in Mexico

In Mexico, people tend to dress on the most conservative side. It’s not uncommon to see jeans and long sleeved shirts even in warmer cities. On Mexico beaches , don’t be surprised to see both men and women swimming in a T-shirt and shorts.

None of this is to say that you can’t wear whatever you want; you can. It’s just to say that when you deviate from the norm, you stand out in a crowd.

If that’s exactly what you want to do, go for it, but if not, err on the side of conservative, like the locals do. This Mexico packing list should help you!  

10. “M” Bathrooms are for Women

The last tip is a practical one — that also has a larger tip within it. Yes, bathrooms labeled “M” are for mujeres , or women.

The “H” bathrooms are for hombres , or men. You might also see “D,” damas for women, and “C,” caballeros for men.

🚻 All Mexico solo female travelers should commit this to memory: The women’s bathroom doors labeled M or D!

However, the real tip here is to brush up on your Spanish before you travel solo to Mexico. Knowing a little Spanish will go a long way — as you can see — and this really is one of the most simple and best pieces of Mexico travel advice.

To go over the basics, download the free Duolingo app and do 15 minutes of practice a day for two weeks, which should be enough Spanish to get by with on your solo trip to Mexico.

If you want to get a bit more in depth with your Spanish, Rocket Languages has a great online Spanish program.

Final Thoughts: Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Travelling Mexico as a solo female traveller has been amazing. I’ve visited 16 out of 32 Mexican states (and counting), and had only positive experiences.

While some will say I’ve just been lucky — I say I was well prepared, always aware of my surroundings and erred on the side of caution.

Though I have only amazing memories of my Mexico travels, I can say this because I made safety my top priority.

To this end, I practiced risk mitigation , didn’t walk home alone at night, and above all, listened to my intuition. If I had a bad feeling about someone, somewhere or something, I got away ASAP.

Travelling to Mexico alone as a woman can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. However, if you follow the tips in this article, you are likely to also only have amazing things to say about your own solo travel to Mexico — just like me!

Oh, and don’t forget the Mexico travel insurance .

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.

Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels, use Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.

A Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

01/11/2022 by Emily Becker Leave a Comment

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become “the world’s best city”? Even more, have you thought about what city that might be? Barcelona, Spain? Berlin, Germany? Actually, according to Travel and Leisure ‘s 2021 Best Cities in the World list, it’s San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I’m here to show you why I think it deserves the title.

I first heard about San Miguel when it won the title back in 2017. I saw a lot of solo female travelers posting about how safe and charming the city is. Seeing other women write so favorably about San Miguel was a huge “green flag” for me, so I decided to check it out.

This is my complete guide on San Miguel and its incredible potential to be one of the best cities in the world for solo female travelers, complete with things to do, places to stay, and much more:

Table of Contents

Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende

1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I noticed about this city was its breathtaking architecture and European-esque cobblestone streets. I did most of my exploring of San Miguel on foot, which was a blast. There are a lot of small streets with colorful buildings, like Callejón del Pueblito, which have little traffic and are fun to walk down.

With so many prominent landmarks as well, I suggest starting out your trip with a walking tour. The Historical Walking Tour of San Miguel has tours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10am for 300 pesos ($15 USD).

Another great tour option is this landmark tour which includes a three-course Mexican lunch .

2. Hang out in the main square

The main square in San Miguel, like a majority of Mexican towns and cities, features the town’s most important Catholic church. In front of the church is Jardín Allende, a small park with plenty of benches to sit on and take in the scenery.

Apart from being the historic heart of San Miguel, the main square is also the economic and touristic center. Each of the streets that shoot off from the square are closed to traffic, allowing only pedestrians. This makes wandering from shop to shop much easier.

3. Catch an impromptu mariachi show

Since I live in San Cristóbal de las Casas , where mariachi music isn’t super popular, I’ve missed out on this quintessential part of Mexican culture.

Typically, the bands are hired for private events. However, some of them in San Miguel hang out in the main square and play for interested people, who pay around 50 pesos ($2.50 USD) for a special song. Especially at nighttime, with the twinkling lights and families strolling about with their hot chocolate in hand, the sound of mariachis playing feels like the soundtrack for the sweetest Mexican Christmas movie you can imagine.

4. Look for San Miguel’s most famous donkey

As you can see, this little guy has a lot of style. Although I don’t condone riding donkeys (I’ve seen a lot of tourists do this), catching a glimpse of this one is a rite of passage when visiting San Miguel. His name is Burrito Filemon and he has is own Instagram handle, @burritofilemonsma.

5. Art-peep at La Fábrica de Aurora

Once a textile factory for 90 years and now an enormous collection of art galleries, La Fábrica de Aurora is one of San Miguel’s most beloved attractions.

I wasn’t sure what to expect before I stepped foot inside, but I was impressed by the carefully curated collections of both Mexican and international art. You’ll find sculptures flown in from across the world in a gallery right next to the paintings of a San Miguel local, an eclectic mix of near and far. There are 43 galleries in all, along with several small shops and even a couple of restaurants.

You could easily spend an entire morning or afternoon here, which I definitely recommend! I took it slow, savoring each and every gallery, large and small.

6. Visit smaller galleries

If you can’t get enough of San Miguel’s art scene, pop in to any of the small galleries around town. Most of those I visited featured Mexican artists, many of them from San Miguel or nearby cities. My favorite was Galería 15 (Sollano #15, Centro). It features art from local artist Daniel Rueffert, whose paintings depict quotidian Mexican life in San Miguel and nearby Los Pozos.

7. Learn about Mexican toys at Museo La Esquina del Juguete Popular Mexicano

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure what to make of all the recommendations to visit this museum. I gave it a chance and was surprised at how interesting it was!

The Museo La Esquina del Juguete Popular Mexicano has an extensive collection of different types of toys from every state in Mexico. From (very creepy, IMO) baby dolls to lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) figurines and everything in between, this museum has surprises around every corner.

I especially liked the collection of judas , characters made of papier-mâché that depict corrupt politicians, thieves, and other villains as devilish creatures (see the photo above).

8. See all the cacti at El Charco del Ingenio

Just a short taxi ride from downtown, El Charco del Ingenio is a cacti-filled paradise on the outskirts of San Miguel. This botanical garden and nature preserve features over 500 species of cacti and 300 species of succulents. El Charco specializes in preserving native plant species and rescuing others from various parts of Mexico and abroad. Spend a day walking the trails, checking out the greenhouse, visiting the café, or having your own lakeside picnic.

9. Hop on a trolley tour

As you walk around the historic center of San Miguel, you’re bound to see these trolleys carrying eager tourists. Especially if you’re new to town, hopping on a trolley tour is a great way to get acquainted with the basic history of the city and see some of its most iconic attractions.

Tours in English operate every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:15am and 2:15pm; you can buy tickets at the trolley itself or at the stand next to the Portal de Guadalupe. Find more information about trolley tours here .

10. Find the best (secret) bird’s-eye view of the city

I found this spot by complete accident after wandering around Parque Benito Juárez (more on that later). After leaving the park, I noticed some stairs and decided to climb them. After a breathless ascent, I came to an amazing little perch with the best view. There was almost nobody there, so I relished in the peace and serenity.

Once I climbed all the way to the top, I realized that the stairs led ultimately to the most famous mirador (lookout point) in town. There were tons of people there to see the sunset over San Miguel, and I think the view from there wasn’t as good as the one I had just below.

To get to my secret spot, find the Centro de Allende and climb the steps, or you can take a taxi to the mirador and walk just a block past it to Callejón del Chorro, where you’ll find the stairs that lead to the secret lookout point.

11. Check out the giant murals at the Centro Cultural Allende

One of my favorite aspects of the Mexican art scene in general is the emphasis on murals. In cities all around the country, you’ll find some of the world’s best muralists. San Miguel is no exception, and the Centro Cultural de Allende has an incredible collection, and it’s totally free.

Upon entering, you’ll immediately see the burst of colorfully painted walls beyond the reception counter. After you admire the murals inside, you can walk through to the garden. There, you’ll see sculptors working and tables where you can sit and enjoy the artsy atmosphere.

12. Find trinkets and souvenirs at the Mercado de Artesanías

If you want to take home something special from your travels, hit up the Mercado de Artesanías for some Mexican delights. I adore these markets, because nearly everything is handmade by local artisans. From jewelry to small figurines to handwoven rugs, this market has it all. The prices are also quite low compared to other places in Mexico, and haggling is possible if done respectfully.

San Miguel is known for a few handicrafts specifically, among which are tiled mirrors and stained-glass sconces. Since the city is so close to many copper and silver mines, you can also get authentic copper and silver items as well.

13. Stroll through Parque Benito Juárez

With towering hundred-year-old trees, native plant species, and quaint walking paths, Parque Benito Juárez is a gorgeous natural oasis that is perfect to picnic or go for a stroll. I loved that I could cut through this park on my way to other places, as it provides that perfect breath of fresh air after walking through the cobblestoned city all day.

14. Take a quick trip to Mexico’s Sistine Chapel: El Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco

The Santuario de Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco is just a 20-minute drive outside of San Miguel’s center (about 100 pesos ($5 USD) in an Uber, which was well worth it). This ancient chapel is known as “the Sistine Chapel of Mexico” because of its intricate fresco murals.

I found the chapel itself to be a little eerie, mostly because of how graphic some of the murals are. If you look closely, you can find depictions of the devil and other oddities. Even though the paintings were a little creepy, they tell a graphic story of the importance of Catholicism in Mexico. It was a fascinating day trip, one I recommend to anyone traveling to San Miguel.

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

Best bang for your buck.

• Lool Beh Hostal Boutique : Beyond the superb location and hospitality, Lool Beh Hostal Boutique is the best budget option I could find in San Miguel. It has a comfy, cozy vibe, and lots of natural light in the rooms. Plus, the price is unbeatable at just 650 pesos ($32.50 USD) per night for a private room with a shared bathroom.

Mid-range treasures

• Airbnb : There are great options on Airbnb if you want a more luxurious stay for a lower price than a hotel. For example, this one-bedroom villa has a beautiful garden and great location for just $47 per night (plus tax + fees).
• Selina : You’ll find Selina hostels throughout Mexico, and I’ve stayed in a few. I generally find them to be a bit too rowdy, but the prices are decent, and they’re always centrally located, as is the one in San Miguel.

Luxury stays

• Live Aqua Urban Resort : I didn’t stay here, but I’ve heard all about Live Aqua and have driven past it a few times. First of all, this urban resort hotel has a pool with an impressive view of San Miguel and its surrounding nature due to its location outside the city center. It’s also known for its luxurious amenities and in-house spa. Rooms start at around $285 per night, depending on the season. Check out Live Aqua’s rooms here .
• Rosewood Hotel : Apart from having one of San Miguel’s best terraces, Rosewood Hotel has a great location and offers a taste of Mexico’s classic luxury. Rosewood boasts the iconic architecture that San Miguel is known for, with a touch of modern flair and elegance. Rooms start at around $500 per night.

First Name:

Best Places to Eat in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel is a foodie’s paradise. When traveling in Mexico, sometimes it’s a bit challenging to find vegan or vegetarian options, but I was pleasantly surprised to find not only completely vegan restaurants but also extensive options at non-veg places. What’s more, I found plenty of places where there was not only excellent food but also a great atmosphere.

These are my top spots to eat and drink in San Miguel:

Vegan options galore

• Soltribe Cuisine : Serving up veganized Mexican favorites like ceviche and nachos, this was my favorite vegan restaurant. You can see what specials they have each week on Soltribe’s Instagram .
• La Cabra Iluminada : Finding a vegan coffee shop was an absolute dream. La Cabra Iluminada has a cool minimalist vibe and serves high-quality coffee, tea, and pastries.
• Don Taco Tequila : With an impressively extensive menu of Mexican cuisine, Don Taco Tequila has something for everyone, vegan or otherwise. This is a great spot for dinner, but it tends to fill up, so consider making a reservation.

Best rooftops and terraces

• Inside Café : If you blink, you might miss the entrance of Inside Café , as it’s a bit hidden on one of the city’s most bustling streets. After climbing several flights of stairs, you’ll arrive at one of the best terraces in San Miguel. The best part, though? The food is amazing and the drinks are delicious and refreshing. Try the jamaica lemonade!
• Jacques : Located on Callejón del Pueblito (an adorable corridor), Jacques serves scrumptious food, with the added bonus of a breezy terrace and good vibes all around. It’s also pet friendly, and the menu is mostly vegetarian or vegan.

Cafés that are a digital nomad’s dream

• Murmullo : Housed in what used to be a graffiti-covered, abandoned colonial building, Murmullo was by far my favorite place to grab a coffee and work on my laptop. The coffee was divine, the food was high-quality and affordable, and the entire place has an artsy vibe. The café is part of Centro Cultural Allende, which is an art gallery/cultural center that hosts art workshops and exhibitions.
• Amapola : In the heart of San Miguel’s historic center is Amapola , a hip café perfect for chilling or working on your laptop. There’s a patio inside with a couple small shops, and the atmosphere is laid back, with a cool mix of young professionals and locals working, eating, and hanging out.

Getting Around San Miguel de Allende

It may be intimidating to use public transportation while traveling in an unfamiliar city, but I found the city buses to be pretty easy to navigate. If you’re a bit outside the city center and want to get back to it, just look for a bus heading in that direction that has “Centro” written on it.

I know these directions sound vague, but that’s how public transport works in most of Mexico, especially in smaller cities like San Miguel. The best rule of thumb is just to ask the bus driver if they will pass by your destination, so having a good grasp of Spanish might be helpful. If you aren’t able to ask the driver where the bus is going, you’ll run the risk of ending up lost somewhere — which isn’t the worst thing that could happen.

I found the city taxis to be a bit sparse, so I would end up waiting a long time to catch one that was empty. Expect to pay around 60 pesos ($3 USD) for a taxi ride anywhere in or around downtown, or around 80-100 ($4-5 USD) if going somewhere farther away, such as El Charco del Ingenio.

Rideshares and private transportation

There are two major rideshare apps that you can use in San Miguel: Uber and DiDi. I found Uber to be more reliable and it has more drivers, making your wait time significantly shorter. DiDi was fine, but sometimes it would take up to 15 minutes just to find a driver.

I ended up using a private company called Línea Dorada more than taxis or rideshares. All you have to do is send them a message on WhatsApp and they’ll send a driver to you, charging the same as a taxi would. This was much more convenient than a taxi and quicker than an Uber or DiDi.

Getting to and from the airport(s)

To get to San Miguel de Allende, you have a few options. You can fly into Mexico City and take a bus directly to San Miguel, which takes about 4 hours. You can also fly into either Querétaro or Guanajuato’s airport and take a cab to San Miguel, but it will cost you around 1,000 pesos ($50 USD).

I flew into Querétaro, then took a taxi (for 300 pesos ($15 USD), which I thought was a bit ridiculous) to the bus station there. Then, I hopped onto a bus to San Miguel for 100 pesos ($5 USD). This is the cheapest way to do it and it wasn’t a hassle at all.

Staying Safe in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a bit of a paradox. On one hand, it’s in the state of Guanajuato, which some refer to as the murder capital of Mexico. Then, you have San Miguel, which is known as one of the safest cities in Mexico — which doesn’t really make sense until you get there.

I felt totally safe in San Miguel as a solo female traveler. It’s normal to have my guard up when traveling solo, but the city has such a laid-back vibe that I didn’t feel like I had to be as vigilant as in other places. I walked around the city center at night, but was careful to avoid leaving the downtown area. I used Línea Dorada to get from place to place at night, which is about as safe as you can get when it comes to transportation.

Overall, any safety tips on traveling alone will apply when traveling to San Miguel, but there’s no particular reason to be afraid to visit on your own. This city has a huge population of retired Americans, Canadians, and other foreigners, who definitely wouldn’t choose San Miguel if it weren’t safe, so keep that in mind.

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If you’re not convinced that San Miguel de Allende deserves its title as the best city in the world, consider checking it out to see what all the hype is about. As a solo female traveler, this is by far one of the best cities I’ve ever visited for its sights, gastronomy, and overall safety.

Have you visited San Miguel? How does it stack up against your favorite cities?

This post was written by Emily Becker, a Mexico-based freelance travel writer .

About Emily Becker

Emily Becker is a digital nomad based in Costa Rica. She's been traveling on and off since 2014 and has visited 15 countries—planning to tick many more off her bucket list. In addition to writing for BMTM, she works as a copywriter and project manager.

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Isla Holbox, Mexico

Welcome to my ongoing series on solo travel for the Fly 40+ Black woman in Mexico! Throughout this series, I will share some of my favorite solo travel destinations in Mexico, as well as places I visited. You will get my honest opinion about safety, affordability, and enjoyment.

Some of you may know that I moved to Mexico in May 2021. Jumping off the hamster wheel to live a slower, more peaceful life just made sense to me. I don’t just live in Mexico, I also enjoy solo travel around Mexico. If you’ve been with me from the beginning, you may have picked up my digital guide about discovering 9 Mexican cities while deciding where to live .

One of the best things I did was visit Isla Holbox

There is a magical island in Mexico with a laid-back vibe off the coast of the state of Quintana Roo.  Isla Holbox  pronounced “ Whole-Bosch” or “Holbox Island” is a beautiful island on the North of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in Quintana Roo State. It is home to multiple sandbanks, mangroves inhabited by flamingos and pelicans. The island is only accessible by ferry.  It is a destination growing in popularity.

As soon as I stepped onto Isla Holbox’s white sands, I knew it was the right choice!

I visited this truly secluded paradise on the northern tip of the Yucatan peninsula during a six-day trip in July 2022. There are sandy roads, relaxed vibes, the Caribbean sea, beautiful beaches, and plenty of happy travelers. Make sure to include Isla Holbox on your itinerary. This is not just because you can swim with whale sharks see Flamingos and witness but you will also witness some of the most amazing and spectacular sunsets, enjoy white sand beaches and amazing food.

Where is Isla Holbox, Mexico?

This stunning island is located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, in the state of Quintana Roo. The word Holbox is a Mayan word meaning black hole . Separated from the mainland, it is a protected area for its endangered species and natural flora. Thus, it’s part of an ecosystem where there is minimal impact. This means there are automobiles on the island. The streets are enchanting white sand that you can only traverse on foot, or via golf carts, bicycles, or ATV taxis. Who doesn’t love the experience of traveling around in a golf cart?  

How to get to Isla Holbox, Mexico

From Cancun to Holbox

Holbox is about 30 minutes from Cancun. There are multiple ways to get to Chiquila, including by car and bus. At Chiquilá, you will embark on a ferry to the mainland.. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a private boat.

• Buses from Cancun bus station take 2.5 hours with stops, and private cars around 1 hour forty-five minutes.
• It takes roughly 5.5 hours by bus from Merida, and between 3-4.5 hours by private car, depending on the route.

The ferry ride is every 20 minutes between 6:00 am and 9:40 pm, and tickets can be purchased in advance in Cancun or Chiquila to Isla Holbox. From Chiquila Tickets are 160 pesos ($8) one way,  as of a few months ago.

By car, you can only drive as far as Chiquila since no vehicles are allowed on the island. Despite its unassuming appearance, you should still park safely but don’t leave anything valuable in your car.

Traveling by bus throughout Mexico is my favorite mode of transportation. BusBud and Omio are two excellent options if you are seeking information about bus transportation options around Mexico or any other part of the world.

Things to Do and Places to Eat

The best thing to do in Isla Holbox is to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the ambiance of this magical slow-paced island. Here are some things to do:

• Taking in the sunset at the Whaleshark Pier
• 3 Islands Tour- 3-hour boat tour. You will visit Bird Island, Passion Island, and the Yalahau Cenote
• Cabo Catoche Tour – a 6-hour tour where you can enjoy snorkeling and wildlife
• Swing in Sea Hammocks
• Kitesurfing
• Visit Mosquito Point
• Bioluminescent plankton

Holbox also has amazing food options, here are some of my favorites:

• Lobster Pizza at The Roots
• Guacamole K’u’ at K’u’ restaurant
• Some of the best shrimp ceviche I’ve ever had at Restaurant Raices
• Authentic tacos at Barba Negra
• Vegan Options. Find delicious smoothie bowls at Painapol.
• Authentic Mexican food at La Tapatia.

The Best Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers

As with any other destination Mexico has crime in certain areas of the country. Most of these places are not areas or states frequented by tourist. While there have been some issues in Cancun, overall Mexico is safe as long as you stay out of areas known for cartel related violence. Review US State Department advisories for specifics.As with any other destination, observing situational awareness and common sense, and having a travel safety protocol in place will go a long way to keeping you save on solo travel in Mexico as well as anywhere you visit. Do not let your guard down, because you are in a tropical oasis. Here are some precautions to keep you safe, especially if you are a solo traveler or solo female traveler:

• Choose hotels over hostels. Avoid sharing a room with strangers and worrying about your belongings
• Blend in. Try not to look like a rich tourist, here for the first time
• Do not walk the beach alone at night
• Avoid walking in deserted areas alone, especially if you have been drinking.
• Do not drink excessively so as to keep you mind clear especially at night
• Never leave any drink unattended for even a few seconds
• Be aware of your surroundings. Just as if you were back home
• Avoid using ATMs at night.  Plan to get any cash needed during the day in locations with lots of people
• Use Uber or registered Taxis for transit.  Every time you take an Uber, there is an option to share your plans on the app.
• Share your travel plans with family and friends.
• Have a check-in buddy and ensure they have your itinerary and know where you are. Talk to them multiple times a day and check in at the end of each day when you return to your hotel or short-term rental
• Observe situational awareness and trust your instincts. If it feels wrong do not do it’

Despite the overall safety of the Isla Holbox, it is still important to exercise situational awareness and common sense as a female solo traveler. Grab the BaldGirlWillTravel: A Guide to Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers and ensure you follow the safety tips to ensure a safe solo travel experience.

Sunscreen & Mosquito Game Must be on Point!

Especially during the rainy season of summer, the climate in Holbox is hot with high humidity. The streets have lots of potholes that fill with standing water after heavy rainfall an instant breeding ground for mosquitos.  As a result, especially if you visit during rainy season, be prepared for mosquitos. Lots of mosquitos.  I will honestly say I experienced more mosquito bites in Holbox than anywhere else in Mexico or on a trip in recent memory. You will not survive or enjoy Holbox without STRONG mosquito repellent AND strong sunscreen, especially during the rainy season. You will need a repellant with Deet, Citronella oil alone will not help.

Here are my top favorite repellent and sunscreen that keep me covered:

• Face: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body, Broad Spectrum SPF 70
• For my arms, back, and legs: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum SPF 55
• Insect repellent. I recommend a combination of wipes and a spray. My favorites are:
• OFF! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz, Unscented Bug spray with Aloe-Vera, 7% Deet, 9 oz and Cutter All Family Mosquito Repellent Wipes, 15 Wipes.  

Where I Stayed

I had a very unfortunate experience my first night in Holbox at the hotel I originally booked. There was a power outage and no support or customer service from the hotel to address it. I spent a hot and miserable night filled with mosquito bites and was thrilled to find and transfer to Hotel Para Ti the next day. The staff at Hotel Para Ti provided top notch customer service. In terms of comfort and sustainability, Hotel Para Ti checks all boxes, as it develops practices that reduce its impact on culture, the environment, and the economy. Located in the center of Holbox, Para Ti is designed with wood and materials found locally to blend with its natural environment. They diligently aim to conserve natural resources and prevent child exploitation. Conscious and environmentally responsible, here are some other features you will enjoy:

• Personalized attention
• Beds equipped with mosquito nets
• Stylish rooms with a distinct design, equipped with large beds, AC, fan, hammocks, and balconies with picturesque views
• Delicious Yucatecan cuisine, organic, and natural amenities.
• Pool, and jacuzzi, amidst palm trees and flowers

You can find this paradise here on Booking.com.   As with all of Mexico, Spanish is the primary language spoken in Holbox, though many locals speak English. If you are not fluent, I recommend downloading Google Translate and purchasing a language guide ¿Como se Dice?  Practical Spanish Phrases & Words for Travelers to help you communicate throughout your visit.

Overall I recommend a visit to Isla Holbox but I do not recommend visiting during rainy season on the island. The mosquitos were relentless and they did impact my enjoyment of my overall time on the island. I would visit again but not during the summer. Instead I recommend a visit between October and April. 

Thank You For Reading!

Check out these solo travel blog posts:

SAFETY TIP FOR HOTELS & SHORT TERM RENTALS

HOW TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS ON SOLO TRAVEL: 5 THINGS TO DO!

3 WAYS TO BUILD A SOLO TRAVEL MINDSET

10 SOLO TRAVEL MISTAKES TO AVOID!

4 MORE OF MY FAVORITE SAFETY APPS & GADGETS FOR SOLO TRAVEL!

7 SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN OVER 40 TRAVELING SOLO

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates, and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

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The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical or legal advice. Readers should consult with a licensed professional to get advice for their individual situation. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for more information. Copyright BaldGirlWillTravel,LLC 2024. This website, Baldgirlwilltravel, LLC, And all trademarks and other intellectual property used herein are the property of MegEd Enterprises LLC.

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More women embracing independence of solo travel

Feb. 7 (UPI) -- More and more, women are leaving their partners, boyfriends, kids and pets at home as they venture out to explore the world on their own.

Over the past two years, women have embraced traveling alone or with female friends, searching for a break from daily life while unlocking a new level of independence, spontaneity and freedom.

The solo travel trend has seen a boom in the last decade and is expected to increase. In 2017, 27% of travelers preferred exploring new places on their own. In 2019, that rose to 39%; in 2021, it jumped to 47%. Today, the share of solo travelers is more than 50%, according Solo Traveler World .

More than half of those travelers are women, most of whom aren't waiting for someone to accompany them or give them permission to take these experiential trips.

A report by Road Scholar , a Boston-based tour operator of educational group travel for older adults, found that 60% of its solo traveler customers in 2022 were married women heading off without their spouses.

Kelly Kimple, who started Adventures in Good Company in Colorado 25 years ago, said the all-female-adventure tour company has a 79% repeat customer rate.

"Small-group trips with other women who share similar interests offer a structured space to foster social connectedness and a more comfortable environment to open up and share their goals, fears and joys with each other," Kimple told UPI.

Life transitions

Catalysts for this travel include significant life transitions such as breakups, retirement or change of residence, but can be as simple as wanting to explore the world.

Brittany Betts, a travel expert at HawaiianIslands.com, said traveling solo provides women an opportunity to get to know themselves.

"When I travel solo, I find that I focus more on little things that make me happy rather than worrying about what makes my spouse happy," she said. "I focus more on immersing myself in the culture and doing small things like visiting local coffee shops and talking to locals."

According to RateGain, a global provider of travel and hospitality data, the trend of "friendcations" is expected to rise, with solo travelers coming from different places to stay with other solo travelers at a destination.

RateGain President Peter Strebel said the solo "set-jetting'' trend -- visiting a location featured in movies or TV shows -- also is expected to grow this year.

He said Thailand (featured in The White Lotus Season 3), Malta (the setting for Gladiator 2) , the Scottish Highlands (as seen in Outlander ), South Korea (anticipated for Squid Game Season 2) and Greece (spotlighted in Argylle ) would likely emerge as prominent tourist destinations in 2024.

More options

Phyllis Polaner, a travel specialist with SmartFlyer, has been organizing solo trips for herself, friends and customers for more than a decade. At the end of a girls' trip in Lake Tahoe, where she is skiing with friends, Polaner said more options are available for women traveling solo than ever before.

"We see so many requests from 30- to 70-year-old women after being either stuck inside, going through a change of couple status or just wanting to explore a personal passion," Polaner said.

After a while, she said, hotels and resorts have finally caught on, offering more small-group promotions for women. Some hotels even have women-only floors.

Polaner said she's heard lots of reasons women want to venture out alone, but some are the most common.

"'The kids are finally back at school or university,' 'My husband doesn't want to do anything,' 'I need to find a place to just be myself,' 'I want to meet others and party,' and the desire to check off bucket-list items like cooking in Italy are some I hear a lot," she said.

Megan Grant, founder of Cherish Tours, said 75% of the travelers she works with sign up to travel by themselves.

"The women who sign up alone do so because they are either single, have a spouse who isn't interested in traveling with them, and/or don't have a friend or group of friends to travel with," Grant said.

"Women are no longer letting these factors hold them back from making the choice to travel. With or without a travel companion, they are getting out there to explore and travel the world."

'Transformational experiences'

Grant said this trend started around the 1970s, and women from the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations are traveling alone because they weren't allowed to when they were younger.

The pandemic also created time for people to reflect on what they truly want for their lives, which has led to more travel, she said.

"Women have transformational experiences when they travel solo," she said. "They learn new things about themselves, about other women traveling with them and the world around them."

There are also added advantages to traveling alone, including single-occupancy discounts at hotels, faster-moving singles lines at amusement parks, discounted seats at shows and performances, and even hot restaurants where solo diners without reservations can sometimes squeeze in at the bar, according to Do-Tell Publicity President and CEO Kat Fleischman.

Sharing interests

Fleischman said solo travelers can use sites like Meetup and Fun JetSetter that help break the ice with others who share interests. But there are tricks to help navigate solo traveling, including not oversharing personal information, using a financial "safe word" and stepping into a store or cafe instead of standing on the street to use a cellphone.

As a TedX speaker, travel lifestyle and business coach, Heather Markel has shared the story of her travel adventures since 2018, traveling to 39 countries, including being marooned in New Zealand for two years during the pandemic, where she was on her own and had to find a community to avoid being alone.

Markel suggests women traveling alone be aware of their surroundings and behavior, paying extra for a taxi home if they're coming back at night and staying in high-quality hotels.

"Always learn what areas to avoid, the same way you do at home, and don't go there," she said. "Try a free walking tour. The guides are great, and I almost always meet someone else who is solo, or a couple and end up grabbing at least a bite to eat after the tour."