With the news telling us Mexico might be not so safe for travelers, this group of travelers wants to share with you here the best places to visit in Mexico as a woman traveling solo and will inspire you to have the best experience there!
Bacalar
by Lora Pope at Explore with Lora
The main reason to visit Bacalar is for the ‘lagoon of seven colors’. This unique freshwater lagoon is made up of at least seven hues of blue and turquoise. The water is crystal-clear and the bottom is sandy, making it the perfect place to swim or relax all day. It’s also home to several colorful fish, making it a perfect destination for snorkeling.
When to go to Bacalar
The best time to visit Bacalar is during the dry season between December and April when there is almost no rain. Although December and February are the coldest months, temperatures can still reach as high as 28 degrees during the day. I visited in April and the weather was perfect.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Bacalar
Bacalar is a bit off the grid of the popular tourist path in the Yucatán Peninsula, making it a great place to get away from the crowds and relax. Out of all the places I visited on my solo trip along the Yucatán, I felt the safest and relaxed in Bacalar as the town has a laid-back bohemian vibe.
Where to stay in Bacalar
One of the good places to stay in is Casa Bakal, a boutique hotel directly at the lagoon, with beautiful gardens and bungalows to enjoy the peaceful nature.
Prices starting at $208, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Cozumel
by Viktoria Urbanek at Chronic Wanderlust
I’ve been traveling to Mexico for almost a decade. Ever since I made it to Cozumel for the first time in 2011, I found myself going back almost once a year. Cozumel is a rather small Caribbean island off the Yucatan peninsula and it is known for its incredible underwater world. This is also the reason why I keep coming back so frequently.
The diving on Cozumel is colorful, full of life and the structures of Palancar reef cannot be found anywhere else. No matter if you are already a certified diver or looking to get introduced to the captivating underwater world, Cozumel should be high on your list. My go-to dive shop is Blue Magic Scuba and they truly are what their name promises: professional and knowledgeable guides, good equipment, fun and a lot of passion.
When to visit Cozumel
You can visit Cozumel year-round, but I’d suggest staying away from the high season in summer and around the Christmas holidays when accommodation prices reach their peak.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Cozumel
Cozumel is a safe place for solo travelers, especially safe for women. Not once have I felt unsafe walking and roaming around the town of San Miguel.
My recommendations for staying safe and enjoy your visit are to avoid the pier with its many sellers that are constantly talking to people passing by (it’s not unsafe to do so, I just don’t like it), ask about the price when getting in a taxi and avoid some of the high priced beach clubs like Playa Mia (entrance fee 30USD) and head to other beaches that are either free or have a small entrance fee (like Paradise Beach or Boccanos).
Where to stay in Cozumel
Located in the perfect place, Casa Frida is a good option to stay in Cozumel.
With a beautiful garden and outdoor pool and all the amenities, you could need to enjoy your trip.
Prices starting at $77, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Guanajuato, Mexico
by Janine at Janine in the World
Guanajuato is a picturesque town in central Mexico. The city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its central role in the world’s silver production during the 18th century. These days, Guanajuato is mostly known and loved for its vibrant arts community and colorful, photogenic streets. Stroll through the narrow callejones, snap photos of the baroque buildings, shop for handcrafted souvenirs, or peruse the numerous art and history museums. And don’t forget to join a callejoneada, a musical history tour of the city!
When to go to Guanajuato
Guanajuato is beautiful to visit all year round, though, it does get quite cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. October is a busy month in Guanajuato, as the International Cervantino Festival takes place during this time. It’s a wonderful event but the city becomes very crowded and prices are high during the festival. If you’re not interested in Cervantino, plan your Guanajuato trip for Spring when the weather is warm and the crowds are thinner.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Guanajuato
Guanajuato is one of the most solo-friendly destinations in Mexico. Of course, as a solo traveler, you should always watch your back, but Guanajuato has a friendly vibe and you’re sure to feel comfortable. If you’re looking to make friends joining a group tour is a good way to do so. There are a couple of tours that leave from in front of the basílica every day.
Where to stay in Guanajuato
Located right in the heart of Guanajuato, the Alonso 10 Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice if you want to enjoy your stay is just steps from the main attractions.
This hotel is having a colonial decoration style and featuring a Mexican restaurant.
Prices starting at $112, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Huatulco, Mexico
by Michele Peterson at A Taste for Travel
One of the best places to visit in Mexico for solo female travelers, Huatulco or the Bahias de Huatulco is home to nine beautiful bays and 36 beaches. Situated in the state of Oaxaca on Mexico’s west coast facing the Pacific Ocean, it is exceptionally clean, has a stellar safety record and is rich in culture.
One of the top things to do in Huatulco is to take a boat tour of the bays and go snorkeling among the bright colored fish and coral formations. It’s also possible to witness a sea turtle nesting or release baby sea turtles as this stretch along the coast of Oaxaca is one of the world’s top sea turtle nesting beaches. For foodies, Oaxaca is unbeatable — it’s the land of moles, tlyaudas, and mezcal — so it’s also worth exploring the food scene at a coffee plantation, food market or at a cooking class.
When to go to Huatulco
November to March is the best time to visit as it’s exceptionally hot during the summer.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Huatulco
Take a therapeutic mud bath on the beach at La Bocana, a detox therapy where local women slather mineral-rich mud to your body, you bake in the sun until it dries and then washes off in the ocean.
Where to stay in Huatulco
Huatulco has a wide range of accommodation from luxury all-inclusive hotels to budget apartments. The Hotel Mision de Los Arcos in downtown La Crucecita is chic, boutique-sized and very budget-friendly.
Prices starting at $112, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Isla Mujeres
by Inna from the Executive Thrillseeker
Isla Mujeres or “Island of Women” is a true tropical paradise. It got its original name because of the numerous ceramic figures of women that have remained here since the days of the Mayan civilization.
Here you can swim all day in crystal clear water, sunbathe on the world-famous beaches (Playa Norte is one of the top 10 beaches in the world according to some online publishers), chill in a hammock or take a golf cart and travel around the island.
In the evening, head to one of the many restaurants and enjoy some incredible seafood dishes.
It’s hard to imagine, but on an island with an area of just under 16 square kilometers, there is a real tropical jungle, modern hotel complexes and a huge number of ancient architectural attractions.
One of the most beautiful places on the island is Cape Punta Sur – the southernmost point on the island, surrounded by picturesque cliffs. The cape offers a wonderful view of the island. Also, there is the ancient temple of the goddess Ischel (Templo de la Diosa Ixchel). Unfortunately, only the foundation and fragments of the walls remain these days.
When to go to Isla Mujeres
The best time to visit the weather-vise is April, however, it can be crowded as it is a spring break time. I visited in mid-June during what is considered to be the rainy season and I was lucky: the weather was hot, sunny, not a cloud in the sky, and it was not crowded as it’s considered to be low season.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Isla Mujeres
I can tell you that I was feeling safe on Isla Mujeres. The only advice I can give is to be careful at nighttime as there are a lot of green areas off the road and it’s dimly lit. As I visited during the off-season there were not too many tourists on the streets in the evening which can be either a good or a bad thing.
Where to stay in Isla Mujeres
Located right near the ocean, the Casa Alkimia hotel is the right place to be and enjoy all that the place has to offer.
Prices starting at $137, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Lagos de Montebello
by Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan
The Lagos de Montebello is a series of pristine lakes set in verdant oak and pine forest near the Guatemalan border in Chiapas. There are about 50 of these lakes in total, and they come in a variety of shades of blue and green. There’s a set of five lakes called Lagunas de Colores that are particularly famous for their colors. The natural beauty of Lagos de Montebello has long been recognized, as it was the first national park to be established in Chiapas, back in 1959. In addition, it is now also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
While the most popular way to visit Lagos de Montebello in on a day trip from Comitán, to really immerse yourself in nature tries to stay overnight in one of the rustic cabins inside the national park. That way, you won’t be rushing from one lake to the next and will have time to do some hiking and soak up the natural beauty of the place. There are plenty of roadside food stalls around selling basic Mexican dishes, but if you’re planning to go on long hikes it’s a good idea to bring some snacks with you.
When to go to Lagos de Montebello
The lakes are beautiful at any time of year. If you want to stay overnight in one of the lakeside cabins (highly recommended!), keep in mind that these can fill up over Christmas and other holiday periods. In recent years, a few of the lakes have started to dry up due to low rainfall. If you’re coming in the dry season, between November and April, check the latest situation before you set out.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Lagos de Montebello
This rural area is quite safe, but if you’re wary of touring the lakes alone you can hire a driver/guide to take you around. As soon as you arrive at the lakes, you will likely be approached by guides offering their services. Don’t be afraid to haggle; 300 pesos for a three-hour tour is a reasonable price.
Where to Stay in Lagos de Montebello
The perfect place to enjoy the Parque Nacional Laguna de Montebello and all the outdoor activities are the Cabañas Cinco Lagos.
Prices starting at $80 for a three-bedroom chalet, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Merida
by Stella Jane at Around the World in 24 Hours
Merida is one of the most charming and relaxing cities in Mexico. It’s the capital of the Yucatan region, so it has plenty of great restaurants and interesting things to do. However, Merida isn’t as full of tourists as some other destinations in Mexico that are closer to the beach. Culture lovers will want to visit the amazing collection of Yucatan artifacts at the Archeology Museum, or they might want to explore the gorgeous 16th century home, La Casa de Montejo. History buffs should visit the Governor’s Palace. It’s covered in murals that tell the history of Merida.
When to go to Merida
Merida is lovely at any time of year, but the weather is especially beautiful from November through March. The best day to visit Merida is Sunday because the entire city comes alive with a market in the middle of town. You can watch free dance and comedy performances and dine on local street food.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Merida
Merida is extremely safe, and the locals are friendly and eager to help. Solo female travelers should hire a driver to go to the grand haciendas in the country, which can be difficult to find if you’re not familiar with the area. These estates used to produce an agave plant called henequen, which could be turned into rope. But now these haciendas have been converted to other uses like hotels or tourist attractions. If you prefer swimming, head to San Antonio Mulix, a community just outside Merida to bathe in the natural pools called cenotes. Your driver can watch your things, so you can swim in peace!
Where to Stay in Merida
Hotel Medio Mundo is a wonderful family-run hotel that will give great advice to the solo female traveler and set you up with a delicious vegan breakfast in the morning.
Prices starting at $83, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Playa del Carmen
by Allison at Viva La Travelista
Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to visit for solo female travelers. Just an hour’s drive south of the Cancun Airport, Playa del Carmen offers beautiful white sand beaches, amazing restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a huge variety of tours and activities. Almost everything in Playa del Carmen is centered around Fifth Avenue (known as La Quinta Avenida), which spans over 20 blocks and where you’ll find countless restaurants, hotels, shopping, and nightlife. I love the beachy carefree vibe in Playa del Carmen and due to its smaller size, you can walk or bike almost everywhere in the downtown area.
When to go to Playa del Carmen
The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is from December – February when the weather is still very warm but much less humid. However, this is also considered high season and the busiest time of year. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, I would recommend visiting on the cusp of high season in October/November or March/April.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Playa del Carmen
For solo female travelers, I would definitely recommend staying in the downtown area (known as Centro) as it’s closest to Fifth Avenue and the beach. Plus, it’s almost completely walkable and you’ll find many people out and about during the day and at night. As in any destination, just be sure to be mindful of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your personal items.
There are many fun activities to explore not far from Playa del Carmen that can be reached easily and inexpensively by public transportation. Some of my favorites are visiting a freshwater cenote, relaxing at Playa Xpu Ha, or exploring the ruins in Tulum. Overall, Playa del Carmen makes a great getaway for solo female travelers, where you’ll get to enjoy the vibrant Mexican culture, low prices, and beautiful beaches.
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
Two great options to stay in Playa del Carmen are the Mahekal Beach Resort (more upscale on the beach) or Hotel HM Playa del Carmen (more budget-friendly central location)
Prices starting at $91, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Sayulita
by Megan Kulluk at Peter Pan Traveler
Sayulita is a cute little town just outside of the crowded beach resorts of Puerto Vallarta. It is about an hour’s taxi ride from the Puerta Vallarta airport, but it is well worth it to escape the overdeveloped beaches and escape to the small quiet town of Sayulita.
Its streets are covered with festive decorations year-round, and it is small enough that you won’t walk almost anywhere in town and easily access the beach.
It is visited not only with foreign tourists, but many Mexicans also use it as a beach escape holiday. Which helps you to feel like you are actually in Mexico. However, since it is a small beach town that is not on anyone’s radar you are able to travel there as a solo female traveler and actually feel safe.
When to go to Sayulita
Sayulita is a great place to visit almost any time of the year, due to its amazing year-round beach weather. However, most of its tourists tend to visit from November – March when the weather is colder up North and Sayulita is warm and sunny.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Sayulita
As a fellow solo female traveler, I never once felt unsafe in Sayulita. It is a small expat community where everyone knows each other and looks after one another. It is easy to meet people and there is plenty of good food, bars, and pristine beaches nearby.
Where to stay in Sayulita
Prices starting at $91, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Teotihuacan
by Teotihuacan is an archaeological site located northeast of Mexico City. Its historical and archaeological importance plus the fact that it is very easy to reach by public transportation makes of Teotihuacan a popular day trip for those visiting the Mexican capital.
Everybody knows about the Aztecs and the Mayas. The civilization of Teotihuacan was born and developed before these two civilizations and the current archaeological site corresponds to the ruins of its capital.
When to go to Teotihuacan
The best time to visit this interesting civilization and impressive archaeological site is during wintertime when the sun is not that strong.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is a large site and there are many things to see so I recommend visiting it on a full day trip. Inside the site, there’s also an archaeological museum that covers the history of Teotihuacan and shows some important pieces found during the excavations plus some models of the city as it was during its heydays. This is a great place to stop for an hour or two, especially during the hottest hours of the day, when it’s almost impossible to wander around the site.
Teotihuacan consists of two main huge pyramids, Pirámide del Sol and Pirámide de la Luna, some secondary temples and pyramids plus other dwellings. The main pyramids are the most popular sights inside the site and see long lines to climb up to the top, especially the one dedicated to the Sun. If you are interested in going up to the top of the Sun Pyramid, head to it as soon as you arrive at the site.
Teotihuacan is very impressive, with great photo opportunities, especially from the top of the pyramids. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and at least a couple of liters of water.
Where to stay in Teotihuacan
The most usual is doing a day trip from Mexico City, and not too many people stay in Teotihuacan.
If you plan to stay here, a nice option are the Cabañas Kalli Nantli, with a modern design and all the necessary to stay for a few days exploring the pyramids and museum.
Prices starting at $100, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Tulum
Tulum is quieter than nearby Cancun and Playa del Carmen but certainly no less beautiful! It began as a quiet fishing village and although it is growing at a rapid rate, Tulum still manages to keep a chilled out hippy vibe. Excellent snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear cenotes (natural limestone water holes) beautiful beaches and delicious food all await any travelers who come to Tulum. And that’s not to mention the Mayan ruins perched on a clifftop above the turquoise ocean.
The peak season in Tulum is from December to April when the weather is hot and dry. Prices also reach their peak during that time, so consider going to Tulum in the shoulder season from October to early December when it is a bit quieter but still with good weather.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Tulum
Tulum is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, but if you’re traveling alone you should still take normal precautions that you would anywhere. Stay close to town so you don’t end up walking home in the dark – paths and roads outside the center don’t always have street lighting and don’t flash cash or expensive jewelry. Watch how much you drink, and make sure you know how to get home safely after a night on the town.
Where to stay in Tulum
I stayed at Amorcito Corazon Hotel & Hostel in Tulum town. It is much cheaper than staying on the beachfront and is just around the corner from the ADO bus terminal. They have private rooms and dorm rooms available, and I loved the swimming pool on the roof!
The hotel/hostel combination is a great way to meet fellow solo travelers, whilst having the comfort and privacy of your own room.
Prices starting at $60, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
Valladolid
by Julien Casanova at Cultures Traveled
Valladolid, Mexico is the ideal place to use as a base to explore the nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes. But even the town itself should be on your list of favorite places in Mexico.
A beautiful blend of colonial architecture, historic churches, and art forms a vibrant town that is the perfect size to explore as a solo traveler. Wander through the boutiques and coffee shops of Calzada de Los Frailes as you make your way to the San Bernardino Convent. Rest in the afternoon under the shade of trees in the zocalo. Or wind down the path to Cenote Zaci, the only cenote located in the center of Valladolid. And don’t forget to explore Casa de Los Venados, a private collection of more than 3,000 pieces of Mexican folk art that is available to tour every day at 10 am.
When to visit Valladolid
Anytime is a great time to visit the Yucatan, though if you’re not used to heat and humidity, it’s best to avoid the summer when the moisture makes the high temperatures nearly unbearable.
Tip for a Solo Female Traveler in Valladolid
Don’t be timid about making friends! The entire area is incredibly safe for travelers. Yucatecos are generally reserved but excited to share their Mayan heritage. If you feel like chatting or even practicing your Spanish, find a friendly cantina for a beer and botanas. Unlike the larger cities in the Yucatan, afternoons in a Valladolid cantina are more composed, usually with just a few old-timers enjoying a libation or two.
Where to stay in Valladolid
The Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave is the perfect place if you want to enjoy a relaxing time. Including a pool inside a salt cave, murals made by different artists and their own brewed tequila.
Prices starting at $160, you can FIND HERE the best prices and availability for your preferred dates.
CONCLUSION
Mexico is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries to visit in the Americas, but unfortunately, is having sometimes a bad reputation especially among women who want to travel alone.
Now that you could read what all these amazing travelers have experienced in their trips to Mexico and changed their minds about the prejudices saying Mexico is too dangerous for a solo female traveler, I hope you can leave away the fear and finally make your trip to Mexico true!
0 Comments