Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Mexico has diverse regions that are safe to explore, while others are highly dangerous. Highly touristy places like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Mexico City are generally safe for solo female travelers. However, the unpredictable criminal activity and drug-related violence in certain regions could pose risks. Exercise common sense, stay vigilant about personal safety, avoid isolated areas, and always keep your belongings close to you. Also, ensure to respect local norms and culture. It's advisable to opt for organized tours or travel in a group while visiting lesser-known regions.

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on 173 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.4 /5

Based on 97 experiences from local women

Mexico is currently ranked #61 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.3 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Mexico?

Safety at night:Unsafe

In Mexico, safety at night greatly depends on the specific location. Some areas, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations, can be relatively safe, while others can be riskier due to crime and violence. However, it's advisable to always prioritize safety. Avoid walking alone at night whenever possible, stick to populated, well-lit areas, and use reliable forms of transportation. Always stay alert, be cautious, and get advice from locals or other experienced travelers.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Mexico varies greatly depending on the area and mode of transport. In larger cities, the subway and bus systems can be crowded, but are generally safe during the day, though it's advised to stay alert for pickpockets. In more rural or remote areas, public transport options might be less reliable and less secure, hence a certain level of caution is needed. Taxis, particularly those ordered through reputable companies or apps, are usually a safe choice.

Street harassment:Moderate

In Mexico, street harassment can unfortunately be a common occurrence. While not all parts of the country have the same level of harassment, there are many areas where catcalling, whistling, and unsolicited comments are common, particularly in crowded public places or less tourist-oriented locales. Therefore, it's prudent to stay aware of your surroundings, dress modestly, avoid isolated areas, and avoid being out late at night alone where possible. It is not universally experienced, and respecting local customs and etiquette can often reduce the chances of harassment.

Petty crimes:High

Many areas in Mexico can be known for instances of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and cellphone theft. These are particularly frequent in crowded places like public transportation, markets, and tourist hot spots. Vigilance and keeping personal belongings secure can minimize the risk.

Is Mexico worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 173 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Anahi

United States

Oaxaca, Family travel

Oaxaca, México 2023 Took this trip with my mom and best friend. We went for the Guelaguetza. It’s an indigenous cultural event that happens around the second week of July! We’ve also visited places like Monte Albán and Hierve el Agua and got to see how they make Mezcal.

Posted: April 20, 2025Experienced: July, 2023

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Cancún, Family travel

Yeah, I stayed in a luxury hotel and then we went to do activities that were common there so it was fun. We didn’t spend much because as I said the hotel had almost everything. Then the activities were just above like normal activities. Then I did feel safe because I was with my family, but They are really nice. Very good people. It was fun. I enjoyed my stay. I also got sick but it was because of the weather.

Posted: April 15, 2025

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Elea

France

Mexico, Family travel

I traveled there for 2 weeks with my grandmother and I felt safe at all times (I was more scared of wild animals honestly). I absolutely adored every single Temple we visited and the natural cenotes left me speechless. The best was to visit a Temple the morning when it was not too hot then go to the nearest cenote to take a fresh swim. The hotels were cheap and had swimming pools, very nice decor. The people were lovely and welcoming. We traveled from city to city by bus it was fairly simple and inexpensive.

Posted: April 10, 2025Experienced: February, 2023

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Sofia

Canada

Puerto Morelos, Family travel

The only sour note on the trip was getting scammed at a gas station when paying 😒. The rep change a bill for another in a matter of seconds.. then we found out this was a very common thing an was all over the Google reviews on different gas stations. Everything else was delightful! From the food to the people and stay. Highly recommended this small town. It's quite central!

Posted: April 6, 2025Experienced: May, 2024

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Punta Allen, Family travel

We actually felt incredibly safe but we are quite sure that someone stole my mums phone that was a little bummer but we were drunk so it was a little our fault. Apart from that everybody was incredibly welcoming and we got invited to a party in another hotel by some fisher guy. The animals and the snorkeling there are AMAZING! And there’d are so few people…go and enjoy this hidden paradies!😍☀️

Posted: March 1, 2025

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Anna

Spain

Mexico, Solo travel

I traveled to Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca and it was a great experience as a solo female traveler. I felt safe in those two cities and I made really nice and friendly people. They are also offering nice activities.

Posted: March 1, 2025

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Mariale

Panama

Mexico City, Solo travel

Mexico is a great place to travel. I would say that it’s not as dangerous as other people make it seem as long as you are in a safe area like Roman Norte or Romas you can have so much fun and have a peaceful time while feeling safe, of course just being careful About the places you visit. it’s very inexpensive and the culture is just beautiful. I would recommend that 100%.

Posted: February 27, 2025

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Mexico, Family travel

I love Mexico so much. My favorite vacation by far. We stayed in an air bnb and it was so nice. The host was amazing. I loved the temperature the food and the culture. Everyone was so upbeat. I will admit this trip was a little costly but I think it was completely worth it.

Posted: February 16, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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Giuliana

Brazil

Sayulita, Solo travel

I stayed for a month volunteering in ITH Amazing hostel, so I didn’t spend much money as I exchanged work for accomodation. I could rent surfboards for free and had breakfast included. The city is full of Americans and Canadians that is why is got expensive. You have to try fish tacos (specially from the street) and do the hikings: El Toro, Malpaso and Carricitos.

Posted: February 3, 2025

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Lineke

Netherlands

Mexico, Solo travel

I was worried before going to Mexico for 3 months on my own, but because of the places I went I worried for nothing! I had decided I wanted to go for a slow paced, relaxed, chill kinda trip, so I only visited that whole yucatan/campeche/quintana roo area. Super touristy and safe! I enjoyed all the colours and music and guacamole and margaritas! I’m sure Mexico has waaaay more to offer if you’d go off the beaten path and be more adventurous, but I enjoyed the safety and beaches and snorkelling this way. I’d rather go explore the more remote areas in countries I feel safer in, and the countries with a more questionable reputation I’d rather stay safe and still enjoy what it has to offer in the more crowded areas:)

Posted: January 28, 2025

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Is Mexico safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 97 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 97 local experiences

Giselle

Colonia Condesa

The area is quite safe and considered one of the best for tourists in Mexico City. While there may be a few dimly lit spots around Parque España and Parque México at night, they generally pose no concern for traveler

Posted: April 20, 2025

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Verónica

Guadalajara

Depends on the area where you're at and the time. Down town it's fine, you can walk and find a lot of people but for me it's better to walk before 9pm, it's ok if you want to walk later I just personally feel a bit unsafe there.

Posted: April 12, 2025

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Meet locals in Mexico

Anne

About Me

🌱🌎🦥🏄‍♀️🌊 Hi! I’m Ana or Anne from Mexico. I’m a hippie soul that loves adventure, nature, camping, roadtrips, exploring , music , art and plants if you also like any of these we’ll get along well, I love getting to know about new cultures and places around the world through people.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Mexico

Anne

Mérida

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Speaking

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Ximena

Mexico City

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I’m Xime, I am studying Communications in Mexico City I am a very curious person interested in all kinds of topics, sometimes I can be a bit introverted if you’re an extrovert but I’m always down to have a good time wherever whenever! I know I look young but have much to share ;)

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Upcoming visitors to Mexico

Jella

About Me

Hi I'm Jella, 18 years old and I grew up in Switzerland. I play the piano and I love to dance. Im always open to meeting new amazing people!

Speaking

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Veronique

About Me

Hi! I’m French Canadian and I solo travel a lot. I work in hr for a non profit. I like trying new things and discovering. Big fan of yoga food books arts