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 177 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.3 /5

Based on 105 experiences from local women

Mexico is currently ranked #66 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 177 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Alena

Russia

Cancún, Solo travel

I had a solo trip to Cancun, Mexico, and I fell in love with this country! I felt very safe and comfortable. Local people are very friendly and nice. I even became friends with my host, and we are staying in touch ever since. I saw Chichen Itza, went scuba diving at Isla Mujeres and just had the best time in my life. Looking forward to go there again!

Posted: May 4, 2025

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Puerto Vallarta, Solo travel

My experience in Puerto Vallarta was not so good I didn't feel safe only in the big squares, there were people smoking weed at a public transport stop where there were children and families, I respect that but there are also places. The food was not as good or a good size I ate sushi in Plaza Caracol and expected more. Public transport is a bad thing if you are a foreigner and you don't have change, the driver does not let you pass. I was mostly in the sea and walking shopping along the boardwalk and there is a variety of prices for different budgets but preferably it is greater than 2000 Mexican pesos.

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

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Marah

Mexico

Nuevo Vallarta, Solo travel

My experience was good, I went without expectations and I was surprised although there were times when I felt anxious to get to my destination because of the bad publicity that many taxis have. The food is normal, the atmosphere is very nice and it depends on the budget you have and the searches you make to visit the places that make you feel safe, I stayed for a weekend and had a good time. I recommend not walking alone through the center without information about the places to visit or the best routes to get there. Always ask established locals. And make sure you carry a power bank or enough cards to store your memories.

Posted: May 1, 2025Experienced: April, 2025

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Mexico City, Solo travel

1 week will not be enough . Mexico city it's so big. Safety stuff In Mexico city There are female only subway cars so I guess there is historically some violence against women stuff, not trying to scare ppl, but just something to be aware of, I wore my backpack on the front of me to prevent mugging as that's something I don't want to experince But there is also history of the city reforming dangerous neighborhoods like tepito for tourism, And locals may be curious about you But it's a city, ppl mostly managing their own lives /mind their business The culture has some toxic workaholic as well so expect to see tired people on the way to here and there But you'll find warm presence and virtuous people too, like 98% But don't : - Be drunk /loud in public(drinking in public is Illegal and if you stand out you will get robbed by police/targeted by randoms etc) - Take weird offers, ie. Instead of random cab people,Take a reputable rideshare or what locals say is a trusted cab company, or the public transit or collectivos - be alone - go where you can be isolated Do: - enjoy locals/travel experienced ppl, get the right attention not the wrong attention - Dress down, seriously look as poor/mundane as possible lol imo I have not personally gotten into trouble, where my safety was at risk but I've done questionable things like visit people's homes. But hey at least I travelled in groups or pairs. There are people who want to warn/avoid others getting in trouble too One dude who I partied w a few nights he was living in Mexico for years, but one night I saw him it already happened;he was standing alone drunk at night(2 am) and get robbed by the police and he said it was his first time lol, he had to borrow a phone to call his relatives... And also this one traveller who before I saw him, visited a really remote village and was surrounded by teenagers with bats and got robbed(also at night). When I met him he had a gash on his forehead that healed. Was a chill guy, he was Mexican though and felt p betrayed by his ppl So there's a balance I haven't heard cases of outright violence with girls, probably something that only comes out in a hush hush conversation, not in the open. I just had cases where ppl seriously shoot their shot way too much I have also met actually quite a big handful of solo female travellers, even ones with loud /princess personalities lol but definitely helps so much to learn some of the language. If anyone knows Spanish super awesome in your group, always helps to use Duolingo, which was designed by Stanford ppl specifically for English -> Spanish learners. Duolingo is very decent for romantic/Latin languages

Posted: April 24, 2025

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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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Is Mexico safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 105 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 105 local experiences

Alondra

Morelia

I've lived here nearly 7 years now(including collage) and I've felt really good. However I must say that when doing any type of activities at time time it's always better to have a friend and at day time it's pretty okay but I always recomendado letting a friend or love one know about you and your whereabouts.

Posted: May 10, 2025

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Ahome

Normally as everywhere there are some people who bother you on the street they are always men, this place is safe when you are accompanied I do not recommend that you are on your own at night or very early. On the other hand, there are always police everywhere and shops or places to go if you need help, people are friendly to foreigners.

Posted: April 30, 2025

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