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

4.4 /5

Based on 166 experiences from female travelers

2.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.3 /5

Based on 88 experiences from local women

Mexico is currently ranked #60 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 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 166 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

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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Celeste

United States

Mexico, Solo travel

It was a cruise with 3 friends that stopped at 3 different location. Mazatlan, Cancan and Puerto Vallarta. We didn't stay long in each place but we had enough to go to an excursion on an island, shop around and eat tasty food and go to the beach.

Posted: January 18, 2025Experienced: September, 2024

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Monica@1965

Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Solo travel

I love Lido in the beach, eating with your feet in the sand with a wonderful view. And when finished you can go to Zensibar to dance all night long! The fifth avenue is lovely for shopping and more restaurants.

Posted: January 18, 2025

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Gabriela

Mexico

Queretaro, Group travel

Hello, during my visit to Querétaro, I felt safe walking around the city center, although the activities are more about going to vineyards, San Miguel which I found very expensive, and the Peña de Bernal with affordable prices. You can travel to and from all these points of interest as they are no more than an hour away. It is a city with many stories and the second place in churches. Many restaurants to discover.

Posted: January 15, 2025

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Michelle

Germany

Puerto Escondido, Solo travel

People beware of the police! The locals are mostly friendly and helpful, they don't agree with what the police are pulling off. The police robbed one of our roommates off his wallet and phone. He did not get hurt. Anyhow the police seem to try to sneak drugs into your bag so they can scam you off money to let you go. Please be careful. Also usage of drugs is illegal and police will give you a penalty for it and strip you off your money. Beware.

Posted: December 29, 2024Experienced: June, 2024

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Playa del Carmen, Group travel

Traveling to Playa del Carmen was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It was so lush and tropical, the culture was so rich and vibrant. It was very affordable to go out and explore and shop around local markets and streets. I never felt unsafe and it was mostly always populated and busy. Definitely will be going back!

Posted: December 27, 2024

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Playa del Carmen, Group travel

Playa del Carmen is beautiful but do not go in August it’s extremely hot and the beaches smell bad. I got a heat rash and burned my skin tremendously so I would say definitely visits just not in August

Posted: November 1, 2024

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Puerto Vallarta, Family travel

I LOVEEEE PVR!! It is one of the safest cities I have ever traveled to. The locals are the nicest, most welcoming people. There’s a really big gay male community there so the nightlife is a lot safer as a woman.

Posted: October 21, 2024

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Is Mexico safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 88 local experiences

Crime index

2.6 /5

Based on 88 local experiences

Yasmine

Cancún

Cancún is very safe especially in the hotel zone. It’s Americanized and has a lot of torism. People in this area specifically are very welcoming and warm. I haven’t had a bad interaction with the locals.

Posted: February 19, 2025

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Julia

Playa del Carmen

Don’t walk alone after dark - always go places with someone. Know where not to go. If you’re in doubt, ask. I only ever take cabs and send my live location to a family member on WA. otherwise really good!

Posted: February 8, 2025

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Meet locals in Mexico

Alejandra

About Me

Hello, I'm a Mexican who is about to tour the world so I'll be happy to chat and share travel ideas.

Speaking

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Jimena

About Me

Hi I’m Jimena I’m a Mexican-American solo female traveler currently on a trip around Europe I would love to use this experience to meet people and learn their culture. I can also would love to share stories of life and just experience the city through your eyes. I personally started traveling when I was young through Mexico seeing the pyramids and the rich culture of my country inspired me to travel outside when i could. I could give you recommendations for Mexico and help you with your Spanish. Nos vemos! ☺️

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Mexico

Penelope

Playa del Carmen

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Art, nature and adventure lover,epicurean, artist and designer, spiritually inclined NLP student. Healthy lifestyle. Student of life forever! Canadian living in Mexico!

Speaking

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Mariana

Guadalajara

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I love to explore different cultures and to meet new people! I’m a designer interested in art, design and fashion. I’m open to host or meet up :)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Mexico

Meruyert

About Me

Hey. You can call me Meru. Originally I am from Kazakhstan (Central Asia). But now I live in Boston. Currently preparing to get masters in com. And working as a nail tech, if you want I can send you my work ig profile) Love to travel and discover new things and places. It is nice to meet you all ;)