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North America

Mexico

Cancún

As a solo female traveler, you'll find Cancun relatively safe with a number of tourist police aimed to ensure the safety of visitors. However, like anywhere, it's important to remain vigilant, especially at night, avoid less crowded areas and keep your belongings secure. Ensuring you take reputable transportation and stay in known tourist regions is also advised.

Cancún is currently ranked #61 safest place for solo female travellers. Check the full ranking.

4.5 /5

Based on 5 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety at night:Moderate

While Cancún has a reputation as a tourist-friendly destination, it is still advisable to take caution at night. Like any city, there are areas that are less safe than others. It's better to stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid walking alone, particularly in less frequented spots or alleyways. Always take a registered taxi or a reputable rideshare service when moving around at night and avoid sharing your travel plans or accommodation details with strangers. The safety issue here is generally about petty crime, so always keep an eye on your belongings.

Public transportation: Safe

Public transportation in Cancún is generally considered reliable and safe. The bus system offers frequent service and covers the majority of the city, including the hotel zone. The buses are usually crowded but crimes are rare. Taxis are also readily available and mostly safe. However, it is always recommended to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and avoid traveling alone at night if possible.

Street harassment: Moderate

In Cancún, the street harassment level is moderate. While most locals are respectful and polite, you might occasionally encounter unwelcome comments or attention which can be uncomfortable as a solo female traveler. This is more common in the more bustling areas such as the Hotel Zone or Downtown Cancún. It's advisable to dress modestly and be aware of your surroundings.

Petty crimes:Moderate

While Cancún is known for its sandy beaches and clear blue waters, it does have a certain level of risk when it comes to petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in tourist hotspots. Tourists are often seen as easy targets for these types of offenses. Hence, it's advised to be cautious of your surroundings, and avoid flashing valuables in public. Always make sure your belongings are not left unattended.

Tap water:Unsafe

Drinking tap water in Cancún isn't generally advised. Although the water is treated in larger cities and resorts, it may contain bacteria and micro-organisms your body isn't used to. To avoid any health issues related to water consumption such as traveler's diarrhea, it's recommended to stick to bottled water for drinking and use tap water only for things like brushing your teeth or washing dishes. But remember to be extra cautious and not allow tap water into your mouth while showering or washing your face.

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4.5 /5

based on 5 experiences

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Solo travel experience

I went solo and it was my favorite trip yet. I stayed in hostels and felt safe the whole time I was there. I did a day trip/overnight stay on Isla Mujeres and it was amazing. Also did a day trip/tour to Chichen Itza which included a cenote (both must-do’s in my opinion). I used the Aido bus to get there from the airport and it was organized and safe.

Posted: December 3, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

I traveled to Cancun on my own last year and it was completely fine, stayed in a hostel in the hotel zone and was fine walking around on my own through the day and night and just booked tours that would pick me up from the hostel and everything was great

Posted: May 26, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Went up and down the coast on the ADO bus. Everyone was very helpful, including the taxi drivers. I stayed in Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres with a couple of transition days in Cancun. No resorts, although the place in Cancun had a restaurant. I felt safe.

Posted: April 10, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Solo travel experience

Last month I went to Cancun for a few days. I stayed at a resort and enjoyed the sunshine by myself. It was a super easy flight from Boston. Everyone spoke English so that wasn't a problem. I'd definitely recommend looking into a resort there. :)

Posted: February 15, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Elise

United States

Solo travel experience

Itinerary: Day 1: Fly into Cancun Day 2: Tour of Chichen Itza and Sacred Cenote Guided Tour Day 3: Visit the beaches of Playa del Carmen Day 4: Tulum, visit a beach club Day 5: Explore area around Parque Nacional, Mayan Ruins Day 6: Guided tours of Cenotes in area Day 6: Cancun, relax on the beach. Day 7: Ferry to Isla Mujeres Day 8: Fly back from Cancun Safety: Mexico is safer than USA where guns violence is happening everywhere and everyday. The crimes that media report are all narcos/drugs related. Budget: Tulum is really expensive. I am a budget traveler and hate it there. I only did a day trip. The beach is far. $18-$25 from downtown by cab. You can take collectivo bus vans but usually are full with locals that need it more for work. Recommendations: Totally recommend Isla Mujeres. Go to the north beach there/playa norte. You go left after exiting the ferry terminal and walk straight for 10 minutes. Beautiful beach.

Posted: June 15, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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My name is Katherine traveling solo for the first time looking for advice

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🌺🤿🏄‍♀️🌅🐚 🌎 Hey it’s Tiffany. I love traveling the world. #liveamplified AmplifiedNetwork.com

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I’m Emily. I’m currently living in Lima, Peru, I’m 27 and what I like the most is to meet new people, cultures and travels. I consider myself as a enthusiastic person, friendly and extrovert people. I like dancing, cycling and going out!

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🇦🇼 Aruba, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇳🇱 Netherlands

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