Is Cancún Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

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.

Safety rating

3.8 /5

Based on 19 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Cancún is currently ranked #9 safest place in Mexico for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.8 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Cancún?

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.

Is Cancún worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 19 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Alena

Russia

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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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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Solo travel

It was a good experience, and care should be taken with the places where you are. The food is delicious, but they always charge foreigners exorbitant prices, which was a downside. Sometimes, it's not very safe to go out at night and alone.

Posted: October 12, 2024

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Melanie

Colombia

Group travel

We went to tulum, island mujeres, Xoximilco and xcaret. It was all fun but for us that we come from Colombia, it was kind of expensive because the prices were as is you were in the US. Other than that, the experience was very good, the people were nice and the places beautiful

Posted: August 9, 2024Experienced: November, 2022

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Marina

Brazil

Solo travel

I did cancun wrong, so I don’t have many tips other than: make sure to get a hostel right at the big resorts are (I believe the good one was called Tree Monkey). Definitely go to the big party in the famous club (that I forgot the name haha). There is also free pool parties (every Tuesday, I think). Or… jump in the boat and go to Isla Mujeres instead! GORGEOUS!! In front of cancun, more calm, nicer beaches and more accessible hostels/hotels. 10/10 would recommend over cancun.

Posted: July 25, 2024

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Family travel

I would definitely make sure to go to the cenotes when in Cancun and also see the turtles. The water is absolutely beautiful and so so warm. I could just stay at the beach all vacation, but just make sure to bring a ton of sunscreen you will be getting some color

Posted: April 27, 2024

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Is Cancún safe for women?

Yasmine

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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Cancún is overall safe during the day, if you stay in downtown and don't go outside of the main center of the city. For example: Avenida nader, bonampak, near las americas mall or market 28 are safe during daylight but don't go to the areas where we call them la ciento (100,120) or even two hundred might be more dangerous. Even though it's mostly safe don't get distracted and always be ok the lookout for sketchy people or situations and even if you're on these safe areas, beware. Most important be more careful walking in the dark as not all the areas have good lighting at night. The hotel zone is safer than downtown but I still don't trust it 100%

Posted: September 14, 2024

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