Is Playa del Carmen Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is moderately safe for solo female travelers. Like any other tourist area, it's crucial to take standard safety measures. This includes avoiding lonely areas, especially at night, not flashing valuable belongings, and using reputable transportation services. There's been some crime reported in the city, but typically tourists are not the primary targets. Take precautions and you should have a pleasant trip.

Safety rating

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How safe is Playa del Carmen?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Playa del Carmen generally maintains a relaxed and tourist-friendly atmosphere. However, it's always crucial to take standard safety measures while walking alone at night, regardless of the location. The main tourist areas are well-lit and lively, with plenty of people around, making them relatively secure. However, areas outside of these tourist hotspots can be quieter and potentially less safe. It's always advisable to use secured and known modes of transport after dark rather than walking alone. Lastly, always remember to trust your instincts. If something makes you feel uncomfortable, it's better to err on the side of caution.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Playa del Carmen, is generally reliable and safe. Colectivos, the local shared minibuses, are a popular choice for getting around and are commonly used by both tourists and locals alike. Taxis are numerous and usually safe too. However, it's imperative to agree on the fare before departure to avoid disputes. Public buses are also available and connect to nearby cities and attractions. As always, stay vigilant and mindful of your belongings, especially during peak hours.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Playa del Carmen generally demonstrates a respect for visitors, with minimal reported instances of street harassment. Majority of the locals are polite and helpful. You might encounter vendors trying to entice you into their shops or restaurants, but these instances are typically more persuasive in nature than inappropriate or threatening. As always, it's crucial to stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense, particularly at night. A comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for any unfortunate incidence.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Playa del Carmen has a moderate risk of petty crime. Small thefts, pickpocketing, and bag-snatching are occasional issues, particularly in crowded places, on public transport, and in tourist attractions. However, remaining vigilant and taking basic safety precautions can largely help in avoiding such situations.

Is Playa del Carmen worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 9 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

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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Monica

Monica

United States

Group travel

I loved PDC and will be returning September 2024. I stayed at the reef 28 and I can't express how great they were! It's an adult's only AI and it's surprisingly inexpensive. It was a 5-minute walk to the beach, one block away from 5th avenue, I didn't feel unsafe walking around at night, lots of music and nightlife. Make sure to check out Xcaret! It's an Eco Park, we were able to float throughout an underground river, saw multiple animal, swam with dolphins, relaxed on the beach, watched native performances, I 100% plan to go back again! I was there for 5 days, not including flight and hotel, I spent about $700 (almost $200 of it was the price of swimming with the dolphins, which I highly suggest, it was a very spiritual experience)

Posted: June 30, 2024Experienced: September, 2023
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Okarina

Okarina

Mexico

Family travel

This is gonna be a long one lol I've been to Playa several times and love it Beautiful and generally quiet town in the middle of the "Costa Maya". The best part is how close everything is: Cancun is around 1 hour away, just like Tulum; Puerto Morelos is around 40 minutes away; if you wanna try snorkeling in Cozumel, just go downtown and head to the port to book a ferry; if you want to swim near sea turtles, Akumal is about 25-30 minutes from the city center, the Xcaret parks are also nearby (around 20 minutes by car from the city). If you want to have a less packed day, the Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) is bursting with bars and restaurants to try. I'd totally recommend "Taco mx" on 10th Avenue for some real mexican flavor, "Rolandi's" for some italian, "Nikkori" for Japanese, and for an insta-worthy dessert, there are rose shaped gelatos at "Amorino" (there's two of them on 5th av). If you're looking for something more lowkey, there's also a really nice gelato place over 45th Av and 8th street, called chelatto. About accommodations, there's something for every budget and type of traveler: from all-inclusive luxury hotels, like Hilton, Marriot, Xcaret, Velas, and Wyndham, to hostels all over 5th and 10 Av, to airbnbs in the quieter areas (DM if you want more info on this one! I know a few property managers and could try to make finding a place to stay so much easier). Depending on where you stay, renting a car would usually make things easier, but it really depends on your schedule. For budget... eating out at restaurants is usually around 60-70 USD for two people (this includes non alcoholic drinks, entrees and main meals) and going to the grocery stores and buying food for 4-5 days, is usually around 80 USD. Feel free to DM me if you want more tips! I could even help with your schedule if you're having questions about it

Posted: May 2, 2024
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Solo travel

Second time staying in PDC. Stayed in accommodation on 20th near the Alterna bus station. Feels very safe and quieter than staying between 5th-10th, with great food options that are cheaper than on 5th, while still being close to the beach and shops. Recommend taking the Ado bus to & from the airport it’s inexpensive & convenient.

Posted: April 23, 2024
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Solo travel

This place is a hub for digital nomad and expats. Plenty of groups and easy to meet people as a solo traveler. This city is also located between Tulum and Isla minutes which makes awesome day trips! Check out the local cenotes!?

Posted: March 5, 2024
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Solo travel

I stayed in Playa Del Carmen for a week and felt relatively safe walking during the day. At night it gets a bit chaotic on the main street, which I wouldn't go to by myself.

Posted: May 31, 2023
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Solo travel

I went to Playa del Carmen for my first solo trip. I was 2 blocks away from the beach and about 3 blocks away from La Quinta (5th Avenue). I had a nice time on the Avenue and went on a few excursions.

Posted: April 10, 2023
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Solo travel

I enjoyed my solo trip to Playa Del Carmen. Lots of excursions and cheap (safe) places on Airbnb to choose from. Quite a lot of places to walk around. Taxis everywhere. Excellent food. Beautiful beaches. Cheap buses that run from town to town and can also take you to the Mayan ruins.

Posted: March 11, 2023
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Couple travel

I just got back from an all-inclusive trip to Playa del Carmen and it was absolutely beautiful! We stayed at the Royal Haciendas and we liked everything there. It was a rather calm, relaxed vacation, but it was exactly what we were looking for, so it was perfect. And the food was amazing!

Posted: February 25, 2023
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Is Playa del Carmen safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Its nice! The main square is super touristy and safe, you will get drugs offer at the bars and nightclubs, even at the streets. You can walk by the 5th street freely but if you walk a few blocks away from the main area or if you are around the beach very late you might get robbed.

Posted: October 4, 2024
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Catherine

Catherine

It really depends on the zone that you are in. It is so important to get to know that downtown, generally speaking fifth Avenue and 10th St. area is pretty safe. A lot of foreigners living there, very well lit. Most Mexicans here speak English and most are helpful. Just don’t venture out of the city center to places you do not know by yourself at night, other than that you should be fine! 

Posted: July 31, 2024
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Meet locals in Playa del Carmen

Penelope

Penelope

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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Marygel

Marygel

About Me

Hi! My name is Maria but all my friends call me Marygel :) I'm from Oaxaca, Mexico and I'm starting the traveling journey. I loooooove dogs and pets in general. Love to learn things and share what I know.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Playa del Carmen

Penelope

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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Leah

Leah

Playa del Carmen

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi, I am Leah, almost 50, but younger in spirit than my whole life... Things have been a bit low though these past months. I'm in a solo spiritual journey after a long marriage. Trying to find my fun again... Moving around had become challenging... trying to find my place in this world. I spend most of my time alone, I love alone time, but also I need to n be with like minded soul friends! Im.a total people person, love people, animals, mother earth.. I love to have simple joys, dance, sing, make art, get outside, see beautiful things, coffee shops, cafes etc etc... Cold hotels just for a night a place to sleep...alone in a kind size bed... is getting old. So I am putting myself out here, to try something new.. Let the universe help me on this crooked path... find some soul sisters along the way... I am a healer, on the journey of learning to love and care for myself, self-healing path.... and I guess a big part of my next healing journey is beginning to live again, for me, have fun, be more wild and carefree.... Ohhh that just rhymed....im also a poet! It just comes out, I channel...poetry, music, lyrics, and more. Trying to let the universe show me how to use my creativity to make a difference...💜🪻 Look forward to meeting you! XO/Leah Ps-I don't need fancy, just a clean space to sleep and wash up...🙏🪶🌼

Speaking

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Safety in Mexico