Is Riviera Maya & the Yucatan Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Safety Rating and Reviews

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Riviera Maya & the Yucatan

Riviera Maya and the Yucatan are generally considered safe for solo female travelers. However, it's important to use common sense and take safety precautions such as sticking to well-populated and touristy areas, avoiding remote areas at night, and being cautious about your belongings and surroundings. The areas have tourist police and most hotels and resorts have good security measures in place. Access to emergency services is reliable in case of an incident.

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety at night:Moderate

While Riviera Maya & the Yucatan are popular tourist destinations, it's generally not advisable to walk alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas. Like in many places, danger can vary significantly depending on the specific location and time. However, most areas frequented by tourists are relatively secure due to heavy policing. Caution should always be exercised and it's advisable to use reputable taxis or shared ride services instead of walking if you must travel at night.

Public transportation: Moderate

Public transport in Riviera Maya and Yucatan region of Mexico is frequently used by both locals and visitors, but can experience some safety issues. Buses and colectivos (shared vans) are the most popular options and usually are reliable and well-regarded by travelers. However, caution is needed particularly at night due to sporadic incidents of crime. Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and avoid less crowded or empty buses. Taxis are another option but ensure they are licensed and always negotiate the price before boarding.

Street harassment: Low

Riviera Maya and the Yucatan are generally popular tourist destinations, thus they are generally safe for solo female travelers. However, like any other place in the world, there can be isolated instances of street harassment. It's best to remain vigilant, respect local customs and be aware of your surroundings. The prevalence of this behavior is relatively low compared to other destinations. Stick to well-traveled areas, especially at night, and you should largely avoid overly negative encounters.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or purse snatching are somewhat common, especially in tourist-heavy spots in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan, Mexico. It is advisable to stay alert and keep your personal belongings secure and close to you at all times. However, most visitors have a safe and incident-free travel experience.

Tap water:Unsafe

Tap water in Riviera Maya & the Yucatan is not recommended to drink directly from the faucet. This is due to potential contamination with bacteria, parasites, and viruses that could cause stomach upset or serious diseases like typhoid or hepatitis. Most hotels and resorts purify their water, making it safe for bathing and brushing teeth, but it's advised to use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth to be on the safe side.