Solo Female Travel in Cancún

Cancún, located on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, is a popular tropical destination renowned globally for its vibrant culture, leisure activities, and exquisite natural beauty. Enveloped by the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, this enchanting city is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, world-class scuba diving and snorkeling sites, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. On land, Cancún is rich in history and civilization; home to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, it provides an extensive exploration of heritage and architecture. The city's upmarket hotel zone, energetic nightlife with a myriad of restaurants and clubs, golf courses, and shopping malls, cater to a diverse range of interests. Cancún is indeed a travel destination for anyone seeking an adventurous, culture-rich or relaxing escape.

Travel rating

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Travel index

Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Easy

Cancún is fairly easy to navigate. There is an efficient public bus system that services the hotel zone and downtown areas, and taxis are also readily available. Renting a car is another option, but it can be expensive. Most popular tourist spots have clear signage in both Spanish and English. However, occasional language barriers and heavy traffic during peak times can pose minor challenges.

Things to do:Interesting

Cancún, is a haven for both adventure and relaxation seekers. Its awe-inspiring natural beauty, mesmerizing turquoise waters, and stunning white sandy beaches are irrefutable. With a plethora of activities ranging from water sports such as snorkeling and diving in the Great Maya Reef, to cultural exploration like visiting the Mayan ruins in Tulum or the museum of Mayan culture, it provides a wonderful mix of experiences. It's a shopper's delight with a variety of local markets to high-end boutiques. Apart from these, you can unwind in luxury spas, savor delicious Mexican cuisine and enjoy the thrilling nightlife. However, safety can be a concern in some areas and public transport isn't very women-friendly, hence a point less than perfect.

Food:Excellent

The food in Cancún, offers an excellent range of diversity and quality. Here, you can take a culinary journey through Mexico's vast regional cuisines. From the rich, hearty flavours of Oaxacan dishes to the fresh coastal preparation of seafood, every palate is sure to find something to appreciate. Authentic Yucatán cuisine is a particular highlight, with a unique blend of Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Street food stalls and high-end establishments alike place a strong emphasis on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, resulting in truly spectacular meals. Besides local cuisine, you'll also find plenty of restaurants offering international food options, from Italian to Japanese, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Remember that Mexican food can be spicy, so ask for a less spicy option if you prefer. Do not miss trying out some local chocolate, it's a delicacy!

Budget:Moderate

Cancun, Mexico can be budget-friendly if you plan carefully. While there are plenty of luxury accommodations and high-end dining options, there are also affordable homestays, hostels, and local food stalls that are easy on the wallet. It can get more expensive if you do a lot of tours or activities so, determine what you want to do beforehand and plan your budget accordingly.

Is Cancún worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 12 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

Group travel experience

My trip to Cancun was very amazing. I had a lot of fun. I met new people and I made new friends. And one thing that I like the most is that my house was very grate and very welcoming and they did everything. We asked.

Posted: March 13, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

Cancún was my first trip with some of my friends without family and we had a great time! We stayed in this beautiful resort right on the beach (slightly pricey but imo worth it because breakfast was included and the four of us split the cost). We went to Isles Mujeres on a party boat which was SO MUCH fun! We got to explore the island, taste some good tequila, and go snorkeling as well. Another day we went to the Cenotes, and swam in the water. Then we went to the famous Chichén Itzá (you can do this cool clapping sound thing — our tour guide was the best). We also drove jetskis for the first time and went out clubbing (slightly scary so just be careful). The only major downside of the trip was trying to get a reasonable taxi from the airport that wasn’t way overpriced — so I recommend booking this in advance online.

Posted: January 28, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Salihah

Salihah

United States

Group travel experience

Mexico was amazing! I only left my resort once so I wouldn't go off everything I say perooo, when I left, I got to see the culture of Mexico, and it was beautiful—the water so clear and warm. The people were very friendly and welcoming. I learned more Spanish in my four-day trip than in my two years of taking it in high school, lol. Honestly, I would not stay at an all-inclusive resort again if I want to feel the culture just because my specific resort was kind of like being in America but super humid. I suppose it just wasn't what I expected, but I think it would've been different if I stayed somewhere else, so take that into account. I definitely recommend Airbnb's to get that more home feeling in safe areas where you can get to know and experience the culture in Mexico. My experience was overall positive. I had to get used to the humidity, so get ready. If you are like me from a place with little to no humidity, it was a shock. I think my grandpa's glasses fogged up when we stepped off the plane, lol. Please be thorough when you are purchasing your excursions. I went on a cabana boat ride to another island, and it included lunch, snorkeling, etc., but they did try to scam us for some money. When my family member brought it to their attention, they did get kind of rude and told us we could leave and not get on the boat at all. Thankfully, it all worked out, and I still got to enjoy that excursion, but I will say make sure of the prices and make sure they're finalized. I also wouldn't do the pay half now, pay the rest later thing because it just is complicated if you were able to pay for your excursions full price.

Posted: January 10, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5
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Solo travel experience

I traveled alone to Cancun in February, and the worst part was the airport journey. I had no issue with any men who approached me, which surprised me greatly since, honestly, I expected it based on my experience in other Spanish-speaking countries. I felt safe walking around, obviously using common sense, I did not walk much at night, and if I did, I was extremely cautious. I often left the hotel zone because I wanted to have a more "authentic" experience, but I did not have time to travel outside of Cancun. Downtown Cancun is significantly more dangerous. I had conversations with many local traders who were willing to negotiate the prices of the goods they sold.

Posted: December 26, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I was in Cancun last January and I felt completely safe. I was not in the hotel zone, I was in the actual city, which I highly recommend to get to know the culture. I walked alone around the city both day and night and never felt unsafe. I also highly recommend booking a trip to Chichén Itzá while staying in Mexico. It is absolutely worth the drive from Cancun.

Posted: December 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went alone and did not feel endangered. I had booked a taxi before arriving and went straight to my hotel, which was located in the city center (not in the hotel zone). When I went to the city center, several guys constantly asked for my number / to go out with them, but they were absolutely annoying and I tried to stay in a crowd to lose them. Besides that, everything was fine.

Posted: December 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Mariane

Mariane

Brazil

Solo travel experience

I stayed at Selina Hotel Zone, it’s at an excellent location near a public beach. I took the bus to go on others beaches, it very easy and cheap. I did a boat trip to Isla Mujeres and a day Trip to the Maya Chizchen Itza Pyramid, in my opinion both experiences should be in everybody itineraries.

Posted: December 22, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I went alone and it was my favorite trip so far. I stayed in hostels and all the time I was there, I felt safe. I spent one day and night on Isla Mujeres and it was amazing. I also took a day trip to Chichen Itza, which included a cenote (both of which I believe are mandatory). I arranged my travel to the location from the airport by Aido bus and it was safe and organized.

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 alone last year and it was quite good, I stayed in a hostel in the hotel zone and I felt comfortable walking around by myself during the day and night. I also booked tours that picked 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

I was traveling along the coast by ADO bus. Everyone was very helpful, including the taxi drivers. I stopped in Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres, with a few 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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pia

pia

About Me

Un placer! Soy Pia. Nacida en argentina, pero ciudadana del mundo. Vivo en México, en el Caribe exactamente. Aunque dejé mi vida allí por tres meses va aventurarme en europa. Me encanta en arte en todas sus formas. Soy vegetariana y también me gusta cocinar. Descubrí esta App con otra amiga viajera y la verdad que me da mucha más seguridad que seamos solo mujeres. Aún no tengo casa propia en México pero cuando llegue y me acomode podré recibirlas con amor también 🙏♥️

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Coral

Coral

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I’m new in Cancun, I got a job here and I want to explore the city like a tourist because this is my first time here, I like explore the city with a friend

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Vianey

Vianey

Cancún

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello, I'm Vianey and I'm interested in animals, camping, games, history, languages, nature, photography, science, writing, cinema, business, books and art

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Chrissy

Chrissy

About Me

Hello I’m Chrissy and I work in Veterinary Medicine I’m a nurse. On my free time I enjoy traveling and amusement parks.

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