5 Best Destinations in Mexico for Solo Travelers in 2023

Welcome to vibrant and colorful Mexico! This land of tacos, enchiladas, and tamales is teeming with life’s pleasures and an ideal destination for solo travelers.

A heady mix of art and culture (this is the home of Frida Kahlo) and stunning nature, Mexico is all about bustling cities graced with street art, sweltering jungles, dormant volcanoes, snowy mountains, cactus-fringed deserts – and a collection of Caribbean paradise-beaches with powdery white sand.

Close to major US airports, Mexico has become a popular exotic travel destination for those seeking a culturally rich experience. But if you are a solo traveler, safety is your primary concern— without compromising all that Mexico can offer.

You might know that the Mexican city Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort with beautiful beaches but it attracts mostly families and couples.

So, where to stay for solo travel in Mexico – no matter if you are a traveler or digital nomad?

So, where in Mexico can you travel solo?

Mexico is known for being home to some of the best resorts in the world. Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta are just a few examples of cities that could be considered “resort cities” within Mexico. These cities are mostly visited by families and couples looking for an escape from reality; it’s not the best place for solo travelers who are looking to meet new people and explore.

That said, there are the top 5 destinations in Mexico for solo travelers:

1. Cancun

Home to one of the world’s most beautiful white-sand beaches, make sure you include Cancun in your Mexico solo travel itinerary. Even though it’s a resort city, it’s a popular solo travel destination in Mexico because it’s affordable, it’s a safe town, and there’s plenty to do. Cancun is also home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, so it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.

Plus, Cancun is close to other interesting places to visit, so if you want to explore more of Mexico it’s not a bad option. Cancun offers a deeply rewarding experience to the solo traveler. Sitting on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun not only offers dreamy beaches but also boasts an electrifying nightlife, which includes the infamous Coco Bongo.

If you’re taking the taxi to get from one club to another, it is recommended that you first agree with the driver on the price even before getting in. Why? Cancun cabs do not have meters.

While in Cancun, experience some mystical ancient vibes by visiting the Mayan ruins. The most famous is Chichen Itza, which is home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World the El Castillio pyramid.

If you prefer cooling yourself in pristine waters, head on to Cancun’s underground rivers, such as the Xcaret Eco Park. The park has stunning scenery with three underground rivers, jungle trails, a Mayan village, and rare opportunities to get up close and personal with a host of animals. While at Xcaret, do not miss Xcaret at Night: Xcaret México Espectacular, where the stage of Gran Tlacho comes alive with 300 artists entertaining you with an extravagant show on history and folklore!

Female travelers love to pamper themselves in one of the many high-end but affordable spas (just make sure to avoid the all-inclusive hotels!).

Also, don’t miss out on a day trip to Isla Mujeres with its gorgeous beach Playa Norte and colonial buildings. It’s a great way to spend a day out of the city and enjoy the turquoise waters of this Caribbean Island.

2. Mexico City

Steeped in rich history, from the Aztec period to the Mexican revolutions, to the Spanish conquest, the city offers the solo traveler limitless cultural experience. Mexico City is a large, sprawling metropolis with over 20 million inhabitants.

It’s one of the most visited cities in the world and it has become an increasingly popular destination for international tourists. However, while many people are drawn to this city by its culture, history, food, and nightlife, there are still some dangers that you should be aware of before visiting.

Not all areas of Mexico City are safe for solo female travelers – just like any major city. There are certain locations that you should avoid at all costs during the night, however, there are others where you can safely explore.

Visit the low-key neighborhood of Juarez if you want a quaint area swarming with charming boutiques and restaurants that offer a variety of scrumptious cuisine (including Mexican-Indian). They have a lovely park (Plaza Washington), too, plus the famous La Rifa Chocolateria, where you can get artisanal chocolates. Definitely check out U-Co Juarez, a unique hostel and co-working space in Juarez.

If you want some art, head on to Palacio Nacional to see Diego Rivera’s famous mural titled The History of Mexico. You can see this masterpiece absolutely for free.

Then after Diego’s life-changing mural, you can head on to his wife’s abode, the Museo Frida Kahlo, or also known as Caza Azul. Within the cobalt-blue structure, it was where Frida, one of the greatest artists in history, lived until her death. It’s an intimate experience of Frida’s colorful life as you get to see her paintings, wardrobe, and other personal effects.

For your shopping fix, head to the iconic Mercado Coyoacan. You can literally find anything under the sun in this market. From produce to textile, it’s a dream place for tourists looking for local products— or novelty items perfect for souvenirs.

3. Querétaro

Just 200km from Mexico City, the old city of Querétaro, located in Central Mexico, is characterized by twisty alleys and impressive colonial architecture.

As you pave your way through geometric streets, you will be rewarded with sites of Baroque monuments that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Awarded as one of the top 15 historic destinations of the world by National Geographic, Queretaro’s historic center was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Apart from stunning Golden-Era monuments (there are over a thousand of them), Queretaro also has a smattering of museums, churches, and fountains.

After walking on foot, delight in the gastronomical adventure the city has to offer. Depending on your budget, you can crunch on a tasty taco at a corner street, or enjoy a luxurious lunch in one of the many patio restaurants.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, the Queretaro Wine Region is another perfect destination. Check out the region’s most popular winery, the Finca Sala Vivé by Freixenet México. You can take a guided tour through the vineyard, get an intimate view of the winemaking process, and— for a small fee— you can indulge in wine tasting, too!

4. The Yucatán Peninsula

Welcome to paradise island! If you want to witness nature at its finest, make a beeline to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, comprising the Mexican states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. This expansive coastal region overflows with natural wonders, from turquoise beaches to steamy forests, colonial architecture, and Mayan ruins and villages.

If you want to experience the magic, then trek to the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and explore the Pink Lakes. Yes, pink-colored lakes, courtesy of high levels of salt content combined with a rich red and pink marine life.

Found in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, these 150,000-acres of wetlands also offer views of exotic wildlife. So grab that camera and snap photos of blush-pink waters, flamingos, and even jaguars!

If you’re into photography, you’ll gasp with delight in Izamal— The Yellow Town. Still within the Yucatan Peninsula, the city of Izalam is a dazzling yellow town. Yes, almost every structure in this town is golden yellow. You’ll also find it fascinating that the majority of the townsfolk still speak the Mayan language.

You can either tour by foot or hire a horse-drawn carriage and explore Izamal, which sits on a string of hills that used to be lined with Mayan pyramids.

5. Riviera Maya

Wonderfully diverse, the Riviera Maya is a treasure trove of experience for the adventurous traveler. If you’re into swimming, check out Cenote Azul, which boasts shallow waters for traipsing, plus an open swimming hole.

You can escape in the eclectic beach town of Tulum, a vibrant area brimming with hip restaurants, charming stores, plus a plethora of health and wellness centers.

Ten kilometers south of Tulum, at the tip of the Riviera Maya, is the Si’an Kaan Biosphere Reserve, where you can weep with joy with its array of wildlife. And within this UNESCO World Heritage Site reserve also lies the secluded Muyil Mayan ruins, mangrove swamps, tranquil beaches, and some exotic wildlife.

Or maybe you want to relax on a pristine beach on the nearby Cozumel Island? This Mexican island is just a short ferry ride away and offers blue waters, ancient ruins, and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

Lastly, don’t miss out on a day trip to the colonial city of Valladolid when you’re staying in Tulum. Some tour agencies offer the trip, but you can easily get there by bus yourself.

Once you arrive in Valladolid, you can stroll around the lovely square or visit the archaeological sites of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza.

If you decide to stay in Tulum, definitely indulge in Mexican street food. Pick the busy stalls, as people queuing is already a recommendation! Among the most popular dishes: elote (corn on the cob), tostadas (thick, fried tortillas), tacos, and quesadillas.

Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as safety depends on individual circumstances. However, there are some things solo female travelers can do to stay safe in Mexico.

Firstly, it is important to research your destination thoroughly and learn about the areas you will be visiting. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when walking or traveling at night, as well as use taxis and other forms of public transport to avoid unnecessary risks.

Some of the safest cities for female travel are Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Mexico City, Cancun, Mérida, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla and Bascala.

Make sure to check out our solo travel tips.

It is also important to be aware that the Mexican authorities can’t or won’t offer assistance to foreigners in problems such as thefts and robberies. If you do run into trouble abroad, it’s unlikely they will come rushing to your aid. Instead, seek assistance from your hotel staff, tour guides, or other locals. Make sure you have good travel insurance when you travel anywhere in Latin America.

Bottom Line

Mexico is known for its natural beauty and fascinating archaeological treasures which are the main reason people visit Mexico every year. It has endless stunning beaches, world-class tourist destinations, incredible colonial cities, and vibrant modern cities. This diverse country offers plenty of experiences suited to all types of travelers and getting more and more popular for solo travel.

What is JUST as exciting as planning your solo trip to Mexico? The days leading up to it! Start your Mexico solo travel countdown with the Vacation Countdown App!

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