Mexico Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers

According to a trends report released by Virtuoso during this year’s annual Virtuoso Travel Week, women make up an impressive 71% of solo travelers. And Mexico, with its array of diverse destinations and experiences, is especially well-positioned to welcome solo female travelers, according to multiple industry experts.

“Mexico is a beautiful country with destinations for every taste,” said Isabel Torrealba, co-founder and trip leader at Mexican Culinary Traditions, an Austin, Texas-based company that offers culinary guided trips to Mexican destinations including Merida, Mexico City, Morelia and Oaxaca. “If you’re interested in beaches, the options range from San Jose del Cabo to Huatulco or Isla Holbox. For larger cities, there is, of course, Mexico City, but also Guadalajara and Puebla. For smaller cities with colonial charm, there is Oaxaca, Merida or the more well-known San Miguel de Allende. All these places are frequented by tourists, easy to get to, safe to visit and have a lot of culture and interesting things to see.”

Doni Belau, founder and CEO of Girls’ Guide to the World, a women-only travel company specializing in cultural immersion itineraries, stresses the importance of choosing an appropriate destination for a solo trip.

“If you are traveling solo to Mexico, be sure to do your research first or use a reputable tour company or travel advisor,” she said. “There are certain places you just shouldn’t travel to for safety reasons, and other places that are incredible — some of which remain my personal favorite destinations in the world, even after traveling to 84 countries.”

Where to Travel Solo in Mexico, According to Experts

Where should solo women explore in Mexico?

“Colima, Zamora, Ciudad Obregon, Zacatecas, Celaya and Tijuana are no-go zones,” Belau said. “However, Oaxaca City, Tulum, Merida, Cabo, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Puebla, Playa del Carmen and Mexico City are all considered safe for travel. In Mexico City, it’s best to stay in the Roma, Polanco or Condesa neighborhoods and not to walk alone at night.”

Iliana de la Vega, who along with Torrealba is a co-founder and trip leader at Mexican Culinary Traditions, agrees about the need to choose destinations wisely. 

“We think the same rules apply to traveling to Mexico as elsewhere,” she said. “It’s important to do your research, know which areas of town are okay for you to visit, be respectful of local culture and traditions, and follow the same guidelines you would at home that make you feel safe.”

This can include not walking alone at night in empty streets that aren’t well-lit, wearing a lot of jewelry when walking around crowded areas such as markets or subways, going to an ATM by yourself late at night or wearing revealing clothes if that’s not what the locals are doing, de la Vega adds.

If safety is something you’re concerned about, consider joining a group tour where local experts can guide you.

“We often see foreigners in Mexico City or Oaxaca, which are urban cities, wearing bikinis or beachwear — which immediately calls attention to you, and it’s the type of thing you should try to avoid,” she said. “But if safety is something you’re concerned about, consider joining a group tour where local experts can guide you.”

Choosing Tours 

Girls’ Guide to the World has women-only tours scheduled for Mexico in 2025. Oaxaca: A Taste of Mexico, which will take place Feb. 6-12, 2025, includes culinary experiences that range from upscale restaurants to street food. The company’s Celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca itinerary is scheduled for Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, 2025, coinciding with the region’s Day of the Dead activities.

Mexican Culinary Traditions, meanwhile, offers tours that are open to all genders, including private trips and at least two scheduled itineraries. Oaxaca City: Ancient Traditions Alive will run Jan. 16-22 and March 1-7, 2025, while the dates for Morelia, Michoacan: Indigenous Flavors will soon be announced.

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Torrealba of Mexican Culinary Traditions says that booking with an appropriate tour operator is another important step toward creating a memorable trip. Find a company with good and ethical values, that works with and/or is operated by locals and that support sustainable practices, she advises.

When you travel with a company that works with and/or is run by locals, not only will you get to see an insider perspective, but you can also be sure they know the ins and outs of the place and know how to keep people safe.

“When you travel with a company that works with and/or is run by locals, not only will you get to see an insider perspective, but you can also be sure they know the ins and outs of the place and know how to keep people safe,” Torrealba said. “There are many travel companies, such as ours, that are run and operated by women and look to create an environment where solo female travelers feel safe and supported. For example, we have a policy not to charge a single supplement, as we like to encourage more solo female travelers to join. These types of incentives give you good insight into company values.”

Accommodation Tips

Solo female travelers are likely to feel safer and more comfortable in certain types of accommodations, according to de la Vega of Mexican Culinary Traditions.

“For hotels and accommodations, I would look for hotels or Airbnbs that are in popular areas and have good ratings,” she said. “We would recommend avoiding Airbnbs where you’re sharing a space with someone you don’t know. Also, look for places that have safety deposit boxes to keep your most important belongings in.”

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Hotels with strict security can also be a logical choice. In Tulum, for example, The Beach Tulum and Cabanas Tulum Beach Hotel & Spa have strict policies on outside visitors and parties. 

There is a beautiful culture, kind people and fabulous food waiting to be discovered just south of the border.

Safety concerns may affect a traveler’s choices, of course, but Belau of Girls’ Guide to the World notes that it’s not a reason to stay home. 

“Exercise caution, but don’t sit at home,” she said. “There is a beautiful culture, kind people and fabulous food waiting to be discovered just south of the border.”