Top 10 Best Places in Mexico for Solo Travelers

Mexico is a great place to travel. It’s full of charming towns, amazing beaches, great surf, and lots of landscapes to explore.

It’s a great place to visit for solo travelers and Mexico has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on the beach or an adventurous vacation in the jungle or even the mountains, Mexico can offer it all.

There are plenty of places to visit, but we want to talk about the best places in Mexico for Solo Travelers.

Solo travel can offer you some of the best times of your lives. You are more open to meeting new people and you get to do what you want to do when you want to do it.

For anyone that has not done a solo travel vacation before, I highly recommend it.

So let’s dive into the best places in Mexico to take your first solo trip.

Best Places in Mexico for Solo Travelers

Below you’ll find a list of the best places in Mexico to solo travel. They range from small surf towns to large cities, to islands off the coast.

Depending on what type of trip you’re looking for, you’ll find a place in Mexico that’s right for you with the help of this list below.

1. Holbox

Holbox is a small island off the coast of Mexico in the Quintana Roo state that has maintained its authenticity and laid-back environment.

There are no cars on the island and no paved roads, only golf carts to ride around in.

Holbox is full of character and there are plenty of things to do here.

You can arrive by ferry from Chiquila to Holbox in just under 2 hours. It’s quaint and charming and perfect for solo travelers.

It’s also very easy to get around, especially on foot. Holbox is one of the safest places in Mexico making it ideal for solo travelers.

There are tons of Airbnbs, hostels, and hotels to choose from. Do some research and pick the one that’s right for you.

It’s never overcrowded with tourists and it has a small-town vibe making it a lovely place to visit.

There isn’t a ton of nightlife which has kept Holbox very safe. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to relax and explore.

2. Tulum

Tulum is a very safe destination and it’s great for solo travelers in the state of Quintana Roo. There are a ton of things to do in Tulum.

It’s known for having some of the most amazing beaches so it’s a great place to relax. It also has a bunch of cenotes that are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula.

They are bodies of freshwater formed from the collapse of limestone and they’re fun to explore and swim in.

The Tulum Mayan Ruins are also an awesome thing to check out. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in Mexico because they’re located right on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean.

There are many other solo travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads in Tulum so you’ll easily meet new people.

Stay in a hostel and socialize or choose a hotel or Airbnb. You’ll feel safe and have fun as a solo traveler in Tulum with lots to do at all times.

• Check out the Best Party Hotels in Tulum. Staying in a hostel can be a great way to meet fellow travelers, so you never have to feel alone. Opt for a private room if you are looking for more space.

3. Sayulita

Sayulita is located in the state of Nayarit on the western pacific coast of Mexico. It’s a very small beach town with only about 2,000 to 3,000 people making it a safe place for solo travelers.

It’s very popular among surfers because the waves along the coast are amazing. You’ll find many backpackers, surfers, and digital nomads here to socialize with.

Sayulita has a small-town feel which makes it a great place to travel alone, especially for women. It’s also a low-cost, slow-paced, and relaxing place. It’s super authentic and not touristy which adds to its appeal.

You will fall in love with Sayulita and you will never be bored with everything there is to do there.

Be sure to take a surf lesson and get a massage on the beach. The perfect combination for a solo trip.

Also, don’t forget any of these essentials for Sayulita.

4. Cozumel

Cozumel is an island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula across from Playa del Carmen. It can be reached by ferry in just 30 minutes.

It’s located on the Mesoamerican Reef which is the second largest in the world and the island is still mainly undeveloped.

It’s an amazing place for snorkeling and scuba diving because it has some of the best marine life in the world. There are also Mayan Ruins in Cozumel to be explored.

Cozumel is a great place for an adventurous solo traveler and it’s very safe, especially because it’s not as easily accessible.

There are a lot of accommodations on the island and almost all establishments are located on the western side of the island leaving the rest of the land mostly undeveloped.

5. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is located in the state of Quintana Roo and it’s a fun city to visit but not as crazy as its nearby neighbor Cancun.

If you’re looking for a place to travel solo that’s safe but also a ton of fun, Playa del Carmen is perfect.

It’s important to be safe at night and avoid dark or empty streets as well as watch how much you drink and who you’re around.

These are smart precautions to take in any city, not just Playa del Carmen. There are many nearby cenotes to explore and Playa del Carmen is very central to a lot of other places in Mexico you may be interested in visiting.

6. Mexico City

If you are looking for more of a city vibe when visiting Mexico, why not check out CDMX or Mexico city. Contrary to many people’s believes, Mexico City is beautiful, lush, and green.

It is full of parks, and Chapultepec Park is actually bigger than central park, double the size to be exact.

Besides the stunning greenery, Mexico City is pumping with museums, nightlife, cafes, and of course great restaurants.

It is a great place to come, if you don’t want to sit on the beach all day. CDMX is one of the best places in Mexico for nightlife as well.

7. Puerto Vallarta

A great way to mix city and beach is with Puerto Vallarta. It is a great place for solo travelers and has great nightlife, if that is what you are looking for?

Besides that, there is great hiking and beaches to explore. Also, there are tons of fun beach towns nearby to journey to.

Anyone will love Puerto Vallarta, but its vibing night scene makes it great for solo travelers. Puerto is also safe making it a great option.

8. Puerto Escondido

If the last two places mentioned on this list sound a bit much, you might want to continue your trip down south and check out Puerto Escondido.

It is a laid-back surf town located in the Oaxaca region that is starting to grow in popularity.

Puerto Escondido has some nightlife, but it is more of a laid-back surf town. So if you want to pick up a board and learn to surf on this solo journey, Puerto Escondido could be the perfect spot.

9. Oaxaca City

Another city making the list, but a slightly smaller city is Oaxaca. A great cultural food capital of Mexico. It is far enough south that it doesn’t get overrun by tourists and has it’s own special vibe that is hard to copy.

Oaxaca is known for it’s day of the dead celebration, unique foods including mole, and older charm.

There is plenty of things to do here and most solo travelers love the authenticity of the city.

There are also some great beaches in the region if you don’t want to spend all of your time in the city.

10. San Miguel De Allende

Last but not least is San Miguel De Allende, about 4 hour bus ride north of Mexico City. It is not the easiest to get to, but it is worth the extra travel.

San Miguel is great for solo travelers and even ex-pats attracting older generations to its temperament climate.

This great colonial city is located at a higher elevation so it doesn’t get nearly as hot as the beach cities, with average highs in the mid 70’s pretty much year-round.

There is lots to explore in San Miguel de Allende making it the perfect stop for solo travelers.

How To Travel Solo Around Mexico

Now that we talked about where to go in Mexico, let’s talk about ways to get around Mexico and tips to help you out on your solo mission.

There are a ton of ways to travel around a foreign country and some are safer than others.

Sometimes saving money isn’t worth it if it’ll put you at risk. You should always research and consider all your options when getting around, especially if you’re traveling alone. 

Flight

Flying is a great way to arrive in Mexico as well as to travel around the country. It’s a safe and reliable mode of transportation.

Mexico is a large country so flying can save a ton of time and get you from one place to the next much faster.

You can find great flight deals on places like Skyscanner and Kiwi.

Bus

Buses are very popular in Mexico. Many people take a bus to get from one location to the next. If you stick to the official bus system it’s a safe way to travel around Mexico.

It is also very comfortable. All the seats completely recline and all have screens to watch movies. So don’t think grayline.

Some of the reliable and trustworthy bus companies include ETN, ADO, Grupo Senda, Omnibus, and ACN.

Before purchasing a bus ticket or getting on a bus do a little bit of research and make sure it’s an official bus company in order to keep yourself safe, especially when traveling alone.

Taxi

Taxis are very popular in Mexico and are a safe mode of transportation. Of course, make sure you’re choosing a reliable taxi company and always look it up ahead of time.

This is important if you’re traveling alone, especially if you’re a woman.

Uber

Ubers are found in major cities in Mexico and in most parts of Mexico. The only place where uber wasn’t available was in the Tulum region

So if you are anywhere else in Mexico, it is a great option if you don’t want to take a taxi. Always match the face of the drive to the person on the app and always double-check the license plate number to make sure it matches what the Uber app tells you.

Uber takes many precautions to make sure you’re safe. If it’ll put you at ease, you should consider Uber over taxi if it’s available. 

Car Rental

If you want to see Mexico at your own pace and travel from one location to another, renting a car is a great option.

It’s safe and allows you the flexibility to do what you want when you want. You should book a rental car through a trusted online source to make sure you’re choosing a reliable company.

Beware of hidden fees and always follow the traffic rules to keep yourself safe.

Staying Safe While Solo Traveling in Mexico

Traveling alone has a stigma of being unsafe and not a smart decision. Many people fear solo traveling, especially women.

Mexico can have a bad reputation as well, steering some people away from solo traveling or even from leaving the resorts or large tourist areas.

However, Mexico can be very safe if you do it right. Below you’ll find some suggestions to keep yourself safe while visiting Mexico.

• Always research everything ahead of time. Before booking a hotel, getting in a taxi or on a bus, before going on an excursion, or anything else you may do, check online to make sure it’s a reputable company. This also goes for the locations you’re traveling to. Look up the city and if it’s safe, check out where your hotel or Airbnb is located and make sure it’s in a good neighborhood. You can never do too much research. Your safety should be of utmost importance.
• Learn a bit of the language. This can help you immensely if you’re in an uncomfortable situation, need any sort of help, or have a question. This can also help you communicate on a regular basis with other people, especially if you’re traveling. It’s also respectful to be able to say simple terms in Spanish.
• Don’t walk alone at night, especially if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No matter what city in Mexico you’re in or even anywhere else in the world it can be extremely unsafe to be alone at night and under the influence, especially as a woman. You shouldn’t feel like you can’t go out and enjoy yourself, however. Just be sure to take an Uber or taxi home or make a friend at your hostel or hotel who will leave with you. 
• Always guard your valuables and lock them in a safe place. If you’re in a hotel or hostel lock up your passport and any other valuables at all times. No matter how trustworthy the people you’re with or the place feels you can never ever be too safe.
• Keep copies of all important documents. You should always have a copy of your passport, ID, credit card, and any other information you need. Keep the copies in a separate place from the originals. These backups will save you in the event you lose the originals.

Where to Stay When Solo Traveling

There are tons of accommodation options in Mexico including hotels, Airbnb, and hostels. Hotels are usually the safest and come with various amenities but can be expensive, especially if traveling alone.

Airbnbs are a great option because they can also have a lot of amenities and be cheaper and more authentic but make sure you do research on the area and read reviews ahead of time.

Hostels are the cheapest option and when traveling alone they can be a ton of fun. It’s a great way to make friends and visit a new place on a budget.

If you choose to share a room with strangers make sure you lock up your things and be on alert and aware of your surroundings. It can be safe and a ton of fun just be smart about it.

What to Pack When Solo Traveling

If you’re going on a solo trip to Mexico and plan to do a lot of moving around it’s best to pack light if you can.

It’ll be so much easier to bring your things from place to place with fewer items to worry about. Some items to consider packing include sneakers and a pair of sandals, a few layers of clothing, beach clothes, and a hat and sunglasses.

You’ll also need chargers, a small bag or purse, and toiletries, among other needs. The lighter you can pack, the better.

Want more ideas on what to pack for your trip to Mexico?

Mexico is often portrayed negatively in the media which makes tourists and visitors weary of this beautiful country.

It does have its crime but it mostly occurs in non-tourist places and larger cities of Mexico. Don’t let the news stop you from giving it a chance.

There is crime everywhere and if you take the proper precautions you can avoid most bad situations.

Be smart and have fun. Solo traveling is a great way to find yourself, slow down, enjoy the little things, and meet new people.

It allows you to really go out of your comfort zone and helps you grow as a person. Solo traveling is empowering and a great experience if you get the chance to do so.

Thanks, we hope you enjoyed this article on the best places to travel solo in Mexico. Have you been to Mexico and have a place that you like to visit as a solo traveler? Say so in the comments below.