I’m in Mexico right now. I’ve just left Mexico City and I’ve been spending time in San Cristóbal de las Casas, a mountain town with cobbled streets, colourful walls, one of the safest places in Mexico for solo female travellers.
So far? I’ve felt very safe travelling solo in Mexico.
That doesn’t mean I’ve been out partying at 2am or staggering home drunk (that’s never really been my style anyway). But I have been walking around during the day, eating out alone, riding buses, staying in budget-friendly Airbnbs and the odd hotel — and none of it has felt sketchy.
I always read the reviews, I check the maps, and I trust my gut. I drink beer that’s opened in front of me, I keep my bag zipped, and I don’t flash anything expensive. That’s not just Mexico, that’s how I travel everywhere.
This list isn’t sugarcoated, but it is honest. These are the places in Mexico where I’ve either personally felt safe or done enough research that they’ve stayed on my “yes” list as a solo female traveller.
General Safety Tips for Travelling in Mexico
Before we get into the list, here’s what I do as a solo traveller in Mexico to stay safe:
- I don’t go out after dark alone. You absolutely can, and many people do, but I just don’t. It’s not worth the gamble.
- I don’t drink spirits or cocktails, just beer or wine that’s opened in front of me.
- I always read reviews when booking accommodation, especially on Airbnb. If I get even one gut-feeling red flag, I skip it.
- I use Google Street View to check out a location before booking. If the area looks isolated or rundown, I’ll look elsewhere.
- I avoid flashy jewellery, handbags, or camera gear.
- I stick to Uber or pre-booked taxis in cities instead of just hailing one off the street.
- I keep my location private on Instagram and don’t post in real time unless I’ve already left that place.
- I have my location permanently shared with a friend via Apple Find MY and a couple of people check in on me daily on WhatsApp or Messenger.
This might sound cautious, but it’s what makes me feel relaxed enough to enjoy the trip.
Safest Places in Mexico for Solo Female Travellers
1. Mexico City (Roma Norte, Condesa, Coyoacán)
Safety summary: Roma Norte is widely regarded as one of the safer neighbourhoods in CDMX, tree-lined streets, craft coffee, restaurants, and a mostly relaxed, creative vibe. Avoid areas like Tepito and Iztapalapa.
My tip: I stayed in Roma Norte, which felt calm and walkable, almost like London, but sunnier. I walked during daylight, used Uber to get around, and booked places with lots of solid reviews. The first subway car is women-only (if you need it), but I avoided transit at peak times. Always check the street and building on Google Street View before booking.
2. San Cristóbal de las Casas
Safety summary: Small, walkable, and laid-back. Tourism is well established. Visible police presence, but I never felt unsafe.
My tip: It’s cool in the evenings, so bring layers. I stayed just outside the very centre and walked into town during the day, felt totally fine. Just don’t wander too far into the outskirts and be mindful if there are local protests or roadblocks. They’re usually peaceful, but they do pop up.
3. Oaxaca City
Safety summary: Generally considered safe and culturally rich. Stick to central neighbourhoods like Jalatlaco or Centro.
My tip: I haven’t been yet, but it’s high on my list. Other solo travellers have told me the food scene is brilliant and it’s easy to meet people. Use your usual awareness in busy markets or during festivals. I’d stay somewhere with solid reviews, in walking distance to the centre.
4. Valladolid
Safety summary: Safe, small town in the Yucatán. Very walkable and not chaotic like the big tourist hubs.
My tip: This is a great alternative to the madness of Cancún. It’s a good base for exploring cenotes and ruins without having to deal with the party crowd. You’ll still want a secure place to stay, I’d go for something near the centre with reviews mentioning solo female stays.
5. Mérida
Safety summary: Repeatedly ranked one of the safest cities in Mexico. Ideal for solo travel, especially if you prefer slower-paced trips.
My tip: It’s hot. Like, drink-your-weight-in-electrolytes hot. But it’s safe, calm, and full of culture. I’d go for a place with air con and walking distance to the squares. Locals are kind, and it doesn’t feel intense or overwhelming.
6. Puerto Escondido (La Punta)
Safety summary: Popular surf town with a mellow vibe. La Punta is often recommended as the calmest and safest neighbourhood for solo travellers. Like any beach destination, exercise caution after dark and don’t walk alone along the shoreline at night.
My tip: I haven’t been to Puerto Escondido yet, but I’ve kept it on my radar. If I do go, I’ll stick to La Punta, arrive during the day, and book somewhere with a long trail of detailed reviews from other solo women. As always, I’d avoid anywhere that has vague safety comments or no reviews at all, that’s not a place-specific rule, that’s just how I travel.
Final Thoughts on Solo Female Safety (Everywhere)
Mexico gets a bad rep in the media, but it’s not the Wild West. It’s just like anywhere, some places are safer than others, and how you travel makes a difference.
For me, the key to safe solo travel is doing what makes you feel secure. I don’t drink heavily. I avoid night-time wandering. I over-research every place I stay. I don’t share my location in real time. I wear what I like, but I do think about how I’ll be perceived, especially in rural areas.
You don’t have to follow all the same rules. You might love a rooftop bar at midnight. I’ll probably be home by then, watching Netflix in my PJs with a beer. Both are valid. Just travel in a way that works for you.
And honestly? Mexico’s been great. People have been welcoming, transport has been smooth, and I’ve felt more relaxed here than I did in parts of Europe. I hope you enjoyed this post on the safest places in Mexico for solo female travellers.
Before You Go…
If you’re planning your own solo trip my Solo Travel Lifeline might come in handy. It’s like having a travel buddy in your pocket – without the awkward small talk.
Need a ready-made plan? Check out my 3-day travel itineraries for popular destinations – they’re packed with tips and can save you a lot of guesswork. If you want something more personalised, I also offer custom itinerary planning to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
And if you want real time action, follow me on Instagram, TikToK or join the Sisterhood of Solo Travellers on Facebook for tips, stories, and the occasional travel mishap.
You might also find my post on Backpack Security for Solo Travellers useful.
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico take a look at how I planned mine here.
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