Solo Travel in Mexico

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Arty & Museum GatG, Beach GatG, Historical GatG, Party GatG, Yoga GatG

Mexico is such an interesting destination to visit. If you are planning to solo travel Mexico, below is our guide on solo female travel Mexico including where to stay, things to see in Mexico, recommended tours of Mexico and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airports, the best places in Mexico for solo travel and a recommended Mexico solo travel itinerary.

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article to plan your solo female travel in Mexico.

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Mexico.  

N.b. By booking through this page for your Mexico solo travel you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

Contents

• Places To Visit in Mexico
• Mexico Tours
• Accommodation in Mexico
• Things To Do in Mexico Solo
• Travelling in Mexico
• Itinerary for Mexico
• Travel Guide For Mexico
• Best Time To Go To Mexico
• Travel Insurance For Mexico
• Mexico Airports
• Travelling Onwards
• Conscious Travel in Mexico
• Questions About Mexico
• Map of Mexico
• Planning a Trip To Mexico
• Related Posts

The popular Mayan site of Chichén Itzá

Solo Travel in Mexico

Is Mexico safe for solo female travellers? Mexico has a reputation for corruption and drug-related violence but you shouldn’t let this put you off visiting. That's why we've given it 3 out of 5 stars. It does have its issues so check Foreign Office travel advice for Mexico before you go. You may be unsure about traveling to Mexico City alone but if you don’t venture north of Mexico City or certain neighbourhoods where the drug-cartels rule, the rest of the country is amazing and easy to travel around.

Cancun is a tourist area and tourist areas are protected in Mexico so crime is low. If you travel by bus, just keep an eye on your belongings. Try not to travel at night and be careful if you hire a car.

It does help to know some Spanish for Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula can be quite touristy so you can expect people within the tourist services (accommodation and tours) to speak English. Many people in Mexico City also speak English but with Mexican people being so friendly just try your Spanish and they will be willing to help.

Maturer travellers come here (except during Spring Break on the Riviera Maya) and because of its proximity to the United States, the country is also popular with Americans. When you solo travel in Mexico the east coast is the best spot to meet others as it’s the place to party. If you want to know where to go in Mexico to meet others, aside from Cancun and Tulum, another of the Mexican vacation spots is Isla Holbox.

Just stay away from the danger hot spots when you're travelling Mexico solo and you'll have a sizzling time. Mexico is a wonderful country to explore independently but if you are unsure about travelling around Mexico or the best places to go in Mexico solo, you may feel more comfortable in one of the group tours to Mexico.

The Best Places To Visit in Mexico

We love Mexico and contrary to belief, you won’t find tequila-loving locals all wearing sombreros and shouting “Arriba Arriba” (except the tourists on the east coast!). Instead you’ll find a country full of culture, warm friendly people and a climate that makes it a year-round destination.

When you go solo Mexico is a perfect base for exploring Latin America and with history dating back to the Mayan and Aztec times, its archeology does not disappoint. Explore the ancient city of Coba, the cliff-top ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1,500 years old. This is one of the most famous Mayan temples in Mexico. 

But if you’re looking for somewhere less crowded Palenque is just as impressive and nearby waterfalls amongst the lush jungle adds to its attraction. The archaeological ruins of Palenque National Park aren't as visited as Chichen Itza but they are still amongst the best things to do in Mexico. From Palenque make sure to venture into the Lacandon Maya heartland for the lesser-known and more romantic ruins. 

* Click here to discover all activities and things to do in Mexico

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Mexico City

The capital, Mexico City was founded in 1325 and is the oldest city on the American continent. It’s also one of the most populated in the world and has more museums than you’ll have time to visit. If you only see one, make it the Museum of Anthropology which represents the country’s main cultures. Other places to visit in Mexico City is the Museum of Modern Art, the Frida Kahlo Museum (one of the Mexico City tourist attractions), and there is even a tequila museum for tequila lovers.

For Mexico City solo travel, it is easy to navigate your way around with the metro, or jump on the hop on bus to make the most of this sprawling city and to get your bearings on the first day. Art deco is everywhere and colourful murals and urban art can be found on the side of the dullest of buildings.

For things to do in Mexico City, you’ll find plenty of entertainment too with road jugglers or live musicians serenading your dinner table. Head to Plaza Garibaldi for traditional string instruments in true Mexican style or mooch around the Sunday market at Funente de la Cibeles.

The archaeological site of Tlatelolco, Mexico City

The area of Condesa is our favourite; this trendy little place with a bohemian vibe is great for a sunny afternoon and has plenty of al fresco cafes – perfect for watching the world go by. You can’t leave Mexico City without a visit to the zoo (it’s free!) with 200 indigenous species unique to Mexico or without a trip to the Arena Mexico for some traditional Mexican wrestling (known as lucha libre and one of the Mexican highlights. 

At night watch the street performers and singers at Zócalo, the main square in Mexico City. If you're a party GatG, Mama Rumba is a fun, safe place to dance salsa with the locals. From Mexico City you can take tours to Teotihuacan, the largest pre-Colombian site in the Americas. Take an early tour to get there as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds. 

Southeast of Mexico City is a city called Puebla. If you like your food and architecture then you'll be surrounded by colonial architecture and Mexican cuisine. There's also a fantastic display of pre-Hispanic art for the history GatG.

Teotihuacan Pyramids

Mexicans like hot, spicy food but they tame it down for tourists. Dine at the largest revolving restaurant in the world in Mexico City (Bellini Restaurant), take a Mexico city food tour, or enjoy a glass of vino at the oldest winery in the Americas (Casa Madero). Sample a local brew in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second biggest city and the birthplace of Tequila or party the night away at Baja Peninsula.

Oaxaca

If it’s scenery that you need, visit Oaxaca, a lush area of diverse eco-systems with colourful craft villages and one of the best cities to visit in Mexico. Stroll through the historic centre along cobbled paths before relaxing in Parque Llano amongst fountains. There may even be a market on when you're there.

The Temple de Santo Domingo and Museo de las Culturas are two of the highlights for Oaxaca tours. This area was once home to the Zapotec civilisation so visit the lesser-known ruins of the Zapotec and Mixtec heartland around Oaxaca.

For beaches, choose from the warm waters of Acapulco, or Copacabana or experience world class diving on the island of Cozumel (accessible by ferry from Cancun and Playa del Carmen) or kite surf and cave dive in Tulum, another amazing beach.

Stunning Tulum beach

Yucatán Peninsula

If its snorkelling, good nightlife and a beach experience that you’re after; the east coast is where it’s at. It is easy to get to Chichen Itza from here too and there are many cenotes (sink holes), with crystal clear waters to bathe in within the Yucatan Peninsula. These are some of the most beautiful places in Mexico. 

The Yucatan peninsular has many of the fun things to do in Mexico and you can take one of the many Playa del Carmen excursions to the centoes, or an ATV through the lush landscape. Don't forget to see the El Rey Ruins, an archaeological site with nearly 50 May structures. Visit between mid May to September for a chance to swim with whale sharks – it’s an experience of a lifetime.

Cancun is more of a resort experience protected from the rest of Mexico. It is a westernised version with crystal clear waters, Tex Mex and a sunny climate. You don’t even really need Spanish to visit here. But if you’re looking for top notch hotels, sea, sand and parties when you are traveling to Mexico alone, it is ideal and even has an underwater museum for divers.

If you're backpacking Mexico alone or looking for company on your solo trip to Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula is whatever you need it to be, whether you prefer to quad bike through the jungle, swim in one of the cenotes, or party at Coco Bongo, one of the Cancun tourist attractions. If it's a more laid back vibe that you're after with healthy retreats, yoga and swimming then Tulum is more your style. The Peninsula is one of the best places in Mexico to travel alone.

From Cancun you can take the boat to Isla Mujeres which is just 15 minutes away. On the island you can rent a bike or golf buggy to get around and visit the Turtle Farm. Don't forget to try the ceviche! Boats also run to Cozumel, a peaceful island with some of the best beaches in Mexico. Things to do in Cozumel include scuba diving which this island is known for. Check boat times for both islands here. 

The gorgeous island of Isla Mujeres

Mexico Pacific Coast

As well as the Caribbean coast, Mexico also has the Pacific Coast. This coastline has warm seas year-round and offers water sports in it's wavy waters as well as history and culture.

Wildlife GatGs should head to Acapulco during the months of May to October for the turtle hatching season to watch hundreds of sea turtle eggs hatch. This area in the state of Guerrero has dedicated conservation camps to help preservation of the baby sea turtles.

Puerto Vallarta is a resort town on the Pacific coast known for its party atmosphere and beaches. Being on the coast means that you'll also find water sports here. Things to do in Puerto Vallarta include taking one of the city’s food tours where you get to mix with other travellers and even enjoy some local drinks on a taco and tequila tour.

Go surfing or parasailing on Los Muertos Beach, or just relax and spend the afternoon at the promenade (called the Malecon) where you can watch the street performers before witnessing a Pacific Ocean sunset. For another best beach and to mingle with the locals head to Easy Street beach.

When you're ready to escape the town, take the bus to the botanical garden just 30 minutes outside of town. Sayulita is a place for the surfing GatGs with lots of places to sample the local cuisine after a day's surf.

Across on the Baja California Peninsula is the resort city of Cabo San Lucas, one of the Mexico destinations for water sports, bars and nightlife. There are plenty of things to do in Cabo San Lucas for ocean lovers but make sure you visit Land’s End, the end of the peninsula. You can take a boat ride to El Arco, try deep sea fishing for the first time, snorkel or scuba dive or kayak all the way to Neptune’s Finger. If you prefer to stay on land, meander around the flea markets, or walk or dine at the marina. One of the beaches here is named Divorce Beach! Very apt for those of us singles, but you may prefer the Lovers beach instead where you can swim.

Puerto Vallarta

Merida is the metropolis of Yucatan architecture and unlike the Riviera Maya, this city is typically Mexican with great culture, art galleries and even more museums. Puerto Vallarta near Guadalajara is another true Mexican town with beaches, jungles and botanical gardens which have been voted one of the top in America.

For the arty and cultural GatG – San Miguel de Allende has cultural festivals and a good arts scene. This city in Mexico's central highlands is famous for its baroque Spanish buildings and the pink towers of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. Cultural GatGs will love the colonial city of Chiapas and its nearby Maya villages.

Copper Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the unique places to visit in Mexico. Located in Northern Mexico, these beautiful valleys are popular for hiking. You can ride the Copper Canyon railway through the Sierra Madre Mountains, or take the cable car and zipline.  

Other places to see in Mexico are: the World Heritage City of Campeche, the fishing village of San Agustinillo, Mazunte for the National Mexican Turtle Centre and jazz festival, the hippie haven of Zipolite and Puerto Escondido for great surfing. Tour Mexico for culture, history and a fun coastline. 

Travel Tips For Mexico – Ciudad Juarez in the border region of Chihuahua is the most dangerous town in the country.

Mexico Tours

G Adventures Mexico

If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part or all of your solo trips to Mexico, G Adventures is a responsible tour company that mainly caters for budget travellers. Most tours have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit although some of their tours cater towards 18-39 year-olds. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

Their Mexico trips start from a 7 day Mexico tour celebrating Mexico’s Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, to a 33 day Best of Central America adventure travelling through Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. They have tours for every kind of solo including a Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail from £999 for 10 days. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company..

Intrepid Travel Mexico 

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures. Intrepid Tours Mexico are for any length of time from a 4 day Mexico City stopover to a 65 day Complete Central America tour including the best of Mexico. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews or check availability and prices for all Intrepid Mexico tours

TruTravels Mexico

For the backpacker solo, TruTravels offers an 11 day trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Travel around Mexico visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Merida and Holbox. See the Caribbean coast, swim in stunning Cenotes, see Mayan ruins and party on the Yucatan Peninsula. The trip is a combination of adventure, culture, beaches and partying. Trips have a maximum of 20 people with most travellers between the ages of 18 and mid 30’s. Prices start from £1595 based on a twin share.

* Check prices & availability for TruTravels Mexico tour

Get Your Guide – Day Tours

Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated Mexico activities and tours. Choose from a tour to Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan tours with early access with an archaeologist, or a full-day catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres. There are several to choose from including Mexico City tours and Cancun tours, and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online.

* Check all tours and prices for Get Your Guide

Accommodation in Mexico

There is a wide choice of budget accommodation in Mexico such as Casa de los Amigos, a guesthouse and non-profit organisation that has private rooms and dorm beds. Or stay at a B&B in the funky area of Condesa in Mexico City. Hostels are really good value here with the majority of hostel staff speaking English.

Sleep in a hammock, jungle cabana or a beachfront hotel. Stay on the Riviera Maya and expect 5 star all-inclusive resorts or opt for a jungle guesthouse in Tulum. If you’re on a budget then stay in the centre in Tulum as beach properties are more expensive. Booking.com offers all luxury, guesthouses and budget accommodation for Mexico. 

Plus there’s Airbnb which connects you to unique travel experiences and isn’t just limited to staying in a local’s spare room. Save $20 off your first stay with this Airbnb.

All of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. 

• To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Mexico

Cancun – Hostel Ka'beh

Hostel Ka Beh is great for solo travellers with a friendly atmosphere. The staff feel more like a family and hold regular activities making it easy to meet others. From huge lockers to a coin and book exchange, they have thought of everything that you need for backpacking in Mexico. You can even leave your unwanted clothes behind.

There are buses nearby to the beach or you can just chill out in a hammock or watch TV or a movie. There is 24 hour security and all tours they offer will take you direct from the hostel doors. An American breakfast is included in the price. Choose from a bed in 4, 6 or 12 bed dorm room or a double room.

• Prices from £9 per night for a bed in a 12 bed dormitory room
• To book, check prices or availability for Hostel Ka Beh

Cancun – Aloft Cancun

We love the funky design of this hotel. This is one of the hotels in Mexico Cancun that has a gym and outdoor pool and comes with a steam room to unwind after your evenings out. It’s near to the bars and restaurants in Cancun so you don’t have far to walk to sample the Mexican cuisine.

Plus it is only 200 metres from the beach and close to the legendary Coco Bongo, which you simply have to spend an evening at. Choose from a double room or suite with a partial or full lagoon view. There is also the choice of an ocean view.

• Prices from £75 per night for a double room with partial lagoon view.
• To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Cancun

Mexico City – Hostel Home

There’s a reason that this accommodation in Mexico City is called Hostel Home because it feels like a home away from home. The staff are really friendly and there is a big lounge to hang out with the other guests. Situated in the Roma and Condesa neighbourhoods, it is a 10 minute walk to the metro station with bars and restaurants nearby. You may prefer to cook your own meals in the communal kitchen although breakfast is included in the rates.

Reception is open 24 hours and they can arrange your transfer from the airport which is ideal if you are arriving at night. They have female only dorms too! Choose from a bed in a mixed dormitory room, a female only dorm, or a basic double room.

• Prices from £11 per night for a bed in a mixed dormitory room
• To book, check prices or availability for Hostel Home

Mexico City – Sevilla Palace

Undoubtably in one of the nicest areas in Mexico City, Sevilla Palace is in Zona Rosa and perfect for those wanting to explore Mexico City’s museums. This four star hotel has 24 hour room service if you don’t want to dine at one of the two restaurants. If you’re worried about venturing out alone in the evening you can just stay at the hotel and enjoy the piano bar instead.

There’s a gym to keep fit and a swimming pool on the 22nd floor. Ask for a room on an upper floor to get great views. Choose from a standard double room or a junior suite. All rooms come with a hairdryer and a minibar.

• Prices from £55 per night for a standard double room
• To book, check prices or availability for Sevilla Palace

Tulum – Weary Traveler Hostel

If you are looking to have fun then the Weary Traveler Hostel is ideal. This hostel is so sociable. They have free Caipirinhas for an hour from 7 to 8pm to help you to mingle. Breakfast is included in the cost and comes with omelettes and pancakes. The whole layout of the hostel makes it easy to meet others and there’s even a pool to cool off from the Mexican heat.

The reception desk is open 24 hours so it doesn’t matter what time you arrive. Choose from a bed in a 6, 8, or 10 bed mixed dormitory room or a double room. All come with a private bathroom.

• Prices from £12 per night for a bed in a mixed dormitory room
• To book, check prices or availability for Weary Traveler Hostel

Tulum – Xscape Tulum

If you prefer somewhere quieter with your own space, Xscape Tulum is a really lovely property. This hotel is walking distance from shops and restaurants, and you can cycle to the beach from here too. There is a 24 hour front desk and the friendly, helpful staff can also organise any tours that you want to do. Rooms come with free toiletries and a sitting area.

Chill out by the pool or in your air-conditioned room. Choose from a studio with a pool view, an apartment or a premium or luxury queen or king with balcony and even a hot tub! Just don’t expect too much from the Wifi.

• Prices from £86 per night for a studio with a pool view
• To book, check prices or availability for Xscape Tulum

Travelling In Mexico

When you travel through Mexico, you’ll meet other travellers along similar routes. A popular route is the Riviera Maya from Cancun to Playa del Carmen to Tulum, some of the popular destinations in Mexico for travellers.

Viva Aerobus is Mexico's version of Easyjet. The seats are basically a free for all but there's good legroom, comfy chairs and if you book the special VIP pass (their equivalent of speedy boarding), you get to avoid the queue and choose your seat first. They fly all over Mexico (and even to Texas) and are cheaper than their rivals: Aeromexico.

To travel around Mexico, there is the Ado bus network, however depending on where you are are travelling to, distances can be long so consider flying if you are short on time. Mexican airlines make it easy to fly around the country. Viva Aerobus are the cheapest airline but they don’t accept cards online so you’ll need to buy a flight at the airport depending on availability.

For Mexican travel, executive Class buses are the way to go for comfort transportation in Mexico. There are other choices of buses to the major cities in Mexico such as second class and first class buses. Find out more here

Because the buses and flights are so good you don’t really need to drive but if you do decide to rent a car, try not to drive at night. The road tolls can be costly and can be stopped for bribes. If this does happen to you don’t hand over your documents; ask to go to a police station instead.

Some solos have had no problems driving across the Yucatan Peninsula and say that the roads are easy to navigate. Cancun is really close to Playa del Carmen and Tulum and ADO buses travel between them.

In Cancun it is easy to walk around plus there are buses too. The taxis don’t have meters so you just ask for a price upfront. Hotels can also let you know the rates as taxi rates are set by zones. Uber is a great alternative to taxis and is cheap and easy to use. 

For solo female travel in Mexico City there is a good metro system and a single fare will cost less than £1 for anywhere in the city. They have pretty pictures for the stops and even have a pink line!

* To hire a car we recommend pre-booking car hire with Avis so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.

Itinerary for Mexico

You definitely need longer than a week Mexico itinerary unless you just spend time along the east coast. Two weeks is enough time to see Mexico City, the ruins and relax on one of the beaches. Below are our recommended travel itinerary Mexico from 7 days to a Mexico 2 week itinerary. These are just a guide but they may give you some ideas for a Mexico solo travel itinerary. 

Mexico Itinerary 1 week

• Mexico City (3 nights). Puebla (1 night), Oaxaca (3 nights)
• Mexico City (4 nights), Cancun (3 nights)

Mexico Itinerary 10 Days

• Mexico City (3 nights), Cancun (3 nights), Playa del Carmen (2 nights), Tulum (2 nights)

Mexico Itinerary 2 weeks

• Mexico City (4 nights), Cancun (3 nights), Playa del Carmen (3 nights), Tulum (3 nights), Chetumal (1 night). Take the boat to Ambergris Caye in Belize.
• San Miguel de Allende (3 nights). Mexico City (4 nights), Oaxaca (3 nights), Cancun (2 nights), Merida (2 nights)
• Mexico City (3 nights), Oaxaca (3 nights) explore the Zapotec civilisation and other ruins near here, San Cristóbal de las Casas (2 nights), Palenque (3 nights), Tulum (3 nights).

Travel Guide To Mexico

If you need a guide book for your travels we recommend Rough Guides. Covering where to go and when to go, things not to miss, itineraries, getting around, festivals and events, history, and maps, they are amongst the most comprehensive guides on the market. If you prefer Lonely Planet click here for all Mexico guide books.

The Rough Guide To Mexico

If you are planning on travelling to Mexico alone for the first time, the Rough Guide to Mexico covers topics such as: book your trip, accommodation, getting there, getting around, food and drink, and travel essentials. This Mexico travel guide book also includes recommended itineraries whether you are planning on travelling the Yucatan Peninsular or visiting colonial towns. They’re your travel Bible.

* Check prices on Amazon

Best Time To Go To Mexico

As Mexico is a large country the weather varies depending on which area you visit. The south of Mexico does have a rainy season which generally starts in May until October. The rain only falls for a short while and usually in the afternoons so this shouldn’t affect your trip too much if you are travelling during this time.

If you want to avoid the heat then solo travel in Mexico from December to February when it is cooler. In general, the best time to go to Mexico is between December and April when the temperature is comfortable and you can still get the sun.

This chart shows the average maximum day temperatures for Mexico (from January to December).

Travel Insurance For Mexico

Mexico is a wonderful country to explore but it does have its crime. If you are planning a trip to Mexico, travel insurance is definitely recommended especially if you are taking your phone or other valuables.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Mexico. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover.

* Check insurance cover and prices for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Mexico Airports

Mexico has numerous airports. The busiest is Mexico City. Below is a list of how to get to and from the main international airports. For all other airports use Rome2Rio for your journey. 

Mexico City Airport – From Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juarez there are various bus companies which operate from the airport to Mexico City. The journey takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the company and costs from £1 to £16. ADO Buses are one of the companies. Click here for more information. 

The metro is less than £1 but you may need to change lines. The metro leaves every 15 minutes and operates from either 5am (Monday to Friday), 6am on Saturdays, and 7am on Sundays until midnight each day. Click here for metro schedules. 

There is also a night bus (Line 4) but you may be more comfortable in a taxi which costs approx £2 for the 6 minute journey or an Uber for £4.

Cancun – Cancun International Airport is located on the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean coast. Buses run from the airport to Cancun downtown bus station and take approx 30 minutes. They cost from £3 and you can check ADO’s bus schedule here. 

From the bus station there are frequent buses to different destinations in Mexico. If you’re travelling onto Playa del Carmen, Riviera bus lines operate direct to there. A taxi costs approximately £5.00.

Guadalajara – A taxi from Guadalajara International Airport to Guadalajara costs up to £9 for the 20 minute journey. Buses take 15 minutes to Guadalajara and cost anything from £2 to £12 depending on your destination. You can use the buses to travel onwards but need to change in Guadalajara. Click here for more information

Los Cabos – Located at San Jose del Cabo, taxis cost approximately £6 from the airport to Los Cabos and take 15 minutes.

Monterrey – The quickest way to get from Monterrey International Airport to Monterrey is by taxi. This only takes 30 minutes in comparison to the bus which takes longer. Taxis cost £9 and the bus costs £5.

Puerto Vallarta – From Puerto Vallarta Airport taxis cost £4 for the 7 minute journey into Puerto Vallarta. There is a bus which only costs £1 for the 11 minute ride. Buses leave every 10 minutes. Click here for the schedules 

* Feel more confident with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable and safe service for solo females.

Travelling Onwards (check visas before you travel)

To depart Mexico you need to pay a departure tax of approximately 1200 pesos.

Mexico Belize Border: Buses leave from Chetumal to the mainland or take a water taxi to Ambergris Caye. The Ado bus runs an overnight service from Cancun to Belize City.

Mexico to USA:  There are multiple border crossings throughout California and Arizona which are safe to cross including the San Ysidro border next to San Diego. Cruises also travel from the USA to Mexico.

Mexico to Guatemala: From Palenque it’s a 6 hour journey to the Tikal region of Guatemala, then a short boat ride to the Guatemalan border before another 3 hour bus journey to Flores. From San Cristobal de las Casas it’s a 10 hour trip to either Antigua or Lake Atitlan with a change of bus at Mesilla.

Getting through either border will take a whole day. Expect to leave Mexico early morning and arrive in Flores (Tikal region) by late afternoon and Antigua or Lake Atitlan by early morning.

• Check Rome2Rio for your ongoing journey

Where can I go from here?

• Guatemala – 2.5 hours
• Belize – 2.5 hours
• Los Angeles – 3 hours

Conscious Travel in Mexico

Social Impact Projects

Maya Ka’an – Amigos de Sian Ka'an is an NGO in Mexico that specializes in sustainable community development and environmental conversation and promote many programs, one of them being Maya Ka’an. This program’s goals are to strengthen sustainable and ethical tourism businesses and to sustainably develop and promote the region of Maya Ka’an. 

Stay Eco in Mexico

El Patio 77 

In this beautifully renovated 1890 mansion, class meets modern design, and sustainability meets vibrancy. In Mexico city's first sustainable B&B, travelers can relax in the tranquil courtyard, explore the cultural richness of the San Rafael neighborhood, and enjoy finger-lickingly good Mexican cuisine. 

* Check prices, dates and availability: El Patio 77

Harmony Glamping Tulum 

Do you want to try camping but fear that you will miss the comforts of home? Well, Harmony Glamping Tulum offers you a unique experience! Located between beaches and jungles, and supported by their own organic farm, travellers can either enjoy a night in their luxury bell tents or in one of their modern suite bedrooms. Go snorkelling, visit their farm, relax and do yoga…all while knowing that this hotel is truly committed to being green! An extensive list of their green commitments can be found on their website!

* Check prices, dates and availability: Harmony Glamping Tulum

Issues affecting vulnerable girls in Mexico

* Mexico has made some great strides towards gender equality, however in 2019 1199 women died of feminicide, a 10% increase from the year prior according to authorities. According to the UN 98% of these killings go unprosecuted. Read more… 

* A demonstration for women’s rights in Mexico, as well as against femicide, turned catastrophic on November 9 2020 when Mexican law enforcement violated protestors’ human rights and opened fire in Cancun. Read more…

* Furthermore, Mexican girls and women face gender gaps in the workforce, workplace discrimination and harassment, as well as indigenous girls facing a lack of access to education facilities. Read more… 

FAQs

• Can I drink the water? It isn't recommended to drink tap water so consider taking your own water filter with you.
• Is tipping expected? Yes, being so close to the USA.
• Fixed price or barter? Barter.
• Any ATMs? Yes. Some give US$ instead of pesos so choose the right ones.
• Which side of the road do they drive? Right.
• Good for vegetarians? Yes, especially as Mexican beans are one of the popular foods. During your travels to Mexico, make sure you try the street food too.
• Any seven wonders of the world? Chichen Itza, Paricutin Volcano.

Map of Mexico

Related Posts

• Things To Do in Yucatan Solo
• Solo Travel in Central America
• Solo Travel in Guatemala
• Solo Travel in Belize
• Belize to Mexico
• Mexico City
• Snorkeling with Whale Sharks
• Coco Bongo
• Mexican Wrestling
• My Personal Experiences of Mexico