The Essential Guide to Solo Travel in Mexico

I just got back from yet another solo trip in Mexico and let me tell you, I can’t wait to go back. There’s a reason Mexico is so popular right now and it’s a really great destination for backpacking alone. Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel in Mexico:

Mexico is great for every type of traveler but in this guide, I will be mostly focusing on solo travel in Mexico specifically for backpackers, from accommodation, getting around the country, safety, and other travel tips that I’ve picked up along the way.

Overview of Mexico

Why You Should Solo Travel Mexico

Mexico is an amazing country full of vibrant culture and beautiful destinations. The landscape is so vast, that there’s something for everyone, whether you want city, beaches, mountains, or desert. The food and culture are interesting, and it has a great backpacker culture so it’s perfect for solo traveling, whether you’re an experienced backpacker or this is the first time venturing on your own.

It’s cheap

Most places in Mexico are really cheap (except maybe Tulum and Cabo San Lucas). You can find accommodation for every type of budget: from hostels to all inclusive resorts. Food is cheap, and transportation is cheap. As a backpacker, what more could you ask for??

Food is great

Come on, EVERYONE loves tacos. I have never met someone who didn’t like tacos. (If you are this weirdo please comment on this post because I HAVE to know). What’s more, you can discover new Mexican dishes and find fresh seafood on the coast. Each region has its own special dishes so foodies will die for the food here!

It’s easy to get around

Unlike the US, there is public transport all throughout the country. It’s cheap and it’s well maintained. Colectivos might be a bit confusing at times, but it’s still one of the easier countries to navigate.

It’s BEAUTIFUL

Just look at the photos. Need I say more?

Is Mexico safe?

Yes and no. In certain places, yes of course! Mexico has pockets of places that can be dangerous in regard to cartels, but these are not places that tourists go. These pockets are few and far between. If you stick to the places where tourists/backpackers go, you should be fine. Just practice basic safety measures that you would employ in any situation: Don’t go out at night alone, stay away from sketchy neighborhoods, etc. For more general safety tips, especially for women, check out this guide to first time solo travel.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a-okay in many parts of Mexico! I did it a lot in Tulum, and it’s very safe in the Yucatan peninsula. I’ve made a lot of friends that way! Other places in Mexico should be fine, but I would probably avoid it in Mexico City and other big cities.

Theft

I won’t lie. Thieving is huge in certain places. One night I had my phone stolen out of my bag in Playa del Carmen, along with SEVEN other people. The bar started checking bags before you leave to ensure everyone was leaving with the right cellphone.

I’m not saying this to dissuade you from going but it is something to be aware of! In a place like Playa del Carmen, leave valuables at home because it’s easy to find your way back without maps. In other cities, just exercise more caution. Mexico City is notorious for this and I would be careful in Cancun as well.

How can you get around in Mexico?

Flying

It’s normally very cheap to fly within Mexico! Flights are cheaper than the US at least, but keep baggage fees in mind. Mexico is much more vast than people think so sometimes bus rides can take 10+ hours.

Ground Travel

The main two options for ground travel are ADO and colectivos.

ADO is the name of a company of buses. You can find them in the big bus stations, and look for schedules on their website. The buses are huge, air-conditioned, and sometimes have TVs and electronic chargers. You can book tickets for ADO in the station, although if you’re doing long-haul you can usually find cheaper prices on the website a few days before your trip.

Colectivos are the transport for locals. They are usually pretty small vans, with none of the amenities of ADO but a much better price. Colectivos normally have informal stopping points and non-designated time tables. Ask your hotel/hostel/taxi driver where the colectivo stops and they will normally know. The colectivos leave once they fill up so you may be waiting on other people for awhile. However, it is hands down the cheapest way to travel Mexico.

Making friends

Mexico is a backpacker’s haven so it’s really easy to make friends! I’ve made friends on tours, in hostels of course, and even just starting a conversation in a restaurant.

Many hostels offer activities as a way of meeting people, from salsa night to making guacamole to pub crawls. These are a few of my favorite hostels for the social vibe:

• Cancun – Mayan Monkey
• Playa del Carmen – Che Hostel
• Puerto Escondido – Vivo Escondido
• Oaxaca – Iguana Hostel
• Mexico City – Massiosare Hostel

Do people speak English?

In tourist places, yes!! The Yucatan especially. Outside of the Yucatan, not so much. Here are a few key phrases to get you on your feet:

Best Destinations for Solo Travelers in Mexico

Yucatan Peninsula

Most of the famous places you’ve heard about in Mexico are on the Yucatan Peninsula. It may be really touristy but it’s also the go-to place for backpackers and solo travelers. Check my itinerary on traveling the Yucatan peninsula for my favorite stops!

Mexico City

People always have mixed reviews about Mexico City. I, for one, LOVE it. It’s busy yes, but full of life. Some neighborhoods remind me of a miniature Madrid. Each neighborhood is different, and you could spend a lifetime discovering the capital city, although four days in Mexico City is a good start!

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a resort town, but also has a major expat community. Everything is built up here, but most tourists you see will be Mexican. There’s also a plethora of hostels as many backpackers flock to this city.

Puerto Escondido

On the Southwestern coast sits Puerto Escondido, a surfer’s paradise. I love Puerto because it’s the perfect mix of backpackers with locals, and each neighborhood has a different vibe.

San Cristobal de las Casas

Located in the Chiapas region of Mexico, this town is full of life and culture. The architecture is old, Spanish colonial style, and the city contains many markets, great restaurants, and awesome nightlife. It is also a connector to amazing natural sights such as Sumidero Canyon, El Chiflon waterfalls, and the Montebello lakes.

Sayulita

Sayulita is a small, beachside town not too far from Puerto Vallarta, that is full of backpackers. It has great vibes and is the perfect place to soak up the sun and meet new friends.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a foodie capital! There are amazing restaurants and markets to explore. It’s also the home base of Mezcal, the delicious but strong Mexican liquor. From Oaxaca you can take a Mezcal distillery tour, or go and visit the ruins at Monte Alban.

Tips for Solo Travel in Mexico

Cash is King

Most local places do not take card so be sure and always have cash ready. Some of the big tourist spots will also take dollars as a form of currency but pesos are always going to be the better price! Check out this post for other things to bring with you to Mexico!

Learn some Spanish

People of any country really appreciate it if you try to learn a few phrases, and Mexico is no different. Walking into a store and saying “Buenos días” instead of “Hello” can make a world of a difference. Additionally, when you leave the Yucatan, you’ll find it harder and harder to find people who speak English.

Barter, barter, barter!

Prices are negotiable 95% of the time. The locals barter, so why can’t you? They also may quote you at a higher price as a foreigner, so practice those negotiation skills and always argue for a better price. You may be surprised by what you can achieve!

Uber/Cabify over taxi

In cities where they actually HAVE Uber and Cabify, i’ve found that prices on the app are cheaper than what taxi drivers will quote you at. The app driver may end up being a taxi driver (happened to me in Cancun), but they have to follow what the price is set at on the app.

Have you ever traveled solo in Mexico? Tell me about your trip in the comments below!