Key Takeaways
- Mexico is also called the solo traveler’s paradise but it is imperative to take safety precautions while enjoying the city.
- With lone trips skyrocketing to 25% in 2023 from 16% in 2022, the importance of security cannot be overstated, so stay safe and secure during the entire lone trip.
- Visiting Mexico is adventurous. It becomes even more enjoyable if you know about the local culture, etiquette, and language.
Mexico is one of the most visited traveler’s destinations. The country is known for its scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, and coastal cities. But did you know it is also a solo traveler’s paradise?
Natural wonders, Mayan ruins, creative prowess, and cuisine with heat to rival the spiciest cuisines on earth can all be found in this region.
A destination where on one day, you can visit the historic towns of Mexico and enjoy local Mexican cuisine, and on the next, you can go on a relaxing boat ride along the canals of Xochimilco, which are on the World Heritage list. This place attracts the most tourists, and this is quite evident from the graph present below.
Tourism in Mexico has a reputation for being dangerous, true. But if you are aware of your whereabouts and stay consciously safe, reaching there on your own is a fantastic adventure!
Read on and learn everything you need about traveling Mexica on this solo traveler’s guide to Mexico.
Safety Guide
Mexico, just like any other place you might visit, has some things you need to be careful about to stay secure. With lone trips skyrocketing to 25% in 2023 from 16% in 2022, the importance of security cannot be overstated. To make sure you have a fun time on your own adventure:
- Make sure to learn about where you’re going before you leave. Keep checking for any pivotal travel information.
- Stay in places you know and are familiar with, especially when it gets dark outside. There are a few places to avoid in Mexico, so make sure you know them and stay away from those areas.
- Don’t show off things like fancy jewelry and cool gadgets.
- Choose safe ways to get around, like taxis or rideshare cars that are trusted and approved.
- Keep your items guarded and be careful of sneaky people who might try to take them when there is too much chaos around.
- Always listen to your gut feelings.
- Stay away from things that could be dangerous or make you uncomfortable.
- Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and how they can reach you.
- Keep talking to your friends and family on social media or messaging apps.
Do You Know: The peak tourism season in the country is around the week before Easter and Spring break, majorly during December and mid Summer.
Local Culture, Etiquette, and Language
Visiting a place does not only mean going there and having fun. It is also about feeling included and experiencing local life. It becomes even more enjoyable if you know about the local culture, etiquette, and language.
When you go to a restaurant or take a taxi ride, try tipping the people who help you along the way. In Mexico, it’s usually okay to wear casual clothes. But when you go to religious places or regions where people are more traditional, it’s nice to wear clothes that cover your body a bit more.
People here are not always in a hurry to be on time. It’s okay to be a little late to parties sometimes.
Most of the people here are well-versed in English. So, you will not have many problems in terms of communication. But it is really nice to greet the locals in their mother tongue! Mexicans really like it when people who visit their country want to learn about their culture.
Don’t forget to say “Hola” when you meet someone and “Gracias” when they do something nice for you. It’s also important to use words like “Por favor” when you want something and “Disculpe” to get someone’s attention.
Accommodation Options
Picking the right accommodation can make a big difference when you’re traveling alone. You can go for fancy hotels if you want a luxurious staycation.
There are lots of beautiful, cheap places to stay in Mexico. The places will allow you to live in their luxurious suits for half of the cost of other countries. Plus, you can make new friends there who are also traveling. Airbnbs are available for people who want to live locally.
What to Expect in Mexico If You’re Traveling Alone?
Countries in Latin America are known for being friendly. This reputation makes it much easier to travel alone than in some countries with a reputation for being cold. There are a lot of hostels and guesthouses, so you can easily meet new people where you sleep.
Solo travelers can discover colorful towns with colonial-style architecture. There you can try tequila and mezcal, relax on Caribbean beaches, swim in cenotes with electric-blue water, and visit the ruins of ancient cultures that have been gone for a long time. It has a lively and dazzling nightlife where the nights are always young!
You must prioritize safety when reaching Mexico alone. Researching your destinations can help you ensure your security. Look up places that seasoned travelers and locals have flagged as risky. Exclude these from your itinerary; you will be good to go!
Your Guide to Solo-Friendly Destinations in Mexico
Mexico has lots of cool regions for people who like to travel alone and have fun! There are so many different places to choose from, each with its own special things to do and see. The most solo-friendly destinations are
Mexico City
Established in 1325, Mexico City is the continent’s oldest capital in addition to being one of the largest and most populous places on Earth. It also boasts an impressive collection of cultural institutions.
The city has a variety of cultural institutions and museums. Consider taking advantage of the metropolis’s convenient public transportation options here, such as the metro or the hop-on, hop-off bus system.
Even the most mundane-looking structures can be adorned with vibrant murals and other forms of urban art. Art Deco can be seen everywhere.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is one of the top Mexican towns to visit. It is a verdant region with different ecosystems, home to colorful craft communities.
Take a stroll around the old town on the cobblestone streets and then unwind in the park with the fountains, Parque Llano. When you are around, you might even catch a market in full swing.
Cancun
You can relax in luxury when feeling shielded from the majority of Mexico. It’s a Westernized take on the original, complete with turquoise waters.
You don’t even need a solid grasp of Spanish to enjoy yourself here. The underwater museum is a bonus for scuba divers, but otherwise, it’s not the best place for solo travelers.
Peninsula of Yucatán
Mexico is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is difficult to cover all the beaches on one trip.
The eastern coastline is the best place to go if you’re looking for fun. It offers beaches, nightlife, and snorkeling. From here, seeing Chichen Itza is simple, and the Yucatan Peninsula is home to numerous cenotes (sinkholes) with refreshingly pure water.
Interesting Fact: According to the World Tourism Organization, Mexico is the second-most visited city in the U.S.
The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Mexican Cuisine
The globe over, people are crazy about Mexican food. It’s safe to assume that by the end of your life, you will have tried at least one taco recipe. But real cooking here is more than just throwing random ingredients into a corn tortilla.
These are some of the best and most well-known traditional foods that no visitor to Mexico should miss.
Al Pastor
Al Pastor is a Mexican cuisine that is basically pork, pineapple, and onion kebab with fresh cilantro. Commonly used as filling for tacos, gringas, and quesadillas.
Mole
Imagine a rich chocolate sauce with a savory twist. Mole is a rich brown sauce, which is just slightly sweet and nicely seasoned and is often used to cover enchiladas.
Torta
The Mexican equivalent of the sandwich. A huge lunchtime meal consisting of layers of meat, dressing, and white cheese wrapped on soft bread.
Tamale
Steamed to perfection in a banana leaf or husk of corn, this dish consists of cornbread stuffed with meat and cheese.
Pozole
Pozole is pork, hominy, and onions simmering in a classic soup. The broth is mild and delicately flavored.
Chilaquiles
This popular morning dish consists of day-old tortilla chips, cheese, a mellow red sauce, and an egg. There are many more options you can choose from. You can also find vegan, gluten-free food options around.
Bottom Line
Mexico is a wonderful country offering amazing experiences to its visitors. With our traveler’s guide, we hope you can plan your next solo trip here without much worry!
Keep in mind the importance of both safety and fun when traveling alone. You will always remember your journey, no matter how rough it gets.
