Solo female traveler, mid 30s. I want to spend about 4 weeks in Mexico or Latin America. I’d like to not rent a car. I’m okay with using public transit, colectivos, hiring a driver or taxi. I’d like to be able to walk to restaurants, stores, activities. My Spanish is good, but not fluent. Where should I go?
Don’t do it. Please don’t. As someone married into a family of Mexicans who are very open about the state of Mexico please don’t. If my fluent wife who is familiar with the area would not feel safe then I stress to not do it.
It’s a shame. Beautiful country. Wonderful people. But you are very much at the whim of others and please do not.
If you’re still considering your options, I would highly recommend spending your time in Costa Rica instead as a solo traveler. I think it’s one of the safest countries in the region, and also one of the most beautiful one with amazing biodiversity. They have a decent bus network though I did rent a car myself when I was there.
Having spent some time there, there are exceptions. We stayed in the Limon province, which from my understanding is the poorest. The town we were in was insanely safe. My wife could walk around alone after dark with no issues. But just 15 minutes away was Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. It’s a party town with lots of drug activity. We heard reports of women being harassed and raped and that even groups of women weren’t safe.
I don’t know how much of that was true. I never looked into it. It was just rumors from the locals, but I trust them.
And from what I can tell, that’s definitely not normal for Costa Rica.
Yeah I was there in Puerto Viejo and have to say I was very disappointed by it. As a lifelong reggae listener I was expecting a totally different vibe from the place. Ended up cutting my stay there much shorter than anticipated.
Didn’t find that again anywhere else though.
Would strongly advise against it. As the other commenter said, there is a… Not great culture (in regards to this specific thing) that would very likely end poorly.
Having extended family in the Central America area, they frequently talk about how nice it is that they don’t need to be constantly protecting themselves when they visit us in the States. And to be clear, they still have pepper spray on them all the time in the States.
Especially touristy cities (like the ones you’ll probably be at, inadvertently even), people there know you’re not a local, and will likely need “help” which they’d be more than willing to offer.
While there are some dangerous areas in Mexico, there are plenty of safe places. Mexico City, is just like any big city in terms of crime. I feel safer there than San Francisco honestly. Merida, Puebla(not super exciting), Oaxaca, Guanajuato (a little sketchy state, but the city is safe/awesome) among others are all safe. The center of town is where you want to be, no need for a car. Just stay away from Michoacan, Guerrero, Jalisco, the Northern border states, don’t do drugs or get super drunk and wander around town, and you will be fine.
Getting between larger cities via first class buses is easy. Uber, Metro, buses, etc. My wife grew up in Mexico City and never needed a car, I’ve traveled solo (male) in almost every state in Mexico without a car for 25+ years. We still go and take our kids for a month every few years.
All that being said, you will be hassled or whistled at, etc as a woman. Macho male syndrome. Dress conservatively and leave jewelry at home. There is crime, don’t go out drinking alone at night, and watch for pickpockets in mercados and subways. If you’re cool in New York, etc you will be fine in Mexico City, it’s a blast. It’s intimidating but the food and people are awesome. As a solo traveler you can stay in some hostels which is a good way to meet other travelers to go explore. You could easily spend two to weeks in Mexico City area itself - Taxco, Coyoacn, Chapultpec, Museums, etc
I don’t have any advice for Central America other than a relative of my wife lives in Costa Rica and likes it.
What are you fucking thinking going solo in Mexico as a fucking woman with little information. Jesus Christ, have some sense.
