Car free vacation in Mexico?
Car free vacation in Mexico?
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.
I second this, your idea is very unsafe. Please find another destination, there's plenty of options in this world
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.
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.
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.
If you're set, Puerto Vallarta area would probably have everything you're lookinf for while also being one of the safest destinations in Latin America.
PV, to Sayulita, San Pancho, and go no further than La Peñita. Try to sign up for some sort of group travel for safety. It should be fine, but you're a solo female so...
This area is a bit tourist spot so you may not get the authentic Mexican experience, but it is generally much safer than going to other areas.
I didn't consider Puerto Vallarta. Thanks for the great idea! Once I decide where I want to go, I can start networking with other travelers. I'm happy with tourist spots, especially if they have an airport nearby like PV!
I've been to Mexico a few times, and understand there are unique risks in that country compared to the US.
I've been to Playa del Carmen before solo and it was safe. but I feel like the beaches have been ruined by the sargassum. I've also visited Jalisco and Zacatecas with a friend, but it was very car-dependent, and less safe than Playa.
I've been to Puerto Rico, and it was safer than where I live in America, but required renting a car.
I'm hoping to get recommendations of where to go next- preferably car free! I was thinking maybe Cozumel. but I know a friend (another solo female traveler) that visited San Miguel de Allende and said good things. I'm willing to consider other countries, and locations, if someone has a recommendation/actually visited the place.
I recommend Holbox, but try to avoid the rainy season. It’s interesting to say the least.
I was in Cozumel 10 years ago now. We rented a house on the beach with a pool outside of town. We rented scooters and I rented a Jeep on the island. It's a small island and the locals like it as it didn't have as much crime as the mainland.
It's a lovely island and one of my favourite non resort trips to Mexico. They had a small cruise ship terminal then. Not sure how to do it without a rental unless you stay in the major town or use taxis which aren't cheap. Locals can't really offer rides without fear of the local taxi companies going after them as it was explained to me then by a local then.
This was 10 years ago now so I'm not sure I would go today as one still needs to go through the mainland to get there. Mexico seems to have much more going on now than during my trips over the last decade down there.
Good luck with finding a place that doesn't need a vehicle. I think that will be best near towns with a public bus service like I used in PV.
More than welcome to come to Costa Rica! As far as you are always aware of your surroundings you should be fine, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Cahuita, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Savegre, Poas Volcano are some of the places I'd recommend to you