Is Tulum Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Mentioning a trip to Mexico and someone will inevitably express concern for safety. At least that has been my experience in the States. It’s true there are parts of Mexico you should avoid, but it’s also true of parts of Miami, New York or Los Angeles! Areas of Mexico seeing a lot of tourists is generally considered safe for travel.
So is Tulum safe for solo female travellers? Generally speaking yes, but as with any destination, stay alert. I’ll share my experience in Tulum and any additional tips and considerations for safe travels to Tulum as a solo female traveller.
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Is Mexico Safe for Travel?
The US Travel Advisory site is a good place to check and they rate destinations with four parameters. Four is “do NOT travel,” three is “reconsider travel,” two is “exercise increased caution,” and one is “exercise normal precautions.”
Generally, I’m personally okay traveling to destinations rated a one or two. If you are taking your very first international trip as a solo female traveller then you may want your first country to be rated a one for that added peace of mind. However, I feel comfortable with a one or two rating and sometimes even a three.
My mum is from Trinidad, and my cousin is there now. The US Travel Advisory site rates it a three “reconsider travel.” Yet that doesn’t mean visiting there will result in an incident. However, it is indicating there is a lot of crime, so it’s worth considering the rating.
Is the Yucatan Peninsula Safe?
Tulum is a small Mexican beach town on the Yucatan Peninsula. The Peninsula includes three states: Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. Most of the biggest tourist destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula are in the state, Quintana Roo.
Why is knowing this important? Because the US Travel Advisory site breaks down the travel precautions for Mexico based on states! Two of the states in the Yucatan are currently rated as a one! In fact, they are the only two states in Mexico currently (at the time of writing of this post) that are rated a one!
Quintana Roo, that includes the popular destinations of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum is currently rated a two “exercise increased caution.” Mexico has states in all four categories, but overall the Yucatan Peninsula is considered generally safe by the US State Department.
It is worth checking the US Travel Advisory site for the most updated rating and information. However, it’s worth noting that not all of Mexico is unsafe anymore than all of the US is safe.
My Experience as a Solo Female Traveller in Tulum
Tulum was my first international destination solo and overall I had a very positive experience! It’s worth noting that I’m not a partier so I can’t speak to the nightlife at all. However, I spent a long weekend, with a full two days in Tulum and felt safe!
Bus Ride Cancun to Tulum
I read somewhere not to put your luggage in the bottom of the bus. While I’m not sure if there’s any validity to this suggestion, it would be wise to keep anything important on you rather than in your suitcase. I only packed a backpack, so it was a non issue for me. Overall, the entire bus experience for me was good.
Around Tulum
Once in Tulum, I made my way to the accommodation I booked in town. When I checked in, I also reserved a bike to use during my stay.
There was a lot of construction work during my visit. I did get stared at quite a bit riding through town and shopping in town I was flirted with by a shop owner, but that was the extent of it.
I did stay alert while in Tulum and I always recommend staying alert especially when travelling solo, but I rode around on a bike through town and on the beachside road and didn’t have any issues during the day. As mentioned earlier, I am not a partier and was always back at my accommodation before dark.
Swimming Solo
Relaxing on the beach is easy enough, but when you want to go for a dip leaving your items on the chair may not be wise. If there are people around and you feel safe enough or they offer to keep an eye out for you, then you might be able to leave it behind with no issues.
I took a waterproof phone pouch with me, so I just took that in the water. My credit card also stayed with me, so I only left unimportant items on my lounge chair. With waiters around, I felt safe, but I didn’t want to take chances with my phone or credit card.
Is it Safe to Travel to Tulum Alone as a Woman?
Yes, I think Tulum is generally safe for solo female travel. As with any destination, stay alert and be wise.
As a solo female traveller, I liked that I could get around Tulum on a bike. I rode to the Mayan ruins, to various beaches, through Tulum town and had no issues! While I never visited a cenote on this trip, there are so many that are popular and well visited that they should also be safe!
Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Tulum
Is Tulum Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
While travel to Tulum is considered safe, it’s still good to prepare! If you’re here that means you are researching, which is the starting point. It’s always good to practice general safety, but here are some additional tips and considerations while exploring Tulum as a solo female traveller.
Share Your Location & Regular Check-ins
Now you don’t have to share your location on your phone if you don’t want to do so. However, I recommend sharing your general itinerary with at least one person. Additionally, consider checking in regularly whether that is over whatsapp, iMessage, posting on social media or all of the above.
Letting family and friends know you’re safe is not only courteous so they don’t worry, but is also just a good safety practice as well!
Nighttime Safety
Based on my research then and now, it’s not recommended to be walking or biking around at night. It’s better to taxi if you do plan to go out at night.
Ultimately, if you want to party, I’d suggest booking a hotel or hostel with a party vibe. This will allow you to be social without having to be out and about at night.
Keep Valuables Secure
Leave the gold jewelry at home or anything too flashy or valuable. I’d also suggest hiding your important documents or cash. Consider a hidden money belt or Neck Wallet for your passport and cash.
For water activities consider a waterproof phone pouch or waterproof phone case that can hold your phone, credit card and cash. This will allow you to take your phone with you if leaving it behind isn’t an option when you want to swim. It can also be great for tours to cenotes or other water activities!
Trust Your Instincts
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but sometimes I override my first impression or gut instinct. Over the years, I’ve learned that I should listen to myself more often!
In low risk situations, it’s not a big deal. When travelling solo I can’t stress enough how important it is for you to trust yourself! Don’t talk yourself out of it and don’t override it! If you’re unsure, it’s better to side with caution than experience regret later.
While I think I could do a better job at taking risks in a lot of life situations, as a solo female traveller is not the time to be risky. Keep your wits about you, stay sober, and trust your instincts.
I don’t think you need to be in fear, but trust your instincts! If you feel uneasy about something listen to it.
Use Trusted Transportation Options
Whether driving or using a taxi, keep it official! I did not drive while in Mexico and that is because I read scams can be common which I didn’t want to deal with as a solo female traveller.
If you are staying at a good hotel or hostel, they should be able to help you organize transport.
Use Only Official Bank ATMs
If you need cash while in Tulum, stick to ATMs at banks. A random ATM may not have the same security measures in place.
Download Offline Map
This is something I do regardless of the destination, because you may not have service in some areas. If you download the map, you’ll be able to use it whether or not you have service or WiFi, which can really come in handy!
Consider Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance as it could offer a little extra peace of mind. I bought travel insurance for my Fiji solo travel trip and though I didn’t need it, I was glad I had it.
You can shop around using Insubuy or VisitorsCoverage Travel insurance. If you plan to do any sports like scuba diving, be sure the policy you choose covers it! Another bonus of travel insurance is it usually offers trip protection as well!
Where to Stay In Tulum If You Like to Party
Being out at night is not really advisable. While you can take a taxi to and from the party or club, you may want to just choose somewhere that offers a nightlife of some kind. I’ve scoured some reviews and found a couple options to consider.
Of course, I recommend checking with the hotel directly before booking to confirm they still offer a nightlife scene. However, both of the below have reviews mentioning a party or DJ.
Is There a Safer Option to Tulum?
The US Travel Advisory site mentions only two states in Mexico that are rated as a one “exercise normal safety precautions” and both are on the Yucatan Peninsula! While Quintana Roo is generally safe, Campeche state and Yucatan state are considered even safer by the US State department.
Valladolid and Chichen Itza are both in the Yucatan state and both are close to Tulum. In fact, you can book a day tour from Tulum to visit these destinations!
Day Tour: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with 3 Options
Mérida is another option. The capital of the Yucatan state is considered the safest city in Mexico and one of the safest cities in North America!
There are plenty of great day trips from Merida and beach towns close by. While those beach towns wouldn’t have as many options as Tulum, they could be a perfect little getaway.
Beach towns like Progreso and Sisal could be your holiday base or for more to do stay in Merida, but regardless this area is considered the safest in Mexico (at the time of writing this post). If I ever return to the Yucatan Peninsula, this area will be my target and I’ll be sure to provide a travel guide!
General Safety in Yucatan State
Even though this part of Mexico is safe, you still want to ensure you practice general safety measures. Don’t leave your phone or purse lying around. Only take what is necessary to the beach. Beware of pickpockets. And any basic behaviors you would have traveling anywhere!
Is Tulum Safer Than Cancun?
While I only flew into Cancun, based on my research they are about the same on the safety scale. They differ more in vibes, but both are very touristy these days!
If you are looking for safer areas, consider options in the Yucatan State. Cancun and Tulum are in Quintana Roo State which isn’t ranked as high for safety by the US State Department. Of course, things change so be sure to check the travel advisory site for updated information.
When deciding between Cancun and Tulum, safety is about the same so consider other differences when making a decision. Day trip options or inclusive resort vibes versus jungle beach vibes as a couple of examples. Oh and Cancun being closer to a major airport could be a deciding factor as well!
Is it Safe for a Woman to Travel Alone in Mexico?
It depends where in Mexico. There are parts of Mexico that are not safe for anyone and other parts of Mexico that are among the safest places in North America!
The Yucatan Peninsula is generally safe and I had no issues. If I return to this part of Mexico which is highly likely since flights from Orlando tend to be frequent and affordable, I’m interested in places like Merida or Bacalar!
While I travelled to Mexico City recently with my siblings, I arrived a day early. The uber ride from the airport had me wide eyed at the driving in Mexico City, but otherwise I felt fine. I also walked around by myself with no issues. Though it was in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Mexico City.
Overall, I think Mexico is as safe as many other destinations. However, I definitely recommend researching the specific area you plan to visit as there are places that are considered no travel zones!
If you decide to move forward with planning your solo Tulum trip, there are plenty of things to do in Tulum solo! Mexico offers culture and natural beauty with beautiful beaches, cenotes, and world class restaurants! Have the best time exploring and relaxing in Tulum!
