The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Mexico: 8 Destinations for Adventurous Wanderers
If you love cities with character, culture, and a never-ending supply of street tacos, Mexico City (CDMX, if you're feeling cool) is your place. Wander the leafy streets of Condesa and Roma, spend an entire day getting lost in the murals of Palacio de Bellas Artes, and, for the love of all things historical, don't skip the pyramids of Teotihuacán.
A boutique gem in Condesa, this intimate hotel is built into the bones of a former historic townhouse. The warm lobby serves breakfast (included in your rate), and each floor has a designated common area kitchenette where you'll find other travelers posted up on laptops or brewing a cup of tea.
Oaxaca is a city packed with colorful markets, centuries-old churches, and a culinary scene that will ruin you for all other food. (Tlayudas! Mole! Memelas!) Take a cooking class, sip your way through a mezcalería, and make a day trip to Hierve el Agua for one of the most impressive natural rock formations in the entire country.
This minimalist, design-forward hotel is an oasis of calm just steps from the Zócalo. Think candlelit courtyards, neutral tones, and an air of mystery.
San Miguel is drop-dead gorgeous, packed with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and rooftop bars that serve the best sunset views. The expat and artist communities make it a super welcoming spot for solo travelers. Art workshops? Check. Vineyard tours? Yes, please. Sunday brunch at Lavanda Café? Absolutely.
An intimate boutique stay with only a handful of rooms, Hotel Matilda feels like an art gallery mixed with your own private residence.
If your idea of solo travel includes beach days and barefoot dinners, Puerto Escondido will steal your heart. Playa Carrizalillo is the go-to spot for beginner surfers, while La Punta serves up golden sunsets and chilled-out beach bars. Don't miss the bioluminescent lagoon tour—it's pure magic.
A chic, adults-only retreat right on the beach, Casa Joseph is where you go when you want a slice of paradise with a side of serenity in the form of chic, palapa-topped bungalows.
Yucatán's capital, Mérida, is one of Mexico's safest cities and oozes colonial charm. But beyond the grand plazas and colorful buildings, there's a deep Mayan history and easy access to cenotes (those dreamy turquoise sinkholes) that will have you questioning why you don't live here already.
This adults-only boutique hotel is a restored mansion with lush courtyards, handcrafted furniture, and a pool that's practically begging for a lazy afternoon.
Tequila? Check. Mariachi? Check. A thriving arts scene that gives CDMX a run for its money? Oh, absolutely. Guadalajara is Mexico's best-kept secret, with a perfect mix of history, nightlife, and trendy neighborhoods like Tlaquepaque and Chapultepec. Bonus: It's a gateway to Tequila, the actual town, where you can sip the good stuff straight from the source.
This trendy boutique hotel in the Americana district is part of the ultra-cool Habita group. Think mid-century modern decor, a rooftop pool, and the kind of bar where you'll want to linger.
Imagine a lagoon so blue it looks Photoshopped. That's Bacalar, a small town near the Belize border that's perfect for slowing down and soaking up some serious tranquility. Kayak through the Seven Colors Lagoon, visit the eerie Cenote Negro, and spend your nights swinging in a hammock with a good book.
An eco-luxe paradise, Hotel Makaaba blends sustainability with comfort, offering pocket-sized rooms, a gorgeous pool/communal hangout area, and a breakfast that is simply to die for.
Sayulita is where free spirits, surfers, and digital nomads converge. It's colorful, lively, and packed with cute cafés, taco stands, and enough boutique shops to make you reconsider your carry-on-only policy. Surf in the morning, sip a margarita at El Tiburón in the afternoon, and dance barefoot under the stars at Yambak by night.
This stylish, minimalist boutique hotel sits right on the beach, offering a peaceful retreat just steps from the action. (And their coffee is chef's kiss.)
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Business Insider
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- Business Insider
My experience on 'Survivor' made me want to live among nature. So I moved to Mexico.
"The tribe has spoken," was music to my ears. I happily walked off the " Survivor" set thinking, "Ooof, it's over." Little did I know that my "Survivor" experience would follow me forever. Growing up in Miami, I spent my summers snorkeling in the mangroves, hunting lobsters, and collecting fiddler crabs. When I was 36, I was asked to be on "Survivor." I didn't apply. In the early aughts, I posted a video of me singing a song I'd written in the spirit of electroclash, which caught the eye of CBS's head of casting. That's how I ended up on "Survivor" Season 14 in 2007. When you play "Survivor," you're not just competing with other humans; you're competing with nature. You learn to understand how tides work, the best time to look for food, and the best time to go for a swim. You learn to listen to your mind and body and how it reacts to the wildness around you. I loved that aspect of being on "Survivor" — simply existing in the wild. So, many years later, when I decided to move to Mexico, I chose the most "Survivor"-like environment I could find: Isla Holbox. It's not a place for everyone, but my eight-pound dog, Peggy Lee, and I love the island. The 'black hole' of Mexico Holbox means "black hole" in Yucatec Maya, a language that many of the locals still speak. Isla Holbox is roughly two hours from the Cancún International Airport. After driving through el mangle (the mangrove forest), stopping for a beer and snack at the town of Kantunilkín, I reached the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. From there, Holbox was just a ferry ride away. When it rains, the water level in the lagoons rises, and it's not rare to see a crocodile, or a'ayin in Mayan, walking around. There are no cars on the island, and the drainage system is almost nonexistent, so locals piece together hoses and PVC pipes that lead to the beach and hope for the best. Sometimes, puddles linger for so long that the mosquito situation gets really bad. The most populated areas are later sprayed with insecticide. Peggy has her street dog friends, and most people know her as La Peggy. During our walks, people stop me to ask about La Peggy — rarely about how I'm doing — and I'm OK with that. On Saturdays, we go to a butcher. Refrigeration isn't needed because the chicken or pig, for example, was slaughtered just hours ago. It's a completely different lifestyle from the US, but my time on "Survivor" has taught me to live in harmony with nature, not to try to conquer it. Most importantly, nothing is permanent. Today, there is a hurricane; tomorrow, there will be sunny skies. 'Survivor' even played a role in what I do for a living When I did post-game press for CBS back in 2007, I became interested in the publicity machine: how your story is told, how you exit the game, how you are presented to the press, and press junkets. Currently, I'm a media strategist for VR projects and have started a virtual reality scene on the island where we introduce children to the technology and blow their minds. When I'm not working with a client, my small team and I go around the island shooting with a 360-degree camera. We've created amazing videos featuring the enormously spectacular whale shark and captivating 3D mini movies of the bioluminescence found on the far west side of the island, Punta Cocos. Although it's been nearly 20 years since I did "Survivor," the experience has never left me, and every day it provides me with the knowledge and skill needed to enjoy living in a place like Isla Holbox.
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
This Mexican beach town offers a laid-back vibe
The Mexican Caribbean—the strip of the Yucatán Peninsula that borders the Caribbean Sea and includes resort towns like Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen—has seen a tourism boom in recent decades, welcoming some 20 million visitors annually. Meanwhile, a little over 100 miles south of Tulum, Bacalar offers an experience like that of the Mexican Caribbean during its early days. The laid-back, waterfront town founded in the 5th century features wellness experiences, historical sites, boutique hotels, and outdoor recreation, with its local flair still intact. Traveling to Bacalar, Mexico? Add a trip to the Kohunlich Ruins, a large archaeological site of the pre-Colombian Maya civilization, to your itinerary. Photograph by vale_t, Getty Images Top 5 attractions in Bacalar 1. The Ichkabal Ruins This ancient Mayan site, comprised of grand plazas and pyramids hidden in the jungle, opened to the public at the end of 2024. Since the ruins are about an hour away from Bacalar, the best way to get there is to book a tour from Bacalar or the nearby city of Chetumal. 2. The Kohunlich Ruins Within this 20-acre Mayan city outside Bacalar, howler monkey calls ring through the air. Its grand Temple of Masks is the most significant structure in the complex, thought to have been built in 500 C.E. Plan to spend about half a day in the area and book a tour from Bacalar or Chetumal. 3. Fuerte de San Felipe de Bacalar Italian architect Juan Podio designed this lagoon-front fort in 1733 to protect Bacalar from pirates. The structure was designated a National Historic Monument in 1975 and has been a museum since the 1980s. 4. Wellness experiences Bacalar is earning a reputation as a wellness destination, thanks to places like Our Habitas Bacalar, Kapok Bacalar, Mía Bacalar, and eco-resort Rancho Encantado. In these retreat centers rooted in Mayan tradition, you can try treatments that range from massages and ancient Mayan skin therapies to aromatherapy, cupping, and a traditional temazcal sweat lodge. 5. Wander the downtown Bacalar's downtown has a relaxed hippy vibe, much like that of Tulum a few decades ago. Wander its colorful streets lined with murals, sit in quaint cafes, visit local artisans' shops, and stop by the fort. The 30-room Hotel Quinta Las Flores is just one of many hotels where travelers can stay when visiting Bacalar. Photograph by Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Downtown Bacalar has a relaxed, hippy vibe with colorful streets lined with murals. Photograph by Chuck David, VWPics/Redux This Indigenous and Mayan-themed street art depicts a turtle with ruins rising on its back, located on a cinderblock wall in Bacalar, Mexico. Photograph by Chuck David, VWPics/Redux (7 of the best Maya ruins to visit in Mexico) Consider Bacalar as an alternative to Tulum and Cancún Bacalar is not located directly on the Caribbean but is home to a freshwater lake called the Bacalar Lagoon, or Lagoon of Seven Colors. Below the dazzling array of blues and greens at the lagoon's surface lie cauliflower-shaped stromatolites, three-billion-year-old microorganisms that store CO2. Unlike in overrun Mexican Caribbean towns that have been damaged by unfettered development, in Bacalar, the community has come together to protect its fragile resource that doubles as its greatest tourism attraction. Even so, development looms ever-closer, like the controversial Tren Maya that opened a station in Bacalar last year and has already dramatically altered the natural environment. Marco Jerico is a Cancún native who has been working with environmental organizations in Bacalar for the last decade. He founded Agua Clara Bacalar in 2016, an NGO dedicated to protecting the Bacalar Lagoon and sustainably managing tourism in the area, and currently serves as president of the Emerge Bakhalal Foundation, a social development and environmental organization in Bacalar. Jerico lists the decision to close the lagoon to recreation each Wednesday as one of the most important actions the community has taken, 'a day of respite' for the water and its fragile ecosystem. He also emphasizes the importance of focusing on tourism initiatives led by locals. Adrian Blanco is one of the cofounders of The Bacalar Collection, a group of local companies that have come together to sustainably manage tourism offerings in Bacalar—what Blanco calls a kind of neighborhood watch that creates social pressure to halt large-scale developments. 'As a group and as a community, we will do as much as it takes to make sure that we have the lagoon preserved for future generations,' Blanco says. Those seeking a wild spring break atmosphere may be disappointed by Bacalar. Jerico says, 'There are no parties or nightclubs here. In Bacalar, we have nature, culture, and a colony of the first living organisms that appeared on Earth.' Blanco has a similar take on how Bacalar stands apart from the rest of the Mexican Caribbean. 'Bacalar is focused on tourism with a lower impact,' he says. Cocalitos, also known as El Santuario de los Estromatolitos (The Sanctuary of the Stromatolites), is a natural spa in Bacalar. You can swim, relax on swings and hammocks in the water, and explore the cenote. Photograph by Gerard Puigmal, Getty Images Enjoying the Bacalar Lagoon as a responsible traveler The highlight of any stay in Bacalar is time on the lagoon. With calm, clear waters, it offers some of the safest and most ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and more. To protect the natural marvel, Jerico implores visitors to seek out experiences with a low environmental impact. That means skipping tours that use motorized boats. 'Sailing tours have a low impact and are the most beautiful way to explore the lagoon,' he says. Most tour companies also ask guests to follow guidelines for responsible recreation closely. Opt for a sun shirt and hat over sunscreen to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the water. Be mindful of waste, respect buoys that designate protected areas, avoid loud music that may scare off birds, and exercise caution when paddling or stepping so as not to avoid disturbing fragile underwater formations. Getting to Bacalar The most direct way to get to Balacar is on the new Tren Maya, which makes stops in Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Train tickets cost between $7 to $50 depending on the route. The environmental impact of the new railway continues to spark controversy, especially when it comes to the preservation of Mexico's International Airport is the nearest airport to Bacalar. After landing, you can take a 45-minute taxi ride to the town for approximately $20. If you choose to land at Cancún International Airport, plan for a six-hour bus ride to Balacar for about $40. Car rentals are also available at airports for travelers interested in making a road trip to the southeastern Mexico town. Where to stay and eat Thanks to Bacalar's dedication to sustainable tourism, you won't find massive hotels or all-inclusive resorts here. Instead, boutique hotels line much of the lagoon, and the hotels follow strict ecological standards. The stylish and adults-only Amainah Bacalar is located between two different cenotes and features private plunge pools in its suites. Another option is Casa Hormiga , just north of downtown, designed in harmony with nature and built with local materials. For those seeking a little bit more of the party atmosphere of Cancún or Tulum, there's El Búho Hotel and Beach Club . One of the best dining experiences in Bacalar is Nixtamal , where ingredients from the on-site garden take center stage. Dig into contemporary Mexican cuisine at lagoon-side Jaguara , stop by Latin fusion restaurant La Playita with its own beach club strung with hammocks, or head to Ixchel for breakfast. Zanny Merullo Steffgen is a Colorado-based freelance travel journalist whose work has appeared in Fodor's, Lonely Planet, OutThere, and other publications. Learn more and follow her work at
2 days ago
Mexico's Maya Train derails in the Yucatan Peninsula, but no injuries reported
IZAMAL, Mexico -- A tourist-focused Maya Train running along Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula derailed Tuesday as it was slowly pulling into a station, the train line said in a statement. There were no injuries. The train was running from the Caribbean resort of Cancun to the Yucatan capital Merida when it left the tracks at the station in Izamal. Passengers were transported the rest of the way by bus. The accident was under investigation but the train was operating normally between other stations, the statement said. Photos and videos circulated online showed one car off the tracks, leaning but not overturned. A federal official who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the incident said part of the derailed car leaned onto a train on a parallel track but there was no collision. The Maya Train was an enormous legacy project of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. It began running in late 2023, but produced paltry ridership. López Obrador forced the project through before environmental impact or feasibility studies were completed. Environmentalists documented severe impacts to the delicate cave systems under the train line that provide much of the peninsula's drinking water. López Obrador had said tourists would use it to depart from Cancun and explore the whole 950-mile (1,500-kilometer) route to visit the Mayan archaeological sites that dot the peninsula. Much of the ridership thus far has been on short stretches between the city of Merida and Cancun. In March 2024, the train reported another derailment as a train passed a switch entering the Tixkokob, Yucatán station. One car derailed and there were no reported injuries. ___
