The ultimate solo travel guide to Mexico: Everything you need to know
From Aztec pyramids to the Mayan Riviera, Mexico is a solo travel destination of dreams. It’s a land of natural beauty, Mayan wonders, artistic flair and flavours spicy enough to rival even the punchiest of enchiladas. A place where you can marvel over the Museo Frida Kahlo and Mexico City’s fearsome Lucha Libre wrestling one moment and be sailing down the Unesco-listed Xochimilco canals the next.
Whether you’re knocking back mezcal in the street markets of food-obsessed Oaxaca or soaking up volcanic steam in an ancient Aztec ritual, this Spanish-speaking, North American country, is a destination that positively oozes adventure.
So, where to start? On a solo trip to Mexico, you might be tempted to join a group tour with other like-minded travellers to help you navigate all that the country has to offer with security and ease. This includes Mexico City, one of the world’s largest (and highest) capitals, packed with colour, culture and eclectic party spots. Or, a few hours south, the historic rainbow-hued city of Puebla. Not to mention Aztec ruins, wildlife-abundant jungles and Mexico’s rich food heritage (hello, Yucatecan tamales). Plus, the beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts… Here’s everything you need to know about group solo trips to Mexico.
Mexico travel facts
Steeped in history, folklore and incredible cuisine, Mexico is a country of creativity that’s constantly reinventing itself – in the kitchen, on the canvas and beyond. Its capital, Mexico City, is one of the world’s oldest and largest cities, with attractions such as Zócalo plaza, home to Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlán’s remains, and the Frida Kahlo Museum in the colourful cobblestone borough of Coyoacán.
Elsewhere, world-famous Aztec and Mayan Riviera pyramids, including Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, are dotted between lush rainforest and mountain landscapes. Historic cities such as Puebla and Oaxaca blend historic grandeur with an artisanal spirit and fantastic street food. Mexico’s Pacific coastline, meanwhile, is a nature’s paradise of palm-frond beaches and teeming sea life, especially around Puerto Escondido – home to thatched bars and the Mexican Pipeline surf break.
Is Mexico good for solo travel?
With a chorus line of culinary and cultural treats, Mexico is a fabulous place for solo travel. From modern art to wrestling, Aztec marvels to traditional mole soup, you can barely move for evolution and inspiration. However, Mexico can be overwhelming to navigate entirely solo. Flash Pack’s group solo travel approach means you can make the most of Mexico in a short timeline, moving seamlessly from A to B without having to worry about security or logistics. Learn more about solo travel with Flash Pack.
Best places to visit in Mexico
What should you do on a solo trip to Mexico? At Flash Pack, we’ve got you covered with an adventure that captures the country’s best-loved destinations and combines them with local experiences. From hot air balloons over the Aztec temples of Teotihuacán to dolphin-spotting on the Pacific coast and a cooking masterclass in Oaxaca, Mexico’s foodie capital, you’ll sample must-try attractions with a side serving of awe. Iconic experiences include tickets to Mexico City’s wildly popular Lucha Libre shows, a traditional boat trip around Xochimilco’s floating gardens, a Mezcal distillery tour, and a taste of the capital’s finest museums and restaurants.
Where to stay as a solo traveller in Mexico
What are the hotels like in Mexico? From regal 19th-century townhouses with courtyard fountains to open-sided palapa-style beach retreats, it’s fair to say you’ll be spoilt for choice. Mexico does a fine line in hotel luxury; think rooftop terraces in Mexico City with live mariachi music, a baroque Oaxacan mansion or a coastal escape with signature turquoise pools.
With Flash Pack’s group solo trips to Mexico, we sort all the accommodation for you – which means you can tap into the country’s boutique stays by sharing a room and swerving the single supplement that would normally put these places out of reach of someone travelling entirely alone. Alternatively, you can pay a little more to stay in a private room, no bother.
How to get to Mexico
Flying is the easiest and quickest way to get to Mexico, wherever in the world you’re based. The country’s main international gateways include Mexico City International Airport (Benito Juárez), Cancún International Airport for the Mayan Riviera and the beaches of the Yucatán, Los Cabos International Airport for Baja California and the Pacific beaches, and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, further south on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
If you fancy a more adventurous option, Amtrak runs railway routes to the Mexican border from various cities in the US and Canada, or you can catch a cruise from California or Florida to popular spots (Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen) along Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines.
How to get around Mexico
Mexico has a range of reliable bus networks in operation, making it an affordable way to travel around the country for solo travellers. Bus travel is generally divided into different classes, with the highest end offering a comfortable triad of air-con, TV screens and toilets. Passenger trains, however, are virtually non-existent in the country. Hiring a private car to get around is technically possible, but realistically tricky due to safety and road issues. Driving alone is not advised. With Flash Pack, all internal travel in Mexico is handled for you and included in the trip price.
Best time to visit Mexico
Mexico’s a big country so climates vary, but there are two key seasons: dry and wet. November to April is dry season in Mexico, creating an ideal window to explore the cities, temples and beaches, minus the stifling humidity of later months. The wet season begins in May and lasts until October, with higher rainfall, plus hot and humid conditions. Time your solo Mexico trip (and book well in advance) for November 2nd to be part of the country’s legendary Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. Or, bookmark a trip to Chichén Itzá during the spring or autumn equinox for the extraordinary spectacle of a serpent snaking down El Castillo’s northern staircase.
Mexico travel itineraries
For a short but spectacular immersion, don’t miss Flash Pack’s five-day Mexico City adventure. You’ll find yourself hiking the Aztec pyramid of Tepozteco, near Tepoztlán, learning to wrestle with a Luchador and trying out an ancient sweat lodge ceremony or temazcal. Tequila tastings and temple balloon rides are also on the agenda. For a more detailed diversion, Flash Pack’s nine-day Mexico in Colour itinerary also includes market-hopping, Mezcal tastings and a culinary workshop in Oaxaca, plus the chance to spot dolphins and sea turtles on a private boat trip along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
What to pack for solo travel in Mexico
Essentials for solo travel in Mexico include your passport, Mexican pesos, insurance, debit cards and adapters for plug types A and B. Debit/cards are widely used across Mexico, along with pesos and US dollars. Invest in a money belt and anti-theft backpacks, and leave any flashy gadgets or valuables at home, to make sure you travel as safely and seamlessly as possible. You’ll also want sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, sunglasses and insect repellent (especially if you’re travelling south or during summer). Clothes-wise, bring light, breathable layers to flip between beach and mountain destinations, along with comfy trainers for hiking.
Solo travel advice for Mexico
The ebullient people of Mexico are warm and welcoming and solo travel is widely practised, especially in the main tourism hubs of Oaxaca, Baja California, Mexico City, Puebla and the Yucatán Peninsula. While many people travel alone in Mexico, with Flash Pack you’ll get to experience the country within the security of a small group tour. You can also ask your local guide for insider tips in case you’re continuing your travels alone.
Is it safe to travel solo in Mexico?
Thousands of visitors travel to Mexico every year and most trips are trouble-free. However, do check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK), Department of State Travel Advisories (US) or your country’s local government guidelines for the latest advice before travelling.
Once there, follow local advice and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Tourist destinations are generally safer, but do your homework and take sensible precautions. Solo travellers, in particular, should take care travelling after dark or on public transport. Many people find it easier to explore Mexico with the support of a reputable tour company or local guide. Flash Pack offers both, with small groups of like-minded solo travellers, trusted local providers and an experienced local group leader present throughout – for an adventure that’s both safe and spectacular.
Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel to Mexico with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group.
A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether a first time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.
Images: Adobe & Flash Pack
