So, you’re ready to pack your bags and jet off to Mexico solo? Smart move. Whether you’re in the mood for sipping mezcal in Oaxaca, surfing in Puerto Escondido, or soaking up some colonial charm in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is the perfect playground for the independent traveler. It’s vibrant, diverse, (mostly) affordable, and, if you know where to go, totally solo-friendly. Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Let’s dive into the eight best destinations in Mexico for solo travelers—and, because I love a good recommendation, I’ve also handpicked the perfect hotel for each.
1. Mexico City: Big, Bold, and Full of Surprises
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.
Where to Stay: Casa Altata
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.
2. Oaxaca City: Culture, Cuisine, and Mezcal Magic
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.
Where to Stay: Hotel Sin Nombre
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.
3. San Miguel de Allende: A Historic Dream
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.
Where to Stay: Hotel Matilda
An intimate boutique stay with only a handful of rooms, Hotel Matilda feels like an art gallery mixed with your own private residence.
4. Puerto Escondido: Surf, Sun, and Laid-Back Vibes
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.
Where to Stay: Casa Joseph Zicatela
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.
5. Mérida: Culture and Cenotes Galore
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.
Where to Stay: Casa Lecanda
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.
6. Guadalajara: Mexico’s Coolest City (That No One Talks About Enough)
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.
Where to Stay: Casa Habita
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.
7. Bacalar: The Lagoon of Your Dreams
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.
Where to Stay: Hotel Makaaba
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.
8. Sayulita: A Surf Town With a Social Side
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.
Where to Stay: Don Bonito
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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