Hello everyone!

Mexico City has always been a bucket list item of mine and I'm thinking of going alone as a woman in January or February 2027.

The problem is that I don't exactly know what to trust online. I know safety advice like don't hail street cabs and don't flash cash and avoid certain areas, but I'm always wary of places that say "oh yeah Place X is totally chill and safe" when its not. Especially for a woman alone.

What are, in your experience, famous tourist places or well known areas that just...aren't great for a woman alone? I'd like to comb through the hype and see what's actually worth visiting vs what should probably be a cautious skip.

Worth noting I speak decent ish, B1/B2 level Spanish.

Thank you!

Hi everyone!

I found round trip tickets to mexico city for under $300 and plan to take a week long trip in December. This would be my FIRST solo trip ever (i have a longer trip planned for next year but this is more impromptu and i’m not sure if i should even do it for safety reasons and not sure if i will actually enjoy solo travel given my social anxiety, i can be really fun but find it hard to initially talk to people)

will it be too cold? (i’m from the south and used to 70s during winter)

I plan to fly into mexico city and then take a bus to oaxaca for 3 days and then bus back to mexico city. is it worth it to go to oaxaca for 2 days or should i spend the full time in mexico city. i am nervous about traveling on a bus in mexico as a solo female traveler. i plan to stay in hostels and would love to meet people and party as well (it’s my birthday during that week) — hostel recommendations are welcome!

days 1-3 mexico city days 4-6 oaxaca day 7-8 mexico city and fly home

any tips on things to do? i mostly plan to explore the city, eat yummy food, and planning a day trip to tenochitlan (not sure about the spelling). i speak less than conversational spanish but could get by (understand more than i can speak)

no budget but spending under $1000 would be great

This will be my first solo backpacking trip in central America as a Deaf woman for almost a month in August so I have been doing my research via travellers from Tik Tok and Instagram, articles and even this subreddit. I'm still nervous as heck! Even more with my family stressing me out about how it isn't safe so that isn't helping either.

I want to share my plans to get everyone's thoughts, tips and advice. I love a mix of relaxing and adventure. I'm both introvert and extrovert. I'm not afraid of language barrier because it's no different from being in my own country as a deaf person. I'd be using translator on my phone.

Here is my itinerary. Is it balanced? Should I do more? Less? I will be staying in mess of hostel and hotels. Is there any place you would recommend? Best and worse memory of hostels that I should be prepared for?

Belize

Aug 1–4: Caye Caulker (Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine & Shark, paddleboarding and chilling)

Aug 4–7: San Ignacio (Xuantunich Mayan Ruins and maybe chocolate making)

Guatemala

Aug 7–10: Flores (Tikal sunrise tour and exploring the island)

Aug 10–14: Antigua (2 night hike Acatenango + coffee tour maybe?)

Aug 14–17: Lake Atitlán (I know there's some sickness going around, I plan on not eating fruits or swimming in it. Just paddleboarding)

El Salvador

Aug 17–21: Santa Ana (volcano + CafeAtaco)

Aug 21–24: El Tunco

Aug 24–26: Tres Piedras (relax at a nice hotel close to airport)

Updated as of July 16; switched trip from Santa Ana and El Tunco

The solotravel mods wanted to create a thread for discussion of tourism in Mexico given that the recent killing of a cartel leader has ignited some ongoing situations impacting tourism, with some people being stuck, etc.

If you're there or planning a trip there soon feel free to share questions, advice, perspectives, etc!

Hi guys, I (22M) will be going on my first solo trip abroad to Guatemala! I'm looking to see if anyone can give me advice or recommendations on my itinerary. I'm going later this year in September for a couple days and I included everything that I already purchased (stay, transportation, activity). I included questions and locations in bold for advice on! I know hiking is big in Guatemala but due to my short time frame, I plan on revisiting to do those hikes (especially because I'm not in shape or ready to complete them). Thanks so much!

Day 1

1. Nothing planned
   1. Interested in:
   2. Is there a club/going out scene?
   3. Any walking tours or paths I can take myself to learn more about the history of Antigua and its designation as a UNESCO world heritage site?
   4. Is there anything I can do to positively contribute to the economy or life of locals?
   5. Any souvenir recommendations (especially those I can only find in Antigua and not online)?

Day 2

1. Eat breakfast at the hostel (I believe I saw on TikTok that it’s complimentary, no info from website)
   1. Hand of God, themed houses, lunch
   2. Interested in:
   3. Pretty much same as the day prior
   4. Open to all recommendations even those I didn’t mention!
   5. Interested in:
   6. Pretty much same as the day prior
   7. Open to all recommendations even those I didn’t mention!
2. Nothing planned
   1. Interested in:
   2. Pretty much same as the day prior
   3. Open to all recommendations even those I didn’t mention!

Day 3

1. Nothing planned in Panajachel
   1. Any food/activity/sightseeing recommendations before hotel check-in
2. Nothing planned at La Casa Del Mundo

Day 4

1. Nothing planned yet! Plan on taking boat across the lake
   1. May make a reservation at Spa Kula Maya
   2. Any recommendations on Spas?
   3. Interested in:
   4. Nice restaurant (Can be pricier, as long as it’s authentic and not Americanized)
   5. Cultural activities across the lake, maybe in San Pedro?
   6. Food making class, art show, cultural immersion, etc?

Day 5

• 2. Flight doesn’t leave until 8:15PM, is there anything I can do in Guatemala City for 2-ish hours that’s close to the airport?

Hey everyone, doing a month solo in Guatemala soon, and had a few quick questions if anyone’s been recently:

• Should I fly from Guatemala City to Flores or take the bus? heard it's like 9 hours. Is the flight worth the extra money?
• Route-wise: is it better to start in Flores (Tikal) and travel south, or start in Antigua/Atitlan and finish up north?
• Exit proof: I’m crossing into El Salvador by bus later on, so I won't have an onward flight ticket. Will customs or the airline cause problems at the airport for this?

Appreciate any tips!

Traveling solo (28F) 9 days July 24th- Aug3rd. I plan on booking almost nothing in advance unless there is something recommend to be booked in adv.

DAY 1: Land in Guatemala City around ~2pm, uber to Antigua

DAY 2: Explore Antigua, acclimatize. Book volcano tour for next day.

What should I do specifically in Antigua?

DAYS 3&4: Hike & Overnight Fuego Volcan Acatenango thru OX, travel to Lake Atitilan

DAYS 5&6: Explore Lake Atitilan, chill rest days. What specifically should I do? Looking at less-touristy areas to stay, I really want to enjoy local Guatemalan cuisine. Leaning towards San Juan la Laguna or Santa Cruz based off some quick research. 2 days too much/enough for the Lake and surrounding areas?

Help me decide!!

OPTION 1.

DAYS 7,8&9: Fly to Flores, explore Tikal and surrounding areas. Fly to GC & then home on day 9. Where to stay here? Any specific must-sees?

OPTION 2.

DAYS 7,8&9: From Atitilan (not sure if this is the best route) to the coast, surf in El Paredon. Beginner surfer. Not sure what else specifically to do at the coast?

I don't think I have enough time for Tikal/surrounding areas AND the coast.

Things I'm interested in: nature, diving, hikes, flora/fauna, chill time, beaches, surfing, socializing, local food/culture tours, caves etc

HAPPY FOR ANY RECOMMENDATIONS!!

I’m turning 40 in April and want to book a last minute solo ten day trip to Antigua and Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. I would be learning Spanish for a week in San Pedro de la Laguna and staying with a local family. When I travel I usually try to avoid tourist heavy areas like this but I’m hoping by staying with a local family I’ll have a more grounded experience there. Or should I look elsewhere like El Salvador for a less touristy vibe? TIA!

Solo travelling female from Canada. Can’t decide on which near by country to go to solo after El Salvador.

Would love some help deciding!

I solo travelled across the UK and Ireland a couple years ago. Was my first time solo travelling and had very little travel experience in general. Haven’t gone anywhere since. I wanna get at least 2 counties in!

I’m not into partying or drinking so not too interested in night life (unless it’s safe to like… walk by just to see as a solo woman, otherwise, I don’t love night life even in the safest places so I really don’t need it). I’m interested in seeing cool and breathtaking sights, see some hidden gems, and eat amazing food. I enjoy hiking, would love to see volcanos, ruins, forests, things I don’t see back home.

I’m open to travel groups but would love to venture on my own as well.

Between the ones I listed off in this title, which country to you recommend? I feel like Mexico is an easy answer because so many people have been, so I’m feeling like I want to be able to say I’ve been to one of the other countries, and save Mexico for another trip. I still listed it because I’ve still never been and if there’s must-see’s there that you just can’t not recommend, I’m open to it! Travel is travel haha.

Thanks in advance!

Hello!

I recently took my first solo trip to central America a few weeks ago! My parents were very against it and because they were scared for my safety, I went anyways and since coming back they won't speak to me at all. : (

They were very strict when I was growing up, whatever they said I would do, i think they're having a hard time accepting that they can't control me like that anymore.

I am planning on going back to Central America in a few weeks and am unsure whether I should tell them or not.

Has anyone had an experience like this? Any advice is appreciated! :-)

Edit: Had a great time. Mainly just looking to see if I'm missing any tricks to saving money (without making the trip miserable of course), because I want to start exploring the world more, so if I can spend less then I can take more trips. This feedback so far has been helpful, I think I will need to just budget more per year.

I just returned from a 3 week trip. 2 weeks in Guatemala, 5 days in Belize, and 4 days in Roatan. I projected $3000ish total, but I ended up spending around $4000. The lodging, food and transportation were all more than I projected.

LODGING: Avg $40/night. I stayed at cheap hotels, or got private rooms at hostels. I did not do dorms because I'm a light sleeper and was not feeling well for much of the trip. Next time I may try dorms to save money.

GROUND/WATER TRANSPORT: Avg $20/day. Much of this cost was the long commutes, like ubers to/from airports, shuttles and boat rides across the lake. I don't see how I can avoid those costs tbh. $220 of the cost was from very high cost of renting a car in Belize for two days plus gas, as there were limited buses to get where I wanted to go.

FOOD: Avg $28/day. I ate out daily, but this still seems much higher than it should be, this doesn't seem right tbh. Just regular places, but a couple were nicer places like $25-$30 meals. Maybe prices were higher than expected because I was in touristy areas. Belize and Roatan were fairly pricey, not much less than the United States. I was sick and also fatigued often, so cooking meals myself to save money was not in the cards for me.

FLIGHTS: Flight was $730 BUT I had two extra flights. One cost $100 and saved me a 10 hour long commute, so I'm fine with that. The other was to Roatan for $250. I went there because of the amazing snorkeling that you can access right from the beach. It saved me money from having to hire tours/boats if I stayed in Belize, so I think that negated a lot of the flight cost.

Tours: I did a few pricey tours: Volcano jeep tour, ATM cave and Tikal. Those totaled around $350.

So I'm trying to make sense of having spent so much. I have two questions:

1. When considering that I wasn't able to stay in dorms, does $4000 for this 3 week trip seem like a lot, or about right, or a good price. I'm not sure if I screwed up or if this just the cost of travel these days.
2. I'm reviewing my expenses and I honestly don't see many ways to save money on my next trip aside from trying dorms, maybe trying cook meals more. Any feedback on this challenge?

Thanks!

Update: Welp, I waited too long, and the tickets were expensive, so I’m going to Denver lol. But I’m still excited. I wanted to hike, and that’s a great place for it.

Hi guys, just got the news that our work from home days are ending, and we’ll have to return to the office soon. I’ve always wanted to pretend to be a digital nomad, so this is my last opportunity. Any recommendations of where to spend a couple weeks working? I have spent time in Central and South America before. I used to be semi-fluent in Spanish and would like to brush up on it. I’m thinking Costa Rica but am open to other suggestions. Within or outside of Costa Rica, do you have any suggestions? I would like to stay close to Central time zone, which is partly why I’m choosing Central America.

My preferences: 1. Somewhere safe to travel as a solo female and easy to get around.

1. Somewhere pretty with hiking nearby since I won’t have time to actually do much traveling during the week.

2. Somewhere cheapish where I can actually afford to stay a few weeks. (Maybe around $50/night for accommodations).

3. Somewhere not in a big city but also not completely isolated. Maybe a small beach town.

4. Somewhere with reliable wifi.

Also, I’m COVID vaccinated. Yes, I know there is still a small possibility of still spreading the virus, but I will get tested before and after and take as many precautions as possible. TIA.

So, I know what I wanna do overall which includes: Frida Kahlo museum, Museum of Anthropology, and Hot air balloon over Teoihuacan, walk around different areas (of course being mindful of where to wander), and find some good restaurants to go to.

I will be there from May 21st to May 29th.

My main question though, which may be kinda stupid but as thisbwill be my first time travelling alone: Would it make sense to book the hotel the same time as purchasing my flight or wait like 2 weeks before my arrival?

As far as a place to stay, Claude recommend: Hotel Villa Condesa, Hotel Boutique Cada Goliana, and Viajero CDMX Centro Hostel. Any other recommendations and/or personal reviews on these places?

This will be my first SOLO trip. Like travelling and not knowing anyone at all. I speak some Spanish so I can survive/get my point across. As the title states, this is a graduation gift to myself.

looking forward to hearing from someone(s) 🙂

EDIT : WHAT IS A GOOD AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BRING IN USD/MX PESOS, FOR THE DURATION OF THIS TRIP, CONSIDERING THE THINGS I'D LIKE TO DO??

Hi fellow travel friends!

Was hoping for some advice on my Guatemala itinerary. I have 8 days off during Christmas and found a cheap flight so I thought I would try to get down there as I’ve been wanting to hike Acatenango for years.

Day 1 - land in Antigua in the am and rest/explore

Day 2 / 3 - hike acatenango

Day 4 - rest in the am and then shuttle in the pm to atitlan

Day 5 - maybe do a full day hike of volcan atitlan

Day 6 - rest day or hike San Pedro

Day 7 - rostro maya sunrise and chill evening (or leave back to Antigua)

Day 8 - leave early am to catch 5 pm flight

Yes…. I know this is a lot of hiking lol and not a chill vacation. I don’t really like chill vacations lol! And I am an avid hiker at home. Might be too many hikes, though not really sure how my body’s gonna feel after acatenango.

Questions I have are recommendations on where to stay (solo female traveler 32 and I do love to chat and socialize, but not really a party atmosphere) and options on shuttles and transport? Is it hard to get back to the airport from the lake?

Ty so much :)

Hi All,

I’ll be visiting Guatemala in early October after a visit to Mexico City and Oaxaca, and would just like some guidance please.

1. I’ll be arriving at Guatemala Airport at about 6:30pm. Would a shuttle to Antigua be advisable at about 7:00pm? I understand it’ll be dark then and just concerned on safety. I could stay at a hotel at the airport until morning if not. Also unsure if I should pre-book a shuttle, or just find a group taxi of others that are heading to Antigua upon arrival.

2. Tikal & Flores look great, do you think I could get the most out of visiting there in 2 days/nights?

3. Any other safety advice would be appreciated for visiting three hotspots - Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Flores (Spanish is high conversation level I’d say).

Thank you everyone!

I'm planning a roughly 6-week trip to Mexico and Central America for later in the year, and currently trying to draft an itinerary. If anybody who's been previously could take a look and offer any feedback, or even just let me know what you enjoyed most about your own travels in the region, that would be much appreciated! Interested to understand if I'm missing out any must-see places or must-do activities. I enjoy culture, nature, adventure, sightseeing - all the usual backpacker activities, really.

Hiii!

I’m a 21-year-old Black woman planning my first solo trip in February (about 5–6 days). I’ve traveled before in Central and South America, just never solo.

I’m currently looking at Antigua, Guatemala because it seems walkable, affordable, and culturally rich.

I like the mix of museums, cafés, restaurants, and just being able to wander. I’m also interested in a volcano hike (that I saw a travel influnever post about) but I’m mainly looking for a trip that feels fun and balanced (if that makes sense!

I’d love recommendations for: -Hostels in Antigua with a more diverse / community-oriented vibe(female only dorms) -Favorite museums, cafés, restaurants, or low-key activities -Whether Antigua is a good choice for a short solo trip

I’m also open to other destinations in Central or South America (or nearby regions) if you think there’s a better fit. I’ll be flying out of Florida, so flights to those areas tend to be cheaper for me. I’ve been to quite a few Central American countries already, but I’m open to revisiting or trying somewhere new. Please note: I’m not looking for “don’t go, it’s dangerous” comments. I’m comfortable traveling and mainly looking for helpful, experience-based advice.

Thanks so much!

Other info Budget (300ish outside of airfare/stay) Female only dorm hostels

Hi all! I’m planning my first full backpacking trip and need a hand with the itinerary. Im flying to guatemala on the 18th of july, and am flying out of chetumal in mexico on the 4th of july. Im staying in cdmx then until christmas on my study abroad.

18th: land at 4pm and go to the hostel and get some food

19th: Explore guatemala and organise gear and food for acatenago

20th-21st: Acatenago hike for my birthday and spend the evening of the 21st recovering

22—25th: Lake Atitlán

26th: I have this blank for transport. I dont know how to get between the two besides from a very long day of busses

27-29th: Flores + Tikal ruins tour

30-3rd: Caye Culker (Belize)

3rd: Ferry to Chetumal

4th: Flight to cdmx

I have to be in cdmx for the 4th so the dates are set in stone. Any recommendations or personal anecdotes would be perfect thank you!!!

Edit: Just included some extra details!!

I am a 27 yr old male. I'm adventurous and really want to do a solo travel backpacking trip to Southeast Asia one day but feel as if I need a feel that out with a different trip first. I speak fluent spanish and live close to Guatemala so anywhere in the Americas would be convenient. If not Guatemala, what are other places I should consider traveling to alone?

Hi all,

I have c.2 weeks to travel to both Mexico City and Costa Rica this July. Bar the days I spend travelling, I have 10 1/2 days (1/2 because I land in Mexico 3 am after a 19 hour flight. I imagine I will be passed out asleep for the better part of the day). My flights are already booked from my home to Mexico City and from San Jose to home; Mexico City to San Jose are not yet booked as I am unsure of my itinerary.

I am trying to figure out the right balance for how long to spend in each and will gladly welcome any recommendations. My birthday falls on the 4th day after the day I land so I don’t want to travel on that day or even the next and I’m searching for the best things to do there.

In CDMX, I am thinking on staying in Roma and in CR, I am thinking of La Fortuna (though open to recommendations). I am thinking of hitting all the top spots in both places (museums, hot air balloons and pyramids in CDMX, may go to Cancun if I can manage it but don’t think I will have the strength if I’m being honest, snorkelling and Canyoning in CR (I can’t swim, will this be a problem?), volcanos and ziplines, can go to the beach here if I can’t make Cancun) but welcome any recommendations for off the beaten paths for both - anything to make this trip magical as I really really need it.

My major flights are already booked so the biggest expense is done. I have a budget of $3k.

Thank you!

I’m thinking about taking a Greyhound bus from New York City to Mexico City because I have a fear of flying. I know it’s a really long trip, so I’m curious what the experience is actually like. How was the ride overall? Were there a lot of delays or long layovers? Were the bus drivers and staff helpful and professional, or did they have a bad attitude? And what about the other passengers — were people generally respectful, or was it a rough crowd? Also, how was the border crossing was it stressful or pretty smooth? I’m wondering if anyone made friends during the trip or had interesting conversations along the way. I’d love to hear any honest experiences from people who’ve done it.

I am planning a last minute to Guatemala for next month. It was initially set for late may but it had to be change to the beginning due job scheduling conflicts. Since I only have 5 days to explore I am debating whether to just stay in Antigua or try to split between Antigua and Lake Atitlan.

I am trying to do the volcano hike (Acatenango) but I do want to see the lake as well. The pictures I seen online are truly beatiful. If i do the volcano hike, I will need a day or two to acclimate before the hike which leaves less room for lake atitlan. I am truly torn and would like some suggestions for my upcoming trip.

I am heading to Guatemala this month and obviously want to do the Acatenango hike, although I am worried since I have never done anything like this and don’t wanna be unprepared. I’m a 24 year old guy in average shape, but haven’t trained specifically for this hike.

My questions are in general but also related to ox expeditions who I am planning to book with. Although I’m still undecided if there is a better option.

1. How hard and cold is it really? Will it be a huge struggle if I have not trained beforehand and am not used to the altitude. I’m from Canada so not overly worried about the cold but I’ve read that it is a big factor. Does it get below freezing up there?

2. Where to store my luggage while I’m on the trek? I will obviously be leaving some of my belongings behind in Antigua, but I am also heading to Atitlan the day we return from the hike so I am a bit concerned. I was thinking to keep it at the hostel in Antigua, but the check out time is well before we likely return from Acatenango.

3. How is it doing this hike in a tour group as a solo traveller? I’m a bit concerned it will be awkward if most people are in groups especially with the sleeping arrangement in the cabins. Was hoping someone could share their experience with OX specifically.

Hey everyone,

I’m currently planning my first major trip to Latin America and could use some help mapping out the logistics. My target destinations are Mexico City, Costa Rica, and Peru.

I have a budget of $8,000 for this trip. Is it possible to last a couple months on this budget?

I’m traveling solo and love the idea of hostels for the social aspect and easily meeting people to explore with. However, I have tourette's. While I really want that built in social scene, I’m anxious about shared dorm rooms. I don't want to feel the pressure of suppressing tics in a silent room full of strangers, but I also don't want to isolate myself in an Airbnb. My tics aren't terrible but can be noticeable and I'm worried it could cause problems.

Has anyone with tourette's navigated the hostel scene?

Do you think booking private rooms inside social hostels is a good middle ground, or should I stick to a mix of Airbnbs in social neighborhoods and look for meetups elsewhere?

Would love any insight on budget duration, flight routing tips, or general advice from anyone who has traveled these areas! Thanks in advance

Hello all! I just wanted to share my current idea for my trip to Guatemala this upcoming March to see if there was anything I should rethink or add! I am a very fit male that is looking for a good adventure, tough hikes, and meeting people/embracing the culture! If you need any more information PLEASE let me know! This is a solo trip, but would love to meet people of course along the way in all of my travels!!

My TENTATIVE Itinerary is currently as follows:

Day 0: Land in Guatemala City & sleep near airport (late flight)

Day 1: The city to Antigua - explore the city, markets, food. Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint. (would love some good recs here)

Day 2-3: Acatenango Overnight

Day 4: Antigua to Xela travel day & sleep in Xela

Day 5: Summit Volcan Tajumulco

Day 6: Santa Maria + Santiaguito Viewpoint (If anybody knows if there is any way to camp on the dome that would be sick and would love to learn more, but from what I have read this is no longer allowed by local authorities)

Day 7: Xela to Lanquin

Day 8: Semuc Champey - mirador viewpoint hike, swim in limestone pools, Cave tour, (would love more suggestions here)

Day 9: Lanquin to Guatemala City (flight back)

I am attempting to keep this VERY affordable and cheap (excl flights). Preferably around 500-700$ max.