The perspective of a solo female traveler in Mexico

Mexico has a pretty diverse reputation. While you will hear many people say how dangerous it is, another group of people tells you all about its beautiful landscapes, hospitable culture, and incredible food. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience of traveling and living in Mexico for seven months. Topics that this blog post will cover are nationalism, culture, racism, men, gender roles, religion, and safety.

The first time I experience the unique Mexican culture was on my quick border crossing from San Diego to Tijuana. These four days in Tijuana gave me only a glimpse of Mexican culture and a desire to explore more of this country. Four years have gone by. In 2021, I had the opportunity to do my exchange semester in Mexico. I lived in Monterrey for four months and traveled south by land transport to Puerto Escondido, which was my home for a month. I met travelers as well as locals and heard different stories that all contributed to my experience as a solo female traveler in Mexico.

Viva Mexico! – Let Mexicans share their passion

Mexicans love their country. In every major city, there is at least one huge Mexican flag. Locals are happy to share their passionate love for their country with foreigners. Especially when it comes to eating, as the gastronomic culture of the Mexicans is well known. Also, Independence Day gets celebrated all over the country with big festivals in the town squares. In general, Mexicans love their culture, heritage, and country.

Racism – Are Mexicans racist? 

Mexico is racist – that was the opinion of a Mexican. His opinion surprised me, so I dug deeper and talked to various people. First of all, that’s a generalization, of course, there are exceptions. Mexicans are not racist towards foreigners, but towards their people. Darker-skinned Mexicans can experience racism within Mexico.

Some examples: In San Pedro, the wealthiest area of Monterrey, there is at least one club that does not allow people of color inside. Additionally, I have heard a story that the security forces of a shopping mall paid particular attention to a colored Mexican.

This problem may arise from the history of Mexico. Spain colonized Mexico in the 15th century and ruled the country for decades. In 1821 Mexico gained independence. The Spaniards also settled in Mexico but never got involved with the natives. The separation of the two ethnic groups was and is visible through racism.

However, this is only my experience in San Pedro, which can be very different in other parts of Mexico. I hope that the values of Millennials will change the situation. So that Mexicans of varying skin color will no longer experience racism. 

The Mexican Macho or Gentleman?  

I first experienced a typical “Mexican gentleman” gesture in Los Angeles. I met a Mexican American guy via couchsurfing. We toured the city and the ships Battleship USS Iowa and Queen Mary. Btw. If you are ever in this region, I can highly recommend visiting Queen Mary. I felt like I was standing on the Titanic. 

While walking on the sidewalk of a beach city in L.A. he insisted on walking on the street side. He explained to me it is something their parents or grandparents teach Mexican boys. A gesture to act like a gentleman. In Mexico, you can find this gentlemanly gesture from guys frequently.

Only a small minority of men do not do it or only if they feel like it (when walking on a busy street, at night, etc.) From what I understand, it depends on the attitude of the men towards this gesture. Some might see it as outdated. Others might see it as unnecessary. In addition, something that surprised me and happened to me a few times: men getting up for women on a packed bus. This astonished me. Because it also shows contradictions. From the stories I’ve heard about women being raped in Mexico and the many public types of transport where women and children have separate areas.

Apparently, it also varies from state to state. I’ve heard that Sinaloan men are a little less gentlemanly.

Undesirable behavior of men toward single travelers

So far, I have found Mexican men to be respectful, with a few exceptions: when I pass construction sites, the men working on the sites whistle, make comments, and look at me with their hungry looks. Or sometimes cars honk on the streets while passing me. That’s incredibly disrespectful. I’ve experienced this in Monterrey and Puerto Escondido, fortunately only a couple of times. Here in Puerto, it’s a little different. Some men greet me, and I greet them back. I’ve never had an encounter where a man chased me from the street or anything (except for the story in Real de Catorce, where everything was fine in the end).

What role does religion play in Mexico? 

Mexico is a catholic country. I have not experienced that it is very religious. Neither have I met any catholic or very religious people. But what I have observed is that when Mexicans pass a church or maybe only a religious cross, they make the sign of the cross.

Is Mexico safe for a female solo traveler?

If you have followed my journey on Instagram, you probably already know that I’m up for adventures. I traveled around Mexico a bit, always alone. Took the bus, hitchhiked, and walked. I have experienced Mexico as safe! Of course, I’m aware of my surroundings and don’t provoke anything with my behavior or appearance.

Walking alone at night in Mexican cities

The first time I walked around at night was in San Pedro. I was invited to a BBQ night with new friends. I kept in mind that Mexico is unsafe, and I was super attentive to the area. Soon I realized that it was safe, and the police presence was extensive (the special police of San Pedro, the rich area of town).

My Mexican friends all advised me not to walk during the night on the streets. I asked a local to tell me honestly if it was that bad. That’s the answer I received: first of all, it depends on the area, time, and the number of people on the streets. I frequently walked in the dark in Monterrey and Puerto Escondido. However, I avoid being alone in the city around midnight and later. If you are unsure if you should walk around after dusk, ask various locals about the safety of the neighborhoods and be very specific with your questions. Always listen to your gut feeling and if you aren’t sure, better stay safe and take a cab.

Drug cartels in Mexico

In addition, it cannot be unmentioned: the drug cartels. Luckily, I have only heard stories about shootings, people getting kidnapped, and even killed. One night in the center of Monterrey, I walked around with a friend and three men were standing at a square, and just a few meters further at the corner of the square, were another three men. My Mexican friend told me not to pass here because it was dangerous, so we turned around. This constellation seemed strange to me, but I don’t know what it meant.

The drug cartels have much power in Mexico, which leads to violence in certain areas or during certain times. It’s sad how it is. As a tourist in Mexico, I can tell you to stay out of this drug business and always locals’ advice if you are going to a less populated area. Have a look at this video, so you know why. 

Mexicans’ best trait: their kindness 

Mexicans are incredibly kind. I have never experienced them screaming or ranting. I received their attitude towards life as easy-going and light-hearted. Some of my heart-warming experiences are: On my first days in Mexico, I was sitting near the Palacio de Bellas Artes in the capital city and a homeless, drunk young guy started to talk to me. I felt a bit uncomfortable. It did not take long and two Mexican girls were by my side, telling the guy to leave me alone.

In San Pedro, I rode my bicycle to the supermarket and wanted to lock it at a traffic sign. An older Mexican man from across the street told me in English that inside the parking garage is a bike rack and it’s safer to lock my bicycle there.

After a picnic event in a park in Monterrey, newly met friends who give me a ride home, even though it was a big detour for them.

I will miss their attitude!