Traveling to a new country on your own can often be intimidating, especially if you don’t speak the language and are unfamiliar with the culture. When it comes to Mexico, there are some areas that it’s best to stay clear of if you are on your own, but there are many others that are known for their hospitality and generosity, making solo travelers feel extremely welcome. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the best Mexican destinations for solo travel.

Tulum
Tulum is a quaint Mexican beach town located on the Yucatan Peninsula, and is a great place to relax while taking in the sights at your own leisurely pace. The beaches have managed to escape all of the development that is seen on other parts of the coastline, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some unspoiled natural beauty. Tulum is also known for its freshwater pools, many of which form an underground network of rivers that can be explored with a snorkeling or scuba diving trip. The Tulum ruins are just to the north of the town, and can easily be reached by renting a bike, or catching a taxi. These are known for being one of the Mayan civilization’s only walled cities, and are definitely worth the visit. OROGOLD recommends heading there early in the morning, to not only escape the heat, but also the majority of the crowds.

Mexico City
Mexico City is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, as many of the hotels and hostels have rooftop bars that are aimed at introducing solo guests to other travelers. This is the oldest city on the American continent, and, understandably so, is filled with many different museums and historic sites. The city is easy to navigate, and, if you don’t feel safe alone on the metro, taxis are easy to find. For those days where you don’t have a set itinerary, it is always enjoyable to wander through the city, appreciating the Art Deco, the street entertainment, and the fantastic array of authentic street snacks. If you have an afternoon to spare, OROGOLD recommends heading to Condesa, a laid-back area with a bohemian vibe and some cute outdoor cafés to sit back and do some people-watching.

Huatulco
Situated in the state of Oaxaca, Huatulco is a resort region that, until the 1980s, was nothing more than just a single fishing village. Development restrictions mean that building heights are limited, and each developed area is separated by areas of unspoiled coastline, leaving 12 miles of natural shoreline for you to explore. While such a developed area may not be for everyone’s tastes, it does come with its advantages, the main one here being that there is no end to the number of different activities on offer. From snorkeling to diving to surfing to cycling to rafting, there is so much to fill your day with while meeting other similar-minded travelers. If you start to feel a thirst for exploring more of the region, there are many tours that you can join, from visiting magnificent waterfalls to a guided tour of a coffee farm.

While many may believe that Mexico isn’t safe for a solo traveler, these thoughts are usually based on rumors. Mexican culture places a huge emphasis on hospitality and warmth, and this will make you feel comfortable and right at home, no matter where in Mexico you visit.