Mexico Women Travelers

Women exploring on their own inevitably face some additional safety concerns, but it’s easy to be adventurous without taking undue risks. If you are concerned, consider staying in hostels which offer single rooms that lock from the inside or in religious organizations with single-sex rooms. Stick to centrally located accommodations and avoid solitary late-night treks or bus rides.

Always carry extra cash for a phone call, bus, or taxi. Hitchhiking is never safe for lone women, or even for two women traveling together. Look as if you know where you’re going and approach older women or couples for directions if you’re lost or uncomfortable.

Generally, the less you look like a tourist, the better off you’ll be. Mexican women seldom travel without the company of men; foreign women who do so often draw attention. Moreover, Mexican men are notorious for their machismo, a brand of Latin-American chauvinism accompanied by whistles, catcalls, and stares. Persistent men may insist on joining you and “showing you the sights.” If you’re fair-skinned or have light-colored hair, you might hear “güera, güera” (blonde, blonde). Expect to hear the typical come-on, “¿Adónde vas, mamacita?” (Where are you going, babe?). The best answer to verbal harassment is often none at all; feigning deafness, sitting motionless, and staring straight ahead at nothing in particular will do more than reacting to taunts. Machismo is usually more annoying than dangerous, but in real emergencies, a firm, loud, and very public “Go away!” (“¡Vete!”) or a yell for help (“¡Socorro!”) might fend off unwanted attention. It might also be a good idea to wear a whistle. Be aware, however, that many police officers and uniformed officials are the biggest machistas of all. Local elderly women or nuns often discourage Casanovas simply by their presence.

Awareness of Mexican social standards and dress codes may help to minimize unwanted attention. Mexican women seldom wear shorts, short skirts, tank tops, or halter tops. In many regions, doing so may draw harassment or stares. Shorts and tank tops are appropriate only in beach and resort areas or in towns with a large number of foreign students and tourists. More traditional areas of the country generally require conservative dress; wear a long skirt and sleeved blouses in churches or very religious towns. If you are traveling with a male friend, it may help to pose as a couple; this will make it easier to share rooms and will also chill the blood of Mexican Romeos. Wearing a wedding band on your left hand or a crucifix around your neck may help discourage unwanted attention. In addition to talking loudly and frequently about their muscular boyfriend (novio muy fuerte) or easily angered husband (esposo muy enojón), some savvy women even carry pictures of these “boyfriends” and “husbands,” gladly displaying them to prospective suitors. Most importantly, act confidently in potentially dangerous situations.

Memorize the emergency numbers in Mexico (☎060). A self-defense course will both prepare you for a potential attack and raise your awareness level of your surroundings (see Personal Safety).