Solo in Mexico?

I haven't been to Mexico; I don't count the border towns. I keep saying I will get there but haven't been able to turn my focus away from Europe. When I'm ready to head south, I'll start with the colonial cities--places like Queretaro, Cuernavaca, etc. Here are a couple of articles that will give you some places to research to see whether they would be appealing to you:

Culture Trip's 10 Best Historic and Colonial Cities in Mexico

Mexico Travel Secrets' 16 Most Beautiful Colonial Cities

Been to Mexico many, many times. Haven't seen all of it, but have been to pretty much everyplace that has a coastline, and a lot more of it that doesn't. It's a wonderful destination, we are blessed to have such a great, diverse, fascinating country right next door - it's way bigger and way more diverse than most Americans think. Wonderful people, too.

If you want a tropical beach experience, and you've never been there, I'd head to the Yucatan, rather than PV (beaches themselves are 1000 times better on the Caribbean side, plus there's the incredible ancient Mayan sites all over the place). Yes, a lot of Yucatan is is very, very touristy (so is PV, for that matter) but it's possible to get away from the worst of the overtourism without having to work too hard.

March isn't a bad time to be there (I would skip Mexico in the summer, I'm not built for that kind of heat). I've traveled solo a couple times in Mexico, it's not really any different from traveling solo anywhere (not saying Mexico is the same as, say, France, but the "solo" part of traveling there is).

Most years I get to Mexico City once or twice. Wonderful place and easy since there are direct flights from my home town in Texas. I also work along the border and cross on rare occasions. Never done the big American tourist resorts though. In Mexico City I dont travel much alone. I hire a very, very cheap guide that knows whats safe and isn't and who speak Spanish as mine .... well .... it sucks but will work in a pinch. I suspect there are more Albanians that speak English than there are Mexicans living in Mexico City. I am certain I will be back at least once in 2024. The border towns I get out of before dark. Shame too, as when I was younger we use to party all night ... but those were different times. Enjoy the read: https://www.newsweek.com/americans-killed-mexico-homicide-data-1786431

Around Cuernavaca, make sure you go to the Xochicalco archeological site (by local bus or taxi): it is incredible. Huge, well-preserved, and very few visitors. I visited it on my own in 2018, I was the only one on site until shortly before I left.
The village of Tepotzlán is also a fun visit, it is a very cute "pueblo mágico".

If you want something historic but more manageable than DF, how about Puebla? It’s only about an hour or so (I think) from the airport and lots of colonial buildings and churches, nice museums, and small towns nearby with other colonial and pre-Colombian sites. With Spanish, the buses work well. Otherwise you might want a day tour or driver from Puebla. It’s a very different trip than the beach resorts and closer to Cuernavaca than other spots you mention.

Or try going west to Guadalajara. Similar to Puebla with colonial buildings, and walkable downtown, but a different feel. And try a day tour to the Tequila, if you imbibe. There’s a tourist train that goes up there but I haven’t done it and would have to research before trusting the quality of what they serve.

The Yucatán is great for some time if you don’t want to home right away. Try Merida instead of the resorts on the east side for a non-beach vacation. Day trip to Uxmal (Mayan site), and one of the old haciendas.. Hit a cenote to get in the water without having to worry about jellyfish. There’s a lot around there that is easy to see with a car, but there must be day tours as well.

Thanks for the thoughts and feedback, everyone. I somehow completely forgot to include a little more of my experience in Mexico: I have family in Cuernavaca and have visited there a few times. Those trips have included visits to Puebla, Xochicalco, Taxco, Tepotzlán.

I'll definitely take a look at the other suggestions. But, also, I could fly from there for two weeks in/out of Rome and then home in business class for 1,800usd.

Definitely visit Oaxaca if you haven't. My parents have been to several beaches and towns in Mexico and the only one they'd go back to is Oaxaca. Loved the downtown, the food and the people.

You could go to the beach town of PE near Oaxaca if you want a beach atmosphere.

You've been to Mexico so I don't have to warn you to take precautions and as a single woman always walk on well-lit streets and don't go walking alone late at night. Mexico is a nice place but crime has risen exponential and even in Oaxaca "gringo" areas, there are muggings on side streets.

I would find a good guide to take you around whatever city you choose. With the exception of Puebla-which was a Spanish planned city, most cities have fascinating history surrounding them. A good guide can make such a difference.

I lived in Guadalajara for my college study abroad program, and went to both Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City while I was there. Have also been to Puerto Vallarta on a separate trip. Loved Baja (La Paz)--though that is not near where you will be. Sea kayaking and the remote feel of the Baja desert were really stunning. We have friends who have a place in Zihuantanejo--really enjoyed that seaside town--more low key than the other resort/hotel/tourist cities of the Pacific coast. On the other side have only been to Cozumel and Costa Maya on a cruise, though did go a really wonderful Mayan ruin--Chacchoben. But the place I really want to see next in Mexico is Oaxaca.

Scudder, I can see why that airfare is very tempting! Do you have some special places you have been hoping to visit in Italy ?

Carol, I really enjoyed my time in Milan and Venice this past March, and that trip has given me an appetite for Italy. My list there is long, so it would be easy to fill 10-12 days.

What I’ve got sketched out is a (very) open-jaw flying into Rome (where I spent 3 days 27 years ago), then from Naples to Madrid 10-11 days later. Madrid for a long weekend before coming home. (Next week marks 2 years since meeting the madridleño...) Honestly, I would have booked this 10 minutes ago, but it's a wacky ticket and I have to call in. But first must go vote!