“You are going to Cancun?” I hear the security checkpoint officer inquire after I hand him my passport and boarding pass.
“Yes, I’ll be staying in Riviera Maya, but I stop in Phoenix first. It’s the boarding pass on top.”
“You are going alone?” He asks in a concerned tone.
“Yes, I travel to Mexico alone quite often.”
The man still seemed a little uneasy, so I felt the need to tell him I would be meeting people there. This being my first time to Cancun, I began to wonder what was the cause for concern. I didn’t get into more details since all I wanted to do was get through security and catch my 6:30AM flight departure.
My guess is that his worry was not for a woman traveling solo to Cancun, (although in Cancun my biggest problem would most likely be the drunk Americans) but travel to Mexico as a whole. I found it hard to believe airport personnel would give into the media hype and instill fear into passengers about the safety of the entire country of Mexico.
Frequent travelers to Mexico know the truth, but it still often shocks me every time I hear people say that all areas of Mexico are unsafe. Even though this was my first time to Riviera Maya, the possibility of it not being safe for travelers didn’t even cross my mind.
I arrived here thinking that Riviera Maya and Playa Del Carmen was a destination with beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and exciting nightlife. Although I did find all of this to be true, I was also introduced to a few of the more unique things about the area.
I found underground rivers, floating down a lazy river with jaw-dropping scenery, riding in fast cars, and the eclectic cuisine were actually my highlights of the trip. In the coming weeks, I will share some of my favorite things to do in Riviera Maya with no shortage of photos like these.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere
Mussel Appetizer at Le Reve Hotel
Plan Your Trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico!
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I flew in here to start my RTW and I was alone and spoke to Spanish. I never had even a hint of a problem and wouldn`t hesitate to recommend it to others.
New reader, can’t wait to see more! We’ve been to tons of supposedly unsafe places outside of the US and I’ve never felt too uneasy. My one trip to Mexico however was scary as hell. I’m dying to get over that and see more of a country that is so close to home.
i was next door in bed while my 2 teens were partying in our resort ,safe i thought from harm.meanwhile the ianero’s(you remember them) were getting their throats slit in their bathtub by the head of security for a few grand!we never heard about it til we were on the plane 3 days later!
the little town (pop 13,000)4 miles east has a murder every single day on average but the victims are usually the locals and they keep it out of the newspapers.safe? really! don’t be naive,the guards with the sub machine guns in front of the atm’s should be one tip off as to how desperate some of the locals can be.our last trip was to costa rica and panama,never felt more welcome.never felt threatened.prices were lower than mexico,cleaner…..
The only places that are a little unsafe (if you aren’t vigilant) are the border towns, like Ciudad Juarez, Reynosa, and Matamoros. Once you go a good 50 to 100 miles into Mexico its the same as if though you were traveling in the US. Just gotta be careful and keep an eye out. It’s the same everywhere.
My one time in Mexico was an hour or two across the border from El Paso, which happens to be Juarez and absolutely is unsafe. But I didn’t know better, I was just on a road trip and wanted to pop over to Mexico. But now I’d love to go see parts of the country I keep hearing about from so many people who love Mexico. It’s ridiculous to think an entire country is unsafe unless there’s an active war going on at the time, like in Syria right now unfortunately. Always good to read more positive things about Mexico!
I just spent a month in the Riviera Maya and felt safer than I do in parts of Calgary.
Nice looking car!
Ugh I get that attitude all the time when I am traveling to Mexico. Last time I came back the guy was extra suspicious because of all my Argentina and Uruguay stamps. I told him I lived in Argentina for a while and he looked mortified!
I spent a week in a Cancun resort years ago, but I need to go back for more of an authentic experience. Consider it bucket-listed.
Looks great. I’d love to try it soon! How long were you there?
If you go, be sure to do the “Tulum Extreme” trip. Ziplines, repelling and snorkeling in a cave, plus a tour of Tulum. Great experience!!!