Visit Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan Peninsula
Though you might not know this state by name, Quintana Roo is home to many of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations!
Here in Quintana Roo, you’ll swim in the beautiful Caribbean waters surrounding Cancun and Tulum, and also the Earth’s second biggest freshwater lake, Bacalar Lagoon, AKA “The Maldives of Mexico.”
This state is also home to Mayan ruins, and many of the country’s most beautiful cenotes.
cenote: (noun) natural swimmin’ hole
Top Yucatan destinations
Quintana Roo FAQs
Is Quintana Roo state safe for solo travel?
Quintana Roo and Yucatan Peninsula are considered quite safe; in fact, it consistently ranks among the safest areas in Mexico.
I lived in Playa del Carmen and Tulum for about 3 months, and encountered zero issues. However, I made my own safety a priority, and you should too!
Check out Ep. 04 of my podcast, Janine’s Take On Solo Female Travel Safety in Mexico, where I spoke to a fellow solo female traveler about her take on Mexico travel safety.
What are Quintana Roo's best places to visit?
Oh man! Where do I begin?!
Quintana Roo’s “Big 3” destinations are Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
Some of the amazing, and slightly off the beaten path destinations include Holbox Island, Bacalar, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Akumal and Puerto Morelos… there’s quite a bit to explore.
Download my FREE eGuide, Venturing Off the Beaten Path: 10 Hidden Gems of Mexico, to learn all about the first two places listed — Holbox Island and Bacalar.
What's the best time of year to visit Quintana Roo, Mexico?
Located in the tropics, Quintana Roo state has pleasant, warm winters — but hot, rainy summers!
Weather-wise, the winter months of November-March are the nicest months in this part of Mexico. December is the busiest month for tourism.
For those who want to party, March-April durig Spring Break, are the most lively months in Quintana Roo state.
The summer months are quite hot and humid, and also, Hurricane Season. The season runs June 1-November 30, though hurricanes and heavy rains aren’t usually a problem past mid- to late-October.
Is Quintana Roo, Mexico safe for solo female travel?
For the most part, tourists and visitors are safe in Quintana Roo state. This part of Mexico relies heavily on tourism dollars, and police monitor busy areas and highways vigilantly.
However, there really isn’t an officially official answer to Mexico travel safety. Safety isn’t a guarantee anywhere!
What is definitive is that countless female solo travelers have been safe in Mexico! Check out my blog Mexico Solo Travel: 5 Ways to Stay Safe On Your Trip to see the best safety measure you can take while traveling in Mexico.
Will I need a tourist visa to visit Mexico?
You don’t need a visa! When you go through Customs/Immigration at the airport, you’ll receive your FMM 180-Day (6 month) Tourist Visa at no charge. Be sure to keep track of this visa, as you’ll have give it back when you’re leaving the country. Check out my blog 5 Reasons Mexico is One of the Best First Time Solo Travel Destinations for more reasons Mexico is such a great option for U.S. visitors.
Do I need to speak Spanish to visit Mexico?
Many people visit Mexico and never utter a word of Spanish!
However, as a general rule, you’ll want know at least a few words of Spanish. Download this free Basic Spanish Words & Phrases list, and save it on your phone as an image, so you’ll have it even if you’re off-WiFi.
As far as Quintana Roo goes, if you stick to the more touristic parts, you should be fine with very basic Spanish. If you want to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in the pueblos (small towns) speak little to no English.
Quintana Roo blogs & info
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