San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Budget backpacker area with cheap hostels. No restaurants or cafes nearby. Safe but you'll need to walk to other neighborhoods for everything except sleeping.
The budget backpacker area, 5-10 minutes walk from Real de Guadalupe. Hostels here charge as low as $4 USD per night for dorm beds. The neighborhood is quiet and residential - no restaurants or coffee shops, so you'll walk to the centro for meals. Street lighting is okay on main roads but spotty on side streets. La Embajada and Puerta Vieja hostels are here and get decent reviews. It's a cheap place to sleep, not a place to hang out - you'll spend your days in other parts of town.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
GoodEvening Venues
ModerateSolo Dining
ModerateDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
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"Cheap hostels but nothing to do nearby"
"Safe and quiet but walk elsewhere for food and fun"
"Met other backpackers at hostels then went to centro"
"Safe walking back at night but streets are empty"
"Budget option if you're okay walking for meals"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Residential area popular with digital nomads. Cheaper than the centro with local neighborhood character. Co404 coliving is here. No restaurants nearby so expect to walk to the center for food.
The nightlife district with budget bars, live music, and backpackers. It's on a steep hill with views over town. Good place to meet other travelers.
The artistic, quiet area with cafes, street art, and more locals than tourists. Still walkable to the center. Popular with digital nomads.
Help other women stay safe in Barrio de la Merced
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.