Should we renta a car in Cancún? 7 Questions to help you decide
Cancun is not just a beautiful beach destination; it also has many exciting places to explore. You may want to know whether you should rent a car for your trip. These seven questions will help you decide if renting a vehicle is right for you.
1. Is it safe?
The roads in the Yucatan Peninsula are pretty good, and the tourist areas are very safe. However, like everywhere else, you should always take the usual precautions: Know where you are going beforehand, avoid traveling late at night, and stay in well-known areas.
Over the past ten years, I have driven with our children from Calakmul to Holbox, Villahermosa to Merida, and most of the roads in the Yucatan Peninsula, and I have always felt safe. We also have many friends who have driven around Cancun, Riviera Maya, and other less-known places like Bacalar, Celestun, and Xcalak, and they have never had any problems.
Since most of the area is flat and was developed in the last 40 years, most roads are new, broad, and straight, making them easy to drive. Road signs are better than in most of Mexico; even in Spanish, they’re easy to understand.
The cities are still relatively small, so it’s not as hectic as driving in other parts of Mexico, like Guadalajara, Mexico City, or Monterrey.
Driving around in Cancun and Riviera Maya is quite safe and not that difficult.
2. Where are you staying?
If you stay in Cancun, you can get around without renting a car. You can walk, take the bus in the hotel zone, or take taxi cabs.
If you are staying in Riviera Maya, renting a car is recommended unless you plan to spend most of your time in your resort enjoying the fantastic installations.
3. Do you plan on going on day trips and exploring?
If you plan to spend most of your time in your resort, enjoying the beach or getting to know the town where you are staying (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, etc.), you can get by without a car. You can walk anywhere, take a taxi, or use hotel transportation.
If you like exploring, plan on making at least two-day trips during your stay to places like Chichen Itza, cenotes, different towns, or hidden beaches. Renting a car will be cheaper and easier.
4. How large is your group?
We have a large family, usually seven, but sometimes, with grandparents, friends, and significant others, it’s not unusual for us to be nine or ten people traveling together. When there is a large group, renting a van or two cars to move around is usually cheaper and simpler.
5. Do you have small children?
If you have small children, you might prefer renting a car so they can stay in their car seats while you are on the road to visit different places.
6. How much flexibility do you want?
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to set your schedule, explore new places, and go off the beaten path. You don’t have to stick to a predetermined schedule and can easily change your plans.
7. Are you comfortable driving in different circumstances?
Finally, you should consider if you feel comfortable driving in a different country, where you don’t know the roads and the customs might be a bit different. Although driving in Cancun and Riviera Maya is simple, some people get very stressed when driving in other circumstances. The road signs might not be as clear as they are at home; there are many more “topes” (speed bumps) and baches (holes) than you are probably used to. If this is just part of the experience and you have no problem with it, then you should rent a car, but if it’s going to add too much stress, then it’s not worth it. You are on vacation in Cancun and shouldn’t feel stressed; you should enjoy a magical, incredible place. In Cancun, private shuttles are readily available and can take you to all the places you want to visit.
