Driving from Cancun to Chichen Itza, Cobo, Tulum and back up the Riveria Maya

[Anonymous]

Will be visiting Cancun solo for a few days. While there I'm planning to drive to Chichen Itza for a night, and then to Cobo and Tulum for another day. Then plan on driving back upto Cancun. Any rental car tips, or budget accommodation tips? I don't have more than 2-3 days for the excursion so would appreciate any must-sees/dos. This is my first time visiting Mexico. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It's a easy drive but I have to warn you against the police. They stop a lot of tourists for bribes (or threaten/take away tour license). I swore the last time we rented would be our last time.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it if you are a single female. Not worth the risks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a easy drive but I have to warn you against the police. They stop a lot of tourists for bribes (or threaten/take away tour license). I swore the last time we rented would be our last time.

Forgot to add- we were stopped 2 times. The rental cars have holographic stickers on the front plate or window that they can literally spot from a mile away. Once they stopped us just to say "hi" and were waving all tourists to one side. We saw the other cars giving them $ we got off with nothing more than just a scare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't do it if you are a single female. Not worth the risks.

OP here. Not female. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Cancun is one of my favorite and memorable vacation ever. But is it safe to drive around out of the resort these days ? Not sure , I would do my research first for safety. Enjoy your time !

[Anonymous]

Ask this and do research on Tripadvisor.

[Anonymous]

I second the trip advisor recommendation.

My Mexican friend advised me to hire a driver to take me around. We were never stopped by police. It was about $65/day. Again, check trip advisor for recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs. The drive is good, but don't be your own driver. Hire someone trusty.

[Anonymous]

I was just in Cancun (solo female), and, during my excursion to Isla Mujeres, one of our travelers (a man with wife and young son) got pulled over by Mexican police. He had to pay the police $40 for the cop to not take his license. He got pulled over for using his phone as GPS.

Mexican cops are corrupt, and they terrify me! I was also driving a golf cart and using my phone. Thankfully I didn't get pulled over.

[Anonymous]

Super easy. Get a rental car and don't speed (especially around the airport). One highway that is a straight shot to all destinations you mentioned. There is absolutely no need to hire a private driver. Just use common sense and don't speed. We've been going to Tulum for the past ten years and have never had a problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I second the trip advisor recommendation.

My Mexican friend advised me to hire a driver to take me around. We were never stopped by police. It was about $65/day. Again, check trip advisor for recommendations.

Forget tripadvisor. Locogringo forums are the place that area owners/insiders post: http://forums.locogringo.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Super easy. Get a rental car and don't speed (especially around the airport). One highway that is a straight shot to all destinations you mentioned. There is absolutely no need to hire a private driver. Just use common sense and don't speed. We've been going to Tulum for the past ten years and have never had a problem.

I am 21:55. We were hyper aware of the laws and did not speed. Prior to this we always rented and never had a problem, we feel like the police really started zeroing in on tourists about 2-3 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Super easy. Get a rental car and don't speed (especially around the airport). One highway that is a straight shot to all destinations you mentioned. There is absolutely no need to hire a private driver. Just use common sense and don't speed. We've been going to Tulum for the past ten years and have never had a problem.

I am 21:55. We were hyper aware of the laws and did not speed. Prior to this we always rented and never had a problem, we feel like the police really started zeroing in on tourists about 2-3 years ago.

So did you have to pay a bribe or did they just pull you over and let you go? Definitely a hassle, but I don't know that it makes it not worth renting a car down there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Super easy. Get a rental car and don't speed (especially around the airport). One highway that is a straight shot to all destinations you mentioned. There is absolutely no need to hire a private driver. Just use common sense and don't speed. We've been going to Tulum for the past ten years and have never had a problem.

I am 21:55. We were hyper aware of the laws and did not speed. Prior to this we always rented and never had a problem, we feel like the police really started zeroing in on tourists about 2-3 years ago.

If pulled over, would flashing a maroon official US passport help the situation? Or terrible idea?