Month: December 2021

Driving In Mexico- A Complete Tourist Guide

Written by Rentalmoose on . Posted in Mexico, Pro tips for renting a car. Leave a Comment

Driving in Mexico can seem a little overwhelming at first. Check out our comprehensive guide, ideal for those who are planning to drive in Mexico!

There is so much to see in Mexico. Wonderful attractions, such as ancient Mayan ruins, are scattered all over the country. If you’re planning to make the most of your trip, the best way is to travel within the country by car. That way, you can freely move between different cities and regions in Mexico.

A Comprehensive Tourist Guide To Driving In Mexico

Can Foreigners Drive in Mexico

Yes! International tourists are permitted to drive in Mexico. Naturally, you have to meet the local laws to be eligible to drive here. In practice, this means the following.

You need to have a valid driving license. You only need an International Driving Permit if your domestic license is not in English. If your license is only in Japanese, for example, you’ll need to obtain an IDP.

Can You Drive In Mexico With A US License

Yes! As mentioned above, you can drive in Mexico with a foreign driving license as long as it’s in English. If you own a US-issued driving license, you can freely use it when driving in Mexico.

Requirements To Rent A Car in Mexico

If you’re planning to travel between different cities in Mexico, it’s best to rent a car for your trip. You can use Rentalmoose to browse through rental cars across over 15 000 locations worldwide. We only offer cars from trusted & verified suppliers.

Rentalmoose insider tip: Renting a car in Mexico? Don’t forget about proper insurance! Your credit card insurance may not provide coverage in Mexico.

The minimum age to rent a car in Mexico is 21. Drivers between 21 and 25 years will likely be charged with a young driver fee. This daily fee will be added on top of your rental quote.

In addition, most rental companies will require the renter to have at least 2 years of driving experience. This is verified by the issue date on your license.

The vast majority of rental companies in Mexico will require a credit card issued under the renter’s name. Debit cards are often not accepted.

Is It Safe To Drive in Mexico

To be completely honest, that depends. Safety remains a concern for many international tourists visiting Mexico. Tourist areas such as Cancun are perfectly safe. The same goes for the vast majority of the country. Drug violence remains a serious problem in the country, and it’s best to stay up to date on local news.

There are some areas that are not recommended to visit, such as Toluca Highway. It’s often referred to by locals as the carretera de la muerte, which translates to the Highway of Death. The name is pretty self-explanatory. You may want to drop it from your itinerary.

That said, you should always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, just like any other country you travel to.

There is absolutely no need to freak out. You can find some helpful tips for driving in Mexico below.

Tips For Tourists Driving in Mexico

Check out the information below to prepare you to drive in Mexico for the first time.

  • Stay vigilant
  • Avoid driving at night
  • Take cuotas (toll roads)
  • Look out for topes

Stay Vigilant

Naturally, you always want to be vigilant and fully aware of your surroundings when traveling abroad. The same goes for driving in Mexico. There is absolutely no need to panic and freak out that something bad will happen.

Simply stay aware of what’s going on around you at all times. Just like you would anywhere else.

Avoid Driving At Night

A couple of decades ago, this piece of advice would refer to banditos- local gangsters who would rob drivers, especially in remote areas during the night. Over the last years, the number of banditos has dramatically decreased.

The main reason you should drive in Mexico during the day is actually the quality of roads. Major toll roads (we’ll get to those in a second) are well-paved. The same cannot be said about side roads, especially in remote parts of the country.

If you do happen to break down in the middle of nowhere, you may have to wait until daytime for assistance to arrive. That’s why it’s best to simply avoid driving at night altogether.

Take Cuotas, or Toll Roads

At first, you may think that this is related to banditos or drug-related violence, like the advice to drive during the day. However, it’s recommended to stick to cuotas, or toll roads, due to the quality of roads. Cuotas tend to be well-paved, unlike minor streets. The difference is even more apparent in poorer regions of Mexico.

Look Out For Topes

Topes are speed bumps. They can be found all over Mexico, especially on busy highways and in big cities. You may expect speed bumps to be painted in bright yellow to ensure they’re visible. That’s not exactly the case.

In reality, many topes remain completely unmarked. As a result, they’re very difficult to see. Some topes are built by locals, hence seeing them is even more challenging. If you hit one going too fast, you may require roadside assistance. Look out for topes!

Know The Traffic Laws When Driving in Mexico

This is an absolute no-brainer. Be familiar with the traffic laws in Mexico, both the official ones as well as the unwritten ones. Let’s go over both of them.

Mexico Official Traffic Laws

  • The legal driving age in Mexico is 18
  • Every occupant in a car needs to have seatbelts on
  • Drink-driving is a crime. The legal limit is 0.08%
  • Using a phone while driving is forbidden, unless with a hands-free kit
  • Left-hand highway exits- Highways in Mexico have areas where drivers can safely stop and make a u-turn past their desired exit
  • Call 911 in case of emergency
  • Call 074 for roadside assistance- Los Angeles Verdes (more on that below)

Speed Limits in Mexico

  • Urban Areas- 40km/h
  • Open Roads Outside Urban Areas- 80km/h
  • Highways- 100-110km/h

First and foremost, be familiar with the official laws as well as the speed limits.

Unwritten Traffic Rules in Mexico

  • An oncoming vehicle flashing their headlights at you is a warning to slow down. The first vehicle to flash their lights has the right of way. If someone is flashing their headlights, you are expected to yield
  • Left turn signals can mean one of three things- the car in front is turning left, letting you know that there is space to overtake, or taking the right-hand side exit to then make a left
  • It is common to drive on the shoulder to make more space for overtaking vehicles. Expect to see overtaking vehicles on your lane, and use the shoulder to accommodate them
  • As mentioned above, many speedbumps are hard to see. Drive cautiously

Los Angeles Verdes- Roadside Assistance in Mexico

Knowing this is crucial for any tourist driving in Mexico. Los Angeles Verdes, or the Green Angels, are a fleet of green-colored trucks that provide roadside assistance. The personnel speak both Spanish and English, and will be able to get you back on the road in no time.

You can reach Los Angeles Verdes at 074, a 24-hour toll-free number. It’s best to write this phone number down, just in case.

Note that Los Angeles Verdes only operate in the daytime and on major highways. This is yet another reason why you should avoid driving in Mexico at night and stick to toll roads.

Road Trip in Mexico- Travel Ideas

Mexico is full of fascinating places to visit, and going on a road trip is one of the best ways to see the country!

Road Trip Around The Yucatan Peninsula

This is by far our favorite road trip itinerary in all of Mexico. You set off in dreamy Cancun, and then drive south via Tulum and through to San Cristobal de las Casas. Then, you’ll make your way back to Cancun via the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

This is a truly unforgettable road trip. Expect lots of driving in Mexico, as there’s plenty to see!

Day Trips From Mexico City

The region around Mexico City is truly fascinating. You can rent a car from the capital and go on multiple day trips, or combine them all into one grand road trip. Check out our curated travel guide.

Tulum and its Surrounding Areas

If a road trip around the entire Yucatan Peninsula is too much driving, check out our favorite things to do in and around Tulum. There’s more to Tulum than fancy resorts, and you won’t want to miss out on any of that.

Cabo San Lucas and Baja California

Cabo is a fantastic destination in its own right. Check out our travel guide on the best things to do in Cabo San Lucas. We’ve included a few small road trip ideas around Baja California, too!

These Are The Best Things To Do In Tulum

Written by Rentalmoose on . Posted in Mexico, Travel guides. Leave a Comment

Tulum is the ideal year-round destination for tourists from across the world. We’ve hand-picked 13 of our favorite attractions and wonderful things to do in Tulum.

13 Of The Best Things To Do In Tulum

Without further ado, here are our favorite attractions in and around Tulum!

Swim in A Cenote

You simply can’t skip this when in Tulum. Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with water. They can be found all over the Riviera Maya. Swimming in a cenote is a bucket-list attraction for anyone visiting Mexico.

A cenote is either open, partially open, cave cenote, or underground. Be sure to visit at least one of each kind for the full experience.

Note that all guests are required to shower before entering a cenote. That’s the only way to assure that the water inside remains crystal-clear and free from pollution.

There are so many different cenotes to choose from. We have picked our three favorites that you may want to head to first.

Gran Cenote

Gran Cenote is easily one of the most popular ones in the entire country.

The water is as clear and turquoise as it gets. Going for a swim in this dreamy water, surrounded by the impressive caves, is truly unforgettable. Guests can even dive through the cave, if they dare.

It’s highly recommended to come here early in the morning to beat the crowds. Gran Cenote can get extremely crowded, especially during peak season.

Gran Cenote is 3 minutes away from Tulum.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Cenote Dos Ojos may just be the most spectacular one near Tulum. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that if you only have the time to visit one cenote- it should be Cenote Dos Ojos.

You may be surprised to hear that Cenote Dos Ojos is actually made up of two different cenotes. You can head through the main entrance and explore them both while swimming.

Cenote Dos Ojos is a short half-hour drive from downtown Tulum.

Cenote Car Wash

This cenote may not seem as spectacular as the two above. However, it’s a great place to visit and experience just how different cenotes can be. Once you’re here, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled to the middle of the jungle.

The open cenote is surrounded by lush mangroves and colorful trees. You can spot plenty of fish, turtles, and even crocodiles!

Thrill-seekers can hop in the water from a wooden platform 5 meters above the surface. This cenote is not as popular as some of the other ones in the area, hence it’s also not as crowded.

Cenote Car Wash is a quick 10-minute drive from Tulum itself.

Try Out Watersports

Any adventure junkie is going to fall in love with Tulum. There are plenty of action-packed attractions to do here, including loads of watersports to try out.

“Tulum Is Better On The Water” according to this local kitesurf rental, and it’s pretty hard to disagree. Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf offers kitesurfing lessons for beginners, experts, and anyone in between.

You can also try out foil surfing, as well as traditional surfing. Kiteboards and stand-up paddleboards can be rented, too. Oh, and you can explore cenotes on a SUP tour. What more could you possibly ask for?

Unwind At A Lavish Beach Club

A day at a beach club isn’t exactly the cheapest thing to do in Tulum. In fact, some of the pricier beach clubs here will ask you to pay around $50 to enter. Luckily, the entrance fee can often be used as credit to spend on food and drinks inside.

Coco Tulum

Coco Tulum is the place to see and be seen at. It’s favored by wealthier tourists who aren’t repelled by the cost. The minimum spend is roughly $25.

Visit Coco Tulum after dusk falls to see the beach club transform into one of the best party spots in town. Order a cocktail, listen to electronic music, and dance till you drop.

Coco Tulum is located in the Hotel Zone, a 15-minute drive south from the heart of Tulum. A car park is available directly by the beach club.

Explore Mayan Ruins In Coba

Mayan ruins are arguably the most significant landmarks in Mexico. Getting a grasp of the ancient civilization is an absolute must, and there are plenty of spots to do it around Tulum. Coba Archeological Zone is one of them.

The lack of tourists is another great part of visiting Coba. Since they’re not as accessible as the ruins in Tulum or Chichen Itza, many travelers decide to skip them. That’s a huge mistake!

Visitors have the chance to climb the ancient pyramid in Coba. Once you’re at the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. It’s like a real-life Indiana Jones movie.

The drive from Tulum will take you around 45 minutes one-way. Parking is available on site, expect to pay 50MXN ($2.5).

Dive Into The Tulum Nightlife

Tulum is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, so you definitely don’t want to miss out on it. The best part? You can party 7 days a week, as there’s always something going on!

There are plenty of spots where you can experience Tulum’s nightlife. You can head to Pueblo for a more affordable experience, as opposed to the pricy Hotel Zone. Either way, you’re bound to have fun.

Some of the must-try nightlife spots around Tulum include:

  • Batey Bar (Pueblo)
  • Xibalbar (Pueblo)
  • Kiki (Pueblo)
  • Pasito Tun Tun (Pueblo)
  • Gitano (Hotel Zone)
  • Casa Jaguar (Hotel Zone)
  • I Scream Bar (Hotel Zone)
  • Coco Tulum (Hotel Zone)

Many of the local beach clubs, such as the previously mentioned Coco Tulum, also host parties after dusk falls.

Check Out The Caves At Aktun-Chen Park

by Gary J Wood

Aktun-Chen Park is perhaps one of the most thrilling parks in this part of the country. It’s located just 20 minutes away from Tulum, making it the ideal spot to spend the afternoon.

The cave system has got to be the most impressive highlight of the Aktun-Chen Park. Guests can go for a dip in the underground cenote, explore the cave system on a guided tour, or go for an adventure-filled zipline ride above the wilderness.

Note that this is far from the cheapest thing to do in Tulum. In fact, you can expect to pay upwards of $100 to experience all the attractions in Aktun-Chen.

Drive north along the coast, you’ll reach Aktun-Chen 20 minutes after leaving Tulum.

Look For Jaguars At Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

Visiting this vibrant reserve is an absolute must for anyone who wants to experience Mexico’s exotic wilderness. Book a guided tour of Punta Laguna to learn all there is to know about the local flora and fauna.

The reserve is home to lots of fascinating animals. Bumping into spider and howler monkeys is nearly guaranteed. If you’re lucky, you might just spot a jaguar too. This isn’t a major tourist attraction in the region, or at least not yet. Crowds should not be an issue at Punta Laguna.

Adrenaline junkies will find themselves right at home in Punta Laguna. You can ride the zipline across the lake just like Indiana Jones, or hop in a kayak.

The drive up to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve will take you around an hour one-way.

Visit Tulum Archeological Site

The waterfront Tulum Archeological Site is perhaps the best-known attraction here. Don’t let the crowds discourage you from visiting this spot, as it’s absolutely mindblowing!

What makes Tulum Archeological Site stand out from any other Mayan site in the region is its gorgeous setting- right in front of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

This Mayan city is made up of over 60 restored temples. The site sits atop a cliff right by the sea. It’s no wonder that this is the most-photographed spot in the region.

After exploring the Archeological Site, you can head down to the small sandy beach. There’s not too much space, so you may want to get here during off-peak hours.

Family Fun At Xel-Ha

If you’re a fan of waterparks, you surely need to drop by Xel-Ha.

Xel-Ha isn’t your average theme park, however. Instead, it’s a fun mix of waterpark attractions mixed with the natural wonderland. In fact, it’s often considered to be one of the most spectacular aquatic parks on the planet. It’s certainly worth visiting, at least for the scenery itself.

Guests can climb the 70-feet (30m) tall lighthouse to admire panoramic views of the area, and then hop on the waterslide to go back down. Xel-Ha Park is packed with fun activities, including ziplines, snorkeling, and natural caves waiting to be explored. Naturally, you’ll also find cenotes and wild jungle trails here.

The park is a 20-minute drive away from Tulum.

Day Trip to Chichen-Itza

This is it, the most famous Mayan pyramid in the country. Chichen-Itza is a bucket-list attraction for travelers across the globe. It may not be in Tulum, though it’s located just a 2-hour drive away. As a result, it makes for a perfect day trip from Tulum!

Tourists are able to climb some of the ancient towers throughout Mexico. However, this is not the case at Chichen-Itza. Climbing the tower is forbidden. You may only admire it from ground level.

As this is the most popular archeological site in Mexico, you can expect it to be rather crowded. Arrive early in the morning to beat at least some of the crowds.

The site is open 7 days a week between 8AM and 4PM. Admission costs around 400 pesos, or $20, per person.

The journey from Tulum to Chichen-Itza and back will take around 4 hours both ways.

Photograph Ven a La Luz At The Hotel Zone

You will probably recognize this unbelievable sculpture from social media. It’s one of the most Instagrammed spots in Tulum, and perhaps all of the Riviera Maya. The 10-meter tall structure has been drawing in crowds ever since its debut in 2018.

As of late 2021, the sculpture can be found at AHAU Tulum. A photo with the wooden art piece will set you back 60 pesos. Expect to wait in a queue, especially on weekends. The site is open between 9AM and 8PM.

AHAU Tulum is a waterfront hotel located within The Hotel Zone.

Swim At One Of The Best Beaches in Tulum

It is no secret that Tulum is home to some of the best beaches in the world. It’s one of the main reasons why so many tourists flock to this part of Mexico every year.

The gorgeous coastline stretches for miles, only bringing one question to mind- what beaches in Tulum are the absolute best?

These are our top picks in Tulum and the surrounding area:

  • Playa Ruinas
  • Playa Paraiso
  • Akumal Beach
  • Secret Beach at Sian Ka’an Biosphere

With that said, you’re bound to have a good time at virtually any beach here. All of them are drop-dead gorgeous!

Playa Ruinas

This is the famous beach that sits right below the Tulum Archeological Site. It’s quite small and often packed with tourists. On the other hand, the scenery is unforgettable. It’s easy to see why so many tourists choose to come specifically to this sandy beach. Come early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Playa Ruinas is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Playa Paraiso

This one is an absolute must. Playa Paraiso, rightfully named Paradise Beach, lays just a few minutes south of the Tulum Archeological Site and stretches along the Hotel Zone.

Unlike Playa Ruinas, Playa Paraiso is quite wide and long, hence it can accommodate a lot more people. Hordes of tourists aren’t really an issue, perhaps only during the absolute peak tourist season.

This public beach can be accessed 24/7, free of charge. You can rent chairs, umbrellas and other equipment right on the beach itself.

Akumal Beach

Akumal Beach isn’t exactly in Tulum. In fact, it’s roughly halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, so it’s definitely worth a stop on a drive from Tulum to Cancun.

Amenities and facilities are plentiful at Akumal Beach. You can unwind at one of the waterfront bars and restaurants, or rent a sunbed and sunbathe for hours on end. You can snorkel here, too. If you’re lucky, you may spot turtles and colorful fish.

Expect this beach to get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

The drive from Tulum to Akumal Beach will take you 30 minutes one-way.

Secret Beach at Sian Ka’an Biosphere

The pristine sandy beach at Sian Ka’an Biosphere is ideal for those looking for a more private experience. This secluded beach is in the heart of the Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve. It does not have any facilities.

You’ll need to cycle or hike to reach the secret beach, it cannot be accessed by car. Just finding it is an adventure in itself! Once you’re here, you’ll be rewarded with a serene sandy beach. If you’re lucky, you’ll be the only one there.

Go On A Road Trip

Want to make the absolute most of your time in Mexico? Going on a road trip around the Yucatan Peninsula will allow you to see many different attractions in the region.

We’ve prepared a curated road trip guide around the Yucatan Peninsula. The trip begins in Cancun, then continues south all the way to San Cristobal de Las Casas, before looping back up to Cancun via the west coast.

Check out the full itinerary right here.

Bonus: Renting a car In Tulum

A private car is unarguably the best way of getting around Tulum, especially if you plan to head out of town. Before renting a car in Tulum, be sure to read our guide on Car Rental Insurance in Mexico. It’s better to come prepared!

Don’t forget to book your rental car in Mexico via Rentalmoose. Our platform features over 15 000 locations worldwide, as well as rental cars only from trusted and verified suppliers. Browse through rental cars at your favorite destinations.

Simply click the banner below to get started.

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