We will be in Akumal for 3 nights as part of our Mexico trip, and were considering a day trip to Chichen Itza (we've been to Coba already). What is the best way to go? Is there a side road that would eliminate driving to Tulum? About how long is the drive?

Your best bet is to take the same road you took to Coba and continue on through Valladoloid. The other route would take you north by Cancun and then over on the toll road which adds time and $ for the tolls. There are no other side roads to take. The trip would take about 3 1/2 hours.

It is a long drive. When I was in PDC I took a flight tour of Chichen Itza. It was worth the cost and a highlight of my trip. The tour includes a private guide at Chichen Itza and a side trip to swim in a cenote.

Get the Chichen Itza map from cancunmap.com - it lays out the route very well - it's easy anyway...but highlights things to see along the way and in the area.

Get an early start. I hate, absolutely HATE, driving that route back at night. I've done it twice.

I'm not crazy about doing it at night either or in those rain storms. I've done it a few times too and the road is under construction (widening) from where the Coba Road begins at the turn-off in Tulum toward the west...not sure how far they've gone by this point but I'm planning on an Ek Balam trip in March so I guess I'll find out first hand then.