Thanks to this forum, we've decided to go to the Mayan Riviera for our honeymoon next May. Wonderful info, and lots of help from individuals. Now, we're just trying to decide where to go! We've "narrowed" it down to 4 spots: Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Playa, and Akumal/Tulum. I guess that's really 5! I understand that each place has its own (different) feel to it, and it's hard to compare. I really like the idae of the "seclusion" of Isla Holbox and Mujeres. We like privacy and quiet. But I also like the proximity of Playa and Akumal/Tulum to the Mayan sites. I'm a little apprehensive about renting a car, given some of the info on this board. See how stuck I am!? Any input you guys might have would be wonderful, and will help me try and narrow things down.

For what you are looking for, I would either select Akumal or Tulum.
You get the seclusion, quiet and privacy you are looking for, yet the ruins are an easy drive.
Renting a car is no problem, and the roads are wide and well-marked.
Check out locogringo.com for a lot of accommodations options.
I love Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox, but getting anywhere on the mainland and then renting a car and driving and doing the whole thing again later in the day is a MAJOR undertaking.
Just a suggestion, but if you have more than a week, you could break up the time beween 2 or more places.
We were in the area for 3 weeks last month and went to PDC, Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.

Hi,

I agree with Diana. I would rather go for the Tulum or Akumal area as it is very near to both Playa and Cancun (more or less) and to some interesting ruins and cenotes. I did a similar trip and broke it down 1 week in Tulum and 1 week in Cancun, I really like the combination of both, seclusion and then nice restaurants and a lively nightlife.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info. I love the idea of Akumal and Tulum, but I hear that the beaches are more "spectacular" in Playa or Isla. Also, do you guys recommend renting a car in Cancun, or trying to arrange something with the hotel? I'm still really nervous about the rental thing, and something going wrong. I have that kind of luck sometimes!
Where have you stayed in Akumal or Tulum? I've looked at Locogringo.com, and LOVE the villas for rent. They are a bit pricey though. What about the all inclusives, like the Allure Mayan Riviera?

That is true the beaches are more traditionlly-beautiful in PDC or IM.
It's really no problem with renting a car. What are you afraid will go wrong?
There are reputable chains there, the roads are safe, and there's very little crime.
We've been all over Q.Roo by car with no problems at all.
I would never suggest an AI for someone traveling in the area - farrr too manywonderful restaurants to choose from.
Look at some of the condos on locogringo.
We've stayed at Villas on the Reef and Vista del Mar as well as in villas. The condos would allow you to cook in for breakfast or lunch if you like, they have nice verandahs with hammocks over-looking the water, and they run $80 to $110 or so a night in the off-season (which includes May.)

Great info Diana! I guess I'm just apprehensive about the car getting damaged, or getting in a wreck. I'm sure it'll be fine. We'd love to do a villa. If you don't mind me asking, which villas have you stayed in? Also, how is the weather in May? I'm sure it's warm, but we don't have an issue with that. Is air-conditioning a necessity?

Thank you as well Beto! Food and fun are definitely on the agenda. I've read about lots of good restaurants in the area, and I'm excited about trying them out. How do you feel about the driving? Is is drastically different (speed, police, signs, etc)?

We didn't rent a car during our trip to Playa del Carmen last January. We did take a collectivo from PDC to Tulum. I'm not a good passenger in a car, so I was nervous and watchful of the traffic. Here's what I noticed. If you're going to make a left hand turn, you pull off onto the right shoulder and wait until there is no traffic rather than staying in the traffic lane and blocking traffic. Slower traffic is expected to pull onto the shoulder when a faster driver comes up from behind. This really can be nerve racking, since the fast drivers will pull out part way as if to pass, fully expecting the slower moving car to get out of the way so they can get back into their lane before they run into oncoming traffic.

All that being said, I wouldn't hesitate to rent a car there. Just don't speed and pay attention.