We are thinking of going to Mayan Riviera in July or August. What's the weather like at that time? Is there a greater chance of rain during that time? How do people usually get from the airport (we fly into Cancun, right?) to the hotel? Do most people rent cars, or take cabs? If so, how much does it cost for cabs/shuttles? We were thinking of staying at Fairmont Mayakoba. Does anyone have any feedback on that hotel? And what is there to do at the Mayan Riviera?

Sorry for so many questions. We've been to Cancun a long time ago (loved it), and Mayan Riviera sounds so new and mysterious to us. Thanks!

> We are thinking of going to Mayan Riviera in July or August.

Awesome!

> What's the weather like at that time?

Hot, but no worse than being in a place like Hilton Head.

> Is there a greater chance of rain during that time?

Ummm. Kinda. You know about hurricane season, right???

> How do people usually get from the airport (we fly into Cancun, right?) to the hotel?

Bus, car, taxi, thumb...

> Do most people rent cars, or take cabs?

Rentals are convenient, but book 'em before you go and lock in your pricing. Taxis from the Cancun airport are EXTREMELY expensive --- they'll charge you $20 just for a trip to someplace like the Krystal. I recommend airport taxis only to guys named Donald Trump or Bill Gates.

If you're headed to a Mayan Riviera property, use the bus services. There are buses running direct from the airport down at least as far as Playa del Carmen --- it will be the cheapest, most comfortable way to do it (aside from possibly your own rental car).

Another option is to book an air-hotel package through a travel agent. You often get better pricing that way, plus they usually include ground transportation, which lets you dodge the taxi vs. bus vs. rental car decision.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Thanks, Mark.

Regarding car rental, is it easy/safe to drive? I have always heard negative things about renting cars in Mexico, as it is difficult to drive, and could be dangerous?

And regarding weather, since it is hurricane season, does it usually rain a little bit each day in July?

Thank you!

Maxine, we are going to the Mayan Riviera for the first time in June. I have found this forum http://www.locogringo.com/forums/tt....=1&smode=1
to be very helpful.

Hi Maxine! July can be chancey with weather, It'll always be hot and humid, it's hurricane season, but we've been lucky in August.
The Mayakoba sounds gorgeous, and renting a car in this area is a good idea.

Yeah...as frankie says, renting a car in the Mayan Riviera area *IS* a good idea. Things are spread out, many of the hotels are rather isolated with poor public transit access, and driving in the Yucatan region and the Quintana Roo coast is just plain EASY (although it still pays to use a little extra caution, slow down a lot in towns, pay attention to signs, etc.).

Having the car also gives you great flexibility. You can head out early to beat crowds, or stay late. You can hit small, remote beaches that other folks miss, and you can do what you want to do, not want the tour bus driver wants to do.

The drive from the Cancun airport to just about any Mayan Riviera hotel can not be easier --- the highway (307), is a good, straight road similar to what you'd find in the U.S. as a good U.S.-level highway (know what I mean? like in U.S. 50 or U.S. 290 --- roads that are mostly divided highway but that may run through towns with stop lights etc. and have grade-level intersections). It's a road that you can mostly drive at around 60-70mph (90-110kmh).

The thing I worry most about in renting a car in Mexico is the issue of insurance. Nowadays, major rental car companies include liability insurance in your rate, but the credit card damage waivers may not apply in Mexico. Ditto with any damage or liability coverage that you may expect from rental car riders on your personal auto insurance policy. People do run into "gotchas" with damage waiver charges on Mexican rental agreements, and they run into problems when they expect their U.S. insurance or credit card companies to cover expenses that may, or may not apply outside the U.S. The insurance issue can be tricky.

Another thing when renting cars in this area....check for existing vehicle damage very carefully and check that all hubcaps are there and the spare tire is in place (a guy working at Alamo in Cancun told me that spare tires get stolen pretty often and that if you bring back a car without a spare, you get charged).

BTW: Just checked rates for renting a car from the Cancun airport. Thrifty has a US$90/week rate, Budget has $96...if you don't have an advance reservation, they'll probably quote you that (or close) as the daily rate.

FYI: Buses from the Cancun airport charge about $8 (80 pesos) each way per person. A couple traveling together would thus pay $32 RT for ground transfers using Riviera buses. That means you'd be essentially getting the rental car for $60/week, or less than $10/day --- a real steal if you look at it that way.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

the weather is not much different than Florida at the same time, hot, humid and always a chance of t-storms/rain. I have always been lucky at the same time and had great weather, hope you do as well. Rent a car. the roads are great, 4 lane major hwy. It is great to have a car because you can take day trips to Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, etc. when you want for as long as you want. I always rent a car, it is in my opinion, the only way to go. Hope you have a great time.

Thank you. We just booked the plane tix at an amazing deal of about $99 each way from Newark! Amazing.

Regarding car rental, it sounds good and so practical to rent a car. I am also traveling with two small boys (ages 4 and 2) so it would definitely be more convenient. My concern is crime - I have heard stories of crooked police who stop tourists to get money from them, or carjackings, and horrible drivers. Also, how is the parking around there? Easy to find parking at Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal (where the turtles are?), Xcaret, Xelha?

As always, you guys are the best. Thanks for the great advice. I am going to call my credit card company to see if liability in Mexico is covered.

We always rent a car when down in Playa Del Carmen and have not had trouble parking but it is either in a lot at the south end of town, up by Constitution and 5th or along 10th on the street. There can be a lot of traffic so you need to watch the one way street signs. In the seven or eight years we've been down there in the summer we only had one stretch where it rained every day. Most of the time it's hot and humid and if it does rain it's only for a short period. I know from reading other boards that there has been very little rain recently. The bus from the airport is great if your going to PDC but if you're staying at MayaKoba then it will not let you off at your resort and you will need to backtrack either with a cab or rental car. Take a look at the maps Laura and Perry have for sale at cancunmap.com. They are very helpful and also list cab fares, etc. on the maps as well as places to eat (which tend to change), places to stay and places to go. There is a lot of information out there on the various playa websites like locogringo and playainfo. Have a great time. I'll be there in June and August!

If you are going to Akumal to see turtles you may want to do a glass bottom boat/snorkle tour from Akumal Bay. Your kids can sit right on the glass to see what's in the water - have them wear their suits - it does get wet.

We did this last summer with our 2 yr old and 12 yr old. You won't see turtles in the day. They nest at night.

Look at the driving tips on playa.info.