Joe

We are going to Playa Del Carmen in December and thinking of renting a car. What's the best route to Chichen Itza from there? How long would it take? Are we better off going by bus/tour (we are a family of 4)? Any suggestions would be welcome. <BR> <BR>Thanks, Joe

Sandy

Hi, we went to the Yucatan in July '97, picked up a car at the airport in Cancun (reserved from the US, Budget $32/day for a Nissan Sintra w/air), and took the non-toll road to Valladolid. It takes longer (around 3 hrs, I think) but you go through little towns and they are very interesting. There was not much traffic and when we did encounter trucks, they were very polite and helped us pass. We drove all over from Cancun, Valladolid, Rio Lagartos, Merida, Uxmal, Playacar, etc. Roads are all excellent and driving no problem. Toll roads are VERY expensive! You'll have a great time (just stay out of Cancun)! <BR>

dan

I went there by bus from Cancun this summer using the non-toll road mentioned above. It is much more scenic and less expensive than the toll road, but watch out for the bumps - there are speed bumps at many villages, usually accompanied by signs. Go as early as you can for less crowds. If you want to visit other Maya sites near Playa del Carmen, there are two good ones nearby. Tulum, which overlooks the ocean is just an hour to the south. Coba is inland from Tulum. Coba is very untouristy and is surrounded by jungle - well worth the trip in my opinion. If you have a car, it is easy - just take the highway that turns inland just past the Tulum bus station for the 45 minute drive. You will love Playa del Carmen too!

Doug

I wouldn't take a tour it will cost over $200 US. You can easily rent a car for the entire week for that amount of money. I just reserved a nissan Tsuru from Budget for $167 from 11/28 - 12/5. You don't need to drive to Cancun to get to Chichen Itza. You can drive south toward Tulum on 307, turn and head toward Coba, you will find a newer road that goes to Chemax. You can take the road form there to Chichen Itza. You can get good maps of Quintana Roo and Yucatan at http://www.tourbymexico.com/qroo/mapaqroo.jpg and http://www.tourbymexico.com/yucatan/mapayuca.jpg <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

Barry

I don't know if you have already left or not but here is what I know. Plan to leave early!! The distance on the map did not look too bad but the trip took a long time. It rained very hard, the roads were OK but rough in some spots, but the speed bumps (topes)were awsome. They were the 5 mph type and were in every small vilage. We took one at about 15 mph and I thought we were going to lose the oil pan. <BR>We started from Cozumel which was part of the delay but it was still slow going.

TC

We've done the drive and I agree with Barry - its a VERY long drive and those speed bumps are not only in every little town, but everywhere there are two or more small houses grouped. We found that we had to literally stop and ease over most in order to keep the car in one piece. By the time we got to Chichen Itza it was so hot and humid and we were so worn out from the drive that we didn't stay long. It wasn't much fun knowing we had to make the same trip back. If you can afford it, the best way to go is to fly. The 1998 price from Cozumel through Aviomar Tours was (U.S.)$99 per person to fly and (U.S.)$74 by bus. By plane the tour is 5 hours long and by bus it is 10 hours. Friends who did the flying tour last year said that the flight over the jungle was spectacular. They left Cozumel at 8AM and were back for lunch around 1PM. Hope this helps.

Jeanne

Joe, it is going to take much too long for you to drive to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen. It would probably be best to visit Tulum and Coba, since they are much closer. My husband and I missed Coba when we were in the Yucatan last, and we regret it. <BR> <BR>Have fun. <BR> <BR>Jeanne

lynne

<BR>I agree with the previous post suggesting that you fly. When I was in Cancun the hotel (Club Med) arranged a flight to Chichen Itza. We arrived early in the day, were able to tour around before the heat of the day (believe me it was hot!!) and we were back at the hotel for lunch! The flight was beautiful!! Yes it cost more but when you factor in that you are missing out on your all-inclusive hotel for the day we decided that the extra cost was worth it. Chichen Itza is spectacular...not to be missed!! Friends that I know who have rented cars felt it was very expensive and not a very good drive.

Ti'Ana

We are just back from Playa del Carmen over Thanksgiving. We rented a VW Golf, Air-conditioned at the Hotel Molcas (from National) right up the street from the ferry pier. We drove to Chichen Itza by going north about 1/2 hour and catching the two toll roads (the first was $10, the second $3). Quite expensive, even by American standards, but a great road, and empty...we figured that only the tourists could afford it, and not many at that! It took 3 hours to get there . Chichen Itza was practically empty! We stayed for quite a long time, and tried taking the non-toll road back, but it was tough in the dark with all of the speed bumps, and passing trucks...so we connected over to the toll road. Anyway, we loved the drive (also had two kids ages 9 and 11). While in Playa...don't miss La Parrilla - a restaurant with excellent food and atmosphere. We also went to Xel-Ha to snorkel and did the swim with the dolphins...it wasn't too touristy and we loved it!!! Ti'Ana

Doug

We went to Chichen Itza wed 12/02. We drove from Akumal and it took about 2.5 hours. I took the road from Tulum to Coba, then Coba to Chemax, Chemax to Vallidolid(180) and the took the 30 peso toll road to Piste and on to Chichen Itza. The roads were good from Coba to Chichen Itza. There is construction work on 307. They seem to change the detours on to the dirt roads every day. The road from Tulum to Coba is full of pot holes, you really need to be careful. I think if I did it again I would fly. I saw a full day trip with lunch, drinks and a guide for $99/person from Playa.