Self Driving the Yucatán: Our DIY Tips for a Road Trip Through Southern Mexico
- Rand Blimes
- May 23
- 3 min read
Thinking about hitting the road in the Yucatán? We did a quick eight-day, self-drive road trip around the peninsula—and it was fantastic. Easy roads, reasonable prices, and some of the best food we’ve ever had. Here’s how we did it, what we learned, and what you need to know if you’re planning your own Mexican road trip adventure.
Our Itinerary
Our trip was eight days, bookended by flights in and out of Mérida, and packed with cenotes, ruins, and really big fish.
Day 1: Arrive in Mérida, pick up rental car, overnight in Mérida.
Day 2: Drive to Cancún.
Day 3: Swim with whale sharks near Isla Mujeres.
Day 4: Chill day in Cancún (mole quest!).
Day 5: Drive to Valladolid, swim in cenotes.
Day 6: Morning at Chichén Itzá, afternoon in more cenotes.
Day 7: Morning stop in Izamal, overnight at Flycatcher Inn in Santa Elena (super cute, highly recommended).
Day 8: Return to Mérida.
Renting a Car in Mérida
Renting was surprisingly painless. Most major rental companies (we used Alamo) are located right at the airport in Mérida.
One key thing to know: Mexico requires third-party liability insurance by law. Your credit card insurance or U.S. policy will not cut it. This is why the price you see when you book online may look like a steal—and then doubles when you actually pay. Don’t panic; it’s standard. Just accept the extra fee and move on with your life.
The car pickup went smoothly for us, and we were on the road with minimal fuss.
Driving in the Yucatán
If you’re imagining chaotic city traffic or lawless rural roads—don’t. Driving in the Yucatán was, overall, easy and relaxing.
Do you need an international driver’s license? Technically no. A valid U.S. (or Canadian/EU) license is fine for tourists. But if you want one less thing to stress about, getting an international permit is cheap and easy.
Road conditions: Roads on our route (Mérida–Cancún–Valladolid–Izamal–Santa Elena) were in good shape. Cenote roads were sometimes dirt, but nothing our little rental sedan couldn’t handle.
City driving: Mérida is a city, sure, but traffic wasn’t terrible. Lanes are fairly wide, and signage is decent. Just drive like you’ve got somewhere to be but you’re not in a rush.
Police: We’d heard stories about "gringo taxes" and sketchy stops, but we experienced none of that. In fact, our only police interactions were friendly check-ins asking if we needed any help.
Topes (speed bumps from hell): THESE. THINGS. ARE. VICIOUS. And everywhere. Often unpainted, frequently hiding in tree shade like jungle landmines. Hit one at speed and your rental car might achieve low orbit. Slow down anytime you pass through a village or see even a hint of a painted crosswalk.
Navigation & Tips
Google Maps was about 95% accurate. We had a few minor mix-ups, usually caused by ignoring the app while debating lunch. Don’t stress. Yucatecan cities are grid-based and forgiving.
Gas stations are common, and many are full service. Just make sure you know whether you’re asking for regular (magna) or premium.
Snacks: OXXO convenience stores are your friend. Cold drinks, snacks, and decent bathrooms.
So Should You Drive the Yucatán?
Yes. Absolutely. If you’re even a moderately confident driver, a rental car gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can find magical cenotes that would be impossible to reach by tour, linger at ruins as long as you want, and follow your nose to wherever the best tacos are being served that day.
Because travel, we got to see the Yucatán on our own terms—with a trunk full of wet towels, a glovebox of cenote maps, and a better understanding of just how beautiful and accessible this region really is.
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