How safe is to drive a rental car in Mexico (Riviera Maya)?

[miked]

I am going to be in Punta Maroma in the Riviera Maya district on Dec 20-27 and I would like to rent a car and drive to some other kitesurfing destinations such as Tulum and Isla Blanca.

Giving the recent bad publicity about Mexico, I wonder if anyone has any bad experience in renting and driving in Riviera Maya? How safe is it (I don’t talk Spanish)?
Any tips or advice ?
Thanks!

[Chillbay]

I was there years ago, only on a bus but then the roads were only wide enough for one and a half buses, so when they passed each other they never slowed down, just before they hit they went over onto the dirt side of the road, very entertaining if not nerve shattering, take a good supply of underwear

Hopefully the roads have improved between Cancun – Playa del Carman – Tulum. Good luck though, wish I was going

[Diego K]

Hi! i lived there for 6 months and i can tell you isnt as bad as you may think, just respect the speed limits and dont pull any stunts with your rental.
Keep some change (around 300 pesos in a different pocket) if the police asks for money tell them thats all you have. Ive normally paid around 150 pesos when i get stopped but if you dont speak spanish youll have to pay more. The police can keep your driers licence and if you have to go to the station to get it back youll have to pay between 600 to 1000 pesos

[ThePerchik]

I was just there this past march 2011 with my wife.

I stayed in an all inclusive south of Playa Del Carmen, Sandos Playacar. My wife and I rented a car and headed to the town in Playa del carmen one night to party and hang out. We had a blast. The next day we drove down to Tulum and kited down there. Also had lunch and dinner there and drove back to Playa in the dark.

The roads are 2-3 lanes. It really is ok. I wasnt worried at all. I am about 270 and 6-2 but my wife is 5 feet even, so on average we are an average couple. NO issues at all.

BE CAREFUL for speedbumps, they are everywhere, even the highway, lol.

[loco4viento]

I was just there this past march 2011 with my wife....
I am about 270 and 6-2 but my wife is 5 feet even, so on average we are an average couple. NO issues at all.

In Mayan country, your wife is tall and you are a giant!

[salvino]

I was there last Feb with wife and two kids in Playacar. I rented a car for the week so I could kite up at playa Blanca and even down to Tulum. No problems just watch speed bombs and speed traps. But it is still Mexico.
Sal

[kitecozumel]

Keep yourself low profile, specialy kite gear left in car, no worries if you do so, be conservative and polite, you'll have a blast.

[miked]

Thanks so much for your suggestions

[Flysurf77]

Well, ve been here for 9 years and it s 99% safe.
Highway is 2 lanes each side, well paved, bridges make traffic faster now and if you follow the rules there are no reasons to get stopped!

[paco chan]

you should come to cozumel just acroos were are you goint to stay will take you 35 minuts boat ride cause those day you coming to riviera maya you will not be able to kite if the wind comes from nort only plave you be able beside cozumel is isla blanca but is more far then cozumel and is safe to i live here if you need more info feel free to email me at surfpacos@hotmail.com
thanks
paco chan