Death Mask
Relax at Casa Merlin on the Mayan Riviera
relax@casamerlin.com   

 

 

Some rest stops are VERY well marked

Driving in Mexico

Make the Most of Your Trip:
Villa Considerations
  What to Bring   Travel Tips


Turn(?) Signals

The turn signal is used to alert other drivers of, well, something. Perhaps a left turn, maybe that there is trouble ahead, or that it is safe to pass, or that there is police ahead. Just be wary whenever you see someone with their signals on.


driving in Mexico

no parking
No Parking

yield sign
Yield

don't damage the signs
Don't Damage the Signs

Car Rentals
You will most likely want to rent a car for your vacation at Casa Merlin—although taxis are available (you can get also get short term rentals at several Puerto Morelos locations), or you can pre-arrange transfer by van to and from the airport. Car rentals in Mexico are not cheap, but you will likely get the best rate and type of car you want by arranging in advance through the Internet, rather than at the rental agency counter. Check with your Credit Card regarding insurance coverage in Mexico.

Taxis
Taxis are easily arranged (just ask the Manager), and not too expensive. If you are planning an evening out, you may be more comfortable taking a taxi to and from your destination, rather than dealing with night driving.

topes - Mexican speed bumpsHighway 307
Highway 307 is a divided four lane highway that runs from Cancun to Tulum (then south to Belize as a two-lane highway), with pretty good signs and markers. Be very careful when approaching towns, because there are concrete dividers at Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, which split off the access roads. There are also the notorious topes (speed bumps) in all towns, which are usually marked. These will make you slow down, which is the general idea.

Retournos
Use the retournos which enable u-turns with properly marked turning lanes, and are located at the ends of most towns. This is the safest way to get to the left side of the road, especially during heavy traffic.

Speed
Even if everyone else seems to be speeding, it is always safer to obey posted speed limits, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the roads, or at night. Getting a speeding ticket is not a recommended vacation experience.

no carts - Mexican road signOff the pavement
Unpaved sideroads, such as the access road to Playa del Secreto, can be pretty primitive, with potholes replacing the topes as the way to keep your speed down.

 

Maps
Maps are provided in the villa (please leave them for the next guests) and are available on many of the brochures. Plan your route, designate someone other than the driver to navigate, and make use of the kilometer markers along the highway to help with orientation.