Getting to Coba Mayan Ruins

[DougieG]

Hello,

We will be diving Cozumel next month. We are going to spend 1 day on the mainland doing non-diving activities and want to go to the Coba Mayan ruins, and maybe stop off at a cenote on the way for a swim.

I am looking at booking a tour, but want to make sure the tour company is a good and safe one, and this is hard to evaluate. I just want to make sure I have a comfort level before my family gets into a total stranger's car in mainland Mexico for a tour. Anyone have any suggestions for a safe and dependable tour operator?

My other option is renting a car in Playa del Carmen and driving to Coba. I would like having the flexibility and freedom of renting the car, but I'm not sure this would be good idea for Gringo visiting from the US.

Any input would be much appreciated!

 

[horn34]

Rent a car from America. Reserve in pesos for a better rate. Nice easy drive to Coba. We stop at Garden of Eden cenote on the way back.

Just got back a week ago.

 

[FT]

I am sure there are reliable drivers out there, but America car rental and driving yourselves is a very easy option. The roads are not difficult to use.Msure you have some small bills to pay in cash for only as much gas as you will need to fill the tank back up.

 

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

If you are going to drive in that state... read and print off this document. We have never used it but it looks like it might work

 

[pauldw]

Driving a rental isn't a issue; this part of Mexico is straightforward. Just slow down for the topes (speed bumps). And at the big roundabout east of Tulum, pay attention that you take the correct road, so you don't have to waste time backtracking. With a car, you could also do another thing; Google "Punta Laguna" if you're renting.

 

[driftwood]

We used, Alltournative | Lifetime experiences

Great way to spend a day without worrying about the details.

 

[ReefHound]

There are pros and cons to driving in Mexico that each will have to decide for themselves but there is nothing adverse about being a gringo. Thousands of gringos rent cars and drive there along with many who live there and own cars. Just know enough Spanish to understand the road signs, buy all the insurance, don't break any laws (esp. drinking and driving) and you should be fine. If you rent a car and do it on your own you'll save a boatload of money.

 

[Steelyeyes]

When we went to Coba we were coming back from Chichen Itza. We rented a car to get to both places, spent the night in Pisa and went to Chichen Itza the first day, for the night presentation, the next morning and then drove to Coba. We had a great time without any issues. It's worth the trip.

 

[DandyDon]

Driving from PDC to Coba and back is very easy. You can spend more on a tour operator, but I liked spending less, doing what I wanted, going when I was ready, etc. I hadn't been on a bicycle in 50 years, but I got it to work - easier than walking that big park.

Rent a car from America.

I'm confused. Who is that? I looked online but they didn't seem to be in PDC.

Reserve in pesos for a better rate.

Nice idea.

Nice easy drive to Coba.

We stopped in Tulum on the way at the grocery at the Coba intersection to buy gallons of water, a cheap cooler, and ice. We took our own backpacks and vacuum bottles. My bud was lazy and only carried one quart, in the heat of August, so paid high prices for more on the trail.

I am sure there are reliable drivers out there, but America car rental and driving yourselves is a very easy option. The roads are not difficult to use.Msure you have some small bills to pay in cash for only as much gas as you will need to fill the tank back up.

Yeah, there are several precautions to renting cars and refilling gas tanks in Mexico, all good to read and follow, like take the insurance from the agency - don't rely on your credit card coverage, but it's easy.

If you are going to drive in that state... read and print off this document. We have never used it but it looks like it might

I copied that to a Note on my smart phone as I always have it with me.

 

[ggunn]

When we went to Coba we were coming back from Chichen Itza. We rented a car to get to both places, spent the night in Pisa and went to Chichen Itza the first day, for the night presentation, the next morning and then drove to Coba. We had a great time without any issues. It's worth the trip.

It was years ago when I went to Coba, but we rented a car in Playa and drove ourselves first to Tulum and then Coba. It was pretty easy, and I hear that the roads are much better now than when we went. I do recommend hiring a guide, though, so you'll get some historical information on what you will be seeing.