Driving in Mexico?

We're planning a trip to Mexico later this year, specifially the Yucatan.
He's into diving and watersports, I want to see the ruins, cenotes etc and we both want to relax.

Neither of us really want to do an escorted tour, so car hire is the best option for us. However I don't know anyone who's driven in Mexico, and would appreciate any advice or tips.

Anyone driven around the Yucatan? Any advice or recommendations?

I was there about 10 years ago. From what I can remember some of the smaller roads around the Yuctan are a bit rough (like Ireland!) The main roads were pretty good. Sorry can't remember if they were dangerous drivers or not. I'm normally not into organised tours but the one to Chichen Itza was really good. We went off on our own for most of it and had plenty of time to look around. It was so hot though. Their was an ambulance on site! Xcaret was beautiful too.

Thanks for that Yoltan. I like the heat but I'll stock up on the water anyway!

Mexican drivers in the Yucatan are quite good. Less dangerous than driving around Mediterranean countries. Road conditions on the main roads are also good. While dirt tracks are well, dirt tracks. Chichen Itza is well worth the trip but it is in the middle of nowhere and it gets very hot. Hotter that you might think. We were not allowed admission without 2lts of water each (organised trip). Climbing the pyramid is a lot tougher than it looks - but do it. Some portly Americans will provide you with "entertainment" and motivitation as they pass out around you. Best thing about self drive is you can stop in some of the local villages and get a better sense of the real Mexico.

BB

http://wikitravel.org/en/Driving_in_Mexico

...including the following nugget, which I've heard previously

Driving at night, outside of a municipality, tourist area, or on a toll road is risky and dangerous. There are some Mexicans who (perhaps to save fuel?) drive without lights

Click to expand...

Hi,

we were there 2 years ago and got caught in Hurricane Wilma...so hope you aren't going during Hurrican season...

We hired a car in Playa del Carmen and headed south to Tulum (Aztec pyramid perched on cliff top overlooking Carribean). Great dual carriageway/motorway. Then cross country to Chichen Itza and on to Merida (escaping the hurricane). Roads were as a rule very good. I would stick to the main thoroughfares and we were advised to avoid driving at nights. Other than that it was easy peasy, get air con (!) and enjoy stopping wherever your heart takes you...Mexico and Mexicans are fantastic! Enjoy your hols sounds fab.

Hubby should dive Cozumel, only 45 minute Ferry trip from Playa del Carmen and whilst you are enjoying a snorkel in the Cenotes he should dive there (Only inland cave dives in the world you can do without a specialist dive cert - don't quote me on that though...)

Thanks for all the help guys.

Downunder, we’re planning to go late October.
I know the hurricane season runs June-October and that Wilma hit in October but generally the hurricanes that arrive on land are in August and September (according to what I’ve read anyway!)

I know the last response was over 2yrs ago!!

However, we are heading to Mexico next year & was wondering how you got on Red re driving in Mexico or feedback from anyone else.

I wouldn't advise trying to drive yourself around Mexico City ... but I've driven in Mexico both in the North (Baja California) and in the South (around Chiapas and Veracruz) ... I wouldn't have a problem with doing so again in either location ... roads in the South weren't as good - signage is certainly a problem - GPS would likely be a good idea ... the standard of driving/ respect for rules or the road certainly wasn't brilliant, but not terrible though.