Driving in Mexico

To drive or not to drive—that is the question. You can have a perfectly wonderful vacation in Mexico using only public transportation and taxis. But if you’re itching for more freedom and decide to rent a vehicle, here are a few things to know.

First of all, make sure to carry sufficient insurance. You’re not presumed innocent in the event of an accident, so you’ll need enough coverage for any damage. TouraCancun offers the best insurance plans.

Road signs appear in Spanish, of course. The symbols are fairly straightforward, but it’s still a good idea to brush up before hitting the road. Check out this Wikipedia page, Road signs in Mexico.

You may notice that Mexicans can be a little wild with their lane changes. Nevertheless, they do respect stop signs and are very cautious at unmarked intersections (some intersections do not have traffic lights). Roads are often uneven and generally deteriorate as you move away from urban centers.

Gas station service may be very different from what you’re used to. Attendants fill your tank and clean your car windows. They are very poorly paid, and a good tip is around 10 pesos. It’s a good idea to fill up, as stations are sometimes few and far between.

In Mexico, drivers can choose between libre (free) and cuota (toll) roads. Both have their advantages. Libre roads are slower and less well-maintained, have more traffic lights, and often cut through towns. This means more contact with local color, mom-and-pop restaurants, and artisan shops. Cuota roads tend to be faster, in better condition, and offer better vistas of landscape and nature. However, they don’t offer the same access to everyday life in Mexico.

Why not choose both? If you plan your trip in advance, you can alternate between the two and enjoy all aspects of Mexico!