How to Have the Best Yucatan Road Trip Experience Out There

If you’re planning a Yucatan Road trip, look no further. Here we’ll cover the ultimate itinerary from Playa Del Carmen to Merida, Mexico. What stops to make, local tips and what you need to know before you go.

If you’re in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed with how many extremely dope things there are to do and see. This is easily solved if you head out on a Yucatan road trip where you can see it all. Mayan ruins, cenotes abound, delicious food, beaches and cultural, colorful cities. What’s not to love?

If you’re not from the Yucatan, road tripping through a foreign place tends to take a bit of planning. You need to know where to go and why, the best ways to get there, and of course how to maximize your time. You also want to make sure you can see and enjoy everything, no matter what your budget is. Thankfully, it’s easy to do a budget road trip in the Yucatan if you just do a little planning. If planning isn’t your strong suit, I got you.

Below you’ll find just about everything you need to know and do for the perfect Yucatan road trip itinerary. We’ll start in Playa Del Carmen and end in Merida, but if you’re in any of the neighboring cities, or doing the reverse order, no worries.

Disclaimer: I include some affiliate links throughout this blog post. While they come at zero cost to you, they help support my work and allow me to create this blog! I only ever promote companies I personally use and that would benefit my readers. All affiliate links are clearly marked.

Starting Point, Stop #1: Playa Del Carmen

One of my favorite spots in Quintana Roo is Playa Del Carmen. Fun, faster paced, and just a little bit boujie, PDC should not be missed. It’s a great base, and a popular digital nomad spot, so if that’s where you’re spending your time, this is a great Mexico road trip starting point. If you find yourself in Cancun or Puerto Morelos, no worries- this route still applies and you should still stop in Playa.

Local Tip: If you stay off of 5th avenue, even past 10th avenue, you’re going to experience Playa Del Carmen in an entirely different way. The main strip is extremely touristy and many first timers find themselves there the whole time. Don’t make that mistake if you’re looking to actually experience Playa Del Carmen.

The best food, and better long-term accommodation, can be found from 10th-30th avenida. Plus, everything is super walkable so even if you’re staying on 30th, you can walk to the beach in 10 minutes. If you want to connect with locals and engage in unique activities like art therapy, check this post out too.

Road Trip Stop #2: Tulum

Travel Time: 50 minutes

Look, I don’t like Tulum. If you’ve been keeping up to date on my content, you know why. But I’m going to appease the masses and include Tulum here because I know most of y’all want it. Heading this direction first will allow you to skip the toll roads, and to see Coba, so it’s worthwhile.

If you’re starting your Yucatan road trip in Quintana Roo, I would also suggest checking out Akumal Beach. You can snorkle with sea turtles!

If you’re dying to go to Tulum, this is a good spot to spend the night. Otherwise, you can easily make it a day trip. It doesn’t take long to walk around the entire center, do some shopping, and hit the beach if you want.

Worthwhile Tourist Sights: Cenotes, Tulum Ruins, Tulum Beach. You can hit all of these spots on your own, or if you have some time, sign up for a tour. I always recommend my affiliate partner, Tours by a Local. Why? Because they are independent, curated tours by actual locals. This is the best way to support the local community and travel responsibly.

Local Tip: Stay in the centro if you want to experience all the delicious food, a bit more of the local culture, and to not pay a ridiculous amount for accommodation. Plus you’ll be able to hit the highway easily in the morning.

Road Trip Stop #3: Coba

Travel Time: 40 Minutes (from Tulum Centro)

Personal disclaimer- I have yet to stop here. I wanted to badly but time did not allow. From what I know about Coba, it’s definitely worth a stop- especially if you’re into Mayan Ruins. Coba is more of a quick pit stop, but if you want to stay the night, go for it.

Worthwhile Tourist Sights: Do not miss the Coba Ruins! For only $3.50 USD, it’s a no brainer. Imagine a less crowded Chichen Itza, but you can climb on parts of it.

Local Tip: The ruins are the most popular thing in Coba, but if you can, explore the town too. There’s a beautiful lagoon right in the middle of the town and some cenotes.

Road Trip Stop #4: Valladolid

Travel Time: 45 minutes

Valladolid is one of Mexico’s 121 pueblo magicos, i.e. Magic Towns. There are two in the Yucatan, both featured on this road trip itinerary. This colorful, bohemian pueblo has great shopping, instagrammable streets, delicious food and cute accommodation. If you have some time, this is a great place to stay overnight.

Worthwhile Tourist Sights: In town, visit Casa De Los Venados and the main square. Cenote Suytun is a must. Cenote Dzitnup, and Samula are popular as well.

Local Tip: The cenotes in this area are 1/4 of the price of what you pay in Quintana Roo. The kicker? They are way prettier and less crowded. That doesn’t mean they aren’t still popular! When you visit the cenotes, go early or late to avoid the crowds, and for the prime ‘gram shot. Cenote Suytun is by far the most famous and it’s for a good reason. We got there at 9 a.m. with the place almost to ourselves, but by 10 it was packed.

Road Trip Stop #5: Chichen Itza or Uayma

Travel Time to Chichen Itza: 45 minutes (take the no toll route on 180.)

Travel Time to Uayma: 22 minutes

Okay so this doesn’t have to be an either or situation, this can definitely be an and/or situation. It’s up to you! Which is why I love road trips. Both attractions are going to give you very different vibes.

What’s Up With Chichen Itza?

Chichen Itza is incredibly well known- I’m sure you’ve heard of what is arguably the most famous Mayan ruin, and a former Mayan city. Chichen Itza is amazing, no one is debating that. But if you don’t care too much about ruins and you’re just going because everyone told you too, I would consider all angles.

Chichen Itza will cost $30 USD as of 2021 and it is super crowded. Unless you’re going right when they open at 9 a.m., you will be in a swarm of people all day. If you love ruins though, go. It’s also on an incredible cenote route, which makes for many exciting Yucatan road trip stops.

What’s Up With Uayma?

So this is where the option of Uayma comes in. Uayma is a historic and spiritual Mayan town and it boasts a magnificent church, Santo Domingo. The church is very unique because it’s bright red and decorated with blue and white stars.

The town itself is a blend of past and present. It’s a quick stop, and mostly for the ‘gram, but I definitely think it’s worth checking. It’s also off the normal tourist track- for now- but that will definitely change as pictures of this church are popping up all over these days.

Worthwhile Tourist Sights: Stop at Cenote Ik Kil. It’s beautiful, ethereal and inside a peaceful boutique resort that feels like paradise.

Local Tip: This is unrelated to this specific route, but if you’re into Mayan Ruins, then don’t sleep on the other incredible ruins in the Yucatan. Make sure to stop at Coba on your trip, and later on check out Ek Balam, Uxmal, and Mayapan.

Road Trip Stop #6: Izamal

Travel Time: 1 hour

The minute I came across a gorgeous photo of this bright yellow convent, I knew I had to go to Izamal. The second pueblo magico in the region, it is an essential stop on your Yucatan road trip. It was surprising just how yellow the entire town is, and pretty. This can definitely be a pit stop, but you could also stay the night.

There’s several beautiful restaurants, local eats and shopping. It’s definitely a photographers dream, so you’ll want to allow some time to wander around if that’s you.

Worthwhile Tourist Sites: Convento De San Antonio de Padua (home to the photo above), Kinich Pyramid, Itzamatul and the archaeological area of Izamal.

Local Tip: There are several archaeological sites throughout and surrounding Izamal, so they aren’t all in one area. Definitely spend some time exploring the different sites, many of which you can climb on.

Ending Point, Stop #7: Merida

Travel Time: 50 minutes

You made it! To my favorite city and stop on your Yucatan road trip. I love Merida so much, I chose it as a home for three months. This is hardly a pitstop on a quick road trip however, since it’s a major city- seriously, over a million people. However, even if you only have a night or a weekend, you still need to visit.

The beauty of having a car means you aren’t limited to one area. There is an endless amount of things to do here, so expect a full city guide coming your way. For a road trip stop however, expect to spend some time cafe and restaurant hopping, exploring museums, photographing colonial mansions and haciendas and hitting a lot of boutique.

Worthwhile Tourist Sights: Hard to narrow it down since most of Merida’s charm involves delicious food and wandering the streets. For notable sights however, visit El Pinar, Parque Las Americas, Museum of Anthropology, Monumento A La Patria, Municipal Market of Crafts, and Plaza Grande. In general, explore Paseo Montejo, Barrio Santiago, Santa Ana and Santa Lucia and you will be met with the prettiest sites and the best foods.

Local Tip: Stay in Paseo de Montejo your first time, toward Barrio Santa Lucia. This will put you right in the best restaurants, and mansions, but also walking distance to the main hustle, bustle and magic of the colorful centro. It’s the best way to experience the entire history of Merida through the years.

Additional Bonus Tip: Outside of the city, you have access to some of the best nearby cenotes, and Haciendas. Do some exploring on your way in or for a half day trip. If you have a lot of time, head to Merida’s beaches and experience the laid back vibes of Chelem, the white sand of Sisal, and the flamingos of Celestun.

If you want to continue on your journey, drive down to Campeche to explore a beautiful part of Mexico most foreign tourists never see. Waterfalls, eco reserves, beaches, a walled city- there’s a lot to see in this state.

Wait- How Do You Rent a Car in Mexico?!

The biggest question we all have is how to navigate a rental car in Mexico. Thankfully, it’s easier than you think. All the big rental car companies can be found in Mexico. Avis, Hertz, Thrifty- you got it. That being said- they tax heavily, and it’s often better to go with a local company.

I tend to research car rentals via Kayak, to compare prices. I then research the actual location on google maps and check the ratings to see what my best choice is. After that, I definitely suggest booking ahead of time (without paying) especially if you’re traveling on the weekends. Why? Because it’s a popular thing to rent cars on the weekend, meaning if you show up after 10 a.m., there may only be the most expensive cars left.

I saw a lot of people saying not to reserve ahead because they won’t honor the price online, etc. but I disagree. At least book ahead, without paying, to ensure you’ll have the cheaper car available- even if it’s still $10 more than the price you saw online. That way, if they give it away, and you have a reservation, you can negotiate the original rate you reserved.

What About Insurance?

Many rental companies may try to force you into buying the insurance, but you don’t have to if your credit card covers it. Let me warn you however, that the well known companies like Avis and Hertz may put a huge hold on your card if you don’t purchase their insurance. Often, finding a local dealer and rental company that has positive reviews is a cheaper and easier way to rent a car.

I know this is a lot of information, but don’t stress too much. You’ll be fine, you’ll get a car, you just might have to be a little flexible. Don’t be scared, you’ll get on the road eventually and you’ll have so much fun!

But Is It Safe to Go on a Mexico Road Trip?!

Yeah, I wondered the same thing. Just like anywhere, it just depends where you are! If you’re on this Yucatan road trip, you have nothing to worry about. It’s just like driving back home. Just please don’t speed or drive recklessly unless you want to lose some money to the police.

Remember, Mexico is a giant country! It may be safe to drive through this route and region, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive literally everywhere. As with anywhere, always do your research before hitting the road and exercise caution and good judgement.

A Note on Those Pesky Toll Roads:

If you’re on a Yucatan peninsula road trip, there are toll roads. 180D has tolls right before Chichen Itza. Make sure you select the no toll route, which should just take you around on 180, which is the old highway. I’m serious when I say do the no tolls, it’s not a few dollars, it’s $10 USD each way. Just go around and save yourself your lunch money!

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