Getting Around CancúN
The four-lane road divides briefly at Cancún Point, the elbow of the island's “seven” shape. Where U-turns are permitted, signs in the median say retorno. The speed limit along most of Kukulcán is 40 km/h (25 mph), but the speed limit increases to 60 km/h (37 mph) at the southern end of the island.
You won’t often get numbered addresses associated with places in the Hotel Zone. Instead, Kilometer markers installed in the median (from Km 1, just past the mainland, to Km 25 beyond Nizuc Point) are used to designate locations. Directions are often given in reference to well-known landmarks or hotels (and most people can speak English). Because there is only one main road, it's almost impossible to get lost in Cancún’s Hotel Zone.
Navigating around downtown Ciudad Cancún, or “El Centro,” is another story. Driving can be daunting even if you know where you're going. There are numerous one-way streets and traffic circles (glorietas), as well as crowds of pedestrians and unfamiliar traffic signals. For an excursion into El Centro for dinner or shopping, take a bus or a taxi.
Ciudad Cancún is divided into districts called super manzanas (shortened to SM), each containing several blocks surrounding a central square or park. Avenida López Portillo runs east to west and consists of the in-town section of Mex. 180. Avenida Tulum runs north to south and is a portion of Mex. 307, which runs south toward the airport and continues down the coast toward Tulum.
Most souvenir shops and restaurants in Ciudad Cancún are located along or near Avenida Tulum and Avenida Cobá. (Avenida Coba becomes Boulevard Kukulcán as it heads east and enters the Hotel Zone.) Parque de las Palapas is centrally located a block west of Avenida Tulum. The family-oriented park has craft sellers who set up their wares and food vendors offering popcorn, fried bananas and the doughnut-like snacks called churros. Casual restaurants line Tulipanes, a nearby pedestrian street, and popular local eateries are within walking distance of the park.
Rental Cars
Consider renting a car in Cancún if you plan to venture outside the Hotel Zone and don’t want to rely on buses, taxis or organized tours to get there. Renting a car will make it convenient to plan a day trip or overnight trip down the coast to Tulum or inland to the ruins of Chichén Itzá or Cobá. The quality of most regional roads is good, but don’t underestimate the amount of time it will take to drive to your destination. You should also avoid driving after dark in Cancún.Car rental rates are expensive if you rent on the spot; you can get the best deal by making reservations in advance; a AAA travel counselor can help you find good options. Arrange for rental car pickup and drop-off at the airport to eliminate taxi fares, and be sure you fully understand the terms of any rental car contract you sign. If the car only has half a tank of gas when you pick it up, you should be able to return it with half a tank, but double check this rule before you drive off.
Keep in mind that license plates on rental vehicles say renta, which marks you as a visitor. If you don't feel comfortable driving in an unfamiliar place, you may be able to hire a driver through the major rental car agencies; ask about this option when you book.
Hertz is one of several rental car agencies available in Cancún, with offices at the airport, at two locations in downtown Ciudad Cancún, and in the Hotel Zone at La Isla Shopping Village and Flamingo Plaza. AAA members receive discounts through Hertz for vehicles booked in the United States; phone (800) 654-3080.
Buses
The public bus system is an easy and convenient way to get around Cancún. Using the bus is much cheaper than taking a cab, especially if you're staying at the southern end of the Hotel Zone. Buses operate 24 hours a day and cost just 8.5 pesos in the Hotel Zone or 7 pesos in Cuidad Cancún.Ruta 1 and Ruta 2 buses (marked with R-1, Hoteles or Zona Hotelera on the windshield) run regularly from the mainland along Boulevard Kukulcán to the southern end of the Hotel Zone (around the Km 20 marker) and back. The Ruta 8 bus goes to Puerto Juárez and Punta Sam for the ferries to Isla Mujeres.
Bus fare can be paid with pesos or U.S. dollars, but drivers will only make change if you pay with pesos. There are frequent stops along the length of Boulevard Kukulcán, or you can tell the driver where you want to get off. Buses can also be flagged from hotel driveway entrances.
Keep in mind that buses are likely to be the most crowded in the morning and evening, when mainland locals use them to get to and from work. The buses jolt along and can stop suddenly, so watch your footing.
Taxis
Getting a taxi in Cancún’s Hotel Zone can be very expensive, even if you’re just going from one hotel to the next. Taxis in the Hotel Zone are not metered, so you’ll pay based on a zone system. Arranging for a cab directly at your hotel is convenient and safer than hailing one on the street, but these cabs also tend to have the highest rates. Some hotels list the taxi fares to various destinations at the front entrance; if not, ask the front desk. Always confirm the trip rate with the driver before you get into their car, and have Mexican pesos on hand.Taxis on the mainland have a cheaper rate structure (also based on a zone system) than the Hotel Zone taxis, so if you’re going from the Hotel Zone to Ciudad Cancún, Puerto Juárez or Punta Sam, take the Kukulcán bus to the mainland before getting a taxi to your destination. You can also hire a taxi to Chichén Itzá or for a drive south along the Riviera Maya, although you'll pay a steep hourly rate for this convenience.
Ferries
Taking a ferry from Cancún to nearby Isla Mujeres is an easy and popular day trip. Enclosed, air-conditioned Ultramar passenger ferries make the 15-20 minute trip to Isla Mujeres often, and the island offers an excellent beach with calm surf, snorkeling adventures, a turtle sanctuary and golf cart tours.To catch the Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres (about $15-$21 round-trip), head to Puerto Juárez, about 3 kilometers (2 miles) north of Cancún via Avenida López Portillo (Mex. 180). The ferries depart from the Gran Puerto terminal about every half-hour from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., then hourly from 3 to 11 p.m. The final return trip from Isla Mujeres is at midnight. Note: The ferry ride can be choppy even in good weather, so it's a good idea to take the proper precautions if you're prone to seasickness.
You can also catch an Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres from terminals closer to the Hotel Zone, though the schedule isn’t as frequent. Ferries depart from the dock at Playa Tortugas (Km marker 6.5 on Boulevard Kukulcán) and Playa Caracol (Km marker 8.5 on Boulevard Kukulcán). Check the Ultramar website for current Isla Mujeres ferry schedules and fares.
Parking
Street parking is limited in Ciudad Cancún and the Hotel Zone. Park on city streets at your own discretion. If you have a rental car or are driving your own vehicle, keep it in the hotel parking lot — most of them are guarded — and use buses, cabs or shuttles for local excursions. Many hotels, shopping centers and restaurants do offer complimentary valet; a tip of 40 pesos is customary for an hour of parking.
Guides/Tours
The most popular day trip excursions from Cancún are to Isla Mujeres , the Tulum Ruins , Xcaret and Xel-Ha . Another popular option is a guided tour of the Chichén Itzá archeological ruins .Many hotels have a travel agency representative on-site or a concierge who can assist with making tour arrangements. Cancún-based tour operators also offer excursions and vacation packages that include transportation and hotel pickup.
A few organized tours are worth a mention. For trips from Cancún to Tulum or Chichén Itzá, Gray Line Cancún offers motorcoach tours that will pick you up from most major hotels in the Hotel Zone. For information phone 01 (800) 719-5465 (toll-free long distance within Mexico) or (800) 235-4079 (from the United States).
Xichen Tours offers a full-day excursion to Chichén Itzá and the town of Valladolid that includes a guided tour of the ruins followed by a visit to Cenote Zací and a buffet lunch at a restored colonial mansion. Round-trip transportation from hotels in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya is included. The cost is $145 (U.S.); $73 (ages 5-11). Discounted tickets can be purchased online. For reservation information, phone (998) 883-3143 (in Cancún), (984) 206-0038 (in Playa del Carmen) or (855) 326-2696 (from the United States and Canada).
If you’re planning to visit Xcaret and don’t have a rental car, an organized bus excursion is a good way to get there. Tour packages that include Xcaret can provide roundtrip transportation from a number of hotels in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and along the Riviera Maya coast. The total cost is around $110 (U.S.) or $55 (ages 5-11), with discounts available online. For reservation information phone (855) 326-0682. For additional information contact the Xcaret information center in Cancún, phone (998) 251-6560, or in Playa del Carmen, phone (984) 147-6560.