Mexico had long appealed to us – sun, culture, joie de vivre, and impressive Mayan ruins. In the summer of 2025, we fulfilled this dream and explored the Yucatán Peninsula independently by rental car. A road trip through Mexico is surprisingly straightforward and safe – perfect for flexibly discovering the highlights of Yucatán, Tulum, Valladolid, and beyond. Fascinating Mayan sites, colorful colonial cities, turquoise seas, and countless unforgettable experiences awaited us.
- Traveling through Mexico by rental car – safe and flexible
- Ek Balam – the hidden Mayan site in the jungle
- Tulum – Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea
- Valladolid – a charming colonial city with a cenote right in the city center
- Pure adventure – our buggy tour through the jungle
- Cancún – sun, beach and party atmosphere
- Conclusion – Discover Yucatán, Mexico on your own
Our base was the Ocean Riviera Paradise in Playa del Carmen – a modern beachfront resort with a spacious pool area, tropical gardens, and direct access to the Caribbean beach. Perfect for relaxing after exciting day trips! From here, we set off each day to new destinations: from impressive Mayan sites and colorful colonial cities to tranquil cenotes in the jungle. In this travelogue, we share our most memorable experiences and offer practical tips for your own tour of Yucatán. If you'd like to learn more about our hotel, please also read our Review of Ocean Riviera Paradise in Playa del Carmen.
Traveling through Mexico by rental car – safe and flexible
Many travelers are apprehensive about driving in Mexico. However, it was absolutely straightforward and safe on the Yucatán Peninsula. We picked up our rental car directly in Playa del Carmen and were thrilled with the freedom to explore everything at our own pace.
The roads were mostly well-maintained and clearly signposted, so we felt safe at all times. There was a lot of police presence, especially on the major highways. This felt unusual at first, but ultimately it was rather reassuring. If you encounter a police checkpoint, just stay calm and continue driving on the side of the road where the police aren't – that's the right thing to do.
A self-organized road trip around the Yucatán Peninsula was a complete success for us – varied, relaxed, and absolutely safe. The roads were well-maintained, navigation was easy, and we never felt unsafe. However, our positive impressions are limited to the Yucatán Peninsula and especially the tourist areas around Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid. We strongly advise against independent travel to other parts of Mexico, particularly the border regions with the USA or remote areas in the interior. Before traveling to Mexico, we recommend thoroughly researching the current travel advisories and travel advisories. Travel and safety advice from the Federal Foreign Office to provide information so that you can start your holiday well prepared.
Ek Balam – the hidden Mayan site in the jungle
Instead of visiting the overcrowded ruins of Chichén Itzá, we opted for the lesser-known but no less impressive Mayan site of Ek Balam, located deep in the jungle. Even the journey there was an adventure: a toll is charged on the access road. We briefly tried to bypass it via a side road, but quickly realized that this was impossible.
The site itself was quiet, shady, and wonderfully unspoiled. The entrance fee includes both the national park and the archaeological zone. We found it particularly fascinating that one could still climb the large acropolis, also known as the "Royal Palace." From the top, there was a magnificent view over the green sea of treetops.
Ek Balam was significantly smaller than other well-known Mayan sites, but that was precisely what gave it its charm. Among the densely overgrown paths, we discovered several well-preserved buildings, ancient temple platforms, and impressive stone reliefs that once depicted kings and gods. The central acropolis, with its steep steps and ornate facades, was the heart of the complex—a place where it was easy to imagine how vibrant life must have been centuries ago. Insect repellent is definitely a must here!
Tulum – Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea
Few places on the Yucatán Peninsula blend history and nature as perfectly as Tulum. The ancient Mayan ruins are spectacularly situated above the turquoise waves of the Caribbean Sea. We strolled among the temples and foundations of the former city along the old city wall, constantly enjoying the view of the sparkling water. On the day of our visit, it was extremely hot and sunny, so we were grateful for the few shady spots where we could catch our breath. Unfortunately, seaweed on the beaches made swimming impossible, but the view alone was breathtaking.
A tip for visitors: The ticket offices are located slightly off the main path and are therefore easy to miss. Those who don't want to walk in the sun can use one of the free electric shuttle buses that run regularly between the entrance and the ruins.
Right at the entrance to the Mayan site stands a new, modern visitor center, whose architecture surprisingly blends well with the ancient ruins. However, the many "guides" waiting for customers a short distance from the ticket counters should be ignored, as they are usually overpriced and rarely truly helpful.
Valladolid – a charming colonial city with a cenote right in the city center
After so much history, we were looking forward to some city life and were surprised by Valladolid's vibrant mix of culture, color, and tranquility. The colonial city, with its pastel-colored facades and cobblestone streets, was a must-see on our trip.
Right in the heart of the city lies Cenote Zací, perfect for a refreshing dip. The impressive churches and the San Bernardino Monastery are also worth seeing. The Mercado Municipal was particularly authentic, offering a glimpse into real Mexican life: vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, fragrant spices, and even unrefrigerated meat – not for the faint-hearted, but incredibly interesting!
Pure adventure – our buggy tour through the jungle
The buggy tour through the jungle was one of our absolute highlights. Early in the morning, we were picked up directly from the hotel and taken to the base station. After a short briefing and with bandanas covering our mouths and noses, we set off on our off-road adventure.
We made our way deep into the jungle along dusty paths, through mud, and over small hills – an incredible feeling of freedom! After about an hour, we reached a small village where families live who, although they received land with electricity, water, and internet from the government, have no gas. This has to be transported for kilometers in large gas cylinders. Many villagers work in Playa del Carmen but cannot afford to live there.
After a simple but delicious lunch of chicken and cheese empanadas, we continued on to a secluded cenote, which we had entirely to ourselves. The crystal-clear, cool water and the surrounding tranquility made this place truly special – a real hidden gem far from the tourist crowds! Cenotes are natural limestone sinkholes formed by the collapse of underground caves. They were sacred sites for the Maya and considered gateways to the underworld. Today, their turquoise waters invite visitors to swim, dive, and cool off – an experience not to be missed in Yucatán.
Then it was a rapid return journey through the jungle back to the starting point. We were completely covered in dust and everything was dirty afterwards, but the tour was worth every minute. The wind in our faces, the engine noise, and the unpaved roads made the experience unique. For us, buggy riding was one of the most exciting and authentic excursions in Yucatán – a true adventure far from the typical tourist destinations.
Cancún – sun, beach and party atmosphere
To conclude our trip, we made a side trip to Cancún. The city is the complete opposite of tranquil Valladolid or the historic Mayan sites: it's loud, vibrant, and full of energy. Large resorts, restaurants, and clubs line the hotel zone – it's a bit like a Mexican version of Mallorca. For partygoers, it's undoubtedly paradise; for us, it was an exciting but brief change of pace before our flight home.
Conclusion – Discover Yucatán, Mexico on your own
The Yucatán Peninsula completely captivated us with its diversity: impressive Mayan ruins, colorful colonial cities, turquoise seas, adventurous jungle trails, and incredibly warm-hearted people. Thanks to the rental car, we were able to experience everything at our own pace: safely, relaxed, and flexibly.
Our tips for your Yucatán tour:
- Insect repellent and sunscreen are a must.
- Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere – including at temples.
- Start early – it gets extremely hot from midday onwards.
- Police checks are normal, just stay calm.
- Renting a car is the best option for exploring Yucatán independently.
The Ocean Riviera Paradise in Playa del Carmen (Here you can find our hotel reviewIt was the perfect starting point: close to the sights and yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Cancún. For us, Mexico was one of the most exciting travel destinations of recent years, and the Yucatán Peninsula the heart of this impressive country.
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