Ye Standard beginner questions - Beach to Pueblo and other inane ?s

[sandytoes]

Hello all!

I was in Playa 3 years ago, loved it, and have finally convinced my boyfriend to come to the area again. We decided not to stay in Playa this time (for a change) and instead opt for the relaxation of Tulum. So I have a few questions:

1) we want to stay on the beach, but also be able to walk into town / to restaurants if needs be. Is this possible? What is the route/time it takes? I am unclear from maps of the area if the beach road is connected to the pueblo centre at all.

2) For the various day trips, is it necessary for us to have our own car, or is it easy to book onto trips heading to Coba, Sian Khan etc.?

3) If we decide to get a car in town for only a few days, is that possible, or do we have to go to Playa to get it?
What are the reputable rental car places in the area (our CC number was stolen from a not so friendly place in Playa last time around, so we are hesitant in this regard)

4) Lastly, any other first hand knowledge about the effects of Wilma on the area? Anything completely gone? Restaurants/hotels closed? I am pretty confident from reading this and other boards, but we will be there the first week of December, which is coming fast.

thanks! I am sure I will be back with other ridiculous questions soon.

[frazzd]

Sorry I can't help, I'm looking for the answers to these questions myself. We're especially looking for tips on best area to stay when not renting a car. We really prefer walking...not fun to do in January blizzards here.

[jx2]

Hello all!

I was in Playa 3 years ago, loved it, and have finally convinced my boyfriend to come to the area again. We decided not to stay in Playa this time (for a change) and instead opt for the relaxation of Tulum. So I have a few questions:

1) we want to stay on the beach, but also be able to walk into town / to restaurants if needs be. Is this possible? What is the route/time it takes? I am unclear from maps of the area if the beach road is connected to the pueblo centre at all.

2) For the various day trips, is it necessary for us to have our own car, or is it easy to book onto trips heading to Coba, Sian Khan etc.?

3) If we decide to get a car in town for only a few days, is that possible, or do we have to go to Playa to get it?
What are the reputable rental car places in the area (our CC number was stolen from a not so friendly place in Playa last time around, so we are hesitant in this regard)

4) Lastly, any other first hand knowledge about the effects of Wilma on the area? Anything completely gone? Restaurants/hotels closed? I am pretty confident from reading this and other boards, but we will be there the first week of December, which is coming fast.

thanks! I am sure I will be back with other ridiculous questions soon.
Punta Piedra AKA(Tulum beach area) is a couple mile stretch of beachfront property with approx. 50+ small hotels/cabanas lodging places. Depending on where you are staying makes a huge difference on how far it is to Tulum Pueblo. Think of it as a (T) and the top of the T is the Punta Piedra area and the base(bottom) of the T is Tulum Pueblo. It would take 30+ min. walk( with no shade) to get from the junction to the main town area. With that being said there are many restaraunts all along the Punta Piedra area. These beach rest. seem to be a little more expensive and are like anywhere some great some not so great.
Depending on where you stay tours can be arranged at many hotels on the beach. Taxis and rental cars are available in tulum, no problem.Maybe somebody else will provide more details. Hope this helps some.

[Uno Mas]

Here's a map of the area. For walking to Tulum Pueblo you would want to stay somewhere close to the "T", Mezzanine or Copal for example. Taxis are much less available than in Playa.
Personally, I would never go without a car, you are going to be much more limited than if you had one.
If you look closely at the map you can see it's 2 km to the town from the T and about 1 km in each direction to the closet accomodations, so 3 km each way to the edge of town. Not a walk I would want to be making unless I was stranded.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/jhefley/tulum_map.jpg

[sandytoes]

Hey all, thanks for the replies!

Uno Mas, where did you get that map? Is it on the net, or did you scan into your computer? That's probably the best layout map I have seen of the area, including the names of all the hotels along the beach is great!

So that being said, we will likely go for a car then. What are everyone's experiences with renting cars in Mexico? Since we don't have a gold visa, we will likely need/want to purchase insurance. What companies have you found offer the best deals, including insurance? Any suggestions?

Cheers.

[jx2]

Hey all, thanks for the replies!

Uno Mas, where did you get that map? Is it on the net, or did you scan into your computer? That's probably the best layout map I have seen of the area, including the names of all the hotels along the beach is great!

So that being said, we will likely go for a car then. What are everyone's experiences with renting cars in Mexico? Since we don't have a gold visa, we will likely need/want to purchase insurance. What companies have you found offer the best deals, including insurance? Any suggestions?

Cheers.
Try intulum.com I think that is where that map came from.
As far as renting a car goes, dont be afraid it is the only way to go as far as i am concerned. We used Easyway and had a good experience at a good price since insurance is included. I think it is easywayrentacar.com. Or there are all the big rental places you are aware of.

[Uno Mas]

Pretty sure the map came from a local Tulum publication, like one of those free papers. It looks scanned to me, I found it posted on another board. Intulum.com does have a nice map, but it's java and not easily printed.
I hear many people are happy with easyway, we've used Alamo and National. Had much better luck with Alamo, National tried to timeshare sell us when we picked up the car and also tried to swindle us for a windshield for a tiny speck that was there when we picked up the car. Go over the car with a fine toothed comb and note all damage including anything in the windshield. Alamo was no problem, easy in and easy out.
Driving is no problem especially once you get to Tulum, you'll pick up on the in's and out's pretty quickly. I would recommend when you get gas to go ahead and hop out and watch the attendant and pump (full service). I had it happen to me once where the pumper will reset the pump to a higher amount on a "filler up" and try to swindle you of out of more money. Of course he spoke no english and my spanish is limited so it ended up costing me $20 for my naviety. Once out of a dozen or so isn't bad, but it pays to be on your toes, it won't happen to me again.

[Juanito]

What if you take the car rental company's insurance?

It's a ripoff, or so I understand.

But will it save you from car rental company employees "discovering" damage on the car like microscopic scratches?

[Ginger]

It will also save you big bucks to book your rental car ahead of time, online. Don't forget to take all your paperwork for it with you, though. Print it all out and pack it!

[austxdan]

As a matter of opinion . . .

Where would it be overall, flat-out, easier to rent or pick up your car from? By this I mean, get at the airport in Cancun and drive all the way to Tulum? Riveria Bus to Playa (nice) and get car in Playa, drive to Tulum? Or maybe, bus it all the way to Tulum and get car in Tulum Pueblo?

We're heading down next May, and appreciate the assistance in advance planning.

[Uno Mas]

It would be easier for me to rent from the Cancun Airport and only make one transition. I'm not a real light traveler, if you have just a backpack it might be easy to bus around. I'm not into lugging my suitcase from one mode of transport to another. Really the only stretch of highway that might be considered tricky would be from Playa to Tulum since it's 2 lane and the rules of the road are slightly different. If your going to rent a car why not get it at the beginning of your trip and return it at the end. You will be paying for it anyway, why not use it.
I hope to be in Tulum in early May myself!



As a matter of opinion . . .

Where would it be overall, flat-out, easier to rent or pick up your car from? By this I mean, get at the airport in Cancun and drive all the way to Tulum? Riveria Bus to Playa (nice) and get car in Playa, drive to Tulum? Or maybe, bus it all the way to Tulum and get car in Tulum Pueblo?

We're heading down next May, and appreciate the assistance in advance planning.

Dan

[sandytoes]

Even though I have not been to Tulum before, I would suggest you think about what you want to do while in Tulum. If you plan to embark on several day trips over the course of your time, and generally want alot of flexibility, I would say get the car in Cancun, return it when you leave.
However, if you don't plan to leave your beach (even to go into town) for many days at a time, and just want one or two days access to a car, perhaps consider taking the bus/taxis/collectivos to Tulum and just get one in Tulum when you need it.
The baggage question is a concern as well - light traveler, easy to take public transit. Heavy packer, get yourself some luxury and piece of mind! :)

[Uno Mas]

Sandytoes brings up good points.


Even though I have not been to Tulum before, I would suggest you think about what you want to do while in Tulum. If you plan to embark on several day trips over the course of your time, and generally want alot of flexibility, I would say get the car in Cancun, return it when you leave.
However, if you don't plan to leave your beach (even to go into town) for many days at a time, and just want one or two days access to a car, perhaps consider taking the bus/taxis/collectivos to Tulum and just get one in Tulum when you need it.
The baggage question is a concern as well - light traveler, easy to take public transit. Heavy packer, get yourself some luxury and piece of mind! :)

[austxdan]

We're going down for 10 days, with the goal of "relaxing" so that means mucho time on beach and swim/snorkle, reading, etc.

The 'however' is that I'd still like to go into town for dinners, and visit nearby Cenotes a few days. We travel light, one soft bag each, and . . . I suppose I am talking myself into the flexibility that a car offers.

Bottom line is, if we go car-less I'll probably want to get out and about more; and if we have a rental in the lot, we'll probably stay beached :confused:
That's usually the way it works out. Pay for the car, have peace of mind.

Guess when time get closer I'll re-search here and PlayaInfo for car suggestions.

Thanks all,

[Jessie James]

I imagine everyones already back who had written on this thread, but I'll put in my two cents anyway....

We always wing it when we go to Tulum. We always stay in Playa first and then bus to Tulum. From the bus station in town you can grab a cab to the beach cabana sights and find your new home. Cab rides are always at a set price. I think it was 30 pesos to whatever hotel you are heading to. It's not a bad idea to have a place to stay picked out to start with start. When we first went we had no idea where to go. I had no idea the beach cabanas were so far from town. I think it would take a lot longer than 30 mins to walk to town from the beach. But yeh, the first trip we had the cabby pick where to drop us off and we then walked up and down the beach untill we found a place in our price range that looked good to us. Look at hotelstulum.com for all the different places.

[Gale in KY]

I always book my cars with Easyway or Busters..both off airport property but they will pick you up at the airport and drop you off before your flight. Like both these companies because they are locally owned and run..puts my $$$ in the pockets of the locals.

The price per day/week they quote includes all necessary insurance so you don't have to guess about what it is really gonna cost when they add it all up

They are off airport property so you don't have to pay the extra tax that is charged with the on airport property companys.

They give a discount for cash payment..sometimes 5%, sometimes 10% (this is Mexico, lol) and you don't have to put anything on your credit card. They do make a voucher for the deductible but don't place a hold on your card, that is nice too. When you return the car in good shape, they give you back the voucher.

I have used both these companies with great results and will not hesitate to book with either of them again.

www.easywayrentacar.com
www.busterrentacar.com

When you rent:

Go over the car from top to bottom inside and out and mark every ding, scratch, anything missing etc. on the card they use. They will do the same thing when you return it. Don't forget to check for the spare tire, cigarette lighter..and make sure you bring the car back with the same amount of gas you took it out with. Look underneath too..never know what might be damaged under there. Turn on the lights and windshield wipers make sure they work.

About Pemex stations/getting gas
There have been several reports of the peso switch scam happening again.
Basically, you hand the attendant a $100 peso bill and poof in his hands it becomes a $10 peso bill and he is telling you that you haven't paid enough. A good way to avoid this is to ask for a set amount of gas i.e. $200 Pesos..and watch him reset the pump to zero, watch him pump it...then show him what you are handing him to pay for it, and say how much it is so he has to agree with you...that way there is no chance for him to switch out the money when you aren't looking. '

I have never had this problem in Tulum but you just never know, better safe than sorry and broke.

I like having the freedom to go where I want when I want, and even to leave the car parked all week but knowing I can go when I choose. Makes it much easier to explore, to get into town and back.

[austxdan]

I've heard good things about Easyway elsewhere. Perhaps that is the way to go. As above, if I have a car handy, I'll probably sit where I'm at. But it is nice to have options.

Thanks Gale,

[Gale in KY]

Dan..I did end up leaving my car sitting in the parking lot the majority of the time, except for a trip to the ruins and into town a couple of times on my first trip to Tulum. Second time I went to Mahahual and used it alot.

If I was going for a trip just to the beach and around Town, including the ruins, I would probably just do the bus and taxi and not worry with a car. If you want to include things outside the area, like Coba, or Punta Allen, I would for sure go with a car.

You can always go into town and rent with Buster (in Tulum) for a day if you decide you want to go somewhere. They are on the left side of the street as you are heading South from the Coba Rd intersection.

Have fun!

[bill2354]

We always rent a car at Alamo. We've never had any trouble, and only take the unsurance required by Mexican law. Pay with your credit card and you have that coverage also. We take pictures of the outside of the car with our digital just to make sure. All you need is the basic car w/ AC. We usually don't even bother with a radio.
Having a car makes it so much easier to get to cenotes and other interesting sites, as well as to places like Puerto Aventuras and Half Moon bay, etc for a differant 'flavor'.

[MadeInTexas]

Hello all! I'm heading out in just about 48 hours for 10 days in Mexico, and this being my 3rd time (it's a charm, or so they say!) I would LOVE to provide my (very long) POV on this, especially for anyone who hasn't gone or stayed in Tulum before. Please note, this is just my opinion, and is completely based on my state of mind and what I want to get out of my vacation.

I fly into Cancun on a red-eye from Seattle via DFW, I have already reserved a van to pick me up and take me to Playa del Carmen. After customs and the short trip (45 min +/-) I'm deposited at Posada Freud, right on 5th Avenue in the middle of everything. Check in, grab a beer at the bar, go take a nap in the hammock. Night out, day at the beach and buy up the souveniers that I can't resist. Think I'm in absolute heaven, living life and enjoying everything that Mexico has to offer.

On Sunday, I check out and grab a cab to Tulum. It's about $35-ish if I do remember correctly. It's just as simple to jump on a Collectivo or the bus, but I'm more for paying for convenience and hey, I'm on vacation!

About 45 minutes +/- later (and a couple of beers - I remembered to grab them on my way out of town) the taxi pulls up to my little beachfront cabana in Tulum. Spend the day exploring around the area, dinner at Zamas (fantastic! and usually a 2-3 piece band, under the stars.)

Now, there are a few things and options that you have to consider at this time. First - depending on how many days you're staying, you will want to dedicate a couple of them to your immediate surroundings. The beach, the beach bar, a palaypa and napping in the hammock. No need for a car at all. One day, you should spend down at Parasio Beach Club. This is the biggest "scene" you'll find - swings at the bar, DJ, volleyball, boobs, etc... Very fun and the beach to the north of this area is absolutely divine. To the south is Vita e Bella (?) and they have a great restaurant and a bar full of swings and hammocks. (Do you notice a theme here?)

I like renting a bike at the resort a couple of days. One, you can bike into Pueblo Tulum, eat lunch at Charlies, then head about 3 miles south on the main road to 2 fantastic cenotes. After the ride, jumping into the clear, fresh water is beyond words, and being back in the jungle (usually by yourself) is very cool. I liked the cenote on the left side of the road a bit better - there were big rocks you could jump off of. For another bike trip, head north on the beach road to the ruins, roam about and then bike back down the road, stopping at some of the little cabanas, restaurants and beach clubs on the way. Santa Fe Campground is pretty fun there is always the clothing optional beach at Cabanas Copal. :cool:

Somewhere in all of this, you have to book in some of the spa treatments at Copal - they have Mayan healing massage, body wraps, facials, and even a Total Sensory Flotation Chamber in the middle of the jungle. Might be time for a new pedicure, too.

For a day trip, I grab a taxi (most all the beach resorts have taxi radios and you can usually flag one down on the beach road) and spend $15ish bucks to go to Akumal to snorkel and explore. I'll do dinner there, too, then head back to the beach for a nightcap and an early night.

That's one thing - there isn't much "action" on the beach once the sun goes down. Most places have little restaurants and bars, but they close around 10:00ish. With little to no electricity, you're somewhat confined to the area without a car, but I did take a taxi into Tulum Pueblo one night and met the chef and waiters from my cabanas for beers, and we ended up in the local disco, dancing to Justin Timberlake! That was one of the most fun nights of my last trip, and I have some great photos to prove it! :D

I usually head back to Playa for my final night so I'm closer to the airport, and have an easier transition back to my "other" life. It's good to get the last minute souveniers in PDC so you don't have to carry them around for the whole trip.

Again, just my opinion and recommendation. Hope it helps!:)

[austxdan]

Fantastic Report M.I.T.,

That's a lot of good info and suggestions, definitely worth a print out and carry with downt to Tulum. In fact, I guess I'll print out this entire thread come May :)


Glad you enjoyed your trip,