by Andrew Coln

Created on: July 20, 2008   Last Updated: July 21, 2008

So you're fresh off the plane in Cancun, and you're trying to figure out how to get around this 12-mile island shaped like a number 7. Well you have some options, friend.

Renting a car
Stick to the established rental car agencies you have back home. You know the brands. Everyone and their madre will offer you deals that sound too good to be true. That is because they are, as there are hundreds of timeshare operators offering you everything from cheap car rentals to free tours, all in exchange for you attending breakfast and a 90-minute "presentation". These presentations, which can last up to three hours, might not be the best way to spend half of a day of your vacation.

Driving around the Hotel Zone in Cancun is pretty straightforward, as there is only one thoroughfare here: Kukulcan Boulevard. There are 40 km speed traps at all the shopping centers, so keep an eagle eye out for hungry cops. A couple of driving tips: never lock your valuables in the trunk. Never drink and drive. Obey the speed limit signs, and remember, they are kilometers, not miles. Get gas in the city, where it's a bit cheaper. Don't drive out to the clubs at night; take a bus instead. Parking in the clubs area at Punta Cancun is a horror show.

Taxis
If you don't want to drive, there are over 3000 cabs in Cancun eager to take you where you want to go. Check at your hotel lobby for fares to popular destinations, and always work out the price with the driver before you get in the cab. Parked cabs always charge more than moving ones, as they all wait at their shot at a sure thing, so if you want to save a few pesos, flag down a cab curbside.

Buses
There are two bus companies competing for your business in the Hotel Zone, which means that the island is flooded with buses fighting for your money. There are bus stops at or near every hotel, and also at all shopping areas and points of interest in the Hotel Zone and in the city. Just flag one down, hop on, pay your sixty-five cents, and hold on for dear life! Make sure to either tell your driver where you'd like to stop, and ask someone on the bus who speaks English to let you know when you are nearing your destination. All buses for the tourist areas are marked HOTELES, so as long as you're on one of them, it means you're either coming from or heading to the hotel area.

Walking and Bike Riding
Cancun has a winding bike path in the hotel zone that is great for walking. Just make sure to wear sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes, and please make sure to check out the distances you'll be covering, as the points on your little maps might be deceptively near or far. When in doubt, ask you hotel concierge or front desk staff member.
Riding short distances on rental bikes is also a great way to see the Hotel Zone. The bike path is new and safe, just make sure to wear your helmets and use a little common sense while riding, and stay off the streets.

Scooters
Scooters may look like a fun way to get around the Hotel Zone, and at roughly $29 U.S. a day or less to rent, might seem like a cheap way to get around. They also represent one of the main sources of highway injuries and accidents in the area. Those buses, taxis and tourists renting cars just don't seem to respect those winding little scooters. If adrenaline rushes on vacation are your thing, go right ahead and rent one. Wear your helmet, and make sure to get the extra insurance, just in case.

Whether walking, riding, driving or zipping through the streets, just remember you have options. Use them wisely, and enjoy your adventure.

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