Renting a Car in Cancun / Riviera Maya

After enjoying our car rental experience in Cabo, we opted to go thru National Rental Car again and rent a car in Cancun.

We got the cheapest car possible (still spending $230 for four nights) and decided against the GPS. We definitely didn't need the GPS and were glad we saved that $30 USD! It was extremely easy to follow the signs and get from Cancun to Riviera Maya.

But, getting the cheapest car was comical as it was SUPER small and had zero upgrades! I set the alarm off a few times when unlocking the doors (no power locks and no windows). With our stroller, car seat and bags, we completely filled the trunk and backseat. I kept looking for the clock that doesn't exist!

For awhile, we weren't sure if reverse on the car worked. It was in a different spot than my husband was used to and apparently you have to push down on the gearshift - which he also wasn't used to! So, after strategically parking on a hill (where we could roll down) and parking where we wouldn't need reverse, my husband and Dad finally figured out how to get the car in reverse!

In the end, we would DEFINITELY rent a car in Riviera Maya / Cancun again, as it was so nice to be able to leave the resort (to go to Xpu Ha Beach, the beach at the Mayan Ruins, and to go get bottled water, milk and energy drinks). It was also super nice not to have to take a shuttle bus to and from the resort, making stops at the various other resorts along the way.

Some people just like to have the option of freedom, ie. leaving the resort on a whim, and that seems to be us!

Renting a Car in Cabo San Lucas

After scheduling our trip to Los Cabos, which is what everyone in Mexico calls Cabo, we debated whether or not to rent a car for the long weekend.

In the end, we decided that with a toddler, renting a car was in our best interest.

Since our hotel room had a kitchen, we knew we would be going to the grocery store...and cab rides, then dealing with a car seat at the destination is just not a fun experience.

So, we booked through National and got a small Nissan Tida. It was nice because there seemed to be a lot less rental car fees in Cabo than we normally see in the U.S.

We ended up getting the GPS for an extra $10 USD/day. Big mistake. The GPS was worthless and unnecessary, as it is very easy to find all of the hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, beaches, etc.

In the end, the rental car cost around $100 USD for the long weekend. Well worth the money, for us at least!

Especially when you consider that our hotel had a shuttle to and from the airport for $50 USD each way. Then, for another $10 USD they would take you to the grocery store. And, for another $15 each way they would take you to and from downtown Cabo San Lucas.

So, when considering renting a car or not...rent the car! The freedom it gives you while be well worth it!