Planning your trip to Cancun and want to make the most of it? At Avant Rent a Car, we know Cancun isn’t just about sun and beaches — it’s the gateway to unforgettable experiences. And yes, everything gets better when you’ve got the keys to your own car.
Many travelers assume staying in the Hotel Zone is enough, but the real treasures of the Mexican Caribbean lie beyond the resort walls. When you rent a car in Cancun, you gain not only convenience and freedom — but access to hidden gems that no group tour will take you to.
In this blog, we share the top 10 things you can do when renting a car in Cancun: from secluded beaches and dreamlike cenotes to magical towns and ancient ruins.
👉 Ready to start your adventure? Book your car now with Avant Rent a Car — hotel or airport delivery, full insurance, and personalized 24/7 support via WhatsApp.
Why Explore Cancun with a Rental Car? 🚘
At Avant, we say it with confidence: if you want to truly experience Cancun and its surroundings, renting a car is the smartest move. It’s not just about saving time or money — it’s about enjoying your trip your way.
Here’s why renting a car in Cancun makes total sense:
1. Complete Freedom 🗺️
Forget tour schedules or waiting for shuttles. With your own car, you decide when to leave, how long to stay, and where to stop. Want to stay longer at a cenote? Make a photo stop at a scenic lookout? You’re in charge.
2. Save Money When Traveling in Groups 💸
Renting a car can be cheaper than multiple taxi rides or tour bookings — especially if you’re traveling with your partner, friends, or family. Split the cost of gas and rental and get more value from your trip.
3. Reach Places No Tour Covers 🌿
Some of the best spots are far from the tourist trail: hidden cenotes, untouched beaches, charming towns, and natural parks. With Avant, you can access them all at your own pace.
4. Ride in Comfort ☀️
Enjoy air-conditioning, luggage space, and your own music — a huge upgrade over crowded buses or cramped shared vans.
💡 Avant Tip: Want to save without giving up comfort? Ask about our budget-friendly car rentals in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
What to Do in Cancun with a Rental Car?
If you’re wondering what to do in Cancun with a rental car, here are our top 10 activities to make your trip unforgettable:
1. Visit Playa Delfines and Snap a Pic at the “Cancún” Sign 🏖️
This public beach is a Cancun classic — with strong waves, beautiful views, and free parking.
📍 15–20 minutes from the Hotel Zone
2. Swim in Cenotes Along the Riviera Maya 🌊
Drive to natural wonders like Cenote Azul, Jardin del Edén, or Cristalino for swimming and snorkeling.
💡 Tip: Bring cash (~$9–$18 USD entry). Avoid sunscreen before swimming.
3. Take a Road Trip to Tulum 🏛️
Enjoy the famous cliffside Mayan ruins, relax on the beach, or stroll Tulum’s artsy downtown. Your car gives you flexibility to stop at cenotes along the way.
🕒 Approx. 2 hours from Cancun
4. Stroll Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue 🛍️
Dine, shop, and enjoy street art. Perfect for evening outings.
📍 1 hour from Cancun. Ample parking nearby.
5. Eat Cochinita and Explore Valladolid 🏡
This colonial town is full of charm, color, and traditional Yucatecan food.
📍 2 hours from Cancun
🍴 Try lunch at the Municipal Market
🧡 Ideal for cultural stops and photos
👉 Want to break from the routine? Book your car with Avant and start checking off your bucket list.
6. Discover Isla Blanca 🏝️
A quiet peninsula ideal for kitesurfing or relaxing — unreachable by public transport.
📍 45–50 minutes from downtown Cancun
💡 Bring snacks, water, and a sunshade — no services nearby
7. Snorkel in Puerto Morelos 🐠
A charming fishing village with access to the world’s second-largest reef. Take a guided tour (~$30 USD) and enjoy fresh seafood afterward.
📍 35–40 minutes south of Cancun
8. Visit Chichén Itzá on Your Own 🏛️
Avoid crowds by going early, and stop at Valladolid or Ik-Kil Cenote on the way.
📍 2.5–3 hours from Cancun
🎫 Entry: ~$36 USD per person (2025 rates)
9. Do a Self-Guided Cenote Tour Between Tulum and Cobá 🌿
With your own car, you can create a custom cenote circuit, far from tourist routes.
💡 Great picks: Cenote Calavera, Multum-Ha, Tankach-Ha
10. Plan a Beach-Hopping Day 🏖️
Visit multiple beaches in a single day: Playa Delfines, Marlín, Coral (pet-friendly), or Xpu-Ha further south.
🎵 Don’t forget your playlist, cooler, and sunscreen — it’s a road trip!
Best Seasons for Road Trips in Cancun
Travel Season |
Months |
Weather |
Traffic/Prices |
Notes |
High Season |
Dec – April |
Cool, dry |
High traffic, higher rates |
Great weather — book early |
Shoulder Season |
May–June / Sept–Nov |
Warm, possible rain |
Moderate prices, fewer crowds |
Best balance of savings and calm |
Low Season |
July – August |
Hot, humid |
Busy due to school break |
Good for families, plan routes ahead |
Travel Season:High Season
Months:Dec – April
Weather:Cool, dry
Traffic/Prices:High traffic, higher rates
Notes:Great weather — book early
Travel Season:Shoulder Season
Months:May–June / Sept–Nov
Weather:Warm, possible rain
Traffic/Prices:Moderate prices, fewer crowds
Notes:Best balance of savings and calm
Travel Season:Low Season
Months:July – August
Weather:Hot, humid
Traffic/Prices:Busy due to school break
Notes:Good for families, plan routes ahead
⭐ Our Clients Say It Best
🚗 Why Choose Avant Rent a Car?
At Avant, we offer more than just a car:
- ✔️ Hotel or airport delivery
- ✔️ Full insurance + 24/7 support
- ✔️ No hidden fees, no fine print
- ✔️ Bilingual assistance (English & Spanish)