Car rental to explore Costa Maya & Belize

[Beth&Scott]

Thinking about renting a vehicle for our next MX trip to explore the Mahahual and some of Belize. We would stop in PDC before our excursion. I now know its safe to drive in MX, so what rental company is recommended? I need a place in PDC that of course is budget minded, yet reliable with trustworthy salesman. Would you recommend a jeep over a car to better maneuver less than perfect roadways ?

[Michele]

The roads are fine but I am pretty sure you can't take a rental car from Mexico into Belize. You may want to check on that first. You could always drop your rental in Chetumal and pick up another in Corozal.

[Dan-0]

The road itself is fine; but, last time I was down there last July, the highway south of Tulum was undergoing major construction projects at various points along the way. I have driven this highway for many years, but when we drove this route last year it was a white-knuckle experience for me each time because there were long stretches of highway with a 3-4 ft. dropoff, due to the construction, right next to the road. So, I'm not sure if I would recommend driving in that area. Maybe it's gotten better by now, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Also, like Michele says, you wouldn't be able to take a Mexican rental car into Belize so I would consider taking a bus to Limones and then catch a colectivo to Mahahual and, when you're done there, take the bus on to Chetumal and the Belize border. You definitely won't need a car in Mahahual- a bike, golf cart, or four-wheeler would be better. And they rent them there. Then, once you get across the Belize border it might be worth it to rent a jeep- I believe that's the vehicle of choice in Belize because the roads aren't as good as they are in Mexico.

I have been to Caye Caulker from Chetumal using public transportation- you just take a direct bus from Chetumal-Belize City and from there a water taxi to Caulker or San Pedro. Those are the most popular "beach" destinations in Belize, although they really don't have beaches. I haven't been to Dangriga, which is a little south from Belize City, but it would be the closest beach destination on the mainland. Happy trip planning!

EDIT: you can't take a vehicle to either of the Cayes (islands). Only golf carts are allowed on both Caulker and San Pedro, I believe. But, you could stay on the mainland and drive south to Dangriga or Punta Gorda.