Is it safe to drive at night?

Avoid driving on highways after dark. Unmarked topes (speed bumps) and roaming wildlife make night driving dangerous.

Do I need pesos or can I use dollars?

Use pesos for everything. You will get a terrible exchange rate if you try to pay in USD at local shops or gas stations.

Planning a Multi-Stop Road Trip Through the Yucatán Peninsula

Rent a car in Cancún and follow a loop that connects Valladolid, Mérida, and the coastal towns of Tulum or Holbox. Limit your itinerary to 10 days to avoid spending your entire vacation driving, as most major sights are 2–4 hours apart.

Secure a rental car. Book a car directly from a reputable international agency at the Cancún airport (CUN). Avoid third-party aggregators if possible to ensure clear insurance policies; you must purchase mandatory third-party liability insurance, which adds about $15–$25 per day.
Map your loop. Start in Cancún, drive inland to Valladolid (2 hours), continue to Mérida (2 hours), head south to the Puuc Route or Bacalar, and finish on the coast (Tulum or Holbox) before circling back to CUN.
Pre-book your first and last nights. Yucatán is popular; booking your first night in Valladolid and your last night near the airport prevents stress. For the middle days, you can book 48 hours in advance to keep your schedule flexible.
Download offline maps. Cell service is spotty on the toll roads (cuotas) and remote jungle routes. Download the entire Yucatán region on Google Maps to ensure navigation works without data.

Is it safe to drive at night?: Avoid driving on highways after dark. Unmarked topes (speed bumps) and roaming wildlife make night driving dangerous.
Do I need pesos or can I use dollars?: Use pesos for everything. You will get a terrible exchange rate if you try to pay in USD at local shops or gas stations.