Discover the vibrant and efficient world of colectivos in Mexico, a popular form of public transportation that seamlessly connects the bustling tourist hubs of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Whether you’re exploring the sun-drenched beaches of Playa del Carmen, the lively streets of Cancun, or the cenotes of Tulum, colectivos offer a cost-effective and convenient way to travel. These shared vans, often equipped with air conditioning, provide an authentic glimpse into the local culture while efficiently navigating the highways of Quintana Roo.
Join us as we delve into the ins and outs of riding a colectivo, ensuring your journey through the Mayan Riviera is both enjoyable and memorable.
What is Colectivo?
Photo Credit: phortun
A colectivo is a form of transportation in Mexico generally geared towards moving the population around Mexico’s vast labyrinth of roads and highways. Quite often, the colectivo is a mini-van.
In tourist zones such as the Mayan Riviera, the colectivos are new air-conditioned vans. Get out of the tourist zones, and some of the vans are can be pretty old.
In some places, they are called “combis”. In Chiapas, on many roads in Zapatista territory, the colectivos are blue pick-up trucks with a tarp on the back. These “old-style” colectivos are still used in Chiapas, Campeche, and Chetumal but not in the Mayan Riviera.
Mayan Riviera Colectivos
The colectivos run from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, then from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, and back, all day, every day. Let’s look at some of the most popular stops along the route:
Cancun Colectivo Stand
Catch the colectivo in downtown Cancun in the parking lot of “La Comercial Mexicana” on Tulum Ave. It’s entirely safe for catch the colectivo in Cancun — read more about Cancun safety here.
Playa Del Carmen Colectivo Stand
You get the colectivo in Playa del Carmen at Calle 2 Norte between Av. 15 and 20. A five-minute walk from 5th Ave. You can catch a colectivo anywhere on Hwy 307 from Cancun to Tulum.
If you stand on Hwy 307 just outside Playa, you can also catch the colectivo there (or anywhere else on the highway, see “On the Highway” below).
How to Catch a Colectivo in Mexico
Photo Credit: Arkadij Schell
Catching a colectivo is easy when you know how, but it can be intimidating the first few times you try it. Here’s our easy-to-follow guide that’ll have you hopping aboard without any stress:
At The Colectivo Stand
You walk over and see the vans parked along the curb. Most of them will be running, and you will wonder why they do not save gas and shut them off when the vans are idling, especially in that heat.
As you approach the vans, a man, always a man, will ask you, “Tulum?” If you are going in that direction (south), then nod yes and get in the van he points to. When the van is filled to capacity, he will leave. Sometimes, he will leave with seats open and immediately start to pick up new passengers on the highway or even before.
You can tell the driver where you are going BUT DO NOT expect him to remember, so keep a sharp eye out for your stop, and when you get to it, just shout out anything. STOP will work. You then hand your 20 pesos to the driver before you get out of the van (this is usually the fee for a short journey at the time of writing, but do check with the driver before walking away), or you get out, and he will also get out and close the door. You’ll pay him then.
On The Highway
You stand on the edge of the highway. First, you try to find a spot with shade. Then you wait. When a colectivo approaches, he will flash his headlights if he has space in his van. If you want a ride, wave your arm, and he will stop. If the driver sees that you are a tourist, he will probably stop anyway and pick you up.
What to Do if Your Colectivo Gets a Flat Tire
Photo Credit: BarthFotografie
This isn’t a common occurrence, so if you’re only catching one or two colectivos during your time in Mexico, you aren’t likely to experience this issue. However, if you’re planning on using them regularly over an extended period of time, you’ll encounter this situation eventually, and it’s best to be prepared.
Do not assume:
- The van has a spare tire or tools
- Any help being sent to change the wheel
- Any help to get you into a new colectivo and on your way
If you are in a colectivo that gets a flat tire (or breaks down), our experience has been that you are on your own.
Going south out of Playa del Carmen, the further from Playa you get, the better it is for you in the advent of a colectivo problem. The reason for this is that the colectivos generally leave Playa packed, with no room to pick any more passengers up until they start letting people off. If you are close to Playa, the colectivos will drive by you and not pick you up as they are full. Same with the taxis.
What To Do
Don’t sit and wait in the van for help to arrive. It may or may not. The probability is that, eventually, the matter will be sorted out. However, if you are timing your return to your resort to catch the afternoon buffet or simply need to get back to your hotel at a certain time, then you need to get going.
Exit the van and start waving down any taxi or colectivo. Take the first ride. Others on the colectivo will see what you have done and will proceed to try to get a ride. The more people, the harder it gets.
NOTE: Highway 307 is relatively new and kept in great condition. We use colectivos without giving it a second thought. They are a reliable, inexpensive way to get up and down 307.
What Are the Busy Times to Avoid Catching a Colectivo?
If you are staying at a resort on the Mayan Riviera, then you should realize that at certain times of the day, there are shift changes for hotel employees, and the colectivos can get quite crowded (especially around 5:00 pm).
Headed north from a resort around Tulum? The more resorts you pass, the more tourists and hotel staff you’ll be sharing rides with. This is the same if you are staying in Playacar or on the Riviera close to Playa del Carmen and you want to go south.
What this means is that travel times can change depending on the time of the day, but generally, you never have to wait longer than 20 minutes for a seat on a colectivo.
Can I Catch Other Forms of Public Transport on the Highway?
Photo Credit: Octavio Hoyos
Yes! Do not be surprised if a big Mayab bus stops for you. The line runs buses from Cancun to Tulum, and the bus will stop for people at the side of the highway. The cost is the same as the colectivo. The bus stops at the 5th Avenue terminal in Playa del Carmen and turns around at the south end of Tulum.
There are also “no-name” buses that run up and down 307. These are old, rickety buses generally in service to transport workers up and down the coast. Traveling on one of these buses can be an interesting experience, and the cost is the same. They drop you off in Playa del Carmen, usually on the southeast side of town.
What Is the Queuing System for Getting on a Colectivo?
Put simply, there isn’t one, so be prepared to be patient with other passengers.
Frequently Asked Colectivo Questions
Can I take my dog on the colectivo?
Not usually. But you can ask with a big, friendly por favor, and they may make an exception.
Can you take luggage on a colectivo?
Yes, so long as you are not moving your entire house with you!
Is there air-conditioning on the colectivo?
Yes, and it is usually on full-blast making it freezing.
Are colectivos safe?
Along Hwy 307, the road conditions are good. The highway is relatively new and in good shape (but always under construction). The highways are visibly marked, and Mexican police monitor speed. The drivers are basically driving up and down a straight road at a moderate speed. Accidents are no more frequent than on ADO buses or in taxis.
Embrace the Colectivo Experience
In conclusion, traveling by colectivo offers a unique and rewarding way to explore the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula, from the vibrant city of Cancun to the charming town of Playa del Carmen and the historic ruins of Tulum.
These shared vans provide an affordable and efficient mode of public transportation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the convenience of air-conditioned travel. Whether you’re a tourist eager to visit popular destinations or a local commuting along Highway 307, the colectivo experience is one you won’t want to miss.
So, embrace the adventure, wave down a van, and let the journey along the Mayan Riviera be as memorable as the destinations themselves.
