Using Colectivo Vans

[TexasAggieCruiser]

We really want to visit Xel ha on our own, but don't want to pay the taxi cost nor rent a car. Does anyone have any experience with using the Colectivo Vans (specifically out of Playa del Carmen)? Also, is it hard to catch one for a ride back in the afternoons (are they usually full from Tulum)?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[Princess Bride]

Back in 2002 I stayed in Akumal and used the colectivo vans.

 

If a "full" van went by you without stopping, there were plenty more vans right behind that one. Never had a problem getting on a van and never had to wait more than, say, 5 minutes.

 

 

 

It was scary at first. But, oh, so adventurous.

 

It definitely saved lots of money on our trips back and forth between Akumal and PDC.

[TexasAggieCruiser]

Thanks Princess Bride! I hope everything is still the same. Do you remember if we can catch them close to the tender spots?

[Princess Bride]

There was a collectivo van area in PDC not too far from the "downtown square" area right where the ferry comes in from Coz.

 

You can pick up the collectivo (white van with green writing on front of hood) directly across (on the south side) of the bus station. You'll see a white van, or a couple of vans, or no van, but people milling about.

[TexasAggieCruiser]

bump...

[TexasAggieCruiser]

Just wanted to give an update on the Collectivo Vans as we were able to use them in Playa del Carmen and they are the way to go if you want to visit Xel-ha or Tulum on your own!!

 

To catch the Collectivo, look for the vans/bus pick-up point on the maps located on the street corners in town. There is only one stop in town and it is located at Calle 2 Norte and 15 Ave. Norte. The cost is 25 pesos all the way to Tulum...I think they charge locals a bit less, but this definately is cheaper than a taxi. You can get off (and on) at any point along the highway from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. It took us about 45min to get to Tulum.

 

Hope this helps someone!!