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There is only one main highway (highway 307) in the Maya Riviera, so finding your way around is pretty easy. The highway runs from Cancun all the way down to Belize. When you travel along highway 307, you are usually around a kilometer away from the beach. Along the Maya Riviera, on the highway there are a number of large resorts and lots of rentals, condos and villas. There are many small convenience stores and many local shops and restaurants. There are also signs along the side of the highway that will indicate the turnoff’s for the ruins, theme parks and the popular attractions. The Iberostar Paraiso del Mar offers free transportation to Playa and once there you can take a bus, colectivo or taxi for usually under $20.00 USD to any of your desired destinations.
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Local Bus
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Local Bus Transportation
Taking busses in Mexico is amazingly easy. Busses are cheap and run constantly up and down the coast from Cancun to Tulum. The fare is about $10 pesos, which is about $1.00 US. Bus stops are located all over town, and the older model busses will stop for anyone who waves them down, simply stand on the side of the road and wave as the busses approach. If you want to get off someplace in between major stops, simply tell the bus driver when you get on the bus or simply stand and indicate to the driver when you have reached your destination.
If you would like to try a long journey or visit Chichen Itza, I would recommend that you try one of the first class buses. The first class buses operate almost exclusively between terminals which makes travel much quicker. Ticket holders are assigned seats. Each bus is equipped with bathroom facilities and air conditioning. Many offer free drinks and movies as well. First class buses depart from the Playa del Carmen and Tulum terminals. The price for the first class bus is very reasonable by US standards. It costs about $220 Pesos, which is about $22.00 US per person.
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Colectivos
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Colectivos
Colectivos are a great inexpensive way to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun or travel down the coast to Tulum, Xel-ha or Xcaret. These shared vans leave when the van fills up, which is about every 10-15 minutes. The cost to travel to Tulum from Playa del Carmen is about 20 pecos, when traveling shorter distances the cost is less. You can stand on the side of the highway and flag down the white vans. They run from about 5am to 10pm.
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Taxi Service
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Taxi Service
You can get a taxi almost anywhere in Mexico. Even in the most deserted out of the way place, there will be a taxi. There is usually a taxi sitting out front any hotel or attraction on the Riviera. In years past, it was common practice to haggle over fares. Now, however, fares are regulated and the set prices should be posted at your hotel or in the cab itself. Rates from the Iberostar del Mar to Playa del Carmen are about 170 pesos or about $17.00 USD. To Tulum or Cancun rates run about 350 pesos or about $35.00 USD. When traveling long distances, fares are generally still subject to negotiation and will vary greatly depending on the circumstances, but you will find that, typically, the drivers are looking for no more than a fair price for their service. To be on the safe side, you should always get a rate before getting into the cab and always carry small bills or correct change.
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Rental Car
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Rental Car
Driving in Mexico is very similar to driving in the United States. Be aware that many of the roads are not in the best condition. Though Highway 307 has been improved greatly over the years, beware of the tope (TOE-pay), otherwise known as speed bumps!! Tope are very common so keep your eyes on the road as they are nearly invisible, but they are very tall and can rip off your muffler. If you are thinking of renting a car in Mexico, there are NOT a lot of gas stations in the Mayan Riviera and all of the PEMEX stations, which are state run gas companies, DO NOT take credit cards. Also, the exchange rate for US currency is very poor, so be prepared to pay with Mexican money.
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Ferry to Cozumel
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Ferries
Ferries take you out to the island of Cozumel. The ride takes about half an hour, and the cost is about $15.00 USD roundtrip. The ferries depart almost every hour, but they will usually give you a timetable when you buy your ticket. Ticket booths are all over the city, and they always have a sign telling you when the next boat leaves. The ferry dock is located at the south end around the 5th Avenue area. The sea can be quite rough so if you have problems with sea sickness it can be a good idea to take a pill before you go.
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