The Vans (colectivos)
Using colectivo vans for transportation in Mexico offers several benefits:
1. **Affordability**: Colectivos are typically cheaper than taxis or private transportation, making them a budget-friendly option for travelers and locals alike.
2. **Convenience**: They operate on set routes and schedules, allowing passengers to hop on and off easily at various stops. This makes them a practical choice for navigating cities and towns.
3. **Local Experience**: Traveling in a colectivo provides a more authentic experience, as you’ll likely share the space with locals, giving you a glimpse into everyday life.
4. **Accessibility**: Colectivos often cover areas that public buses may not reach, making them useful for accessing remote or less-traveled destinations.
5. **Frequency**: Many colectivos run frequently, reducing wait times and allowing for flexible travel plans.
6. **Faster than Buses**: In some cases, colectivos can be quicker than larger buses, especially on shorter routes, since they make fewer stops.
7. **Safety**: While safety can vary by region, colectivos generally have a reputation for being safer than some other forms of public transport, as they are often driven by experienced locals familiar with the routes.
8. **Social Interaction**: The shared nature of colectivos fosters social interaction, making it a great way to meet new people and practice language skills.
Overall, colectivos are a practical and enriching way to explore Mexico’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Riding the Buses in PuertoVallarta
The bus can be a cheap and sometimes very interesting way of getting around Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit. Many major bus stops will usually have someone there to help you find the correct bus you would need to get you to your destination. Look for someone with a clipboard or notebook helping other traveller’s.
When getting on the bus and paying your fare always remember to take your ticket (Boleto). There are times when an inspector will enter the bus along the route and ask to see your ticket to confirm you have paid. There are times the driver will not be handing out tickets , mostly on the ATM or Compostela busses serving Nayarit. If you’re the only one that did not get a ticket you should ask for one. On the Puerto Vallarta Buses always make sure you get your ticket.