Transportation
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| Getting To and Around Costa Maya/Mahahual You have several options for transfer to and from the Cancun airport and for getting around easy and safe and the best option for those wanting to go out and about, exploring the many sights in southern Quintana Roo. First class public bus systems provide very high quality service at an affordable price for those with some flexibility in their schedules. There are private shuttles that do curb to curb service and these work well for groups of six to eight, where the cost can be divided among the entire group. For those who are comfortable with driving in Mexico, the drive from the airport to Mahahual and don’t turn for about the next 4 hours, where you’ll see the sign to Mahahual. The first third of that drive is through an urban, 2-lane divided highway that travels through Puerto Morelos, For those who are comfortable with driving in Mexico, the drive from the airport to Mahahual Playa Del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum. Lots of gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores and so forth. The last two thirds is mostly rural, with one town, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, of any size that you pass through. The road is all new, two-lane, with shoulder and marked well. Most of the drive is through thick jungle that has been cut back 30 meters from the road on both sides so driving visibility is actually very good almost everywhere. Only a few gas stations along this stretch so you need to know where they are. Most of the roads in Mahahual are paved but the beach roads are all hard packed sand. Big potholes in some areas! Read our section on “Driving In Mexico”. The first class public buses are a great way to travel but be ready to make some schedule compromises because only a few buses actually go into and out of the small market of Mahahual. ADO is the main provider of first class buses in the area and only travels in and out on Mahahual once a day at this time. That only bus to Mahahual is in the morning, which means most who fly into Cancun, can’t bus direct to Mahahual the same day. No problem, your concierge will has a fun and easy answer! There are ADO shuttles, large, comfortable air conditioned buses, that go about every hour to Playa Del Carmen. The cost is about $9 USD. We always suggest bus travelers take this shuttle and plan to spend the first afternoon and evening in Playa Del Carmen along the 5th Ave/Oceanfront area where the bus terminal is located. Very fun area with some of the best shopping, dining, clubs and people watching anywhere. No need for taxis and all is very clean and safe. Your concierge will help you find a hotel within a block or so of the bus station and even give suggestions where to go for dinner. An 8:45 AM ADO bus in the morning takes you to Mahahual and the cost is about $16 USD. Many even do their return the same way, spending the last night again in PDC, as the only bus out of Mahahual makes it almost impossible to catch an outgoing flight the same day before about 4:00 PM. Small transport vans also provide curb to curb service for usually up to 8 passengers. These are very good for transporting groups that can reserve the vehicle together and split the cost, usually around $350 USD. These vans only travel upon reservation though, so the cost is the same, for a single person up to the capacity. But for larger groups, they work great, working with your schedule and usually have some flexibility with the drivers schedule. Getting Around In Costa Maya Getting around the Costa Maya/Mahahual area is very easy and with some affordable options if you plan ahead and work with your concierge. The easy way to get around is to simply rent a car and drive as you need. The best solution for those wanting to get out and see the area. Most of the paved roads in Quintana Roo are in very good shape and beach roads, all hard packed sand, can be good or really bad. Taxis and shuttles are another very affordable and inexpensive way to get around the area. Your Sandals and Skis concierge works closely with the best local drivers, so guests seldom have problems getting around without a car. Just send us an email or call from the property and we’ll dispatch a driver at your requested time. Shuttles and taxis are perfect for guests staying in the downtown hotels. Taxis are $2 USD point to point in Mahahual so guests can easily and cheaply move about for meals, shopping or sightseeing around town. Ask your concierge to get you a bicycle for the day. Costa Maya is a very flat area and the beach road from town is a very easy and fun way to enjoy the area. Ride for hours, stopping for cold drinks or fresh ceviche from one of the many tiny rustic restaurants and boutique hotels along the way. Go for a swim or hang in their hammocks for a cold drink and rest up for the next part of the ride. Staying in the downtown area is perfect for those wanting a few more amenities and do not want to rent or drive a car while in Mahahual. Taxis and shuttle vans work really well for visitors not wanting the expense or just simply do not want to drive. For those remote vacationers that might not be planning on much more than a trip or two into Mahahual for lunch and shopping, relying on local cabs and transport vans can be easier and less cost than renting a car that sits in the driveway all week. Most properties have internet, where emailed transport requests received each morning by Sandals and Skis are dispatched to our preferred drivers that will arrive at your requested time. Property caretakers can even call us for you if internet is not available. Remote pick up and drop offs vary but a good estimate is around $1 USD per kilometer from the town, with the maximum usually around $35 USD. Six to eight person vans are about $10 more. Sandals and Skis will get you an exact rate to your property upon request before you book your property. Depending on the location of your villa, a round trip into town is often less than the daily cost or car rental, insurance and fuel. Need a jeep for a day only, depending on your location, your concierge can have one delivered to your property for around $120 USD a day. Even private drivers can be arranged by the day to provide full day service. |
