How to Take a Shared Taxi (Colectivo) in Oaxaca
Colectivos are cheap *because have set routes. They display the name of their final destination on their windshield. Colectivos pick up as many passengers as they can fit, making them incredibly affordable (think 50 cents a ride) but certainly cramped.
Here are the steps you should take to catch a colectivo to your destination of choice:
1. Determine your pickup spot.
There are two in Oaxaca City.
For all destinations south of the city (airport, San Bartolo, Ocotlan, Santa Catarina), grab a colectivo outside of the Mercado de Abastos. Map specifically to the below location, where you'll easily spot the maroon and white colectivos passing by.
For all destinations east of the city (Teotitlan, Tlacolula), pick up is outside the baseball stadium in the northeast of Oaxaca city, on the big, main road labeled Internacional.
2. Travel to the pickup spot and find the fleet of maroon and white colectivos. Search for the colectivo with your destination on the windshield.
3. When you spot one, hold out your hand with one finger up for each passengers in your group.
4. Confirm with the driver that they are going to your destination, and ask for a price.
To do this, name your destination as a question, and wait for them to confirm "si". Then say "cuanto es?" aka "how much?" and listen for the number of pesos the driver names. Remember that there are about 20 pesos to an American dollar.
5. Enjoy the ride!
Even if it's cramped, roll down your window and take in the magic of Oaxaca's countryside.
6. Pay!
The driver will confirm with you when you reach the drop off point you agreed upon.
Have your change ready to pay at or right before dropoff.
Returning to Oaxaca City
This is always easier than mapping your route out of the city, since almost all colectivos return to this hub. If you're unsure where to go to pick up a colective home, just ask around for a bus stop.
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