“Colectivo” can refer to any type of shared public transportation in Mexico. The term is generally used to designate a shared taxi service that runs a set route and picks up passengers who may flag down the taxi at any point along the route.

The form of transportation can vary greatly. In tourist areas like the Mayan Riviera, these are usually air-conditioned mini-buses or mini-vans, but in less touristy areas it may just be a pick-up truck with a tarp over the back (with or without benches built-in). Sometimes a colectivo is a sedan – these are often Nissan Tsurus (an early version of the Sentra) and they fit three passengers in the back and two in the front passenger seat beside the driver. (Yes, that’s right – two people in the front passenger seat. In this case “riding shotgun” is not much fun, so try to get a seat in the back if you can.)

The advantage of colectivos is that they are a very economical and convenient form of transportation. If you catch your colectivo at the stand, you may have to wait until more passengers come to fill up the colectivo, or you can catch a colectivo along the road by waving or sticking your arm out straight in front of you as it approaches. Often if a colectivo is passing and sees you at the side of the road the driver will flash the headlights to signify that there is space available.

Pronunciation: koh-lek-tee-vo