Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DAY 38
Leaving: Playa del Carmen and the Cancun Airport
On Playa del Carmen's Fifth Street, the beach town's shopping heart, next to the tourist shop
paying homage to Frida Kahlo, I found an efficient travel agent handling incoming calls and
simultaneously punching up airline schedules on the computer. I asked to purchase a ticket
for Mexico City. He recommended Click Airlines. “It's part of Mexicana, but like United's
Ted, it's the economical service,” he said.
Click had an early flight. That suited me. I like early mornings in Mexico. I was up, packed
and ready by 5 a.m. Hotel la Ziranda was only two blocks from the bus depot, but the airport
bus wouldn't leave until 7 a.m.
I had saved money on Click, but I'd have to spend the savings on a taxi.
I loaded myself down with three bags and walked to the corner, down the street from my
hotel. It was dark, misty and quiet. I stood at the corner. Immediately a cab flashed its lights.
I waved. “How much to Cancun Airport?”
The driver pulled out a rate card, “$40,” he said. The $5 and $10 hourly rates I had earlier
been offered on my trip were not available here.
We negotiated. I said, “Its early, no traffic, it's a 30-minute ride, round trip, you'll be back
in an hour. You might get a fare back.”
