Taking the Bus from Puebla to Cuernavaca and return to Puebla, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Exchange

We had been spending some time in  Puebla, Mexico and wanted to go to Cuernavaca because we had never been there before. Our plans were to move on to Oaxaca afterwards and visit this beautiful Colonial City.

After breakfast and gathering our gear at the hotel, we walked to the Plaza and grabbed a taxi. From the Plaza to the bus station was 80Pesos, currently about $4USD.

Bus station in Puebla, Mexico

We purchased our tickets from the Oro Bus line, and then seated ourselves in the waiting area for the bus to arrive.

Everything and everyone was peaceful.

The Wild Ones on the trip

Just a quick shot of us all before we board.

Wild and crazy we are. Yup.

Social distancing cafeteria chairs

Socially distanced tables, socially distanced chairs, yellow tape and "X's" on the floor showing one where they are allowed to stand.

In case this wasn't enough to get the message across, there are also pictured instructions taped to the top of the tables.

Hand gel is everywhere and people are wearing masks.

Masked passengers, socially distanced, waiting to board the bus

It's another beautiful day outside and all of us passengers are waiting to take the bus to Cuernavaca.

Plastic visor-dividers between seats on the bus

These visors separated each passenger from their seatmate.

Yes, yes, they are there to "keep you safe" but they made movement difficult. Getting in and out of your seat to use the restroom, one bangs against the shield. If you want to sleep a bit on the ride, slanted positions were discouraged by this contraption, even if no one sat next to you.

Best of all, as if wearing masks weren't enough and hearing muffled words between you and your child, spouse or friend in the other seat, the visor cut out sound as well. So... better to just text the person sitting 2 inches away from you and leave conversation for another time, even if the bus ride is hours long.

We had heard about the highway toll booths in Mexico being “hijacked” but never in our wildest imagination did we ever think that we'd experience it. Not once but twice.

The first time was this trip traveling from Puebla, Mexico to Cuernavaca.

We approached the toll both and waited longer than normal. The buses have electronic payment systems so normally we get through quickly, but this time was the exception. The driver backed up the bus, pulled onto the shoulder and turned off the motor. We all sat quietly not knowing what was going on.

After using this opportunity for a bathroom break, and with the bus still parked, Billy went up to the driver and asked what was happening. The driver told him that the booth operators were requesting payment in cash, 360 Pesos (about $18USD) and he did not have it. His pre-paid debit card from the bus company was not being accepted.

Billy was taken back, returned into the cabin and began counting heads. Doing some quick math, he discussed this situation with me. It was now when he noticed another gentleman get up and handed the driver a 500 Pesos note (about $25USD). In a matter of moments, we were on the road again.

After spending time in Cuernavaca, we took the bus back to Puebla.

Again, walking to the Plaza, we flagged a taxi which took us to the bus station for 80Pesos.

 

Bus tickets from Cuernavaca to Puebla, Mexico

Because we are Seniors, we received a discount for our purchase. The price, first class for Cuernavaca to Puebla, was just under $8USD each to travel the 120 miles.

And then we were hijacked!

Hijackers outside our bus taking fuel

To see our video on this, click here

On this, our return bus trip, as we neared a toll plaza a group of about 20 young “students” blocked our passage. Again, the driver turned off the motor.

This made us feel uncomfortable because we didn't know what was going to happen next. Billy looks outside his window and sees that four of them are coming around the side of the bus. Billy said his original thought was they were going to steal the baggage, but actually, they wanted fuel.

They proceeded to siphon a 20 liter container of bus fuel as the driver got out and filmed the process, most likely to report this event to his boss.

Once finished, the students allowed the bus to pass through the toll booth.

Fortunately for us, the "students" were not aggressive, and no one was hurt.

If you want to read more about this story in the news, click here

To see our video on this, click here.

For more photos and stories on Mexico, CLICK HERE

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