Guaguas, carros públicos, and the Caribe Tours buses

Between cities, Caribe Tours and Metro buses are air-conditioned, cheap, and reliable, with terminals in every major town. Locally, "guaguas" (minibuses) and "carros públicos" (shared taxis on fixed routes) carry everyone for small change; tell the driver where you're going and pay on exit. Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are the fastest and the riskiest; wear a helmet if you take one. Spanish goes a long way; outside the resorts English is thin.