Travelling entails many interesting factors. In addition to considering options for accommodation, dining or activities, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to consider different and sometimes very exciting options for moving from A to B. Even more so, if you are travelling for extended periods of time.
Certainly, there is a suitable option for everyone. For us, the decisive factor is price. Saved pennies compensate for any (and very probable) loss in comfort, and time.
We've travelled on chicken busses, minivans and hichhiked on pick-up trucks, which locals use to get from town to town. The first ones are old US school busses and, after walking and hitchhiking, the cheapest form of transportation. One theory suggests that their name is derived from the way in which passenger squash (or are squashed) into the buses, much like chicken into their cages in less ethical production facilities.
The price of your journey depends on the chosen form of transportation. On a chicken bus, a rough estimate is that you pay approximately 10 quetzales (1.2€) for every hour of travel. Minivans are more expensive - in some cases "even" double the price. A rule of thumb is that the more locals aboard, the cheaper the ride.
Most notable chicken bus and minivan identifiers:
1. Chicken buses are brightly coloured (most of them at least). Minivans are mostly Toyota Hiaces.
2. You can hop on and off anywhere.
3. A small Toyota Hiace fits 25 passengers, easily! Some outside. A chicken bus fits hundreds.
4. One driver and one helper, of which the latter is the vocal one and can be seen outside of the bus, especially in urban areas.
5. Old vehicles in varied conditions.
How does it work?
1. Set yourself by the side of the road, anywhere.
2. Detect an aproaching vehicle. If it is in the business of offering rides, it will most probably flash its headlights and/or make a sound.
3. Wave to communicate your need of a ride (sometimes they will miss you due to excessive speed - do not be alarmed, pick up your backpack and go after it).
4. Even if the ride might mistakenly look like a minivan favoured by the locals, check contents first. If majority of passengers are other than local, skip the ride. Most likely this one is a shuttlebus for tourists, and priced accordingly.
5. Check whether its going your way (mentioning your destination is enough).
6. If you have a chance, check for costs - How many quetzales to [your destination]? = Cuantos quetzales a...? Know your numbers and, to have an idea of the cost, ask your accommodation for the approximate price of the journey. You'll pay after having taken a seat.
7. If the price is good, hop on. A chicken bus can be boarded through the rear door - take your backpack inside the bus and shove in the overhead racks or between your legs. A minivan ride can also be enjoyed on the roof terrace, if indoors are already squashed with travellers - it is best to check opening times of the roof terrace from the ride provider.
8. Sit, or stand, and enjoy the scenery and a chat with the locals.
9. Pay for the ride. If possible, keep your eye on what others are paying for their ride. However, do not be alarmed if your fellow travellers pay less - it might just be that your destinations are not the same.
Summa summarum
- With tourist shuttle busses you may miss experiences, places and sights. Although, they are justified if your time is limited.
- In our experience, safety is not to be concerned with. Chicken busses may be too much for the weak stomached as rides may emulate roller coasters.
- Local transportation is a fluid way of travelling - connections are good and frequent, so much so that we have not had to wait anywhere. It is amazing!
We'd be more than happy to hear about your experiences on local transportation in Guatemala. Got any, drop us a comment!
