Transportation is an important resource for people to travel from one location to another. Different modes of transportation vary in speed and cost, and Guatemala offers a wide range of options.
While many towns rely on this resource, nearby villages or aldeas often do not, forcing many residents to walk long distances to reach where they need to go. This is mainly because many villages lack paved roads.
Continue reading to discover more about the different ways people travel. I’ll also share some of my favorites.
The primary transportation in Guatemala is what locals call camionetas, or "chicken buses." The reason they are called chicken buses is due to the clucking sounds of chickens that are often heard onboard. In fact, people can bring just about anything on the buses, but the most common items are baskets filled with produce and vegetables, occasionally accompanied by chickens.
Camionetas are mainly used for traveling between towns and are usually very crowded. They are known for their speed, though they may not be the safest option since they lack seatbelts. Riding them always feels like being in an art exhibition, as they are often decorated with vibrant colors, cartoons, anime or Disney characters.
