One of the most common forms of transportation in Guatemala is called the Chicken Bus. The Chicken Bus (also known as camion or truck) is a staple of Guatemala's transportation economy and culture. The colorfully painted and repurposed school bus seems to be unique to South America. The buses originally come from North America. Wherever the camion was from originally, riding the chicken bus in Guatemala is a memorable experience for tourists!
Every day, hundreds of chicken buses line the streets and highways of Guatemala. These colorful buses pump out black smoke from their exhaust, produce loud engine sounds and move aggressively through traffic. For the passenger, the ride is often fast and bumpy. Sometimes riding the chicken bus is dangerous and the regulations for safety here are not very strict. The chicken bus also provides a unique sense of community because the majority of middle and lower class Guatemalans use the bus to get to work, to visit markets and to travel further afield.
