What is a chicken bus in Guatemala?
Chicken buses, officially known as “camionetas;”, are the country’s local bus connecting all of Guatemala’s villages, towns, and cities. It is the main form of local transport usually the cheapest option for travelling for any distance.
Why are chicken buses so important to Guatemala and other Central American countries?
There are a couple of reasons why they’re called chicken buses. One may be because passengers are crammed into the buses like chickens crammed into a truck en route to market. Another reason may be because passengers frequently carry chickens – and other livestock – as well as their suitcases with them on the journey.
Why do they call them chicken buses?
They are called “chicken buses” by tourists because they are commonly used by locals for the transport of stock (including live-stock such as chickens) from one place to another. Camionetas are usually staffed by a driver and helper or ayudante.
What types of transportation are there in Guatemala?
Numerous forms of transportation are available in Guatemala – including everything from boats and tuk tuks to private shuttle vans and taxis. If you’re traveling from Guatemala City to Flores (near Tikal), take the popular flight, which will save you heaps of time.
Are chicken buses safe?
Are Chicken Buses safe? These are high speed buses with no seat belts and they can get VERY cramped, and there is always a risk of losing your luggage. Chicken Buses are safe to a degree and I will always recommend them to other travellers, but like all transport in Central America, there is an aspect of risk.
How safe is Guatemala?
Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America, one of the world’s highest homicide rates and a very low arrest and detention rate. Most incidents of violent crime are drug- and gang-related. They occur throughout the country, including in tourist destinations.
How do you greet people in Guatemala?
When meeting someone for the first time, it’s customary to say, “mucho gusto” (a shortened version of “nice to meet you”). Simply saying “hola” is considered too casual. Other greetings include “buenos días” (good morning), “buenas tardes” (good afternoon), and “buenas noches” (good evening).
What is the history of chicken buses?
The term “Chicken Bus” originates in Guatemala and comes from the fact that passengers would often transport live animals on them. This doesn’t happen often anymore. These days, the bus TV has hit the scene: On a recent trip I got to watch a solid hour of Spanish-language hair band videos.
How do you get around Guatemala City?
By taxi and tuk-tuk
Taxis are available in all the main towns, and their rates are fairly low at around US$3 for a short ride (or US$5 in Guatemala City). Outside the capital, metered cabs are non-existent, so it’s essential to fix a price before you set off.
What are chicken busses?
A chicken bus (Spanish: “camioneta de pollos” or “trambilla”, the latter a hypercorrection of “tranvía”) is a colloquial English name for a colorful, modified and decorated bus that transports goods and people between communities in various Latin American countries, especially Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador,
What is a tuk tuk in Guatemala?
One of Guatemala forms of transportation is called a tuk tuk or in Asian countries a rickshaw. Guatemala is loaded with these little three wheel vehicles running around taking people from place to place. A Central America form of a taxi.
How does school work in Guatemala?
Guatemala has a five-tier system of education starting with primary school, followed by secondary school and tertiary education, depending on the level of technical training. 74.5% of the population age 15 and over is literate, the lowest literacy rate in Central America.
What is the main export crop for Guatemala?
Agriculture provides the backbone of Guatemala’s economy, contributing 25 per cent of GDP, employing over half the labour force and providing two thirds of exports, mostly coffee, sugar, bananas and beef. Guatemala’s three main staple foods are maize, beans and rice.