I know it’s rather unusual to write a post about a bus terminal, but… chicken buses are just so incredibly characteristic for Guatemala (actually for entire Central America) and the flair and vibe that they have…
And that’s exactly why, after numerous arrivals and departures at this terminal, I took my camera and made such great photos that I couldn’t help but share them. 😊
To justify this post a little: Chicken buses are the main thing of transportation in Guatemala. You can get anywhere with them. They look like old American school buses, but most of them are individually numbered, designed and labelled. They transport absolutely everything: people, luggage, animals, food – whatever it is. Like microbuses, they are mostly hopelessly overcrowded and simply crammed until they burst. Meaning, sometimes three people sit on benches that normally fit two, and those sitting in the middle end up with one buttock in the aisle, shoulder to shoulder with the person on the edge of the other bench. Oh and at the back, where the doors open to form double doors, excess luggage or even people are stowed away if necessary. Just as luggage is secured in the luggage compartment above or on the roof of the bus. Or people as well just stand right up to the door at the front. And if there is even a person hanging onto the bus outside, with one foot on the bottom step of the stairs of the bus, then it is actually full and no more people can get on 😀 Last but not least: a chicken bus ride can be a bit like a roller coaster ride. Those who get seasick easily should really prepare themselves. Because anyone who has ever travelled from Antigua to Guate City, or any other winding route – where you are literally thrown from right to left the entire time – knows that chicken buses are exciting, but also truly a thing of their own. Nevertheless, there is no more authentic way to travel through Guatemala. And I am probably the biggest chicken bus fan on earth. Travelling by chicken bus is just brilliant and a loooot of fun 😀

Go or not? Unless you take a shuttle from place to place, there’s no way you won’t end up at this ‘terminal’ or have been on a chicken bus 😀 But if you’re up for some great photos and this vibe, go for it. I was surprised about how great the photos from my little trip turned out. Chicken buses are photogenic if you catch them right 😀