Central America 8 Culture Shock

 As you might have guessed, I’m an advocate for the chicken buses, but I did mention that Jason and I have a love hate relationship with them.

Hate, because it can be hard work lugging our heavy bags on and off at each connection point. It’s tiring, hot, uncomfortable and you will definitely feel a sense of culture shock. That said, be forewarned, it’s definitely not for everyone. If you can spare the cash, you may opt for the tourist shuttles, but don’t expect space or comfort. If you can spare a little more time, all you need is a little patience and an open mind and you will be guaranteed an adventure on every chicken bus ride.

About Aracely Castellani

Co-owner of 2Backpackers.com and CoupleTravelTips.com. Aracely has been traveling since her first trip to France as a college student in 2002. When she met her husband Jason, she introduced him to her love for travel and they began their journey. When she isn't traveling, Aracely is a business analyst and strategist.

Central America 7 Love Them & Hate Them

 Chicken buses are also habitually visited by street vendors who will ride the bus to the next stop or town while they push their merchandise onto a captive audience. They are selling everything from beauty product to snacks and cold drinks, and even entire meals consisting of rice, chicken and tortillas, all of which are served in a small plastic bags.

The vendors are of all ages from very young children to elder men and women; all are very persistent and persuasive. When the bus is crammed with people standing in the aisle, the vendors will artfully weave their way down the aisle to offer their products to every person on board.

Aracely Castellani (to be continued)

Central America 6 Entertainment on Buses

From what I’ve seen, people transport just about everything on the buses, and I’m convinced they are essential to the economy of these countries. Without these old American school buses, I am guessing 90% of the population wouldn’t go anywhere, since owning a vehicle is a luxury only the wealthy enjoy.

There is also an entertainment value to the whole experience to be quite frank. In each bus there is usually a driver and a conductor. The conductor collects the fares, helps passengers with their carry on baggage, and hangs off the side of the bus yelling the bus route to everyone passing by. He also skillfully gets on and off at each stop while the bus is still in motion to help anyone that may need it. The baggage brought on the buses is anything from a sack of coffee, fruits and vegetables, chickens and anything else that can be sold at a market.

Aracely Castellani (to be continued)

Central America 5 Local Culture on Buses

 Finally, riding on a chicken bus is a unique way to experience the true culture. As I mentioned, this is the primary and daily mode of transportation for locals. These buses stop everywhere, and frequently, which adds additional time to your journey. The system acts like veins in a body, connecting the tiniest isolated town to the rest of the country. 

To get from one location to the next, depending on how far you want to go, you may have to make several transfers, but it could potentially be the same story with the tourist shuttles. Everyone rides them including school children, farm workers, teachers, market and street vendors, all making their way to the populous cities. From what I’ve seen, people transport just about everything on the buses, and I’m convinced they are essential to the economy of these countries. 

Aracely Castellani (to be continued)