The Infamous Chicken Bus

Known for their brilliant colors and their ability to move large quantities of people and farm animals, the chickens buses are the mainstay of transportation in Guatemala.  Ever wonder where our old school buses go?

In the US the limit is 70 school children.  Here I've seen that and more of full grown adults.  The bus is not full until there are three to each seat and the aisle is full to the front.  On some slow uphill sojourns into mountain villages, some even ride on top with the larger luggage.

One of the rare moments that a line forms to await another bus.  Usually they accomodate all who are waiting, no matter how painful.  But this is Sunday afternoon in Antigua after the market; full buses leave every ten minutes, returning marketgoers to Guatemala City 45 minutes away.  The cost is less than a couple dollars.