Gamez Island in Gulf of Chiriquí National Park, Panama

2 Backpackers - Photo of the Day: Gamez Islands in Panama’s Pacific Coast 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

Culture and art is best represented in Central America by the old American school buses that have customized and painted in glaring colors. The art on these buses is taken seriously and those details are captured well in this short Travel Video from Jason and Aracely of 2Backpackers.com. Enjoy the show!

Photo Contributors: @travelvice & @ImPedrovski

Old American School Bus

Front Grill of Old American BlueBird School Bus from Antigua, Guatemala

As a kid growing up in the USA, I, like the majority of the student population, rode a big yellow bus to school every morning.  Back then, never did I imagine that later in life I would be making my way down Central America in that same type of transportation.  Only this time, the colors and creative modifications of the bus are kaleidoscopical.

Old American school buses, affectionately referred to as “Chicken Buses,” are the primary mode of transportation throughout all of Central America.  Depending on what kind of traveler you are, you either avoid them or take advantage of them whenever possible.  In our case, Jason and I have a love hate relationship with the chicken buses.  We love them because they are cheap, just as uncomfortable as a tourist shuttle, safe and we get to experience the culture of a country up close and personal.

Cheap Local Transportation

First, let’s talk numbers.  As a concrete example, we spent $33.70 between the two of us on transportation from the entrance of the Salvadorian boarder to the entrance of the Honduran border, which is approximately 228 miles.  In comparison, while in Guatemala, we often traveled in tourist shuttles, with the exception of getting from Monterrico Beach to the boarder of El Salvador.  Only focusing on our trip from Antigua to Panajachel to Semuc Champey, which is about 164 miles, we spent $69.22 in total.  That’s a $35.52 savings and an additional 64 miles distance for riding the local buses.  That’s the value of two nights in a hostel and a meal.  This is what budget travel is about, finding the cheapest alternative.

Little Comfort

A Crowded Bus in Colon, Panama

Second, each time we hopped in a tourist shuttle we were just as cramped, if not more than on a chicken bus.   These transportation companies are definitely not concerned with the comfort level of their passengers.  They will squeeze 5 of us into a 3 seat row bench and most either don’t have or don’t use air conditioner during the 8 hour journey.  Furthermore, if the road conditions are bad, unless you’re in a Mercedes-Benz S-class, your ride will be bumpy on both a chicken bus and a shuttle.

Safety on Buses

Backpacks Stored on a Bus in Central America

Then there is safety.  I have read many chicken bus theft stories on multiple web forums and I am grateful that Jason and I have yet to experience anything like that.  But, I must say that thus far, we have felt extremely safe on the road.  We even prefer the buses over taxis; I guess we just feel more safe in numbers.  Our bags are usually right next to us, near us or in plain view of us.  We do practice precaution and try to be aware of our belongings and surroundings and we carry a money belt for cash, passports and credit cards.  I know that we can’t control every situation and the possibility exists of getting our things stolen, but if we allowed negative possibilities to dictate our life we wouldn’t be traveling in these foreign countries in the first place.

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. 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.

Entertainment on Buses

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.  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.

Love Them & Hate Them

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.

2 Backpackers - Central America Chicken Buses – Short Clip 1 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

Old Chiriqui River near Boquete, Panama

Boquete is located in the Province of Chiriqui, Panama’s most southwestern region.  Boquete lies 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level and it’s volcano, Baru, reaches an elevation of 4,000 meters. The Capital of the Chriqui Province is David, which is only a 45 minute drive from Boquete.  David is Panama’s third largest city (after Panama City and Santiago).  David has an international airport with flights to Panama City and San Jose, Costa Rica.

White Water River Rafting Near Boquete, Panama

Panama’s Gringo Retirement Community

There is a growing foreign retirement community in Boquete, due to its relatively cool temperatures, low cost of living and beautiful scenery with small town feel. If your not looking to retire in Central America, it’s also a great place for various adventure activities such as rock climbing, canopy zip lines, whitewater rafting, ATV adventures, hiking to volcanoes and hot springs, bird watching, fishing in the Gulf of Chiriqui and visiting its many islands.  The Gulf of Chiriqui is a part of Panama that includes Coiba National Park and Golfo de Chiriqui National Park which provide access to many islands and mangroves.

Boquete Outdoor Adventures

Whitewater Rafting

During our stay we enjoyed whitewater rafting on the Old Chiriqui River, visited rustic hot springs and spent a day on the Island of Gamez in the Gulf of Chiriqui.  Boquete Outdoor Adventures is one of three outfitters in Boquette; we booked both our whitewater rafting and Gulf of Chiriqui excursion through them.  We encourage you to hire their services during your visit.  They are very well organized with well trained guides that focus on customer service.

Not So Great Hot Springs Near Boquete, Panama

2 Backpackers - Discover Boquete Panama 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.