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.

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St. Francis Church in Panajachel Guatemala at Lake Atitlan

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video of Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Panajachel is the largest town surrounding Lake Atitlan in Guatemala’s highlands and serves as the base for tourists visiting the area. Lake Atitlan is one of the highlights when visiting Guatemala and many tour bus companies will shuttle you from Antigua for a visit. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan, but don’t go swimming in the water.

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Filming a Sunset on Guatemala's Black Sand Monterrico Beach

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Finca del Paraiso is a small remote park where a hot spring waterfall fills a pool of cold water. You can access the park in Guatemala by taking a 1 hour ride in a collectivo (shuttle bus) from Rio Dulce inland. It’s a wonderful day trip to explore the waterfall and nearby caves.
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Finca del Paraiso, Guatemala

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Tikal is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. It is located in the archaeological region of the Petén Basin in what is now northern Guatemala. Situated in the department of El Petén, the site is part of Guatemala’s Tikal National Park and in 1979 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 to 900 AD. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico. – Wikipedia
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Tikal National Park, Guatemala

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City Streets in Antigua, Guatemala

La Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as just Antigua or La Antigua) is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Mudéjar-influenced Baroque architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Wikipedia

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Semuc Champey Guatemala from Above

Semuc Champey is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín. It consists of a natural 300m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabòn River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools, a popular swimming attraction. Although it can be difficult to get to, Semuc is becoming more and more popular with travelers. – Wikipedia

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Tuc Tuc Motor Taxi In Panajachel, Guatemala

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video: Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala
Tuc-Tuc Motor Taxi is a very popular form of transportation in small towns throughout in Latin America. This photo was taken in Panajachel, Guatemala.

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Walking the Streets of Panajachel, Guatemala

I was asked if Guatemala is safe by another traveler while hanging out in a hostel in Argentina.  And let’s be honest, Guatemala is much less developed than Argentina, so it’s a legitimate question.  It’s not the first time we have been asked about traveling in Guatemala, although the questions did usually come up when we were in South America.  You don’t get asked such a question in Central America, mostly because all those countries are relatively the same in terms of safety and infrastructure less Costa Rica.

Safe is an Opinion

This is a very difficult question to answer, not because I think Guatemala is unsafe, but rather because the answer is an opinion.  When speaking about travel safety, you want to hear facts or concrete evidence to squabble your fears.  The only evidence I have is that Aracely and I traveled most of Guatemala for over a month and were never knowingly in danger.  I am not asking you to make a judgement on the safety of traveling in Guatemala based on our experience alone, however all I can share is our experience.

Walking the Streets of Antigua, Guatemala

Guatemala was the first country we visited on this backpacking journey and the most underdeveloped country I had ever been to.  I should clarify by saying, I have never really traveled much beyond the United States, Spain and Germany.  I was nervous.  We were carrying a few thousand dollars worth of equipment and I not only had to worry about myself, but I felt responsible for Aracely’s safety too.

Outside a Restaurant in Flores, Guatemala near Tikal National Park

Guatemala City

We had heard prior to visiting Guatemala that Guatemala City was very dangerous.  Specifically, bus robberies and bus jackings were common by gangs.  We made no plans to visit the city.  When we arrived there by plane, we hopped on a shuttle bus to Antigua, “Gringo Town.”

While staying in Antigua, we did meet travelers that visited Guatemala City during the day for some sightseeing.  They described it as any other major city, and had no bad experiences.  We also were there when our hostel maid received a phone call that her sister was just hit and mugged while picking up her paycheck in the city.  It’s all about experiences and what you may have heard.  We decided to go bowling in the city one night.  A bunch of us rented a private shuttle bus and all went well.

Antigua

Antigua is the backpacking mecca of Guatemala.  All the amenities you are used to exist here including WiFi, bars, dance clubs, laundry facilities, cafes, fast food chains, restaurants and major banks.  If you can’t find something ask another traveler or the Tourist Police.  I think Antigua is the perfect place to get your feet wet as a backpacker.

Chicken Buses of Antigua, Guatemala

Transportation

Antigua is usually the base camp for visiting other nearby attractions such as Lake Atitlan, Xela, Monterrico Beach, Semuc Champey or even Tikal.  Tourists usually take shuttle buses around the country, but Chicken Buses (old American school buses) are available for the more daring.  More daring in the sense that you really need to speak Spanish, be willing to travel slower and hope that you can figure out how to get from one destination to the other.  The shuttle buses will take you directly to your destination, but it will be cramped.

Backpacks Stored in the Back of the Bus

Volcanoes

There are many volcanoes to climb in Guatemala and some have had a history of bandit attacks.  Bandits are looking to rob you and possibly harm you.  It’s very easy to avoid such treks.  Just listen to the advice from tour agencies and hike volcanoes that are national parks.  The tour agencies are always trying to request the government convert more volcanoes into national parks, but it’s a slow process.  Once a national park, rangers patrol the area for your safety.

• Tikal National Park Video Tour
• Climbing Volcano San Pedro Video Tour
• Active Volcano Pacaya Video Tour
• Monterrico Beach Guatemala Video Tour

Armed Guards

It may take some time getting used to seeing armed guards patrol everything from gas stations to jewelry stores.  These aren’t your everyday mall cops, these guys all carry shotguns.  It’s a bit intimidating, however that is what they are going for.

People

The people of Guatemala are kind, the country is explored by few and the adventures are endless.  You won’t find roped walkways and concrete steps on your hike to Semuc Champey.  You will find yourself saying, “This wouldn’t be legal in my country.”  But, this is what makes it so exciting.

Streets of Panajachel, Guatemala at Lake Atitlan

Be Smart Stay Safe

This article isn’t intended to persuade you to avoid Guatemala City, chicken buses or volcanoes that aren’t national parks.  We are just suggesting alternatives if you want to play it safe.  However, the best way to be safe is to be smart.  Don’t carry things in pockets that can be easily pick pocketed.  Try to make friends and travel in groups.  Always be aware of your surroundings.  These are things that Aracely and I do in every country we visit.

I think Guatemala is special.  I know this because every time Aracely and I are asked about it, we light up and explain how much fun we had while traveling there.

View PHOTOS of Guatemala.

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Monterrico Beach has black volcanic sand which heats up to extremely high temperatures with the sun making it impossible to walk without any sandals on. The Pacific waters at Monterrico Beach are also very aggressive with strong riptides which can be very dangerous to swim in. This photo shows how powerful waves can get. Jason is attempting to take a swim but it became increasingly dangerous for him to be in the water. When visiting Monterrico Beach be very careful if you dare to swim.

Watch the HD Travel Video on Montericco Beach.

The Power Of Water at Monterrico Beach, Guatemala

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Enjoy Monterrico Beach Guatemala, through an HD adventure travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while traveling to the Pacific coast of Guatemala.  In travel video episode #10, we show you black volcanic beach sand, rough waves, baby turtles being released into the sea and a beautiful beach sunset. Enjoy the show!

Black Volcanic Sand Beach

Monterrico is located just two hours west of Antigua on the Pacific coast, but the elevation change is enough to make the temperature difference very noticeable; it increases approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Monterrico Beach Guatemala

Monterrico Hostels

We arrived to Johnny’s Place where we had reservations for 2 nights.   The hotel is set right on the beach with beautiful views from the bar, lounge and dining areas.  The coconut tree grounds are well kept with many hammocks surrounding the pools and beachfront lounges.   Monterrico Beach is mostly known for its black volcanic sand and sea turtle breeding program.   The sand is unique in color, but too hot to walk on during the day without sandals.

Johnny's Place Hostel / Hotel

Active Nightlife

The town of Monterrico is small, but doesn’t fall short of restaurants and dance clubs.  The beach is more visited by Guatemalans than tourists, which provides a more realistic glimpse into their culture.  We weren’t able to find Internet access in town, but it’s a beach and you should be there to relax anyway.   Several tour guides offer early morning canoe rides through the mangroves.

Monterrico Beach Main Street Plaza

Big Waves

The ocean waters were extremely rough during our visit, with 10-foot waves breaking in 2-foot deep water.   A steep decline on the beach leads to the water’s edge causing strong undertows, which make for dangerous swimming.   However, Jason loves the ocean and a challenge, so of course he dove right in. He actually conquered a few waves, but not without being pounded and tossed around a few times.

Jason Getting Crushed by Big Waves in the Ocean

Relaxing at the Monterrico Beach

Our 2 days in Monterrico were spent sitting by the bar, soaking up the sun and staring at the sea with drinks in hand.   After baking in the sun for a couple hours we would jump in the pool to cool off for a bit.  Then, we rested in the hammocks and walked the beach in the afternoons.

Soccer & Turtles

After the sand had cooled, local children and adults congregated in front of Johnny’s to play soccer and volleyball on the beach; they take it very seriously too.  Jason and I really enjoyed watching them play, and knew our place well, as spectators only.  

Children Playing Soccer on the Beach Sand

Baby Turtles Being Released on the Beach

For Budget Travelers

If you are on a budget then go to Monterrico Beach.   Guatemala is a cheap country in general and Monterrico is still underdeveloped for a beach town.   You won’t find nice tourist shops selling souvenirs, fancy restaurants or beachfront hotels.  Monterrico is a bare bones destination spot for locals from Antigua and Guatemala City.   Grab a plastic chair, order a Gallo beer and something to eat at the beer gardens that line the main paved avenue.   You can find cerviche being sold on the street and free bonfires outside bars late at night.

Monterrico Beach Sunset

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A Blue Night At Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video: Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

We only visited Lake Atitlan, Guatemala for two nights and during our short time there we were able to capture many different views of the lake.  This eerie yet beautiful image is of a storm that is approaching the lake.  The lights in the background are from the town of San Pedro.

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Cicada Shedding Skin at Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Semuc Champey is a natural wonder of Guatemala near the Q’eqchi’ Maya town of Lanquín.  As we walked though the jungle to get to the 300m limestone bridge of stepped of turquoise pools we encountered this cicada molting.

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Enjoy Guatemala’s Independence Day as celebrated in Antigua, Guatemala through an HD travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani while visiting Antigua, Guatemala.  In travel video episode #9, we show you the school spirit as Guatemala marching bands from all the nearby schools march all over town culminating in a competition in the town plaza on Independence Day.  Enjoy the show!

Independence from Spain

During our visit to Antigua Guatemala, we were fortunate enough to experience the celebration of Guatemala’s independence from Spain on September 15th.  For weeks leading up to Independence Day, we were woken up by bands practicing from all the schools in town.  For schools it’s a time to shine and show their school’s spirit by being awarded the best band.

Celebrations start early and bands begin marching all throughout town strutting their stuff to the cadence of banging drums.  Eventually the marching bands make their way to the center of town and parade around the plaza in front of local judges.  It looked like a dance off with instruments as bands competed to out perform each other.

Guatemala Independence Day Celebrations in Antigua

Young kids run all around town blowing whistles as they carry the torch representing their independence from Spain.  This is a newer tradition that has caught on recently and continues to expand each year.

Several countries from Central America claimed their independence on the same day of September 15, 1821.

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Lake Atitlan Boat Dock

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Sunrise at Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala

Pacaya is an active complex volcano in Guatemala. It rises to an elevation of 2,552 metres (8,373 ft). After being dormant for a century, it erupted violently in 1965 and has been erupting continuously since then.

Pacaya lies 30 kilometres (19 mi) southwest of Guatemala City and close to Antigua.

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On the side of a long dirt load there is a hidden entrance that leads to forest through a corridor. Tucked away at the end of the trail is Finca del Paraiso. Here you will find a hot spring fed waterfall of hot water rushing into a pool of cool river water below. Finca del Paraiso is usually accessed from Rio Dulce, Guatemala which is a popular stopping point for Caribbean bound sail boats.
Watch our HD video!

Waterfall at Finca del Paraiso

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KanBa Caves of Semuc Champey, Guatemala

Note: We didn’t have a waterproof camera to take pictures of the cave inside or outside. If you have pictures, or plan on visiting the caves, we would love to showcase your pictures on this post. Thank you!

Semuc Champey Caves

After paying the entrance fee to the owner of the caves and the Inn Posada Las Marias, you meet the guide for the adventure.  The guides are provided by the cave’s administration and you don’t have a choice.  Each guide has a good understanding of the caves structure and hidden surface.  This is important when you find yourself swimming in a cave with the potential to kick hidden rocks lurking below.

A Candle Leads the Way

Each person is provided a single white candle about 4 inches long.  Next, you are led up steep steps into the large opening of the cave.  We entered the cave at ankle deep water and paused to light our primitive flashlights, or candles.  The water came from our ankles, to our knees, to our waist and eventually to our chest.  We all held our candles high in a sad attempt to further brighten our way.

• Tikal National Park Video Tour
• Climbing Volcano San Pedro Video Tour
• Active Volcano Pacaya Video Tour
• Monterrico Beach Guatemala Video Tour
• Semuc Champey Guatemala Video Tour

The cave was masked in darkness, and exuded a creepy feeling of the unknown.  We continued to walk through the cave with varying water levels.  Occasionally our guide warned us to be careful not to bang our legs on the submerged rocks that rose up from the cave floor, but inevitably we did.

Swimming in a Cave

Our guide explained, “You must swim now, make sure you don’t extinguish your candle.”  “Huh,” we thought to ourselves.  You could see everyone in the group make eye contact with each other in an attempt to justify our own personal shock.  I’m not a good swimmer.  Okay, I’m not a swimmer at all and I sure can’t swim with one hand in the air.  Jason was close behind me and suggested I hold onto his neck while resting on his back.  My job became to hold the two candles in one hand while circled around his neck with the other arm.  Jason then swam with both hands, frog style across the dark pool.  Many people had wet their candles during the swim, but we all helped each other ignite them before continuing.

Climbing Ladders

As if we were in a small mine, different levels of the cave were connected by ladders made of thin metal pipes held together with thick bands of rubber and black electrical tape.  We had to climb these ladders, which in our minds would be a legal nightmare in the States, but I guess that is truly one of the advantages to adventures in Central America.  Narrow tunnels led to different chambers in the cave, some with still pools of water and others with rushing water falls.   The cave’s walls were decorated with stalactite and stalagmite formations.  We even had the option to climb up a waterfall and jump off a short cliff.  Yes, all this inside the cave and far away from daylight.   Jason went for it.  I on the other hand, was particularly shy and nervous in the darkness of that cave and watched in disbelief as Jason trusted his life with our guide.  He was the only one to make the jump.

The guide makes the journey fun with several surprises that we won’t disclose here.  One bit of advice is to bring a glow stick to wear around your neck.  We wish we did.  We also don’t suggest this tour for those that aren’t physically fit, since some of the ladder climbing is a bit confined and difficult.

Budget Travel Tips

Turquoise Pools of Semuc Champey, Guatemala

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Watch Jason get his first tattoo ever in Antigua, Guatemala in an HD travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting Antigua, Guatemala.   In travel video episode #8, we both get some tattoo work done and introduce you to Mike from Antigua Tattoo, who creates tattoos for several of us from Basecamp Hostel. Enjoy the my first tattoo and my first tattoo video!

Antigua Tattoo

It’s stereotypical of backpackers to get a tattoo during their travels away from home.  I fulfilled that stereotype, but I had wanted this tattoo of a burning sun for the last 3 years.

I was in Antigua, Guatemala, the first stop on our 1 year travel journey.  After Aracely was feeling better, we both took the advice from those working at Base Camp Hostel and visited Mike, owner of Tatuaje Antigua (Antigua Tattoo).   Mike had been doing some incredible work on a multi-visit tattoo for Victor, who worked at the hostel we were staying at and we were impressed.  It was an easy decision to choose Antigua Tattoo.

Jason Getting His First Tattoo

Sun Tattoo

I knew I wanted a tattoo of a burning sun with the words, “Carpe Diem.”  The struggle would be making it look masculine enough to center between the shoulder blades below the neck.  I imagine the sun as all powerful for all of nature, including me.  The heat gives me energy and the ability to live life as exciting of a life as I can.   After making several sketches on my own, I presented the concept to Mike.  After a few days, Mike came back with an improved artistic design that Aracely and I both approved of.   I had expanded the words to include the phrase, “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero” – “Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.”   This was the entire phrase from the Latin poem by Horace.

Being my first tattoo, you would think I was a bit nervous, but considering Aracely already had one, a rose on the shoulder that she got when she was 18, I kept my manhood intact by showing no fear!

Mike finished the tattoo in 2 hours.  The results were perfect.  I got exactly what I was looking for, and now, coincidentally fit the backpackers stereotype.

Blue Rose Tattoo

The inking wasn’t done, however.  Aracely originally had her blue rose tattoo done when she was 18 and at the age of 27 it had become quite dull.  Mike took 10 minutes to redo the entire rose, and now it was colorful again.

We returned back to Base Camp Hostel with our warrior badges and shared our experiences with the other 3 that had recently been inked by Mike at Antigua Tattoo.

2 Backpackers - Backpackers & Tattoos – Travel Video Ep. 8 2 Backpackers - Travel around the world sharing budget travel tips, travel photos and adventure travel videos.

Boat on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Watch our HD Adventure Travel Video: Climbing Volcano San Pedro at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala

Lake Atitlán is recognized to be the deepest lake in Central America. The lake is shaped by deep escarpments which surround it and by three volcanoes on its southern flank. Lake Atitlan is further characterized by towns and villages of the Maya people. Wikipedia
Lake Atitlán has become one of the most polluted lakes in Central America and is now categorized as toxic. A major ecological cleanup is needed – Time Online Article

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