Mia Patel
Chicken buses are a common mode of transport in Central America, particularly in Guatemala and Nicaragua. They are so-called because they often carry farm animals, including chickens, and sometimes even the occasional passenger chicken, which provides entertainment for the other passengers. The buses are usually old school buses from North America, with no air conditioning, and are often dusty and overcrowded. They are also known for their reckless drivers, who speed around tight corners and throw the bus over bumps and potholes. The drivers' assistants, or ayudantes, are also known to yell various things out of the window to attract passengers, such as the destination of the bus or vacio (empty), although this does not always mean the bus is actually empty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What chicken bus drivers yell out the window | Antigua, llega llega, dale, Chimal, Chimal, Chichi, Chichi, Xela, Guate, Guate, Guate, vamos vaciooossss, Guatemala, Guatemala, Guatemala |
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What You'll Learn
Helpers, not drivers, yell place names
Chicken buses are a common mode of transport in Central America, particularly in Guatemala and Nicaragua. These buses are so-called because they often carry farm animals, including chickens, in addition to passengers and their goods. They are usually independently owned, with drivers paying fees to drive certain routes and use bus stations. As a result, fares are very cheap, with locals paying around 20 cents for a ride and tourists paying around $1 for the same route.
Chicken buses are known for being uncomfortable, dusty, and overcrowded, with each seat accommodating three people. They are also not air-conditioned, relying on open windows for ventilation. The roads they traverse are often winding and bumpy, particularly away from the main tourist trail, and drivers are known for taking corners at high speeds and navigating bumps and potholes with abandon. As a result, motion sickness is a common occurrence for passengers.
Now, let's turn to the question of what the chicken bus drivers yell out the window. Interestingly, it is not the drivers themselves who yell, but rather their helpers or assistants, known as "ayudantes" or "ayudante". These individuals have multiple roles, including collecting money from passengers and assisting with loading and unloading luggage. When the bus is full, the helper might yell, "Guatemala, Guatemala, Guatemala, we are empty" ("Guate, Guate, Guate... vamos vaciooossss!") to attract more passengers. However, as one source notes, "vacio" doesn't always mean the bus is truly empty; it might simply indicate that there is standing room only.
Helpers also yell out the names of places along the route to let passengers know where they are and to indicate when it's time to get off. For example, "Antigua, Antigua llega llega… dale, Chimal, Chimal, Chichi, Chichi, Xela, Xela" and so on. These calls are an essential part of the chicken bus experience and can be heard throughout Guatemala.
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'Vacio' can mean standing room only
In Central America, "chicken buses" are a common mode of transport. These buses, often old school buses from North America, are known for their unique and colourful decorations, as well as their tendency to carry passengers and livestock together in close quarters. The term "chicken bus" itself comes from the fact that it is not unusual for animals, especially chickens, to be transported on these buses.
Chicken buses are usually independently owned, and drivers pay fees to drive specific routes and use bus stations. Fares are typically very affordable, with locals paying around 20 cents for a ride and tourists paying around $1 USD for the same journey. The buses are often slow and make frequent stops, which can make for a long journey, especially in the hot and humid climate. It is not uncommon for passengers to bring all sorts of items on board, from surfboards and buckets of fish to large quantities of fruit.
One unique aspect of riding chicken buses is the practice of yelling out destinations or phrases by the driver or their assistant. These calls are a way to announce the bus's route or its availability for passengers. One such phrase is "vacio", which literally translates to "empty". However, as one source notes, "vacio" can be deceptive. While it may be yelled out to indicate that the bus is empty and has space for passengers, it often means just the opposite. In reality, the bus may be standing room only, with passengers packed in tightly together.
Chicken buses are known for their lack of comfort and cramped conditions. Each seat accommodates three people, and it is not uncommon for passengers to be squeezed up against strangers. The buses are often dusty, bumpy, and not air-conditioned, adding to the uncomfortable experience. Despite the challenges, riding chicken buses is considered an unforgettable and authentic experience by many travellers, offering a glimpse into local life and the vibrant culture of Central America.
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Helpers also collect money
Chicken buses, which operate in Central America, are so-called because they often carry farm animals, including chickens. These buses are usually independently owned, and the drivers pay fees to drive certain routes and use bus stations. As a result, fares are very cheap, with locals sometimes paying as little as 20 cents for a ride. However, tourists are often charged more, with a typical fare being around $1 USD.
The buses are often crowded, with each seat accommodating three people, and passengers are allowed to bring all sorts of items on board, including surfboards, buckets of fish, and even live chickens. The buses can be uncomfortable, with no air conditioning, dusty and crowded conditions, and bumpy rides due to winding roads. They are also not the safest mode of transport, with no seat belts, and drivers who are sometimes overconfident in their abilities. Gangs also tend to extort money from bus companies, and drivers who don't pay may face violent consequences.
Helpers, also known as "ayudantes" or "ayudante", play an important role in the chicken bus system. They collect money from passengers for the ride, which is called "pasaje". They also assist the driver by yelling out the window to attract passengers and indicating the bus's destination. For example, they might yell "Antigua, Antigua llega llega… dale, Chimal, Chimal, Chichi, Chichi, Xela, Xela" or "Guate, Guate, Guate… vamos vaciooossss!", which means "Guatemala, Guatemala, Guatemala, we are empty".
Helpers will also yell out "vacio" to indicate that the bus is empty and encourage people to get on. However, as one source notes, this doesn't always mean the bus is truly empty, and it could just mean that it's standing room only. Despite the potential dangers and discomforts of riding chicken buses, many people find the experience exciting and entertaining, and it is considered a unique aspect of travelling in Central America.
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Helpers are called 'ayudante' or 'pasaje'
Chicken buses are a common means of transport in Central America, particularly in Guatemala. They are usually old school buses from North America, which are independently owned and operated. These buses are known for their colourful decorations, loud music, and unique passengers—including chickens and other farm animals. The term "chicken bus" itself is derived from the practice of transporting farm animals, mainly chickens.
The chicken bus drivers' helpers, also known as "ayudantes" or "pasajes", play an essential role in the operation of these buses. They are responsible for collecting fares from passengers, a task that sometimes requires them to climb above passengers' heads due to overcrowding. Ayudantes also assist the driver by yelling out the window to attract passengers and announce the bus's destination. Their calls vary depending on the location, with phrases like "Antigua, Antigua llega llega… dale", "Chimal, Chimal", "Xela, Xela", and "Guate, Guate, Guate" being commonly heard in Guatemala.
The ayudante's role is not without its challenges. They may have to deal with over-crowded buses, where passengers are squeezed together and even have to stand. Additionally, the buses can be uncomfortable, lacking air conditioning and often being dusty and bumpy. The work can also be dangerous, as gangs may extort money from bus companies, and non-payment can lead to violent consequences. Despite these challenges, the ayudante plays a vital part in the lively and unique experience of riding chicken buses in Central America.
Chicken bus rides are memorable for their unpredictability and local flavour. Passengers may encounter anything from live chickens to surfboards and buckets of fish on board. The buses are also known for their lack of seat belts and the drivers' confident driving styles, adding to the excitement of the journey. While the chicken buses may not be the most comfortable or safest mode of transport, they offer a unique cultural experience that has become iconic in Central America, especially in Guatemala.
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'Guate! Guate! Guate!' is a common yell
"Guate! Guate! Guate!" is a common yell that you may hear from the driver's helper on a chicken bus in Guatemala. This call is used to indicate that the bus is returning to Guatemala City, with the helper yelling out the name of the destination as the bus makes its way back. The helper may also shout "vamos vaciooossss!" ("we are empty") to entice more passengers to board, even if the bus is already full and only has standing room.
The term "chicken bus" refers to the type of bus commonly found in Central America, particularly in Guatemala. These buses are often old school buses from North America that have been retired from service in the US due to safety concerns. They are called "chicken buses" because they are known to transport farm animals, mainly chickens, but also other animals such as turkeys.
Riding a chicken bus in Guatemala can be an exciting and unique experience for travellers. These buses are usually independently owned, and the drivers pay fees to operate on specific routes and use bus stations. As a result, fares are typically very affordable, with locals paying as little as 20 cents for a ride. However, the buses can be uncomfortable, dusty, and overcrowded, and they lack air conditioning, relying on open windows for ventilation.
The "Guate! Guate! Guate!" yell is just one example of the many call-outs that chicken bus drivers' helpers may use to indicate their destination or status. Other examples include "Antigua, Antigua llega llega… dale," "Chimal, Chimal," "Chichi, Chichi," and "Xela, Xela." These calls are an integral part of the colourful and lively atmosphere that characterises chicken buses in Guatemala.
The electronic song "Zacatenango" by Guatemalan DJs is an interesting piece of art that samples the street sounds of Guatemala, including the call-outs and honking horns of chicken buses. It is part of an anthology called "Democracia Sonora" (Sonic Democracy), which captures the vibrant and distinctive soundscape of Guatemalan public transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken bus drivers in Guatemala will often have a helper who will yell out the names of places that the bus is travelling to. For example, "Antigua, Antigua llega llega… dale, Chimal, Chimal, Chichi, Chichi, Xela, Xela and so on." They may also yell "vacio" ("we are empty") to entice people to get on the bus, even if it is standing room only.
Chicken buses are a form of public transport in Central America, particularly in Guatemala and Nicaragua. They are old school buses from North America that are now independently owned and operated. They are called chicken buses because it is common for passengers to bring animals on board, including chickens.
Chicken buses are usually crowded, dusty, and lack air conditioning. They can be uncomfortable, with each seat accommodating three people, and they do not have seat belts. Loud music is often played, and passengers are allowed to bring all sorts of items on board, from surfboards to buckets of fish. The buses are slow and make constant stops, but accidents can still happen due to the lack of seat belts and the overconfidence of some drivers.
