ANTIGUA GUATEMALA, Guatemala — Loading chicken buses behind the Mercado Municipal (town market) in Antigua, Guatemala. From this extensive central bus interchange the routes radiate out across Guatemala. Often brightly painted, the chicken buses are retrofitted American school buses and provide a cheap mode of transport throughout the country.
Photograph by David Coleman. Chicken buses, a quintessential part of Guatemala's transportation culture, line a bustling street in Antigua Guatemala. These vehicles, originally American school buses, have been given new life and vibrant personalities through extensive customization and decoration. Each bus is a unique work of art, painted in bold, eye-catching colors and patterns. Chrome accessories, from wheel covers to exhaust pipes, add a gleaming contrast to the bright paintwork. Names or phrases, often religious or sentimental in nature, are prominently displayed on the buses' sides or fronts. The buses stand ready to depart, their roofs often laden with luggage, produce, and other goods. Drivers and ayudantes (helpers) can be seen preparing for their routes or calling out destinations to potential passengers. The scene is a hive of activity, with locals and tourists alike navigating the colorful array of vehicles. Set against the backdrop of Antigua's colonial architecture, with its pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets, the chicken buses create a striking juxtaposition of old and new, traditional and modern. This vibrant form of public transportation not only serves a practical purpose but has also become an iconic symbol of Guatemalan culture and a popular subject for photographers and adventurous travelers.
Size: 4290px × 2849px
Location: Mercado Municipal, Antigua Guatemala, Anitgua Guatemala, Guatemala
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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