Chicken buses are colourful local buses in Guatemala that pick up everything from local commuters to livestock. They are a cheap way of travelling around and are incredibly entertaining!

There's no doubt about it - you'll be cramped. And just when you think you can't get any more cramped, more people will pile on. And more. Ladies with baskets of goods to sell will push their way up and down the aisles, but even if you wanted to buy something there would be no way you that you could move your arm to reach your wallet!

The fearless ticket attendants will use any means possible to reach passengers, from clambering over seats to climbing out the window, walking across the roof and sliding through the back door - while the bus is moving. Bus drivers also have their own unique style. Overtaking five cars in front as the blind corner at the top of a mountain approaches is a common practice and one perfected by many drivers at that!

There's no need for bus stops in Guatemala - locals appear at random places along the dusty roads, sometimes completely in the middle of nowhere, frantically waving down the driver (who is, of course, driving at a speed that would make Michael Schumacher proud). There is also no need for a sign on the bus that displays where you're going - drivers' mates will simply hang out the side of the bus yelling out the destination name at passers-by when you come to small towns.

Your bags are stored on the roof, and if you need to change buses they get tossed swiftly across to the next roof. As you are shuffled from one vehicle to the next with no time to spare you can only hope that your baggage is coming with you, as there's no time to turn your head and check. Of course we have never received any tales from our passengers about lost luggage - perhaps some airlines out there need to take a lesson from the Guatemalans!

Travelling on a chicken bus is a great way to meet new friends, get to know the locals and practice your Spanish. Your fellow passengers will want to know everything about you, from where you grew up to why you're not married, and if you have long hair or fair skin you'll definitely be the centre of attention! It is the ideal way to discover what life in Guatemala is all about - and it's definitely an adventure!