Did you ever see a bus go by with a chicken riding on the top? How about a delivery motorcycle bringing you your McDonald's dinner? These are two things you might see on the same day in Guatemala. Guatemala City is a thriving metropolis in which about 3 million people live and work. There are many different ways that people travel from place to place each day. It is normal for people to travel from far outside the city, sometimes a 1 or 2 hour bus ride away. Most Guatemalans who travel this distance ride in a camioneta, or as the tourists call them "chicken buses." Can you guess why they got that name? The "chicken buses" look like old school buses, but they are painted in bright, cheerful colors and usually have lots of different lights and a horn that plays a silly tune. Passengers ride on the inside, but they put all of their belongings on the top, including whatever goods they might be selling in the city, even live chickens!

Another mode of transportation is a moto, or motorcycle. Since Guatemala's streets and highways are so crowded, many people prefer riding around on a motorcycle, so they can weave in and out of the traffic and park easily. The stores and restaurants of Guatemala have realized that motorcycles can make deliveries faster too, so many motorcyclists put a small trunk on the back of their bikes. They work all day or part of the day delivering anything from groceries to rented movies to paint.

During a busy, bustling day in Guatemala, you might also see cars, trucks, pick-ups, shuttle vans, taxis, and tiny 3-person taxis called "tuk-tuks." The mode of transportation varies, but no matter how you travel in Guatemala, you are sure to see plenty of mechanic shops on the roadside. They're ready to help you with your flat tire, which is very common because of the rocky and bumpy roads.