Outbound Collective logo

The Travelers Guide to Surviving Central American Transportation

From bumpy Tuk-Tuk drives to very uncomfortable chicken bus rides, here's some things the modern explorer needs to know about surviving transportation in Central America.

By: Matt Waller + Save to a List

Central America is made up of seven countries; BelizeCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua, and Panama. Bottom line is that wherever you choose to go in any of these countries you will need some form of transportation to get around. So I am going to tell you how to survive the two most common ways to get from A to B. 

The first of the two is...



• Tuk-Tuk (mototaxi, caponera)

The "Tuk-Tuk" is a small colorful taxi service that is used to get you around town. It is a cheap, fast way to get around (about 0.75$ USD while I was there). Judging by how fast they drive, it is apparent that the goal of the tuk-tuk driver is to get as many customers as possible, so if you get sick easily from speedy, bumpy, cramped taxi rides then you need to know what can help you bare through it.

The second is...

• The Chicken bus

The "Chicken bus" is usually a retired North American school bus on a light or medium truck chassis. The word "chicken" may refer to the fact that the buses are often crammed with passengers not unlike a truck load of chickens, or to the fact that Central Americans occasionally transport live animals on such buses–a practice that visitors from other countries often find remarkable.

 Now here are some TIPS for surviving the two most common forms of transportation in Central America:

• Not being in the driver’s seat can contribute to motion sickness when you’re traveling by tuk-tuk. The driver is less prone to motion sickness than a passenger, presumably because the driver’s brain is using its motor commands to control the vehicle and can predict the motion. If possible, try sitting in the front seat and looking at the horizon, which confers a sense of greater control than riding in the back. If you get stuck in the back seat, try conversation and distraction to alleviate the anxiety of not being in control of the situation. 


• Watch your consumption of foods, drinks, and alcohol before and during travel. Avoid excessive alcohol, smoking, and foods or liquids that “don’t agree with you” or make you feel unusually full. Foods with strong odors, heavy, spicy, or fat-rich foods may worsen symptoms of nausea or motion sickness in some people. -OneMedical

• If you are in a vehicle that is elevating at a fast pace (up a mountain) and your ears begin popping, try chewing some gum to relieve the pressure.           


I hope this helps suppress any fear of foreign modes of travel you might be facing. Just remember, bumpy, fast Tuk-Tuk drives and scary Chicken bus rides CAN actually be fun!

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Do you love the outdoors?

Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.

Related

Journey to Wyoming’s premier snowmobiling destination: Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Samuel Brockway

Hiking in comfort: a review of Danner Mountain 600 Evo boots

Meghan White

A peek through God's window

Heather Arnold

Big Bend Bound: Crafting Your 3-Day Adventure

Erin Newman-Mitchell