1
edit
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
== Low-cost rides ==
Be aware that many of the small vans and pick-ups function as local buses/taxis. The word for bus in Guatemalan Spanish is ''camionettacamioneta'' which means "a small truck". ''CamionettaCamioneta'' serves as a main transportation service for local (rural) population. When you hitchhike, they will usually stop for you, too − in that case strictly say "No" (you might need to repeat it a few times).
Many private car drivers that pick you up might also want to make you to contribute to the fuel, although some might find ridiculous to charge you (especially if you are white) if you agree on sitting on the back of their pick-up. It is also a good idea to ask'' "¿Cuánto?"'' ("How much?") before you get in the car so that you don't get into a misunderstanding later on: if you don't negotiate a fare (free or otherwise) before you get in drivers often demand some kind of extortionate price once you want to get out − is it then too late for the "No" answer. Same is valid for local taxis and other kinds of transport. The good thing, though, is that fares are very low, almost always less than 2$, some hitchhikers chose to take one of the pick-ups or a bus and to pay this small amount. This is what locals do, anyway − and they often are very poor people, so it is quite normal that from you as a travelling foreigner some cash will be expected − such fees subsidize the cost of owning a vehicle for the drivers in this country. So basically, if you want to hitchhike in Guatemala, you can expect some combination of free and low cost rides.
