The Chiva Bus: From the Colombian Andes to New York City

Colombian chiva bus
Colombian chiva bus | © momentcaptured1 / Flickr
Chris Bell

The brightly colored Chiva bus is a Colombian icon: these hardy buses have been ploughing the mountainous roads of rural Colombia since the beginning of the 20th century, and are recognized as a symbol of Colombian culture. However, in recent years these buses have taken on a new life as raucous urban party buses, and have made the switch from the backroads of the Colombian Andes to the streets of New York City. Here is the story of the Colombian Chiva.

Chiva buses were first introduced in the Colombian department of Antioquia in the early years of the 20th century. The word “chiva” means “goat” in Spanish, a reference to their amazing ability to take on even the toughest Colombian mountain roads. It’s also old Colombian slang for “news” – this references their early role as a means of passing on messages between formerly isolated villages and towns. They are also known colloquially as escalera buses, due to the ladders (escaleras) attached to the back of the bus, allowing people and goods to reach the top for transport purposes.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

A traditional Colombian Chiva transporting firewood

Prior to the creation of the first Chivas, peasant farmers in Antioquia relied entirely on horse-drawn carts to transport both goods – such as coffee and plantain – and themselves around Colombia’s treacherous mountain roads. In 1908 this began to change when a Colombian engineer named Luciano Restrepo and a Colombian mechanic called Roberto Tisnes imported a bus chassis from the United States and began work on what became the first ever Chiva.
They constructed a body to sit atop the chassis in Medellin, and this makeshift bus first drove between the capital of Antioquia and nearby El Poblado. These original models were far from the rough and ready Chiva buses which plough the winding routes over the mountains nowadays: they sported canvas roofs and simple interiors of four benches. The designers soon added a roof rack, allowing peasants to better transport their goods. The modern Chivas are built upon bus chassis, with modified bodies made of wood or metal, and passengers sit on long wooden benches. They are traditionally painted in bright colors, and often carry the name of the town where they are from.

Chivas are still common sights in regions where tough road conditions make them the ideal means of transport

What surprises many people about Chiva buses is that they remain the principal form of rural transport for many Colombians in Andean departments such as Antioquia, Cauca, and Tolima. Their hardiness and ability to simultaneously transport large amounts of goods and people mean that they have never been improved upon in parts of Colombia that still lack quality roads and which support themselves by producing coffee, potatoes, or plantain. Many tourists are more likely to encounter a Chiva as a small ceramic model in an airport gift shop or Cartagena market stall – these souvenirs, usually painted in the colors of the Colombian flag, serve as a reminder of the special place the Chiva carries in Colombian hearts.
However, Chivas have taken on a life of their own beyond the mountainous roads of the Colombian Andes: they became popular in Colombian cities as converted party buses sometime in the 1960s, and this urban tradition has now transcended its Colombian roots and taken hold globally, particularly in New York City, where a number of Chiva party bus tours now operate.
http://instagram.com/p/BPjHaofgo4Z/?tagged=lachivaloca

In 1986, Carmen Hernandez bought an old school bus in The Bronx and converted it into her first Chiva bus. She was born in Colombia and, after moving to New York, realized it was one part of Colombian culture that she was unable to find in her new home. Starting a Chiva company with her husband and son, Hernandez began with her old converted school bus, and now owns another bus, and employs at least 10 people.

There are now several popular Chiva companies in New York, all offering the quintessential Chiva party experience for a growing crowd of Colombian and Ecuadorian expats – for anywhere between $40 and $150 per hour, passengers are treated to live bands, bar service, food, and stops at Colombian restaurants and nightclubs. The high point for the New York Chiva industry was arguably when actresses Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu arrived at the New York premiere of Charlie’s Angels in one of Carmen Hernandez’s Chivas.

It doesn’t get much more Colombian than a Chiva fully laden with goods and passengers

The Colombian Chiva bus has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a makeshift means of rural transport in Antioquia. However, the iconic vehicles have managed to bridge the gap between rural and urban Colombia, and have even been embraced beyond their national origins. So, while you can jump on a bouncing party Chiva in Queens, dancing the night away with newfound friends, it is equally possible to pay a few dollars for a seat on a smooth wooden bench to bounce along dirt roads through the beautiful mountains of rural Colombia in a brightly colored bus that represents the heart of a nation.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article