Chiva: Colombian Party Bus

Colombians bring a whole new meaning to words "Party Bus". A Chiva is essentially that, a crazy looking decorated bus, where you can fit more than 50 people on it, with music blasting, and free to drink what you want while the bus drives around Medellín.

Some information about Chivas:
Chivas are recognized nationally and internationally as a symbol of Colombian culture. They are old artisan modified buses used in both Colombia and Ecuador where they are known as chivas (kid goats) or escaleras (ladders). They are used as public transportation but more recently used as party buses in both countries. They are normally painted colorfully (usually with the yellow, blue, and red colors of the flags of Ecuador and Colombia) with local arabesques and figures. Most have a ladder to the rack on the roof which is also used for carrying people, livestock and merchandise.

Last night I had my first Chiva experience in Colombia! I went with a bunch of people from AIESEC, and the bus "tour" lasted for about 3-4 hours. It was definitely an experience, but a fun one at that. You pay $30,000 pesos .. or $15,000 if you split the cost with someone, which gets you onto the chiva and a bottle of Guaro (aguardiente... really awful tasting liquor, but it's cheap and does the job). Then you essentially stand while the bus is moving, dancing, chatting, and drinking all while the bus drives around the city. It was a lot of fun, we had reggaeton music blasting the whole time. I kind of felt bad for the taller guys, since the Chiva wasn't very spacious.


After our Chiva tour we headed to Parque Lleras to continue the party until about 3am, taking advantage of our favourite bar El Alamo, which gives ladies free Rum and Cokes all night, and dancing in the streets. Gotta love the Colombian night life!