All Aboard the South American Chicken Bus

Travel by bus is quite common throughout South America. While I’m sure some have visions in mind of a “chicken bus”, the reality is the polar opposite.

There are dozens of bus lines and most of them are quite luxurious. Far more so than in the US.

I took a 17-hour overnight bus ride from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú, in the far north of the country.

My $119 premium class ticket got me a seat that reclines flat, into a bed. I also got a pillow, blanket, full wrap-around privacy curtains, free WiFi, electrical power, and a TV-slash-entertainment-center like you find on most airlines nowadays.

But even that’s not all. I was served a four-course dinner and two-course breakfast. The dinner even included wine or a limited selection of mixed drinks. Everything was included in the ticket price.

So, in essence, for only $119 I got transportation, a hotel room, dinner, drinks, and breakfast.

It costs about the same price to fly. Then you’ll arrive in two hours instead of 17. It will be economy class, in a seat with limited ability to recline. You’ll probably be offered drinks and may or may not get one meal. You won’t see any of the countryside and will still have to provide yourself with separate lodging and another meal at your destination. At additional expense.

If you’ve got the time, bus travel is the way to go in South America.