Antigua: Chicken Bus Adventure & San Simón Tour

This is the full experience—the wildest, most authentic day trip you can take from Antigua Guatemala.

Join an expert local guide as we ride a legendary, brightly painted Guatemalan "chicken bus" through the countryside to reach the sacred shrine of San Simón (also known as Maximón). He is Guatemala's most fascinating folk saint—a mysterious, powerful figure honored by locals with offerings of cigars, rum, and prayers for the impossible.

Beyond the official recognition of the Catholic church, San Simón represents a side of local spirituality that is deeply meaningful yet often completely hidden from outsiders. This journey is a sensory immersion into living history, where vibrant Mayan ceremonies and spiritual rituals beautifully blend indigenous beliefs with colonial traditions. Amidst the thick clouds of incense and the glow of hundreds of candles, you will witness symbolic readings and ancestral practices that reveal the true, complex heart of modern Guatemala.

We approach this sacred shrine exclusively as respectful, welcomed observers. Traveling with a local friend means you will navigate the local transportation system safely, understand the complex cultural etiquette, and gain rare context into a unique expression of Mayan-influenced culture that tourists rarely see.

If you are looking for an authentic, unforgettable day trip far beyond the typical tourist trail, this journey will change how you view Guatemala.